Apologizing

In English there are a few expressions used when apologizing to others.  There are times when we apologize to take responsibility for an act commited or to show empathy.  When an apology is given to show empathy;  it's because someone has experienced a great loss and an apology is a used in a effort to comfort the person on the receiving end. Now we are going to look at how to apologize in English and how to accept an apology.

Dialog:

Below is a sample dialog of how to apologize in English.

Jamie was late meeting his dad David for dinner. 

Jamie:  I'm sorry I'm late, dad.  The highway was congested and when I arrived it was tough finding a parking spot.

David:  I understand that the situation could not be helped, but you know it's rush hour.  You could have left a little earlier.  I left work early so that I could be here on time.

Jamie:  I am sorry!  I don't know what else to say.  I tried my best.

David:  Well, we lost our table.  When they are this busy they don't keep the reservation for longer than an hour past the time you are supposed to be here.

Jamie:  I should have called.

David:  I called and you did not answer your phone.  However, you are often late, Jamie.  You  need to work on being more punctual.

Jamie:  My phone didn't ring.  I did not get your call.  Can we just try to find another restarant?

David: I'm up for that!

Now your turn!

Use the expressions of apologizing and and responding to an apology to practice.

Expressions of Apology:

"I'm sorry."


"I apologize."


"I regret what has happened."


"I regret putting you in that situation."



Responses to Apology:

"I understand."


"I am sorry too."


"That's/It's okay."


"I accept your apology."


"No problem."


"Don't worry about it."

Role Play:

You:  I am sorry that I _________ ( broke your cup) use your own example .

Your Friend:  That's okay. _______ (I can replace it ) comment."

Now switch places!

Great job today!

Reporting Using Direct and Indirect Speech

We often report what we observe or experience regularly.  There are different ways in which this is done in English.  We can do by the use of direct speech or by the use of indirect speech.  Direct speech is when one "quotes" or reports exactly what the person has said. However, indirect speech is when what the person has said is stated using the past, present, future or the appropriate tense depending on the information being reported.  However, it's also important to remember that we do not repeat or report exactly what is said and to also change pronouns and time signifiers.

DIRECT SPEECH:

She said, "We are going to the beach tomorrow."


"We are going to the beach tomorrow", she said.


He said, "I want to ride my bike tomorrow."

INDIRECT SPEECH:

She said that we would go to beach tomorrow.


He said that he wanted to ride his bike tomorrow.

DIALOG:

Below is a dialog of how to apply the expressions above in English.  This dialog is also a great tool for role playing.

Judy and Jason are having a conversation about their day.

Judy:  How was your day today, Jason?

Jason:  Well, it was busy as usual; however, my boss says that he wanted everyone to wear suits everyday.  I really looked forward to 'casual Fridays'! 

Judy:  I know how you feel. I got that priviledge taken away months ago.

Jason:  She is always micromanaging and complaining about how none of us meet the dress code. Therefore, she gave us all list of what is required daily.

Judy:  Now, that's frustrating.  I have to say that I am happy that my boss is a little more laid back than that. He said, "I am not going to watch over your shoulders; we are all adults here." I really do appreciate that kind of mentality, because I cannot work understand pressure.

Jason:  Neither can I.  That's why I have been job hunting for the past few months or so, because I am not sure that this job is for me anymore.

Judy:  Well, you know I support your decision to move on.

Jason: Thank you.

Now your turn!

Report what you've seen or experience today at home with the children, shopping, driving and so on.

You:  My daughter/son/husband said, "_______________." (quote directly) OR INDIRECTLY

He/she/they/you said that (pronoun) __________________ (report indirectly what was said).

Your friend: My boss/brother/sister/mother said, "______________." (Use direct speech)

OR INDIRECTLY:  They/he/you/we said that (pronoun) ________." (Quote indirectly)

Great job today!

Asking For and Giving Directions

Following and giving direction can be quite challenging at times.  However, there are some key words that one can use that are very important when giving directions.  It's important to drill these if you are not comfortable or familiar with them in order to remember them.  A more effective way to  use them is to practice!

ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS:

"Excuse me.  Could you please tell me where the ________ (name of place) is?"


"Excuse me.  Where is the _______ (name of place) is?"


"Excuse me. I am not sure where ______ (name of place) is. Could you tell me where _______ (name of place) is."


"Excuse me.  I am lost.  Could you tell me where _______ (name of place) is?"


"Excuse me.  Where is the best way to the ________ (name of place) is?"


"Excuse me.  I am looking for the ______ (name of place).  Do you know where it is?"


"Excuse me.  Could you point me to the nearest Shopping center/gas station/convenience store...?" (This expression is used if you are looking for a general service station or amenity).


"Excuse me.  Could you give me some quick directions to the _______ (name of place)?"




KEY VOCABULARY- GIVING DIRECTIONS:

Turn left/right on/at (the) ___________ (name of street/place).


Make a left/right at the corner of _______ (name of place/street).


At the intersection make a left/right onto _______ (name of street).


Go straight...


At the corner of...


Across from


Next to...


In front of...
adjacent to...
 
There's a landmark/look for the landmark ______ (give name).
 
Go one/two mile...
 
Go one/two block(s)...
 
At the first/second/third set of lights make a (left/right).
 
At the stop sign...
 
At the first/second/third stop sign make a left/right.
 
Go north/south on....
 
Go east/west on...
 
Take ramp (give name) onto the highway.
 
Take exit (give name) off the highway.
 
Exit at (give name of exit).
 
Dialog:

Below is a dialog of how to use or apply the expressions above in an everyday English conversation.

Jaz is unclear about the directions Fin give her to the mall, so she called to clarify.
 
Fin: Hello? Hi Jaz!  I just arrived at the shopping center.
 
Jaz:  I am on my way, but I am not sure if I am going the right way.
 
Fin:  Where are you?
 
Jaz:  Well, I am on Manchester street and I just past the intersection of Manchester and Eaton street.
 
Fin:  Great.  You are going the right way.  Now all you have to do is take Manchester to Center street. 
 
Jaz:  Okay...
 
Fin:  When you come to Center street, make a right onto Center street.  Then drive for about one mile until you come to fork in the road.  Keep right of that until you see a landmark; a war memorial.
 
Jaz:  Okay.  I see it now. 
 
Fin:  Drive right past it and you will see the mall directly in back of it.
 
Jaz: I see it!
 
Fin: Great!  You can park anywhere.  I am waiting in the entrance way.  You will see "Welcome" overhead.
 
Jaz:  Thanks Fin!  I'll see you in a minute.
 
Fin: Bye.
 
Now you turn!
  
Role play using the key words above to ask for and give directions to a familiar place in your neighborhood.  Use the outline below as a guide.
 
You:  Excuse me.  Could you tell me where the gas station/mall/Dollar store/Grocery store/... is?
 
Your Friend:  It's ___________ (use the key words above).
 
Now switch places and continue role playing.   Practice until you are comfortable.
 
Great job today!

Describing someone's personality

There are lots of great adjectives we can use to describe someone's personality or character.  Today I am going to look at how we can describe someone's personality and their strong points or weak points.

People can  be...

Positive Personality Traits:

Outgoing - fun, sociable, warm and charming

Confident - feeling and showing confidence or certainty about something

Sociable - someone who likes to talk others and meet others.

Fun - someone who enjoys like and loves people.

Brave - someone who is not afraid.

Clever - someone who mentally quick or sharp in terms of their response to things.

Witty - A form of intellectual humor.

Hard-working - Someone who puts a lot of time and effort into carrying out tasks.

Smart - Someone who resourceful, bright and thinks quickly.

Interesting - Someone who catches your attention.

Charming - Someone who pleasantly attracts someone's attention and is also delightful.

Intelligent - Someone who is able to acquire and apply information.

Friendly - Someone who is kind and behaves like a friend.

Honest - Someone who is fair and truthful.

Trustworthy - Someone who has earned your trust and is dependable and reliable.

Funny/Humorous - Someone who can make others laugh by telling jokes or by being witty.

Kind/giving - Someone who is considerate and helpful by nature.

Generous - Someone who is gives and shares willing and openly.

Optimistic/positive - Someone who expects the best in all situations.

Perceptive -  Someone who has the ability to understand, analyze or to perceive.

Neat - Someone who likes to clean and/or keep things tidy and orderly.

Frugal - Someone who does not like to spend a lot of money or someone who watches their spending.

Negative Personality Traits:

Mean /Unkind - Someone who lacks kindness, lacks understanding and is unable to give.
Nasty - Someone who is unkind or clean.

Workaholic - Someone who works too much.

Addictive personality - Someone who does something too much or personality traits that increases the likeliness of someone being predisposed to something that can affect the quality of life. This includes things like food, drugs, hobbies and so on.

Moody - Someone whose emotions changes often or from one moment to the next.

Pessimistic/negative - Someone who expects the worst in all situations.

Rude - Someone who is impolite or unkind verbally and non-verbally.

Selfish - Caring only for one's self and interest.

Talkative/chatty - Someone who talks a lot.

Lazy - Someone who does not like to do work or is unproductive.


Use the dialog below to role play using the vocabulary above.

Sharon and Jack are at the shopping mall.

Sharon:  I am still undecided about what to get my best friend May for Christmas.

Jack:  Shouldn't shopping be easy at this point, seeing that you've been friends since elementary school?

Sharon:  It isn't, because May is such an adventurous person! She is always into the new technology, trend and the list goes on... She loves to travel and I never know where she is going to be monthly.

Jack:  That does sound challenging.  Why not buy her luggages?!  I am sure that it's time for a replacement seeing that she does travel a lot.

Sharon:  That is a great idea!  You are not only smart but perceptive... However, luggages can be quite costly and I am not sure that I am willing to spend a lot on luggages. 

Jack:  You are quite frugal.

Sharon:  It's not that I am frugal, but I have to be smart with my money.  I have a lot of people to shop for! Christmas can get really expensive if one does not spend wisely.

Jack:  I understand. Well, at least check out the luggage store.  It's that time of year again and they could be on sale.

Sharon: That's a great idea! I open to it. Let's go!

Jack:  Great!

Now your turn!  

Use the vocabulary above to describe yourself and your friend(s).

You:  I am ________________________ (use the adjectives above).
         You are _____________________ (use the adjectives above).

Your friend:  I am __________________ (Use the adjectives above).
                    You are _______________ (Use the adjectives above).


Great job today!

Describing People

Describing the Physical Appearance of Others

There are many ways in which one can describe others. Let's look at some adjectives that we can use to describe others. Please use the forms below.

"Is he/she...?"


"He/she is..."

"You are..."

"They are..."

HAIR:                                                        

Black
Brown/brunette
Blond (e)/fair
Red/redhead
Grey/salt and pepper
Long/medium length/short/bald
Straight/curly/wavy
Big/small curls
Thick/thin/full head of hair

FACIAL SHAPE:

Long
Thin
Round
Oval

EYES:                                            

Blue/green/brown/dark/black
Big/bulging
Almond-shaped
Round
Deep-set
Close-set
Wide-spaced

NOSE:                                            

Long/pudgy/straight
Pointy/big/sharp/pierced (nose ring)
Thin/wide/broad
Flat/rounded/square

LIPS:                                                           

Thin
Full
Big
Small

EYEBROWS:                                       

Thick
Thin
Unibrow
Penciled/tattooed

BUILD:                                                  

Thin/skinny/slim
Fat/chubby/plump
Muscular/heavy built/well-built
Medium built/average weight/fit
Slightly built
Overweight/slightly overweight
Obese

HEIGHT:                                      

Tall/long (babies)
Average/normal
Height

COMPLEXION:                                   
Dark
Black
White
Pale
freckles
Light
Brown/light-brown
Asian complexion
Tanned

OTHER ADJECTIVES:                          

High cheekbones
large forehead
Beautiful/cute/pretty/handsome
Average looking
Wears glasses/contacts
moustache/beard                                           


Use the dialog below to role play/practice using the adjectives above.

Don arranged a blind date for his friend Matt.

Don: I have known you since kindergarten.  Trust me, you will like her.

Matt:  Last time you set me up on a blind date it did not go so well.  To be honest with you, I am not sure that I do trust you. But I haven't been on a date in a long time and that's why I agreed to go on this date.

Don:  This girl could be the one! I want you to find happiness like I did.  You are 40 and single!

Matt: I am also happy and single!  Who says that I want to get married?

Don:  Don't forget I've known you since kindergarten?!

Matt: Okay, whatever man... At least tell me what she looks like.

Don:  Well, she is about average height; 5 feet 5 inches.  She has brown eyes and short brown hair...

Matt: Is she at least cute?

Don:  I would say that she's pretty?

Matt:  Knowing your taste, that means she is average looking.

Don:  I wouldn't lie to you! She is quite attractive.  Why don't you meet her first before you pass judgement.

Matt: Okay, okay...  So tell me more about her.

Don: She has beautiful almond-shaped eyes and some freckles. 

Matt: Is she thin, fit, average weight?

Don: She is a cross between average weight and fit.

Matt: I think you are being honest.  I am actually looking forward to this date.

Don: I am glad to hear that!

Now you turn!
Use the vocabulary above to role play with a friend until you are comfortable using them.  You can begin by taking turn describing each other and then yourselves.  You can continue role playing by describing someone in your family or someone close to you.

You:  I am short/tall/average height ___________________ (use the adjectives above).
The color of my hair is _______________.  It is long/short/curly...
I have a tan/freckles.


Your friend:  You are pretty/attractive/cute_______________.
You have blue/green/brown/dark eyes.