Typical Responses Phrases
Thanks, I’ve
been keeping busy – just a standard response to a standard greeting with
little or no direct meaning.
Thanks for
asking, I’m fine, how are you? – A typical response and counter-question to
a greeting phrase ‘how are you?’
Sorry, I
didn’t catch that? – The verb “to catch” in this context means “to
understand”, so this English small talk response phrase means “Sorry, I didn’t
understand what you just said?” – It’s just that in conversational English we
use these types of slang words to make it sound friendlier and easier to
understand!
Help
yourself! – this English small talk phrase is one of the traditional
phrases you’ll find in all English phrase-books, and it’s an encouraging phrase
used to let the other person know that they can go ahead with the action in
question. Typically this is used as a response when the other person is asking
for permission to take something, and then you tell them that they can
certainly do it: “Sorry, do you mind if I take this cookie? Everyone seems to
have taken theirs…” – “Sure, help yourself!”
Where were
we? – imagine a situation when you’re speaking with someone, and then
somehow you’re getting side-tracked and you veer off the original subject, or
it could be that some other person distracts you and you forget where you left
off. Now, this is the typical phrase to be used in situations like these –
you’re basically asking your conversation partner what it was that you were
talking about last.
How’s that
sound for you? – Let’s say for argument’s sake, you’re proposing something
to your conversation partner. Well, in this case this small talk phrase is
ideal to ask for their opinion on your proposal! Here’s an example: “Listen, I
know what we’re doing tonight. Let’s go to the movies, there’s a new blockbuster
out! How’s that sound for you?”
…If that’s
alright with you? – You can attach this small talk bit at the end of your
sentence to ask for the other person’s permission. Let’s imagine for a second
you’re telling your work colleague you have to leave your desk for a few
minutes, but you just want to be sure he’s OK with that. So here’s what you say
“Listen Jimmy, I’m going to leave my desk for a few minutes to make a really
important phone call if that’s alright with you?”
Hi, how are
you doing? It’s good to see you! – A typical response to a greeting from
someone you haven’t seen for a while.
Can’t
complain – a response to a standard greeting like ‘How are you?’ It’s not
as exciting phrase as ‘Thanks, I’m great!’ but it doesn’t mean you’re having
some problems in your life.
Can you say
it again, please? – A request to repeat the question if you didn’t
understand what was said. This can also be used when the native speaking person
speaks a bit too fast – they should get the hint and slow down a bit. But if
they don’t, you can ask a more direct question:
Can you slow
it down a bit, please?
And how
about you? – A typical response when you’re not sure what to ask next so
you’re asking the other person the same think they asked you. You can respond
with this counter-greeting on nearly all standard greetings.
To the best
of my knowledge … – when you’re 99% sure about the statement you’re making.
Also a good start of a response you want to take a bit more time to consider
what you’re going to say.
As far as I
know … – the same as above.
Good for
you! – A response to someone telling you about their success in something
or some good news that they’re happy about.
Can’t argue
with that – used when you agree with the statement of the other person.
How do you
know? – A counter-question you can ask when someone surprises you with a
question about something they’re not really expected to know.
That’s a
good one! – A surprise response to funny or surprising news from your chat
partner.
Really? Tell
me more about it! – used when you want your chat partner to tell me about
what he/she just said.
Frankly speaking,
– just a way to start your response. It indicates that you’re about to open up
and be very honest with your chat partner. A great way of establishing an
immediate trust.
Well, to be
honest with you, … – the same as above.
Sure, no
problem! – A typical response to a small request you’re happy to do. This
one is especially used when responding to superiors’ requests and it sounds
more enthusiastic than if you simply say ‘sure’ or ‘OK’.
Never mind,
it’s fine! – This phrase is used when the person offers to do a favour for
you but it’s not really necessary.
Never mind,
forget what I just said – this phrase is to be used when you said something
that wasn’t important at all but your chat partner wants you to repeat it. You
can also use this phrase if you feel that he/she might be slightly annoyed or
offended by your question or comment so you want to end it there.
You got me
there – this can be said instead of ‘I don’t’ know’ – it will sound more
casual and not as defensive as the old ‘I don’t know’!
You’ve got
to be kidding me! – said when someone tells you something that borders on
the unbelievable and you want to express your surprise.
That’s a
good question. – A phrase used when you want to take your time to think
over the question. This is an ideal phrase to use when you’re stuck but instead
of remaining silent you can start your response with this phrase.
Well, how to
put it in the right words… – the same as above.
That’d be
great! – A response to an offer that you’re really happy about.
… You know
what I mean? – This is quite an overused phrase but you can definitely use
it at the end of a sentence if you want to emphasize what you just said.
You see, the
thing is that … – this is how you begin a sentence when you’re asked to
explain something.