I’m afraid I can’t come to the 3 p.m. meeting today. The bus is late, and I am still downtown. I’m afraid I will arrive after 3:15. I emailed the team notes so you can start without me. If you need me, I can join by phone. I’m afraid the coffee shop is loud, but I will try. Thank you for understanding.
Common Phrases in Context
These mini-dialogs put common English phrases and expressions into natural context (CEFR A1), so you learn not just the words but when and how to use them. Each one is only a few sentences — read them all right on this page.
CEFR A1 · 24 passages on this page · 775 words · ~5 min read · US English
“I’m afraid…” — Softening Bad News
Use “I’m afraid…” to give bad news politely.
“Do you mind if…?” — Asking Permission
A polite way to ask before doing something.
Do you mind if I open the window? It’s warm in here. Do you mind if I sit next to you? My friend will join us soon. Do you mind if I use your pen for a minute? I will give it back after I sign. Thanks! If it bothers you, please tell me.
“Could you please…?” — Polite Request
Ask someone to do something in a friendly way.
Could you please send me the file today? I need it for class. Could you please speak a little slower? I want to understand. Could you please show me where Room 204 is? I’m new here. Thank you so much for your help!
“I’m looking for…” — Finding Things
Ask for help in a store, library, or office.
Hello. I’m looking for a black belt, size medium. I’m looking for the science section in the library. I’m looking for the HR office. Is it on this floor? When you find what you need, say, Thank you! That helps a lot.
“That sounds great!” — Accepting an Idea
Show you like a plan or invitation.
Let’s meet at the café at six. That sounds great! We can study for one hour and then eat dinner. That sounds great to me. If it rains, we can meet online. That sounds great as well. See you later!
“Let me know…” — Follow-Up and Plans
Ask someone to give information later.
Let me know if you can come on Saturday. Let me know when you arrive at the station. Let me know if you need a ride. If anything changes, let me know by text. Thanks!
“I’d like to…” — Polite Intention
Say what you want to do in a polite way.
I’d like to book a table for two at seven. I’d like to try the soup today. I’d like to speak with a manager, please. If that’s not possible, I’d like to come back tomorrow.
“I’m not sure…” — Uncertainty
Be honest when you don’t know.
I’m not sure where the room is. Let’s ask at the front desk. I’m not sure about the answer, but I can check. I’m not sure I can finish today. Could we move the deadline?
“How about…?” — Making Suggestions
Offer simple ideas when planning.
How about meeting at noon? How about pizza for lunch? How about we study first and then watch a movie? If you’re busy, how about tomorrow?
“What time does…?” — Schedules
Ask about times for buses, stores, and events.
What time does the bus arrive? What time does the store close tonight? What time does the movie start? What time does class end on Fridays?
“Is there…?” — Asking About Existence
Check if something is available or nearby.
Is there a restroom on this floor? Is there Wi-Fi in the lobby? Is there a bus to the airport tonight? Is there a discount for students?
“I don’t understand.” — Clarification
Say you need help with meaning.
I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Could you explain that again? I don’t understand this word. What does it mean? I don’t understand the form. Can you show me where to sign?
“Could you repeat that?” — Hearing Again
Ask someone to say it again, more slowly.
I’m sorry, could you repeat that? Could you repeat that more slowly, please? Could you repeat that last number?
“How do you say… in English?” — Vocabulary Help
Learn the right word or phrase.
How do you say this in English? How do you say the thing for opening bottles? How do you say a small street with no exit? Thank you—that’s a new word for me.
“Can you help me…?” — Asking for Help
Request assistance with a simple task.
Can you help me carry this box? Can you help me find my classroom? Can you help me log in to the app? Thanks for your help.
“I think so / I don’t think so.” — Simple Opinions
Give a careful yes or no.
Is the meeting at three? I think so. Is this the right bus? I don’t think so. Do we need tickets? I think so—let’s check online.
“It depends.” — Giving Conditions
Explain that the answer changes with the situation.
Can we play soccer today? It depends on the weather. Will the store be busy? It depends on the time. Can you come to dinner? It depends—I finish work at six.
“I’m just browsing.” — In a Store
Politely say you don’t need help yet.
Hello! Can I help you? Thanks, I’m just browsing. I’m just browsing for gifts today. If I need help, I’ll ask. I’m just browsing right now.
“I’ll take this one.” — Buying
Choose an item and pay.
This shirt fits well. I’ll take this one. Do you need a bag? Yes, please. I’ll take this one and the blue hat. I’ll take this one with a receipt, please.
“I’m here to…” — Stating Purpose
Say why you came to a place.
Hi, I’m here to pick up a package. Hello, I’m here to see Dr. Lee at ten o’clock. Good morning, I’m here to pay my bill. I’m here to ask about classes.
“I’m running late.” — Delay Notice
Tell someone you will arrive after the planned time.
I’m running late—traffic is slow. I’m running late but I will be there in ten minutes. I’m running late; please start without me.
“I’m on my way.” — In Transit
Confirm you are coming now.
I’m on my way to the office now. I’m on my way; see you soon. I’m on my way—five minutes out.
“Sorry for the delay.” — Apology
Say sorry when you are late or slow to reply.
Sorry for the delay; my phone battery died. Sorry for the delay in my reply. Sorry for the delay—we had a long line at the store.
“No worries.” — Reassuring Someone
Tell someone it’s okay; reduce stress.
No worries, we can start in five minutes. No worries about the email; I saw it now. No worries, it happens. Let’s move on.