English speaking basics

 English Speaking

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English speaking - Lessons

English speaking basics

Phrases for introducing and linking ideas

 You can make your speech easier to understand and follow by using a variety of words and expressions that introduce and link ideas.
Here are some helpful phrases.

Presenting your point of view

I think that I think that we are making a huge mistake.
I think that we can trust him.
I don’t think that
I don’t think that she is the kind of person we should trust.
I don’t think that we can solve this problem.
I believe
I believe that a good upbringing is more important than a good education.
I believe that our actions shape our future.
As far as I understand / as far as I know
As far as I know the whole problem was created by your sister.
As far as I understand there are many forces that are beyond our control.
As far as I understand the government isn’t keen on solving the power crisis.
I am convinced that
I am convinced that she has some ulterior motives.
I am convinced that we are in serious trouble.
In my opinion
In my opinion, she is the right candidate for this job.
In my opinion, she should make another attempt.
I personally think
I personally think that we must hire a person to handle our front office operations.
I personally think that she should find a job.
I guess
I guess she is making a mistake.
I guess she just doesn’t respect you.
I guess she doesn’t care about your opinion.
I suppose
I suppose you are very busy just at the moment?

Explaining reasons and consequences

It’s probably because
It’s probably because she didn’t work hard.
It’s probably because you didn’t apply in time.
That’s why
That’s why you need to improve your English speaking skills.
That’s why you need to change jobs.
One of the reasons for this could be
One of the reasons for this could be his inability to communicate in English.
One of the reasons for this could be their overemphasis on productivity.
What this means is that
What this means is that we have to work twice as hard.
What this means is that you can’t have another chance.

 

What do you want me to

This structure is used when you want to ask someone if there is anything you can do for them.
Do you want me to help you with the housework?
Do you want me to repair your car?
Do you want me to get the kids ready for school?
Do you want me to do the washing up?
Do you want me to cook the dinner?
Do you want me to wait any longer?
Do you want me to go now?
Do you want me to make the bed?
Do you want me to do the dishes?
Do you want me to clean the windows?
Do you want me to get you a cup of coffee?
Do you want me to wake you up?
The expression ‘I want you to’ can be used to ask people to do something for you.
I want you to do the shopping.
I want you to make a decision.
I want you to come with me.
I want you to help me with the homework.

How often do you

This structure is used when you are inquiring how often somebody does something.
Study the following sentences.
How often do you visit your parents?
How often do you go to the movies?
How often do you work out?
How often do you travel?
How often do you spend time with your parents?
How often do you go to the pub?
How often do you need to go to your dentist?
How often do you check your email?
How often do you change your password?
How often do you change your tooth brush?
How often do you check your blood pressure?
How often do you get headaches?

Being polite in English

Although spoken English is quite informal, formal language is used when you wish to be polite.
Could you please tell me the time, please? (Much more polite than ‘Please tell me the time’.)
Would you please move a bit?
Could you wait a little longer?
A common way of making requests and questions more polite is to use past verb forms like would and could.
Could you please open the window? (More polite than ‘Can you please open the window?’)
Another way of making requests more polite is to use yes/no questions.
Compare:
It would be better to paint it green. (Direct suggestion)
Wouldn’t it be better to paint it green? (Yes/no question – very polite)

Feel like

The structure feel like can mean ‘want’ or ‘would like’. In this sense it is often followed by an –ing form.
I felt like crying. (= I wanted to cry.)
I felt like running away. (NOT I felt like to run away.)
I felt like laughing.
I felt like singing.
I felt like eating something.

Grammar notes

There is a difference between felt like and felt as if / though.
Compare:
I felt like dancing. (= I wanted to dance.)
I felt as if I was dancing. (= It seemed as if I was dancing.)

Stating your opinion in English

Stating your opinion

There are very many ways to express your opinion in English. In this article we will focus on some of them.
Expressing your opinion

• I think you are right.
• I feel she is making a mistake.
• I reckon / think / feel / guess she doesn’t love you.
• In my opinion / in my view, this is not the right thing to do.

Expressing your opinion in a less direct way

• I kind of think that you are making a mistake.
• I sort of think that she should have resigned earlier.

Softening or correcting your opinion

• I won’t talk to you again. Well, that’s to say, not unless you give me my money back.
• Ghosts don’t exist. At least, I haven’t seen one.

Making a polite refusal

• I’m afraid I can’t help you at the moment.
• I’m afraid I can’t lend you my car.

Making polite enquiries

• I suppose you are very busy at the moment? (Polite way of asking ‘Are you busy at the moment?’)

Making things clear

• ‘I’m sorry. I mean, I didn’t want to offend you.’
• ‘I’m not working for you again.’ ‘Well, that’s to say, not unless you give me my raise.’

Showing your attitude

• Honestly, I didn’t think that he would win.
• To be honest, I am not at all impressed with your idea.
• ‘What do you think of my nail color?’ ‘Frankly, my dear, it is a disaster.’
• To be frank, I didn’t like what you said.