Greetings & Small Talk
First words, how to start a conversation naturally
Two colleagues meeting at the office on Monday morning.
A
Hey! Good morning. How was your weekend?
B
Morning! It was great, thanks. We went to the lake. How about you?
A
Not bad. I stayed in mostly — had been feeling a bit tired. Feeling better now though!
B
Glad to hear that! Ready for the big meeting this afternoon?
A
Almost! I've just finished the slides. Fingers crossed it goes well.
B
You'll be great. Good luck!
Key phrases
How was your weekend?
Not bad.
How about you?
Glad to hear that!
Fingers crossed
Good luck!
Grammar note: Notice "I've just finished" → Present Perfect for very recent action. "Had been feeling" → Past Perfect Continuous for an ongoing state before now. Review tenses →
Introducing Yourself
First meeting, networking, new workplace
Two people meeting at a business networking event.
A
Hi, I don't think we've met. I'm Sarah. I work in marketing at TechCorp.
B
Nice to meet you, Sarah. I'm Raj. I've been working as a product designer for about three years now.
A
Oh, that's interesting! Did you always want to work in design?
B
Not exactly — I studied engineering first, but I switched after my first job. Best decision I ever made! What about you?
A
I've always loved storytelling, so marketing felt like a natural fit. Have you been to this event before?
B
This is actually my first time. A colleague recommended it. I'm really glad I came!
Key phrases
I don't think we've met.
Nice to meet you.
I work in [field].
I've been working as...
Best decision I ever made!
This is my first time.
Grammar note: Use "I work" (Simple Present) for your current job. Use "I've been working" (Present Perfect Continuous) to emphasise how long. Use Simple Past ("I studied", "I switched") for completed past decisions.
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At the Hotel
Check-in, requests, asking for help
A guest checking in at a hotel front desk.
G
Good evening. I have a reservation under the name Johnson.
R
Good evening, Mr. Johnson. Let me pull that up. Yes — a deluxe room for two nights. Could I see your ID, please?
G
Of course. Here you go. Would it be possible to get a room on a higher floor? I prefer the view.
R
Absolutely. I'll put you on the 12th floor. Breakfast is included and is served from 7 to 10 AM in the restaurant.
G
Perfect. Is there a gym on the premises?
R
Yes, the gym is on the 3rd floor and is open 24 hours. Here is your key card. Enjoy your stay!
Key phrases
I have a reservation under...
Could I see your ID?
Would it be possible to...?
I'll put you on the Nth floor.
Breakfast is included.
Enjoy your stay!
Polite requests: Use "Could I..." or "Would it be possible to..." instead of plain "Can I..." — it sounds more professional and polite. Review modal verbs →
At the Airport
Check-in counter, security, boarding gate
Passenger at the airline check-in counter.
P
Hi, I'd like to check in for flight AA204 to New York.
S
May I have your passport and booking reference, please?
P
Sure. Here they are. Can I choose a window seat?
S
I'll try my best. You've been assigned 22F — that's a window seat! Are you checking any bags?
P
Just this one. Is it within the weight limit?
S
It's 21 kg — just under the limit. Here's your boarding pass. Boarding begins at gate B14 at 10:45. Have a safe flight!
Key phrases
I'd like to check in for...
May I have your passport?
You've been assigned seat...
Are you checking any bags?
Is it within the weight limit?
Have a safe flight!
boarding pass
boarding gate
carry-on bag
checked baggage
aisle / window / middle seat
departure / arrival
Grammar note: "I'd like to..." (would like) is a polite way to make a request. It's more polite than "I want to..." and is the standard phrase used at airports, hotels, and restaurants. Review modals →
Job Interview
Common questions, professional answers
A candidate in a job interview for a marketing position.
I
Thank you for coming in today. Could you tell me a little about yourself?
C
Of course. I've been working in digital marketing for five years. In my current role, I manage social media campaigns and have helped grow our audience by 40%.
I
Impressive! What would you say is your greatest strength?
C
I'd say my strength is data analysis. I'm able to turn numbers into clear stories that drive decisions. I also enjoy working with cross-functional teams.
I
Where do you see yourself in five years?
C
I hope to be leading a marketing team and shaping strategy at a company like this one. That's why this role appeals to me so much.
I
Great answer. Do you have any questions for us?
C
Yes — could you tell me more about the team I'd be working with?
Key interview phrases
Could you tell me about yourself?
I've been working in... for X years.
I'd say my strength is...
I'm able to...
I hope to...
That's why this role appeals to me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Grammar tip: In interviews, use Present Perfect ("I've helped grow") to talk about achievements, and "would" for hypotheticals ("I'd say", "I'd be working with"). Avoid overusing "I want" — say "I hope to" or "I'd like to" instead.
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At the Restaurant — Food Talk
Ordering, describing taste, making requests
Two friends at a restaurant, placing their order.
W
Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?
A
I think we're ready. I'll have the grilled salmon, please. Could I ask — is it spicy?
W
Not at all — it's mild with a lemon butter sauce. Would you like a side of vegetables or fries?
A
Vegetables, please. And could you bring some extra sauce on the side?
W
Of course! And for you?
B
I'll go with the pasta. Is it made with fresh ingredients? I'm allergic to nuts.
W
Absolutely nut-free. Great choice! I'll get that in for you.
Taste & texture vocabulary
mild · spicy · tangy · savory
crispy · tender · creamy · rich
sweet · bitter · sour · salty
I'm allergic to...
I'm vegetarian / vegan.
Could you make it without...?
Ordering phrases
I'll have the...
I'll go with the...
Could I ask — is it...?
Could you bring extra...?
Are you ready to order?
Would you like a side of...?
Grammar note: "I'll have..." uses will for a spontaneous decision made right now — classic restaurant English. "Would you like..." is a polite offer. Review will vs would →
In the Kitchen
Cooking talk, utensils, recipes
Two roommates cooking dinner together at home.
A
Can you hand me the cutting board? I need to chop the onions.
B
Sure! Should I preheat the oven too? The recipe says 180°C.
A
Yes, please. And could you pass the colander? The pasta's almost done boiling.
B
Here you go. How long does the sauce need to simmer?
A
About 15 minutes on low heat. Don't let it burn — stir it every few minutes.
B
Got it. It smells amazing already! Should I set the table while I wait?
A
That would be great, thanks!
Kitchen utensils
cutting board · knife · colander
frying pan · saucepan · oven tray
spatula · ladle · tongs · whisk
measuring cup · mixing bowl
Cooking verbs
boil · simmer · fry · bake · roast
chop · dice · slice · grate · peel
stir · mix · fold · pour · drain
Grammar note: Cooking instructions use the imperative form — just the base verb: Chop, Stir, Add, Drain. For polite requests, use "Could you..." or "Can you...". For advice/suggestions, use "Should I...". Review modal verbs →
Talking About Movies
Recommending, reviewing, discussing films
Friends discussing what to watch on a Friday night.
A
Have you seen anything good lately? I'm in the mood for something exciting.
B
Oh, you should watch "Inception" if you haven't already. It blew my mind.
A
I've actually seen it twice! It gets better every time. I love movies that make you think.
B
Same! What kind of movies are you usually into?
A
I'm into thrillers and sci-fi mostly. I can't stand horror though — too stressful!
B
Ha, fair enough! What about "Interstellar"? It's sci-fi and absolutely stunning.
A
I've been meaning to watch that for ages. Let's watch it tonight!
Useful phrases for movie talk
Have you seen...?
You should watch...
It blew my mind.
It gets better every time.
I can't stand...
I'm into [thrillers / comedies].
I've been meaning to watch that.
It was absolutely stunning / gripping / hilarious.
Movie genre words
thriller · sci-fi · horror · comedy
romance · documentary · animation
action · drama · mystery · fantasy
Grammar note: "I've been meaning to..." = Present Perfect Continuous. It means you intended to do something but haven't done it yet. Very natural in casual speech. Review Present Perfect →