| Starting a conversation
| Ending a conversation
|
| Formal
|
| - Excuse my / me asking, but...
- Sorry to trouble you, but...
- Forgive me for asking, but…
| - I'm afraid I must go now.
- I'm sorry, but I'm meeting someone.
- 1 hope you'll excuse me. but...
|
| Neutral
|
| — Excuse me....
— I'm sorry...
— May I ask you...
| - I'm sorry, I must be off now.
- I've got to make a phone call, sorry.
- Please, remember me to..
|
| Informal
|
| - Sorry, but...
- Look here!
- Just a minute. - Hey!
| — Sorry. I've got to rush.
— Bye for now. See you soon / later,
— Take care.
— Look. 1 really must be going.
|
| Keeping a conversation going
|
| Formal
|
| — It's a nice day. isn't it?
— How are things?
— How are you feeling today (these days)?
— I hope you are well.
— Is this your first visit to...?
— Have you been to... before?
— How do you like / find...?
| — Yes. the weather is warm this week.
— All right, thank you.
— I'm very / fairly / quite well, thank you.
— I'm afraid, I'm not feeling well today.
— No. I've been to... twice.
— Yes. I was there last autumn.
— I like it very much.
|
| Neutral
|
| — How are you?
— How are you getting on?
— How are things (with you)?
— You are interested in.... are you?
| — Fine, and how are you?
- All right, thank you.
- Pretty well.
— Thanks, and you?
|
| Informal
|
| - Nice day. isn't it?
- Looks like rain, doesn't it?
- Are you OK?
- How is life?
- How are things?
- Feel all right?
| — Yes. lovely / beautiful.
— Yes. horrible / awful / terrible / dreadful.
— OK, thanks. And you?
— Thanks, life is fine with me...
-Not too good, I'm afraid, a lot of work, little free time and still less fun.
— Oh, yes.
|
