English Conversations

PRACTICAL ENGLISH CONVERSATIONS
Most teachers of English as a foreign language often face a dilemma when building some conversations for
their class. Here are some that I have collected from the Net and would be expectedly of any use to your work.
Ngo Bao Thoa
Directions I
Excuse me. Is there a bank near here?
Yes. There's a bank on the corner.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Directions II
Excuse me. Is there a supermarket near here?
Yes. There's one near here.
How do I get there?
At the traffic lights, take the first left and go straight on. It's on the left.
Is it far?
Not really.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
Key Vocabulary
Is there a _______ near here?
on the corner, on the left, on the right
straight on, straight ahead
traffic lights
Is it far?
Introducing Yourself
Introductions
Hello. My name's Peter. What's your name?
Janet.
Where are you from Janet?
I'm from Seattle. Where are you from?
I'm from Madrid.

Are you American?
Yes, I am. Are you Spanish?
Yes I am.
Key Vocabulary
My name is...
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What's (is) your name ...
Where are you from?
I'm from... Are you (Spanish, American, German, etc.)
Personal Information
What's your surname (family name)?
Smith
What's your first name?
Fred
Where are you from?
Atlanta, Georgia
What's your job?
I'm a teacher.
What's your address?
34 White Street
What is your phone number?
308-6730
How old are you?
54
Are you married?
Yes, I am.
Key Vocabulary
surname, family name, first name
Where are you from?
What's your job? address? phone (telephone) number?

How old are you?
Are you married?
married, single, divorced, separated
Hello and Goodbye - Three Short Conversations
Hello
Hello, Peter. How are you?
Fine, thanks. How are you?
I'm fine, thank you.
Goodbye
Goodbye, Janet. See you tomorrow!
Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening.
Thanks, you too!
Thanks.
Key Vocabulary
Hello... How are you?
I'm fine, - OK, - well, thank you
Goodbye, - bye bye
See you tomorrow
Have a nice evening, - day
Telling the Time
What time is it? - I
Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?
Yes, of course. It's seven o'clock.
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Thank you.
No problem.
What time is it? - II
What time is it?
It's half past three.
Thanks.

You're welcome.
Key Vocabulary
Excuse me.
Can you tell me the time, please?
What time is it?
It's half past...
It's quarter past...
It's ten to...
It's quarter to...
o'clock
On the Telephone
Calling Someone at Work
Hello. This is Kenneth Beare. May I speak to Ms Sunshine, please?
Hold the line a moment, I'll check if she is in her office.
Thank you.
(after a moment) Yes, Ms Sunshine is in. I'll put you through.
Hello, this is Ms Sunshine. How can I help you?
Hello, my name is Kenneth Beare and I'm calling to enquire about the position advertised in Sunday's Times.
Yes, the position is still open. Could I have your name and number please?
Certainly, My name is Kenneth Beare...
Leaving a Message
Hello. Could I speak to Jack Parkins, please?
Who's calling, please?
This is Fred Blinkingham. I'm a friend of Jack's.
Hold the line, please. I'll put your call through. (after a moment) - I'm afraid he's out at the moment. Can I take
a message?
Yes. Can you ask him to give me a call? My number is 345-8965
Could you repeat that, please?
Certainly. That's 345-8965
OK. I'll make sure Mr. Parkins gets your message.

Thank you. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Key Vocabulary
This is ...
May (Can, Could) I speak to...?
I'm calling ...
Hold the line a moment...
put someone through...
Who's calling...?
take a message
call, ring, phone
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Note On the telephone, use 'this is...' instead of 'I am'.
In a Shop
Shopping for a Sweater
Can I help you?
Yes, I'm looking for a sweater.
What size are you?
I'm an extra large.
How about this one?
Yes, that's nice. Can I try it on?
Certainly, there's the changing rooms over there.
Thank you.
How does it fit?
It's too large. Do you have a large?
Yes, here you are.
Thank you. I'll have it, please.
OK, how would you like to pay?
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card and American Express.

OK, here's my Visa.
Thank you. Have a nice day!
Thank you, goodbye.
Key Vocabulary
Can I help you?
Can I try it (them) on?
size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large
How does it fit?
changing rooms
How would you like to pay?
credit cards
At the Airport
Checking In
Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please?
Here you are.
Thank you. Would you like smoking or non-smoking?
Non-smoking, please.
Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
An aisle seat, please.
Do you have any baggage?
Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag.
Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight.
Thank you.
Passport Control
Good morning. Can I see your passport?
Here you are.
Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or on business?
I'm a tourist.
That's fine. Have a pleasant stay.
Thank you.

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Key Vocabulary
Can I have your ticket?
smoking, non-smoking
window, aisle seat
baggage, suitcase, carry-on bag
boarding pass
flight
Can I see your passport?
tourist, business
In a Motel / Hotel
Getting a Room for the Night
Good evening. Can I help you?
Yes, please. I'd like a room for the night.
Would you like a single room, or a double room?
A single room, please. How much is the room?
It's $55 per night.
Can I pay by credit card?
Certainly. We take Visa, Master Card and American Express. Could you fill in this form, please?
Do you need my passport number? No, just an address and your signature.
(fills out the form) Here you are.
Here's your key. Your room number is 212.
Thank you.
Thank you. If you need anything, dial 0 for the reception area. Have a good stay!
Key Vocabulary
Can I help you?
I'd like a room
single, double room
Can I pay by credit card?
fill in this form

passport number
room number
reception
At a Restaurant
Ordering a Meal
Hi. How are you doing this afternoon?
Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please?
Certainly, here you are.
Thank you. What's today's special?
Grilled tuna and cheese on rye.
That sounds good. I'll have that.
Would you like something to drink?
Yes, I'd like a coke.
Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal!
Thank you.
Can I get you anything else?
No thanks. I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please.
That'll be $6.75.
Here you are. Keep the change!
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Thank you! Have a good day!
Bye.
Key Vocabulary
Can I see a menu?
here you are
Enjoy your meal!
Would you like ...
Can I get you anything else?
I'd like the check (bill - UK English), please.
That'll be $6.75.

Have a good day!
Ordering Food in a Restaurant
Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?
Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.
Waiter: Would you like a starter?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please.
Waiter: And what would you like for a main course?
Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.
Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?
Kim: No thank you. Just the bill.
Waiter: Certainly.
Kim:I don't have my glasses. How much is the lunch?
Waiter: That's $6.75.
Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much.
Waiter: You're welcome. Have a good day.
Kim: Thank you, the same to you.
Use this menu to practise ordering food in a restaurant.
Starters
Chicken Soup $2.50
Salad $3.25
Sandwiches - Main Course
Ham and cheese $3.50
Tuna $3.00
Vegetarian $4.00
Grilled Cheese $2.50
Piece of Pizza $2.50
Cheeseburger $4.50
Hamburger deluxe $5.00

Spaghetti $5.50
Drinks
Coffee $1.25
Tea $1.25
Soft Drinks - Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, etc. $1.
There are a number of phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers.
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(name), I don't think you've met (name).
I don't think you know (name)
May I introduce you to (name)
(name), do you know (name)?
(name), I'd like you to meet (name)
When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with "How do you do?" the correct
response is "How do you do." Here is a short introductory conversation:
Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...
A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or "Pleased to meet you."
Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...
Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...
In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying: "This is
(name)." It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this informal setting.
Ken: Peter, this is Mary.

Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...
It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced. After the initial introduction, hand shaking
generally takes place in more formal, business situations. Otherwise, people just say "Hi."
Here are a number of polite phrases used when trying to get the attention or help from people. The use of more
formal language is common when speaking to someone you do not know:
Interrupting
It is common to first apologize before interrupting another person, or asking for help if you do not know the
person.
Excuse me, could I ...
Sorry, do you think I could ...
Excuse me, do you know ...
I beg your pardon, could you help me? (formal)
Asking Someone to Repeat
When asking for information you may have a hard time understanding in public places which can be very noisy
(train stations, restaurants, stores, etc.). Here are phrases commonly used to ask someone to repeat what he has
said:
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Excuse me, I'm afraid I didn't understand. Could you repeat that? (formal)
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. (informal)
What? (very informal!)
I beg your pardon.
Introductions
(At a party)
Peter: Hello.
Jane: Hi!
Peter: My name is Peter. What's your name?
Jane: My name is Jane. Nice to meet you.
Peter: It's a pleasure. This is a great party!

Jane: Yes, it is. Where are you from?
Peter: I'm from Amsterdam.
Jane: Amsterdam? Really, are you German?
Peter: NO, I'm not German. I'm Dutch.
Jane: Oh, you're Dutch. Sorry about that.
Peter: That's OK. Where are you from?
Jane: I'm from London, but I'm not British.
Peter: No, what are you?
Jane: Well, my parents were Spanish, so I'm Spanish, too.
Peter: That's very interesting. Spain is a beautiful country.
Jane: Thank you. It IS a wonderful place.
Personal Information
(Two friends filling in a form together)
Jim: Your painting is fantastic Roger!
Roger: I'm happy you like it. It's for a competition. Here's the form.
Jim: Right. OK, here are the questions.... Your hands are dirty.
Roger: ... from painting! What are the questions? Here's a pen (gives him a pen to fill the form in)
Jim: What's your name?
Roger: oh, that's difficult ... Roger!
Jim: Ha, ha. What's your surname?
Roger: I'm not sure ...
Jim: Very funny! OK, surname - Tailor
Roger: Yes, that's it!
Jim: Next question please. Are you married or single?
Roger: Single. I'm sure about that!
Jim: What's your address?
Roger: 72 London Road.
Jim:... and what are your hobbies?
Roger: hmmm.... painting, going windsurfing and watching TV.
Jim: ... OK, last question. What's your telephone number?

Roger: 0343 897 6514
Jim: 0343 897 6514 - Got it. Where's an envelope?
Roger: Over there ...
Interview with a Famous Actor
Interviewer: Thank you for taking some time off from your busy schedule to answer a few questions about your
life!
Brad: It's my pleasure.
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Interviewer: Could you tell us about an average day in your life?
Brad: Sure, I get up early - at 7 in the morning. Then I have breakfast. After breakfast, I go to the gym.
Interviewer: Are you studying anything now?
Brad: Yes, I'm learning a new film called "The Man About Town".
Interviewer: What do you do in the afternoon?
Brad: First I have lunch, then I go to the studio and shoot some scenes.
Interviewer: Which scene are you acting today?
Brad: I'm acting a scene about an angry lover.
Interviewer: That's very interesting. What do you do in the evening?
Brad: In the evening, I go home and have dinner and study my scripts.
Interviewer: Do you go out at night?
Brad: Not always, I like going out at weekends.
The City and the Country
David: How do you like living in the big city?
Maria: There are many things that are better than living in the country!
David: Can you give me some examples?
Maria: Well, it certainly is more interesting than the country. There is so much more to do and see!
David: Yes, but the city is more dangerous than the country.
Maria: That's true. People in the city aren't as open and friendly as those in the countryside.
David: I'm sure that the country is more relaxed, too!
Maria: Yes, the city is busier than the country. However, the country is much slower than the city.
David: I think that's a good thing!

Maria: Oh, I don't. The country is so slow and boring! It's much more boring than the city.
David: How about the cost of living? Is the country cheaper than the city?
Maria: Oh, yes. The city is more expensive than the country.
David: Life in the country is also much healthier than in the city.
Maria: Yes, it's cleaner and less dangerous in the country. But, the city is so much more exciting. It's faster,
crazier and more fun than the country.
David: I think YOU are crazy for moving to the city.
Maria: Well, I'm young now. Maybe when I'm married and have children I'll move back to the country.
What Were You Doing?
Betsy: I telephoned you yesterday afternoon but you didn't answer? Where were you?
Brian: I was in another room when you called. I didn't hear the phone ringing until it was too late.
Betsy: What were you working on?
Brian: I was photocopying a report that I needed to send to a client. What were you doing when you
telephoned?
Betsy: I was looking for Tom and couldn't find him. Do you know where he was?
Brian: Tom was driving to a meeting.
Betsy: Oh, I see. What did you do yesterday?
Brian: I met the representatives from Driver's in the morning. In the afternoon, I worked on the report and was
just finishing when you telephoned. What did you do?
Betsy: Well, at 9 I had a meeting with Ms Anderson. After that, I did some research.
Brian: Sounds like a boring day!
Betsy: Yes, I don't really like doing research. But it needs to be done.
Brian: I agree with you on that, no research - no business!
Betsy: Tell me about the report. What do you think of it?
Brian: I think the report is a good. Tom believes it's good, too.
Betsy: I know that every report you write is excellent.
Brian: Thank you Betsy, you are always a good friend!
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