Questions tagged [conversation]
For questions related to natural spoken conversations. Please use the dialogue tag for authored or scripted conversations
205
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Is "Let me know your thoughts" polite enough in conversation? [closed]
During an email conversation with my professor, I ended the email by writing
Let me know your thoughts.
I forgot to add a "Please" with it. It’s probably silly, but I am worried thinking ...
0
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0
answers
37
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must or have to [migrated]
Pick just one:
Tom can’t meet us because he must work.
Tom can’t meet us because he has to work.
I don’t believe either sentence is wrong, although the grammar book prescribes has to as the answer.
...
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1
answer
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What is the most suitable antonym for the word loud? [closed]
In terms of talking, what is the opposite of a loud voice?
For example, when someone is talking and I can not hear them properly, how can I say to them that their voice is very "opposite to loud&...
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2
votes
5
answers
164
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"So I have learned."
Earlier today I found myself with the desire to use the expression: "So I have learned" in response to someone as a confirmation of recently gained knowledge. My question for you all is ...
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1
answer
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Did they end up going to the café first or straight to the library after the film according to the following dialogue? [closed]
M: I’ve got the cinema tickets. The film’s at 2:30 this afternoon and lasts about two hours. We could have a hot chocolate at the cafe after it.
W: That’d be nice, but I’ve got to get some ...
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1
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2
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71
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Provisioned for the weekend
What does it mean exactly? A friend asked me if I was "provisioned for the weekend," and as someone who knows English as a second language, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what ...
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2
answers
266
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"Truth" as a reply instead of "True"
I think this sentence is grammatically correct:
You need a new pair of glasses.
True.
However, I've heard sometimes someone says Truth instead of True:
You need a new pair of glasses.
Truth.
Is ...
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0
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0
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64
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Is this is an “either/or” statement or an “either/and” statement?
I’m currently applying to jobs and ran across this statement in the qualifications section of one listing:
“Not currently enrolled in or completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in a digital marketing ...
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0
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0
answers
29
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This and that when they refer to non-tangible objects
Let's take this example:
....But on a regular, day-to-day basis, when a task requires thinking
that isn’t itself enjoyable, even puzzle lovers’ brains prefer less
thinking over more.
That is the law ...
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1
vote
0
answers
124
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Difference between Reply x Answer x Response [closed]
I have a question about conversation in english... i'm only a recently student of english, then I've got a lot of question.
If I understood, in a conversation face to face or in some social media, ...
0
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1
answer
61
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Word for someone who always relates a topic of conversation back to their topic [duplicate]
I have a friend who consistently relates any conversation back to their set topics. Such as North Korea, nazis,soviet union, freemasons and greece. For example, I was talking about disney killing off ...
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1
answer
61
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What does the woman say in the movie? [closed]
What does the woman say in the movie?
The link to the specified section of the movie:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XHAEckAKxeEGyF2hQ8juhA5ewshXEhCo/view?usp=sharing
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0
answers
298
views
What to say when someone's answer is not related to our question or at least we think it's not? [duplicate]
I would say: "How's that related to my question ?"
Please answer for both formal and informal cases
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0
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1
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37
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Proper use of "we" in this conversation
Is the following use of "we" in an informal conversation incorrect or ambiguous:
Mary: How did your day go at work?
John: It was good. I had a meeting early in the morning and we had lunch ...
- 111
0
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2
answers
89
views
Is it natural to say "Me, I xyz"?
I tend to put "me" in front of sentences when I'm trying to set them apart from a previously said opinion or view.
Examples:
Me, I like pizza.
Me, I'm cold.
Is it okay to say it like that ...
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0
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4k
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What is a casual way of saying "I will go offline soon" in an Internet conversation
I'm having a conversation on my phone, but know I can't answer in a short while (e. g. need to go to sleep of have an appointment). What's a casual way of saying "I'm going offline soon"? I ...
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0
answers
331
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Meaning of "I am holding for"
I was watching "Gilmore Girls"
Lory (Lorelai's daughter) just got in private school, but Lorelai discovered that tuition enroll fee is too much high to prepare on short notice. So I think, ...
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0
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4
answers
149
views
How to express surprise when you do not expect something and forced to do it
A friend and I booked a table at a restaurant in the expectation of being there for the whole evening but, once we had begun our meal, the waiter told us that we had to vacate the table by 9:30 as the ...
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0
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0
answers
452
views
When do you close? vs Until what time are you open?
I have just came across this situation.
At I can't get rid of this question what should I say
when do you close
or
until what time are you open?
it might sound really silly question,
but when you ...
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0
votes
2
answers
71
views
how to recognize places and people's names easily during conversation
I can distinguish places or names easily when I am reading because they have capital letters. However that information is not conveyed through conversation. I found it difficult for me to recognize a ...
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2
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2k
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What’s the origin/etymology of “mm-bye”?
As said to end conversations (especially on the phone): mmm-bye.
When and how did this form/usage start?
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1
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Do native English speakers pronouce b as m?
I very often study English and try to improve my listening skill with some educational materials. And I just encountered a sentence, "Once he made an alarm clock for cats – you know, to wake them ...
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0
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49
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A slang-phrase for "dreamed for him"
Is there an informal way of saying "I've been informed my child was accepted at the school I always dreamed for him"?
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1
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1k
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“I’ll get right on it” [duplicate]
What does it mean to say ( I’ll get right on it) if someone in a really terrible situation and being offered a help and he replied ( I ‘ll get right on it )
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1
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41
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Using "is" or not
Should I use "is" in the below:
1-Whatever what you dream of, with the hard work you can achieve it.
2-Whatever is what you dream of, with the hard work you can achieve it.
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0
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110
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Is it correct to say ‘Skyping’ in a sentence
Is it correct to say to my boss ‘ I will be Skyping with you from there’
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0
answers
391
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Is it common to say 'not that urgent'
Is it correct to say ‘not that urgent’ to someone who is offering urgent appointment thinking that there is something urgent?
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0
answers
599
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superior "at" vs "in" which preposition to use?
(which is the best sentence to use between ( 1 or 2) and (3 or 4) :
1- He is superior at all things. (means he is the best)
2- He is superior in all things. (means he is the best)
3- He is ...
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0
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38
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which preposition sounds more idiomatic and natural?
which one to use to mean that people die because of flu ?
1- People die from flu.
2- People die of flu.
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1
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135
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What sentence sounds more natural?
I have a question regarding the following sentences:
which one is more native one.
I wouldn't be trying to learn English, if I haven't met someone who inspired me.
I wouldn't be trying to learn ...
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1
answer
670
views
Is it incorrect to say "I couldn't catch that" when referring to missed conversation?
A friend of mine who speaks English as a second language asked me if it was correct to say "I couldn't catch that" when referring to just having missed a part of a conversation, e.g. a phone call. My ...
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1
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157
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A word describing someone who says "like" or "um" every couple of words in most sentences [duplicate]
Is there a word (or a few words) that accurately describes someone with the "like disease" (or the many other unnecessary words or small phrases spread throughout most sentences, such as "um") in "...
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3
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How to answer cheers?
I occasionally have meetings with my supervisor. When the meeting finishes, my supervisor says: "cheers". I don't know how to answer that. What is a natural response to that? What do native speakers ...
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1
answer
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I would like + please
I received an email with this sentence:
He gives a talk and then I and anyone else interested can discuss with him afterward.
In response to that sentence, can I write this next sentence or not? How ...
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0
votes
2
answers
334
views
Response to "Excuse me" when some one wants to pass you [duplicate]
It has happened to me a lot that when I am searching for an item in aisle in a supermarket and somebody says "excuse me" and passes me. What is a natural response to excuse myself here? What should ...
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2
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response to thank you after helping [closed]
I kept a door for somebody to pass and he said: "thank you". What should I say in response? I said: "no problem!". But I am not sure my response was the best one.
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3
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Using "Excuse me, ..." for asking questions
It has happened to me a lot that I stop random people in the street for asking a question about direction. I said "Excuse me". In answer to my "excuse me" People usually say "Hey". I am wondering if I ...
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1
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84
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Where should a period be placed when a sentence ends in a word that is meant to be copied exactly? [closed]
Where should a period be placed when a sentence ends in a word that is meant to be copied exactly?
Contrived example: Let's say that my friend is house-sitting and I want to text them the password to ...
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0
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1
answer
310
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Is having "a past" always refering to a bad history?
If someone has a past, does that always mean a bad history?
For example: is it appropriate to say "He is a photographer, with a painter's past" or it would be a bad introduction even in an informal ...
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0
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31
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Why do people use present tense when they are quoting someone? [duplicate]
I've heard and used this a lot but was wondering why and is it even correct.
When you are in a conversation with your mates and you are telling a story and when you try to quote someone, you say
"...
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1
answer
8k
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Will/would be able to
My friend: I am ready to go to any country in the world if there's a treatment.
Me: There's a hospital in the US – they WOULD/WILL be able to treat this.
What's the difference between WOULD BE and ...
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1
answer
126
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How to ask to repeat a phrase?
If voice during phone conversation become gibberish, how to ask a person to repeat last words? I'm living in Cyprus and all local people when speak English just use 'tell me' for this. It this a ...
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1
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386
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Would it be possible to respond "Not" if someone ask me that "Do you ~", or "Did you ~"?
Is it alright that I say just a word "Not." about the question starting with "Do you~?", or "Did you~?"? (Not Are you~?, Were you~?)
user331542
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0
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How to shout to a stranger 80ft away to let her know that her cards have fallen onto the ground? [closed]
During my recent trip visiting U.S. I noticed a girl's credit card falling onto the ground. She was walking and did not notice this. The girl (maybe ~20 years old) was ~80ft away from me. I tried ...
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2
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247
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How would i ask for application process completed succesfully [closed]
We applied to International Revenue Service for obtaining ein for our new established USA based company, filled out and thereafter sent SS-4 form through fax and I need to check out on the phone ...
0
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1
answer
4k
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Synonym for "sure" and "yes please"
When somebody suggests me something (maybe offering me something, or suggesting me for a proposal/plan), and I would like to show my agreement/approval for that. Instead of just saying "sure" or "yes ...
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2
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217
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How to say "dulcet" in verbal English (or slang)?
For example, if somebody sitting next to me hummed or sang a song and I want to tell him that his song is dulcet, in a polite but informal manner (or even slang). How can I express that?
Should I ...
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votes
1
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100
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My wife, I just have the one, is
A: Those are my wives
B: Well, my wife, I just have the one, ...
This conversation is taken from the series shameless, s07e03, min. 22:47.
What is the meaning of the definite article in B's ...
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1
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I am your friend. What about you?
I want to offer a friendship, where there is a cultural barrier that I need to respect; And there is a barrier in the other direction too - but less strong.
I want to offer the friendship by stating ...
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1
answer
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How to punctuate rhetorical question in an informal sentence?
I am writing a story where my character says something like, "It's been what? Twenty-five years? since I've seen you".
Now, how do I properly punctuate this in my sentence?
Do I use ellipses or ...
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