Intermediate English Conversation

Please read and practice English conversation below, you can practice it with your partner in telling about the country and every details it has. Try it in turn with different specific countries in order to give the information about the country you choose.

Examples of English Conversations:

Between Friends

David: Can you tell me a little about Mexico ?

Maria: Yes, sure. What would you like to know?

David: Well, when is the best time to visit?

Maria: Hhhmm... you should go in the winter or spring. The weather is nice then. It’s not

           very hot.

David: Really? And does Mexico have good beaches?

Maria: Yes, the beaches are excellent.

David: Oh, good! And what place should I see?

Maria: Well, you should go to Mexico City. And shouldn’t miss the Mayan ruins. They

           are very interesting.

David: Great! I can’t wait to go there!

Here some examples that may be used. Please try to use different questions to expand your english conersation like this and ask questions like the ones below.

A: I visited Spain last summer.

B: Did you enjoy it?

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Useful Phrases

I should like to express my gratitude/ appreciation for …

I’m really grateful to you for …

I’m really obligated to you for …

Thank you very much.

Thanks a lot

Thanks.

Etc.

  

Responding to Thanks

Delighted I was able to help.

Don’t mention it.

Glad to be of some help.

It was a pleasure.

It was nothing.

My pleasure.

No problem.

Not at all.

That’s alright.

You’re (most) welcome.

Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

At the Booking Counter

Robert: Two tickets to Las Vegas, Please.

Osman: Business class or executive class?

Robert: Executive class. How much is the fare?

Osman: 60 dollars, sir.

Robert: (Giving the money = 100 dollars)

Osman: Here are your tickets.

Robert: Thank you. What time does the train leave?

Osman: At 11.20 am.

Robert: Thank you. (Moves away)

Osman: Excuse me. Just a moment, please.

Robert: Yes, what is it?

Osman: Here’s the change. You didn’t take it.

Robert: Oh, I forgot. You’re so kind. Thank you so much.

Osman: Not at all.

Between Neighbors

Anita: Good morning. May I come in?

Cindy: Please come in.

Anita: I am Anita, your next door neighbor. I’m an officer in BCA Bank.

Cindy: Very glad to meet you. I’m Cindy. Please sit down.

Anita: Last night mu husband told me that new tenants have moved in here. So I

 thought I would look you up in the morning.

Cindy: So kind of you. I’m not a tenant though. I bought this house.

Anita: Really? That’s wonderful. I’m so glad we are getting good neighbors. Is there

 anything I can do for you?

Cindy: Yes. Could you tell me where I can buy fresh milk in the morning?

Anita: Please don’t worry about that. I’ll send my milkman here. Is there anything else?

Cindy: Not immediately. Thank you so much for the help.

Anita: It’s my pleasure. Please do not hesitate to tell is if you need anything.

Cindy: Sure. You’re very nice.

Anita: Not at all. See you later.

Cindy: See you.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

What’s the best time of the year to visit?

What’s the weather  like then?

What should tourists see and do there?

What’s the food like?

What’s the shopping like?

What’s things should people buy?

What else should visitors do there?

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Offering help	Accepting an offer help	Declining an offer of help
Can I help you?	If it’s no trouble for you.	I’m very grateful to you for your offer, but…
Could I help you?	If you don’t mind.	No, don’t worry (about)…
Do you think I/ we can help you?	Oh, yes. Please.	No, I can manage. Thank you.
How about…?	Etc.	No, please don’t bother.
I’ll do it for you.		Thank you very much for your offer, but…
If there is anything I/ we can do, please do let me/ us know.		Etc.
Is there anything I can do?
May I help you?
What can I do for you?
Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

At the Receptionist

Frank: Good morning, Madam. Can I help you?

Cynthia: Good morning. Can I see the manager?

Frank: I’m sorry, he’s in a conference at the moment.

Cynthia: Oh, well, never mind.

Frank: Would you like me to make an appointment for you tomorrow?

Cynthia: Oh, yes please. For 11 am.

Frank: Just a minute… I’m sorry he has another meeting at 11 am. Will 2 pm in the

  afternoon be all right you?

Cynthia: No, thank you. I’ll meet him at his residence tonight. It’s something urgent.

Frank: Would you like me to tell him anything?

Cynthia: Thanks. You could tell him that Mrs. Cynthia was here.

Frank: I will tell him.

Cynthia: Thank you.

At the Travel Agency

Tina: Good afternoon, Sir. What can I do for you?

Bob: Could you give me some details about your package tours?

Tina: Certainly. Would you like to see our brochures? Here they are. (hands him the

  brochures)

Bob: Thank you. (after going through the brochures) Well, this 10-day Bali tour seems to

  be an interesting one.

Tina: We could book your tickets if you like.

Bob: Oh yes. But not for me alone. I want three tickets to be booked.

Tina: Sure, we can do it. Please fill in these forms.

Bob: Thank you.

Tina: Would you like us to send the tickets to you by post or would you like to

  collect them personally?

Bob: Can I take them on next Wednesday?

Tina: Sure, we’ll keep them ready for you.

Bob: Thank you.

Tina: It’s our pleasure, Sir.

Between Passengers in a Train

Anton: It’s very cold tonight.

Ryan: Yes. May I shut the window?

Anton: Oh yes, please.

Ryan: Why don’t you wear a sweater?

Anton: Oh, I forgot to bring mine. I didn’t really expect it to be so cold.

Ryan: I can give you one if you don’t mind. I have one more in my suitcase.

Anton: That’s very kind of you.

Ryan: How about a cup of hot tea?

Anton: No, thank you.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Asking Permission	Giving Permission	Refusing Permission
Can I …, please?	By all means.	I’m afraid it is not possible.
Could I …, please?	Certainly.	I’m refusing.
Do (Would) you mind if I …?	Go ahead.	I’m sorry, I cannot let you …
I wonder if I could …	I can’t see any objections.	I’m sorry, I don’t have the authority to let you …
Is it alright if I …?	Yes, of course.	No, you may not.
May I …, please?	You can if you want	Permission will not be granted.
Etc.	You may if you like.	Sorry, It’s not possible.
	You have my permission.	You’re not allowed to …
	Etc.	Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

On the Train

Armand: Excuse me. Would you mind my opening that window?

Bryan: Not at all, please go ahead.

Armand: Thank you. It’s very hot here.

Bryan: True. Can I take some water from your pitcher?

Armand: Certainly. Can I have that magazine for a while?

Bryan: I’m sorry, I haven’t finished reading it. I’ll give it to you as soon as I’ve finished.

Armand: Thank you.

Between Friends

Roman: HI Bobby! Would you mind I kept this here?

Bobby: Not at all.

Roman: I’ll come back around eleven. Is it ok?

Bobby: Fine. I may not be here then. But Cindy will be.

Roman: Fine. Shall I keep it in that corner?

Bobby: Oh, yes. It’s safer there.

At the Meeting

Ryan: Excuse me. If you don’t mind, I’d like to make a suggestion.

Mark: Please go ahead.

Ryan: It would be a good idea if we considered the latest developments in the field

 while examining the project proposal.

Mark: The latest developments? Could you give me more details?

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Useful Phrases

Can/ could you open the window, please?

Do you think you could open the window, please?

I’m sorry to trouble you, but…

I hope you don’t mind my asking, but…

I wonder whether you could open the window.

I’d be (very) grateful if you could open the window.

Please do me a favor by opening the window.

Would it be possible…

Would you be so kind as to open the window?

Would you mind opening the window, please?

Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

At The Post Office

Fabien: Excuse me. Could you give me your pen for a moment please?

Brad: I’m really sorry. It doesn’t write well.

Fabien: That’s alright.

Brad: (to another person) Would you mind lending me your pen, please?

Fabien: Certainly not. Here you are.

Brad: Thank you

Talking to a Friend on the Telephone

Andy: Good morning. May I speak to Mr. Edward, please?

Omar: May I know who is calling, please?

Andy: Andy Moora from NZT Corp, Ltd.

Omar: Please hold on for a moment, Sir. I’ll see if Mr. Edward is available… Please speak on,
           Sir. Mr. Edward is on the line.  

Andy: Hello Edward, How are you?

Edward: Hi, Andy. I’m fine. How are you?

Andy: Fine, thank you. Edward I need your help. Do you think you could lend me some money?

Edward: How much?

Andy: Ten Million rupiahs.

Edward: Oh, certainly. Let me know your bank account number, please. I will transfer it

  as soon as possible.

Andy: Thank you, Edward.

Edward: That’s alright.

Telephone Messages

Here the example of English conversation that talks about telephone messages, we may experience the moment when we have to leave messages because we cannot speak with someone directly on the phone. Now, please read and enjoy the conversation below.

Secretary: Good morning, Parker Industries.

Mr. Kale: Hello. May I speak to Ms. Graham, please?

Secretary: I’m sorry. She’s not in. Would you like to leave a message?

Mr. Kale: Yes, please. This is Mr. Kale.

Secretary: Is that G-A-L-E?

Mr. Kale: No, it’s K-A-L-E.

Secretary: All right.

Mr. Kale: Please tell her the meeting is on Friday at 2:30.

Secretary: Friday at 2:30.

Mr. Kale: And would you ask her to phone me this afternoon? My number is 555-4040.

Secretary: 555-4040. Yes, Mr. Kale. I’ll give Ms. Graham the message.

Mr. Kale: Thank you. Goodbye.

Secretary: Goodbye.

After read the conversation above, please invite your partner to practice in turns. You can use the example below to modify your own conversation by requesting with “tell” and “ask”.

Messages with statements:	Requests:
The meeting is on Friday	Please tell Ann the meeting is on Friday. Would you tell her…? Could you tell her…?

Messages with imperatives:	Requests:
Phone me this afternoon.	Please ask him to phone me this afternoon. Would you ask him to…? Could you tell him to…?

At The Office

Mr. David: Good morning, Ms. Nita.

Ms. Nita: Good morning, Sir.

Mr. David: Ms. Nita, we are planning to hold our next Board meeting sometime during

     the last week if this month. Can you prepare the project report on our  

     proposed proposal?

Ms. Nita: Certainly, Sir. I’ll be really glad to do that.

Mr. David: Thank you. Please get on with the work. You may consult me whenever you

     want to.

Ms. Nita: Thank you, Sir. If you don’t mind, may I know the date of the meeting?

Mr. David: Most probably it will be the 25^th.

Ms. Nita: OK, Sir.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

We usually order a meal when we are in somewhere or in the restaurant where we can buy something to eat. Here the example of English conversation that talks about ordering a meal. Please read and enjoy.

Examples of English Conversations:

In a Restaurant

Waiter: May I take your order, please?

Customer: Yes. I would like a hamburger and a large order of French fries, please.

Waiter: All right. And would you like a salad?

Customer: Ok. What kind of dressing would you like? We have Thousand Island, Italian,

                  and French.

Waiter: Italian.

Customer: And would you like anything to drink?

Waiter: I’d like a large Coke, please.

Customer: Thank you.

From the example above, as the waiter we have to be polite for servicing our customers. We may use modal auxiliaries "would" and "will" to offer something.

Examples:

Waiter:	What would you like to eat?
Customer:	-          I would like a hamburger. -          I’d like a hot dog

Waiter:	What kind of dressing would you like?
Customer:	I’d like French, please.

Waiter:	Would you like anything else?
Customer:	Yes, please. I’d like some water.

Waiter:	What will you have to drink?
Customer:	-          I will have a Coke. -          I’ll have coffee.

Waiter:	What kind of ice cream will you have?
Customer:	I’ll have Vanilla, please.

Waiter:	Will you have anything else?
Customer:	No, thank you.

After you read several examples above, now please practice with your friends by using some sentences which I have given as the samples like in the boxes above. Or you can make a role play, here the role play that may be used for you and your partner to make a conversation.

ROLE PLAY: In a coffee shop

Student A:	This is what you want to order for lunch: -          a hot dog. -          a small order of french fries. -          a large salad -          Thousand Island dressing coffee.
Student B:	You are the waiter/ waitress. Take your customer’s order.

After you practice the conversations based on the role play above, now please switch roles and try the role play again. May these English conversation samples could be useful.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Sometimes we need to reserve place or something. We can do that by speaking on phone or directly talk to the staff. Now, please read English conversation below which talk about the reservation. This is only the example that may be used as the material if sometimes you need to reserve something.

Examples of English Conversations:

On the Telephone

Host: Hard Rock Cafe. May I help you?

Carl: Yes. Can I make a reservation for Saturday the 16^th, for two, please?

Host: Certainly. What time?

Carl: Six o’clock.

Host: All right. And could I have your name and phone number?

Carl: Sure. My name is Carl Moro and the number is 505-3321.

Host: OK, Mr. Moro, that’s a table for two at 6 on Saturday, the 16^th.

Carl: Thank you. Goodbye.

Host: Goodbye.

After read the example above, now please choose your own ideas and invite your partners for practicing English conversation that talk about reservation or you can make a role play again. Here we give you the sample of the role play that may be used.

ROLE PLAY: Calling a restaurant

Student A:	You want to eat out tonight. Call a restaurant and make a reservation. Make up your own information.
Student B:	You are the host or hostess in a restaurant. Answer the phone and write down the caller’s reservation.

Now change roles and try the role play again.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Please invite your friend for having practice English conversation in talking about the problems and the other should give the advice. Well, now please read and enjoy the example below, and then you can practice with your partners in turn.

Examples of English Conversations:

In a Drugstore

Pharmacist: How are you, Mrs. Webb?

Mrs. Webb: Well, I’m fine. But I’d like something for my husband. He doesn’t have any

                   energy these days.

Pharmacist: Oh, that’s too bad.

Mrs. Webb: Can I have some multivitamins with vitamin E?

Pharmacist: All right, do you want a large or small bottle?

Mrs. Webb: Could I have two large ones, please?

Pharmacist: Of course, Mrs. Webb. Here you are.

After you read example above, now please practice and try to find the other objects or problems that may be used for the material such as: an insect bite, indigestion, hiccups, a sore throat, the flu, a hangover, etc.

In English conversation, you can make a role play with your partner to expand your ideas and speaking ability, please read the example below.

ROLE PLAY: In a drugstore

Student A:	You are a customer in a drugstore, and you need: -          something for a sunburn -          some vitamin C tablets. -          a tube of toothpaste
Student B:	You are a clerk in a drugstore. A customer needs some things. You can give the information about how much he needs and their prices.

After your first practice, now change roles and try the role play again. Make up your own information.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Useful Phrases For Inviting Someone To Do Something

Could you …?

How/ What about …?

I’d like you to …

Like to …?

Perhaps you’d care to …

We should be very pleased/ delighted if you could …

Why don’t you …?

Would you …?

Would you like to …?

Useful Phrases For Accepting an Invitation

Alright.

OK.

Thank you. I’d like to very much.

That sounds a nice idea.

That would be nice.

That would give us the greatest pleasure.

That’s really most kind of you.

We’d very much like to …

What a splendid idea! Thank you.

With pleasure.

Yes, please.

Useful Phrases For Declining an Invitation

I regret that I shall not be able to accept …

I wish I would, but …

I’m afraid I’ve already promised to …

I’m terribly sorry. I don’t think I can.

No, thank you.

Sorry, I can’t.

Thank you for inviting me, but …

Thank you very much, but …

Unfortunately, … However, thank you.

Examples of English Conversations:

Between Friends

Conversation 1

Ahmad: We are planning to go to Bandung. Would you like to join us?

Brenda: Thank you. I’d like to very much.

Ahmad: My brother Eddy will be 22 on this Saturday and we are going to celebrate his  

 birthday at one of the famous restaurants there. I’d like you to come to our

 house at 6 in the evening.

Brenda: I’d love to, but I’m afraid I can’t. you know I must take my mother to her doctor

 on Saturday night.

Conversation 2

Dom: We’re going on a trekking expedition this Sunday. How about joining us?

Ricky: That sounds a nice idea.

Dom: How about you Nicky?

Nicky: Thank you very much for asking me, but I have an appointment with my girlfriend

 on Sunday.

Dom: How about you Tia?

Tia: With pleasure.

Conversation 3

Armand: I have two tickets for the charity show of The Surabaya Times for tomorrow.

  Would you like to join me?

Jolie: At what time?

Armand: Seven o’clock.

Jolie: I wish I could, but we have a meeting at Sheraton Hotel till eight. Thanks a lot for

  asking me.

Conversation 4

Dave: Hey, Martin. There’s a jazz concert at the Blue Club on Friday. Would you like to 

go with me?

Martin: Yeah, that’s sounds good! What time is the concert?

Dave: It’s at 9 o’clock.

Martin: Great! Let’s go.

Conversation 5

Damien: There is a party in Alan’s House on Saturday night. Would you come with me?

Catty: Wow! That’s sounds interesting, there must be a lot of people there.

Damien: Absolutely yes, C’mon go with me.

Catty: Yeah, but I’m sorry, I can’t come with you. I have to accompany my sister.

Damien: Oh, it’s OK. Maybe next time will be good.

When we want to invite someone we can simply just saying “would you like to go” or “would you like to come”. Both of these sentences are polite to used.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Asking if someone is able to do something

Can you…?

Could you…?

Do you feel capable of…?

Do you know how to?

Is he any good at…?

Would you say you were capable of…?

Etc.

Saying you are able to do something

I feel able to…

I know something about…

I’m pretty good at…

It’s not too difficult to…

Sure/ Yes. No problem.

Yes, I can/ could.

Yes, I know how to…

Etc.

Saying you are not able to do something

I don’t think I can do it.

I don’t think I will be able to make it.

I have no idea how to…

No, I don’t know how to…

Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

Gadget Repairing

Shanty: I don’t know what happened to my TV set. Last night, when we were watching

 the movie, the picture suddenly went off.

Ronny: It’s possible that the fuse has burn out.

Shanty: Well. I don’t know anything about TV sets. Here comes Dave. Let’s ask him. He’s

 an electrical engineer. Hello Dave, how are you?

Dave: Oh, fine. Thank you. Why are you both looking at the TV set?

Shanty: The picture suddenly went off while we were watching the movies last night. Do

 you think you can set it right?

Dave: Sorry, I don’t know much about TV sets and their components. I think you better

 call in the service engineer.

Shanty: Strangely my mobile phone too went off yesterday. I don’t know what’s wrong.

 Do you know how to repair mobile phones?

Dave: Well, I might be able to. I know something about mobile phone repairing.

On The Telephone

Vina: Hello, is that the KIA Motor Service?

Romy: Yes. What can I do for you, Mom?

Vina: Well, my car has some starting trouble. Could you send your mechanic? I am in

  Green Avenue Street 18, California.

Romy: I’m sorry, our mechanic just left to attend to another complaint. I’m afraid he’ll

 be back only after an hour. I can send one of our trainees if the problem isn’t

 anything very serious.

Vina: Do you think he is good at repairing cars?

Romy: I think he’ll be able to help you if it isn’t anything serious. Anyway let him have a

 look at it first. He can as for more help if necessary.

Vina: That’s fine. Thanks.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Asking if you are obligated to do something	Saying someone is required to do something	Saying someone is not obligated to do something
Am I required to…?	I think you have to…	I don’t think you’ll have to…
Are we obligated to…?	I’m afraid you’ll have to…	No one can force you to…
Are we under any obligation to…?	They’ll make you…	There’s no need to…
Do I (really) have/ need to…?	You’ll be required to…	You don’t have to…
Have I got to…?	You’re expected…	You’re under no obligation to…
Is it necessary to…?	You’re supposed to…	Etc.
Must I…?	Etc.
Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

At the Office

Amanda: Sir, the manager expects you to send your application through the Assistant

   Manager.

Norman: Do I really have to? We both are of the same rank. I don’t think anybody can

   force me to route my application through the Assistant Manager.

Amanda: They’ll make you do it, Sir. Our Previous Accounts Officer used to do so.

At the Bank

Bank Clerk: I’m afraid we can’t accept this cheque. There are too many changes and

       corrections. Could you write out another cheque, please?

Customer: Do I really need to? I have initialed all the corrections.

Bank Clerk: It’s true, but it appears rather shabby. I’m afraid you’ll have to write out

      another cheque.

Customer: Well, if you insist.

At the Railway Station

Police Officer: Would you mind opening these boxes?

Traveler: Well, they contain apples and mangoes. Is it necessary to open them?

Police Officer: Do you have the cash receipts for having bought these?

Traveler: Is one expected to carry the cash receipts of things bought here?

Police Officer: You’re under no obligation to do so. But I am afraid you’ll have to open

 these boxes. We’re acting under orders.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Asking whether someone remembers	Saying you remember	Saying you do not remember
Do you by any chance remember…?	As far as I can remember…	I don’t remember…
Do you remember…?	I remember quite clearly…	I must admit that I don’t remember.
I was wondering if you remember…	I will never forget…	I’m afraid I have completely forgotten…
Remember…?	If I’m not mistaken, …	I’m afraid, I have forgotten…
You remember…, don’t you?	Of course, I remember…	It’s slipped my mind.
Etc.	Yes, I remember…	Etc.
	Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

Between Friends

Bob: (Carrying big bags)

Rita: Hello, Bob. Where are you off to?

Bob: I am going to go to Bali for a week.

Rita: Bali! But yesterday you didn’t say anything about going to Bali.

Bob: The trip was decided only last night. Remember the time we were together in Bali?

Rita: Of course, I remember. How can I forget the nice evenings we spent on Kuta

 beach?

Bob: It was really an enjoyable trip. You haven’t forgotten that small adventure we had

 near the forest, have you?

Rita: I will never forget that.

Bob: Now I must be going.

Rita: OK. Have a nice time.

Bob: Thank you. Bye.

Rita: Bye.

At the Doctor’s

Patient: Good evening, doctor.

Doctor: Good evening. Please come in.

Patient: I wonder whether you remember me. I came here a couple weeks ago.

Doctor: I’m afraid I don’t remember exactly.

Patient: I was sent by your brother, Mr. Bryan.

Doctor: Oh, Yes. You had cataract in one eye. And I had asked you to use some eye-

drops and come back after a fortnight, right?

Patient: Yes, doctor. So now you remember everything. Thank you.

Doctor: OK. Have you been using that eye-drop?

Patient: Yes, doctor. Regularly for the past fifteen days.

Doctor: Good. Now let me examine your eyes.

Patient: Yes, please.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Asking about preference	Saying what you prefer
Do you prefer “A” or “B”?	“A” appeals to me more than “B”.
The choice is yours, “A” or “B”.	I would prefer … (if possible)
We can … or … what do you say?	If it’s up to me, I would …
Which appeals more, “A” or “B”?	If you don’t mind, I would …
Which would you prefer, “A” or “B”?	My choice/ preference would always be …
Would you rather have…?	Perhaps it would be better if …
Etc.	Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

At the Hotel Receptionist

Receptionist: Good morning. Can I help you?

Customer: I’d like to book a single room.

Receptionist: Would you like a room with shower or one with bath?

Customer: I’d prefer one with shower.

Receptionist: Would you prefer a room with a view or a quiet one?

Customer: I’d prefer a quiet room if possible.

Receptionist: Of course, you can have one.

At the Travel Agency

Travel Agent: Good morning. Can I help you, Sir?

Bryan: Yes, I’d like to book a round trip ticket Jakarta – Singapore – Jakarta.

Travel Agent: Yes, Sir. When are you planning to travel?

Bryan: Tomorrow.

Travel Agent: How do you want to travel?

Bryan: I’d like to have a business class flight. It’s in the name of Mr. Michael.

Travel Agent: Do you have any preference for seating?

Bryan: I’d prefer an aisle seat at the back of the plane.

Travel Agent: We have an afternoon flight leaving at 12.30 pm and a night flight at 8 pm.

          Which do you prefer?

Bryan: My choice would always be the night flight.

Travel Agent: That’s fine. We’ll arrange the tickets.

Bryan: Thank you very much.

On the Telephone

Receiver: Good afternoon. Bali Beach Hotel.

Caller: Good afternoon. I’d like to book a table for 8 o’clock this evening.

Receiver: Yes, sure. For how many people do want to book?

Caller: For Four people.

Receiver: Do you have any preference in seating?

Caller: Yes, I’d prefer a table in a quiet corner in a non-smoking section.

Receiver: Yes, of course, Sir. In what name?

Caller: The name’s Ronny.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Allow me to offer my (warmest/ heartiest) congratulations.

Congratulations!

How nice/ smart/ wonderful/ beautiful…!

I’d like to congratulate you on…

It was nice/ great to hear that…

May I say how elegant/ enchanting you look?

That is/ was a nice/ smart…

Well done! How nice! / Fantastic! / Terrific!

What a nice/ smart/ wonderful/ beautiful…!

You look really smart/ gorgeous/ great/ wonderful.

Examples of English Conversations:

Between Friends

Marta: Hi Maria, What a nice dress! You look wonderful in that.

Maria: Thanks, Marta. I like this, too. My aunt brought this from Paris.

Marta: Is that so? I must say your aunt knows what suits you best.

Maria: Of course. She is a fashion designer.

Marta: No wonder then. That suits you so well. Do you know how much the dress costs?

Maria: I’m sorry I don’t know. I didn’t ask her about it.

At the Office

Anna: May I come in, Sir?

Bob: Please come in, Ms. Anna.

Anna: The project proposal has already been done, Sir.

Bob: Really? Great! That was real fast work, Ms. Anna.

Anna: Thank you, Sir.

At Home

Father: How was your day at school, Costa?

Costa: It was a wonderful day, Daddy. It’s a day I’d like to remember.

Father: Oh, is it? What makes the day so important, my son?

Costa: I have been made the chairman of the Student’s Association.

Father: That’s great! Congratulations!

Costa: Thank you, Daddy.

Father: That’s really nice. You stood first in the examination and now you have won the

            chairmanship. I’m proud of you, my son.

Costa: Thank you, Daddy.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Now, we are going to make comparisons, it may be occurred in English conversation when we want to compare the two things or more. Before you practice, please read and enjoy the conversation below.

Examples of English Conversations:

Between Friends

Alan: Oh God, Los Angeles is terrible place to live! I’m glad I live in New York.

Sue: Come on! L.A is much nicer than New York! It’s warmer, it’s cheaper, and it’s

        cleaner.

Alan: Cleaner? Are you kidding? Anyway, I love New york. It’s much more exciting than

         L.A. And the people are friendlier, too.

Sue: Well, you can have New york!

Alan: And you can have L.A!

After read conversation above, please invite your partner to have a conversation in making comparisons, try to use different sentences or questions. For example, you can make comparisons with adjectives like the conversations below.

Student A:	Is New York bigger than Miami?
Student B:	-          Yes, New York is bigger. -          No, Miami is bigger.

Student A:	Is New York more expensive than Miami?
Student B:	-          Yes, New York is more expensive. -          No, Miami is more expensive.

Student A:	Which is warmer, Miami or New York?
Student B:	Miami is warmer

Student A:	Which is more crowded, Now York or Miami?
Student B:	New York is more crowded.

For further information about making comparisons, please also read article entitle The Degrees of Comparison.

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Apologizing	Accepting an apology
Excuse me/ Pardon me (for...)	It doesn’t matter at all.
I feel bad about...	Not at all.
I’m sorry, that was (entirely) my fault.	Please don’t feel bad about it.
I’m sorry.	Please don’t worry.
Please accept my apologies for...	That’s (quite) alright/ OK.
Please allow me to offer my apologies.	That’s really not necessary.
Etc.	Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

Between Neighbors

Conversation 1

Mr. Bent: Mr. Owen, I feel bad about what happened this morning. I ought not to have

               spoken so. I’m extremely sorry.

Mr. Owen: There’s no need to apologize at all. I could quite understand your feelings.

Conversation 2

Mrs. Amira: Good morning.

Mr. Parker: Good morning.

Mrs. Amira: I heard that my son misbehaved with you last evening. I’m ashamed of what

                  he did. I came to apologize to you.

Mr. Parker: There’s no need for an apology. It’s true that he used some bad words. But I

                  didn’t take it seriously. Let’s forget about it.

Mrs. Amira: I’ll certainly warn him.

Mr. Parker: please don’t be very harsh with him. I’m sure he’ll realize his mistake.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Have you considered/ thought of ...?

How about …?

I advise you to …

I recommend …

I suggest that you …

If I were you, I’d …

Let’s …

May I suggest …?

Shall we …?

What about …?

Why don’t we/ you …?

Why not …?

You ought to …

You should try to …

You shouldn’t …

Examples of English Conversations:

At the Office

Mr. Brandon: The International Conference begins in Jakarta next Monday. We have to

                      send someone as our representative.

Mrs. Nancy: Let’s ask Mr. Parker to attend it.

Mr. Brandon: Ah, no. Mr. Parker is away in Singapore and won’t be back before next

                     Thursday.

Mrs. Nancy: How about Mrs. Amelia?

Mr. Brandon: Well, she can be the right person, but you know it’s unreasonable to ask

                      her to go to Jakarta when her mother is in critical condition.

Mrs. Nancy: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know that.

Mr. Brandon: Why not Mr. Thomas?

Mrs. Nancy: Yes, he can, if he is willing to.

Mr. Brandon: What about George? He seems to be relatively free these days.

Mrs. Nancy: All right. Let’s ask both George and Thomas.

At Home

Amber: Bella wants to go to Bali during holidays. Why don’t we let her go?

Bondan: But how does she go? She can’t make it all alone, can she?

Amber: You know Mrs. Anita and family are going to Bali. How about sending Bella with

             them?

Bondan: She already has five children to manage. It’ll be unkind to ask her to take care

              of one more.

Amber: Could we let her go alone? After all it’s only an overnight journey.

Bondan: No, I can’t agree with that.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below: 

Be careful.

I don’t think that’s very wise/ advisable.

I think you’re making a mistake.

I warn you …

I wouldn’t do that if I were you.

It doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.

Look out!

Mind your …

On no account should we …

Watch out!

You’d better not …

Examples of English Conversations:

While Driving a Car

Andrew: Look out. There’s a tree across the road.

Susan: Oh! We had it. I almost drove over it.

Andrew: Watch out. The electric wire has snapped. You’d better not go anywhere near it.

Susan: Don’t worry, I’m not going that far.

Andrew: It’s drizzling. Be careful. Don’t get wet. You might catch a cold.

Susan: Oh, it’s a light drizzle.

Between Friends

Brian: Mind your purse. There are a lot of pick pockets in the city.

Hana: Oh, none can reach my pocket.

Brian: You had better not carry large sums on you.

Hana: I know this city very well.

Brian: I should be careful, if I were you.

At the Office

Mr. Chen: Mrs. Kimberly, who typed this letter?

Kimberly: I did it, Sir.

Mr. Chen: There are many mistakes in this letter.

Kimberly: I’m sorry I typed it in a hurry. I shall be more careful.

Mr. Chen: You ought to be. Mind your spelling in more than anything else.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Any clue …?

Any idea …?

Can you help me …?

Can you tell me …, please?

Could you tell me …, please?

Do you know …?

Do you know how to …?

I hope you don’t mind my asking, but …

I wonder if you could tell me …

I’d like to know …

Examples of English Conversations:

At the Office

Officer: Good morning, Mr. Shawn.

Clerk: Good morning, Sir.

Officer: Can you tell me where the purchase records are kept?

Clerk: They are with the Superintendent, Sir.

Officer: Oh, I see. Do you know what action has been taken on the proposal to buy

            computers?

Clerk: The order getting typed, Sir.

At the Enquiry Counters In a Railway Station

Mr. Edward: Excuse me. Could you tell me what time "Black Hawk Express" arrives?

Officer: The scheduled time is 10.30 AM. But I’m afraid it’s late by one hour today.

Mr. Edward: So the train will arrive at 11.30 AM in the afternoon?

Officer: Yes. But please check around 10 AM.

Mr. Edward: OK, I’ll do that. I also wanted to know the second class fare from here to

                    New Orleans.

Officer: Just a minute, please. Yes, it is 30 dollars, Sir.

Mr. Edward: Thank you.

Officer: You’re welcome.

Between Friends

Luna: Hi, Tina, How are you doing?

Tina: Hi! I’m doing well. How about you?

Luna: I’m fine too.

Tina: What are you doing this evening? How about a movie?

Luna: Which one?

Tina: "The Transformers" is showing at Royal XXI.

Luna: Fine. Let’s go. Any idea what time the movie begins?

Tina: I think it’s at 7 PM. Shall we meet there at six?

Luna: Okay, see you at six.

Tina: See you.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Now we are going to learn and practice about asking if someone is sure or not. There are several useful phrases that can be used to express or ask someone’s sureness. This topic may happen in daily conversation when we are talking about something.

There are three useful phrases which may occur. First, phrases that can be used to ask if someone is sure about something. Second, phrases that are used to express if we are sure. And the last, we also can express if we are not sure about something. Please learn and practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below.

Asking if someone is sure about something	Saying you are sure	Saying you are not sure
Are you (quite) sure (about) …?	I don’t think there can be any doubt about …	I can’t decide.
Are you certain (about) …?	I’m a hundred percent certain.	I can’t say for certain.
Are you sure?	I’m sure/ certain.	I’m in two minds (about) …
Is there any doubt about …?	I’ve no doubt (about) …	Sorry, I’m not sure …
Perhaps I misunderstand. But, are you sure …?	There can’t be any doubt …	There’s still an element of doubt.
Really?	There is no doubt in my mind …	There’s surely some doubt about …
Etc.	Etc.	Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

During a Police Inquiry

Police: Who do you think have stolen the ornaments?

Mr. Ali: I just don’t find any clue to this mystery.

Police: How about your maid servant?

Mr. Ali: I don’t think she had ever done that.

Police: Are you quite sure about it?

Mr. Ali: Whenever she was in need of money she used to ask us. Moreover, she has no

            children or any relatives. I don’t see any possibility of her doing it. I have no

            doubt about it.

Police: What about your gardener?

Mr. Ali: Oh, you can be sure about his honesty. He has been with me for the past twenty

            years. He’s more than a member of the family and I’m quite certain that he had

            never attempted anything of this kind.

Between Friends

Bent: Did you hear this? We’re in another hike in petrol prices.

Jack: Really?

Bent: This is not a confirmed report, of course. But, you know, it always begins with an unconfirmed report and comes up the Government announcement in two days.

Jack: Do you mean that a hike is certain?

Bent: I can’t say for certain, but it looks quite likely.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation

Learning English Conversations and please practice the dialogues by using useful phrases below:

Asking Someone to Say Something Again	Saying Something Again
I beg your pardon?	I said …
I’m sorry I didn’t catch/ hear …	I was just saying/ remarking …
I’m sorry, what was his name?	I was just wondering/ asking …
I’m sorry, would you mind repeating …, please.	I was just/ merely expressing the view …
Pardon me?	I was pointing out the fact that …
Would/ could/ can you repeat what you said, please?	What I said was …
Etc.	Etc.

Examples of English Conversations:

In a Crowded Bus

Maria: Excuse me, you are standing on my foot.

Vincent: I’m sorry, what did you say?

Maria: I said you are standing on my foot.

Vincent: (takes off his foot) Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t realize it, you see.

Maria: It’s all right. Thank you.

Talking With Stranger in the Street

Man: Excuse me, what bus can I catch to get to the Gold Line?

Woman: Pardon me?

Man: I said what bus I could catch to get to the Gold Line.

Woman: Tell me where you live.

Man: I live in Saint Altadena.

Woman: I’m sorry. It’s very noisy here, could you repeat it?

Man: Saint Altadena.

Woman: You can catch the 264.

Man: I’m sorry, what was the number?

Woman: 264.

Man: Does it go to the Gold Line?

Woman: Yes, it does.

Man: What street do I go to catch it?

Woman: You can catch it on Altadena Drive.

Man: Sorry. What was the name of the street?

Woman: Altadena Drive.

Man: I’m glad you told me.

Woman: You’re welcome.

Categories: Intermediate English Conversation