Useful English Expressions

• If you remember, I sent you an email last week...
• Is this a good time for you to talk?
• Would you spell your name, please?
• Could you look it up for me?
• Could you check it out for me?
• Could you put me through?
• In New York it gets hot and humit in the summer
• Well, New York is no better; it's like being in a tropical forest, only without the trees.
• What brings to the United States?
• It was nice meeting you, but I see someone I must say hello to. Please excuse me.
• Yes, of course. It was nice talking to you.

Telephone English - How to Leave a Message

You can leave a message in your answering machine or voice mail like this:

• Thanks for calling Mary (your name). I am unable ot answer your call right now. Please leave your name, number and a brief message at the sound of the beep. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Have a nice day. Bye!

If you are the person who call, you can leave a message like this:

• This is Lucy calling for Mary. My number is 666-8888. Please call me back this evening. Bye!

Daily English - What are OTCs?

• Over-the-counter medicines, referred to as "OTCs", are medicines you can purchase without a doctor's prescription, simply by going to the nearest drugstore and choosing them yourself. Many of us make our choices based on word of mouth, advertisements, or by reading medicine package labels.
• Thousands of drugs are available over the counter, and it's important to be careful when choosing or taking them because many OTCs have side effects and mixing medications may be dangerous.
• Most families have a First Aid or an Emergency Kits at home to prepare for unexpected situations.

Ask for Directions

Asking for directions is very common in our daily lives, especially when your are in a new city.

• Excuse me. Can you tell me how to go to the Orlando Vacation Rentals?
• Sure. They are right beside the ocean. You can either take a cab or take the bus. It only takes around 10 minutes to get there by walking. You can enjoy the nice ocean views.
• Thanks.

Vocabulary for directions:

• Go straight
• Turn right or make a right
• Make your second left
• Go down the hall
• Go to the end of the hall
• Walk down the stairs
• Take the elevator/escalator

At the Drug Store

Do you know what to say when you pick up your prescription at the drug store?

• I am here to pick up a prescription.
• Sure, Mr. Smith. It is ready.
• Thanks. Oh, by the way, are the instructions on the label?
• Yes. And there's more information on this patient information sheet.
• Thank you.

Calling Customer Service

• Customer Service. How can I help you?
• I bought a computer from you, and I heard there's been a recall.
• Yes, that's true. Please bring it in and we'll give you a replacement.
• Can I get a credit instead?
• Absolutely. As long as you have your receipt.

How to Say "No"

There are a few ways to say "No", depending on the importance of the request.

• Please join us for the dinner on Friday night.
• I'd love to, but I've made plans. Thanks for asking.
• Are you going to the lunch meeting?
• Please excuse me. Something has just come up.
• Would you like to join us at the bar later?
• Well, I'm not sure...let me think about it.
• Do you think you will be able to finish the job by Friday?
• Hmm...I'm not sure. Maybe./Well, I would like a little more time.
• Would you like to join our sports team?
• I'm sorry. I wish I could, but I do appreciate your asking.
• We would like you to come to our weekend party.
• That's kind of you to ask, thank you. I wish I could, but I'm afraid I must go home.

Daily English - At the Restaurant

It's very important to prepare how to order food at the restaurant, and how to make a complaint when you don't like their service.

• Is everything OK?
• Actually, this chicken is not well-done.
• Oh, I'm sorry. Let me take it back. What about yours?
• Mine's fine, thanks. But this vegetable's not fresh.
• Oh, I'm sorry. I'll take care of that right away.

Ways to order meat:

• How would you like your beef done?
• Well-done/medium/rare please.
• How do you like your eggs done?
• Hard boiled/hard over/sunny side up/over easy/poached/scrambled please.

Daylight Saving Time - Traffic Tips

Daylight Saving Time (DST) started at 2:00 am today. With the early switch to DST this weekend, morning commuters will likely be battling fatigue from losing an hour of sleep and darker conditions from the time change, which raises the safety concerns. The safety Foundation offers the following tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to stay safe on the roads next week.

• Start to adjust your sleeping now, so the shock to your system isn't as extreme
• Leave extra time to get to work Monday morning, especially if the weather is bad
• Turn on your headlights to ensure your taillights are illuminated
• Make sure all your vehicle's lights, windshield wipers and air circulation system are working properly
• Wear light or reflective clothing if you are walking

Take care, everyone!

Daily English #2 - At the Grocery/Supermarket

• Excuse me.
• Yes?
• I bought this salmon here this morning, and its sell-by date is expired.
• Would you like to get another package?
• No, thanks. I'll just take the refund.
• Certainly. Can I see your receipt?
• Here you go.

Reschedule an Event

• I'm sorry, but I have to reschedule our meeting. I have to go to the dentist.
• No problem. When do you want to have the meeting?
• How's tomorrow, after lunch?
• Actually, that won't work. How about tomorrow morning at 11?
• Yeah. That's good for me.
• See you then.

Start a Conversation with Strangers

• Nice weather today
• Yes, it is. Beautiful.
• You know, I don't think we've met. I am Mary Smith. I work on the second floor.
• Nice to meet you, Mary. I am Jerry King.
• Nice to meet you too. By the way, I like your tie.
• You do? Thanks!
• How long have you been working here?
• Not long. About two months.
• Where did you work before that?
• At London Drug.
• That's incredible/amazing! So did I.
• Wow. It's a small world!