Library

Ten expressions

• 01Conversation

  “You alright?”

  Greeting or genuine question?

• 02Tone

  “You alright there, love?”

  What does “love” signal?

• 03Tone

  “That's interesting.”

  How does tone change the reaction?

• 04Politeness

  “I might…”

  Possibility, hesitation, or a polite no?

• 05Tone

  “It's a bit…”

  Understatement — what's left unsaid?

• 06Politeness

  “I'm afraid…”

  Softening a refusal or bad news

• 07Politeness

  “I was wondering if…”

  Making a request less direct

• 08Politeness

  “Would you mind…?”

  Polite requests — and answering naturally

• 09Conversation

  “Sorry, may I just stop you there?”

  Interrupting and taking the floor

• 10Conversation

  “We must do this again sometime.”

  A real invitation or a friendly goodbye?