Meetings and Greetings

Introductions - meeting for the first time

'Have you two met? Chris this is Jan.'
'How do you do?'
'How do you do?'

Formal greetings

Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.

Informal greetings

Hi. Bye.
Hello. Goodbye.
  See you.
  Good night.

Asking about health

'Hello, How are you?' 'Very well thank you. And you?'
  'Fine, thank you.'
  'Not too bad'.

Introducing yourself

'Hi, I'm Beth.' 'Nice to meet you Beth, I'm Claire.'
'My name is Keith, what's yours?' 'Hi Keith, I'm Hans.'
'Hello, I haven't seen you for ages. How are things?' 'I'm fine, how about you?'
'How are your children?' 'They're fine, and yours?'
'Thanks for asking, they're fine.'

Leaving

Well, I 'm sorry but I have to go now.
It was nice meeting you.
Goodbye/Bye.
See you soon.
See you later.

Asking for personal information

'Where are you from?' 'I'm from Sweden.'
'Where do you live?' 'I live in Härnösand.'
'Where do you work?' 'I work in a repair shop.'
'What's your phone number?' '79167.'
(seven nine one six seven)
'What do you do?' 'I'm a mechanic.'
'What sort of films do you like?' 'I like romantic films best.'
'Are you interested in sports?' 'Yes, I play volleyball every week.'
'Do you like football?' 'Of course! I support Manchester United.'

Apologising

'Excuse me, is your name Robert Brown?'

'No, I'm sorry it's not. It's Mathew Arnold.'

'Pardon?'

'It's Mathew Arnold.'

'Oh I'm sorry. I mistook you for someone else.'

'That's all right.'


I'm sorry, I didn't mean to step on your foot.
Sorry I didn't call you last night; I forgot.
Sorry I'm late. I overslept.

Asking for and giving permission

Do you mind if I… sit here?
open the window?
smoke?
look at your paper?
Positive answers  
Not at all.
Of course.
Yes, go right ahead.
Negative answers  
I'm sorry, it's not free.
Well, it's a bit cold.
I'd rather you didn't.
Well, I'm reading it myself, actually.

Requests

Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest post office is?
Excuse me.
(If you have to push past someone in a crowd or interrupt someone.)

'Would you like something to eat?' 'Yes please.'/'No thank you.'
'What would you like: dinner or just a sandwich?' 'A sandwich would be fine, thanks.'
'Do you have any peanuts?' 'Sure.'/ 'Of course, here you are.'
'May I have a sherry, please?' 'Of course, here it is.'
'Where is the bathroom, please?' 'It's to the left of the bar. Just follow the sign.'
'Would you mind if I used your phone?' 'Not at all, help yourself.'
'May I smoke here?' 'I'm sorry, I would rather you didn't.'
Would you mind smoking outside, please.'
'Is anyone sitting here?' 'No, please sit down.'
'Would you like a cup of coffee?' 'That would be nice, thank you.'

Please and thank you

Please, please, always say 'please' when making a request, or when you want something, and 'thank you' when you receive something.

Could you pass the salt please?
Thank you.
Thank you for your help.
Thanks.
It was great, thanks.
When someone thanks you for something, answer this way:
You're welcome.
It was nothing.
Don't mention it.

Miscellaneous

Give my regards to your mother.
Bless you!
(When someone sneezes.)
Congratulations!
(When someone gets married, gets promoted, passes their driving test etc.)
My condolences.
(When a person tells you a friend or family member has died.)