English Vocabulary in Use Pre-intermediate and Intermediate » Unit 76: Fixed phrases in conversation
A large number of fixed phrases are used as common responses in everyday conversation.
A: What time did he get here?
B: I’ve no idea. [I don’t know]
A: Are you going tonight?
B: That depends. [used to say you are not sure because other things affect your answer; also It depends]
A: Shall we go out tonight?
B: Yeah, why not [OK]?
A: Did you like the film?
B: Not really. [used to say no but not strongly]
A: I’m going to Sweden next week.
B: Really. What for? [why?]
A: Can I borrow your car?
B: No way. [that’s impossible; infml; syn no chance]
A: They’re coming tonight, aren’t they?
B: I suppose so. [used to say yes but not strongly]
A: Jason has grown a beard.
B: I know. I couldn’t believe my eyes! [I was very surprised when I saw it]
A: We have to work tonight.
B: You must be joking.
A: Eli got top marks.
B: I don’t believe it! [used to express great surprise]
We can use you must be joking (syns you’re joking/kidding) when someone has just said something that is a surprise. It may be an unpleasant surprise (as above), or a nice surprise, e.g.
A: My father said he would pay for all of us to go on holiday.
B: You’re kidding. Fantastic!
Notice how fixed phrases can form an important part of an everyday conversation.
B: Oh yeah? Are they causing trouble again?
A: Well, you know, [used to fill a pause in conversation] they just keep talking to each other, and they don’t pay attention [listen] – that sort of thing.
B: Why don’t you make them sit in different places?
A: I tried that, but they still talked to each other.
B: Well, in that case [because of the situation described], you’ll have to move one of them.
A: Maybe, but I’d feel bad about that [be unhappy about]. They’re quite nice boys, you know, they just can’t help it [can’t control some actions or behaviour].
B: Sure … but you can’t let that kind of thing continue.
A: No, you’re right. But I’ve given them a final warning today, so let’s wait and see what happens. [wait to discover what will happen]
B: OK. But what if they don’t improve? [what will you do if they don’t improve?]
A: I think it’ll be OK.
B: Well, if you change your mind [change your decision], come and see me again, and I’ll arrange for one of them to be moved to another class.
We use sort/kind in several common phrases in informal speech. (and) that sort/kind of thing [examples of that type]
e.g. I grow onions and carrots – that sort/kind of thing.
sort/kind of [approximately/more or less] e.g. Her new top is sort of blue; I thought he was kind of strange.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
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The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for advanced level (C1 to C2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.