It’s already difficult enough to be in an awkward situation in your native language, so it’s no surprise that it becomes much harder when you are in a second language. That’s why it’s especially useful to be familiar with a few English expressions to help you in these uncomfortable situations. In this lesson, we’ll look at 10 expressions that can help you in awkward situations.
Expression #1: I’m sorry but can I ask who’s calling?
When it’s useful: if you receive a phone call and someone starts talking to you, but you don’t know who it is.
Example:
Tim: Hi Bob, how are you doing?
Bob: I’m good thanks. I’m sorry can I ask who’s calling?
Tim: Oh, it’s Tim! I’m calling from my wife’s phone.
Expression #2: I’m sorry, but you seem very familiar. Have we met before?
When it’s useful: if you see someone and think that you have met them before but you’re not sure
Example:
Nick: I’m sorry but you seem very familiar. Have we met before?
Mark: Yes, I was in Danny’s wedding party. You were part of it too, right?
Nick: That’s right! That was a fun day.
Expression #3: I wish I could, but unfortunately….
When it’s useful: if you want to politely reject an invitation
Example:
George: We’ve got tickets to tomorrow’s soccer match. Do you want to come with us?
Martina: I wish I could but unfortunately I have plans. Thank you for inviting me though.
Expression #4: I’m afraid I have to get going
When it’s useful: if you want to end a conversation or leave but you don’t want to be rude
Example:
Lynn: Are you going to stay for dinner? We’re going to order some food.
Martina: That sounds nice, but I’m afraid I have to get going.
Expression #5: I’m sorry to cut you off, but…
When it’s useful: if you need to interrupt someone politely
Example:
Anna: So, we decided that it was going to take a few more…
Sam: I’m sorry to cut you off, but my son’s school is calling me. I should take the call. I’ll just be one second!
Anna: Oh, no problem! Please go ahead.
Expression #6: that’s not exactly true
When it’s useful: if someone says something that you know isn’t true
Example:
Daniel: Nobody told me that the plan had been changed.
Karla: That’s not exactly true. I mentioned it to you last week during the meeting.
Daniel: Did you? I don’t remember.
Expression #7: I’m sorry, I think I misunderstood you. Did you mean…?
When it’s useful: If you think that you made a mistake because of a misunderstanding
Example:
Tamara: I’m sorry, I think I misunderstood you. Did you ask me to try one of your cookies?
Rebecca: Well, I was inviting you to eat one. I thought that you weren’t hungry, so you didn’t want one.
Tamara: No, I’d love to try one! Sorry, I thought you were telling me not eat them yet. I thought maybe they were too hot out of the oven.
Expression #8: I’m very sorry to hear that
When it’s useful: if someone tells you their bad news
Example:
Zack: I lost my job yesterday.
Nicole: Oh, I’m very sorry to hear that.
Zack: Yeah, I need to start looking for a new job tomorrow.
Expression #9: You shouldn't have done that! / You didn't have to do that!
When it’s useful: if someone gives you a gift unexpectedly
Example:
Tom: We brought you a gift to say thank you.
Kevin: Oh, you shouldn't have done that! It really wasn't necessary.
Expression #10: I'm afraid that now's a bad time. Can you call/come back another day?
When it’s useful: if someone calls you or knocks on your door at an inconvenient time
Example:
Salesperson: Hello, I'm just doing a survey and would like to ask you a few questions.
You: I'm afraid that now's a bad time. Can you come back another day?
Salesperson: Sure.
Practice
Look at the expressions below and think about which one to use for each situation 1 - 10:
I’m sorry but can I ask who’s calling?
I'm afraid now's a bad time. Can you call back later?
I’m sorry, but you seem very familiar. Have we met before?
I wish I could, but unfortunately….
I’m afraid I have to get going
I’m sorry, I think I misunderstood you. Did you mean…?
I’m sorry to cut you off, but…
That’s not exactly true.
You shouldn't have done that!
I'm sorry to hear that.
If your friend invited you to do something but you didn't realize it was an invitation and you accidentally rejected it.
If a person calls you on an unfamiliar number and starts talking to you.
If someone invites you to their party tomorrow but you cannot attend.
If someone calls you but you are in the middle of a meeting and cannot talk.
If you see someone at a work event and you think you've talked to him/her before.
If someone tells you that they failed their test.
If someone gives you a gift when they come to your house.
If someone says that you wanted to buy something from them but at that time you said you might buy something from them (it wasn't a promise).
If you want to leave someone's event but don't want to be rude.
If someone is talking to you but you need to ask them to stop for a moment because someone is standing outside your office door.
Suggested Answers
I’m sorry, I think I misunderstood you. Did you mean that I'm invited?
I’m sorry but can I ask who’s calling?
I wish I could, but unfortunately….
I'm afraid now's a bad time. Can you call back later?
I’m sorry, but you seem very familiar. Have we met before?
I'm sorry to hear that.
You shouldn't have done that!
That’s not exactly true.
I’m afraid I have to get going
I’m sorry to cut you off, but…
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