680Complaining about lost or damaged luggage 680
When you are lost 713
LOT
Spending a lot of money 380
LOUD
Hearing loud and soft sounds 295
LOVE
Asking someone for a date 306
Concerning romantic or sexual attraction 307
Describing your love or lover 309
Professing love 308
LOVER
Describing your love or lover 309
LUGGAGE
Complaining about lost or damaged luggage 680
MACHINE
Using the automatic (mechanical) teller 370
MAGAZINES
Requesting a subscription from a magazine agent 594
Responses from a magazine agent 597
MAIDS
House-cleaner to employer 641
Instructions for a house-cleaner 640
Praising a house-cleaner 639
MANAGING
Managing a television set 329
MANNERS
Asking a child to stop some behavior 352
Concerning a child’s use of good manners 364
Enforcing good table manners 471
Instructing children on good table manners 321
Trying to get children to behave while traveling 725
When a parent is frustrated with a child’s behavior 362
MARRIAGE
Statements made about trying to make a marriage work 521
Statements made to a marriage counselor 519
MATTERS
Coming to the point of the matter 44
Asking someone to stay out of your affairs 187
General banking matters 369
About payment for a meal in a restaurant 441
Announcing a meal 317
Asking about a meal 316
Asking for a diner’s opinion of a meal 437
Asking when a meal will be ready 464
Cleaning up after a meal 472
Indicating readiness to order a meal at a restaurant 425
Reciting special meal offers for the day 419
When you are invited to an informal meal in a home 206
MEANING
Expressions meaning “almost” 236
MECHANICAL
Using the automatic (mechanical) teller 370
MEDICAL
Asking a doctor about a medical problem 507
Explaining that you are receiving medical care 511
Getting your medical history 494
Life and death emergencies — medical 771
Medical warnings and advice found on product labels 514
MEDICATION
Instructions for taking prescription medication 513
MEDICINE
Expressions a doctor uses about medicine and tests 506
Instructions for taking prescription medication 513
MEETING
Expressing surprise at meeting someone 5
Meeting children 346
Mingling with other guests 220
MEETINGS
Adjourning a meeting under parliamentary procedure 544
Concerning motions under parliamentary procedure 543
Expressions used under parliamentary procedure 542
MENU
Asking about specific items on a restaurant menu 426
MERCHANDISE
Asking how to place a merchandise order over the telephone 668
Choosing merchandise in a store 562
Offering merchandise to a customer 557
Requesting general merchandise at a drugstore 574
When merchandise is not satisfactory 568
Offering to take a message from a telephone caller 653
Recorded telephone service messages 665
MESSY
Describing a messy place 247
Observing that someone looks disorderly 476
MILD
Expressing mild discomfort owing to illness 486
MILEAGE
Asking about frequent flyer mileage 681
MINGLING
Mingling with other guests 220
MINUTES
The time is fifteen minutes past the hour 128
The time is fifty minutes past the hour 131
The time is forty-five minutes past the hour 130
The time is forty minutes past the hour 129
The time is ten minutes past the hour 127
MISCELLANEOUS
Miscellaneous expressions used by a postal clerk 580
MISTAKES
Attempting to put an end to a misunderstanding 103
Criticizing someone’s misunderstanding 102
Promising never to repeat a particular mistake 149
MISUNDERSTANDINGS
Attempting to put an end to a misunderstanding 103
Criticizing someone’s misunderstanding 102
MOCK
Expressing mock sympathy 202
Expressing mock sympathy — sarcastic 203
MONEY
When someone is in debt 79
When you are out of money 78
A bank teller greeting a patron 365
A barber or hairdresser asking for payment 637
A clerk asking about payment 390
A clerk asking about prices 389
A rental agent’s statements about the payment of rent 754
A taxi driver discussing payment 712
A teller inquiring about the size of bills that you want 376
About payment for a meal in a restaurant 441
Asking about bus and subway fare 695
Asking about foreign exchange 373
Asking about loans at a bank 378
Asking about payment at a grocery store 385
Asking about payment at a hotel 747
Asking about payment for goods ordered over the telephone 669
Asking about payment plans in a store 569
Asking about sales and money-off coupons 388
Asking for change at a grocery store 391
Asking for the bill in a restaurant 440
Asking how a purchase will be paid for 566
Asking questions about payment for tickets 585
Attitudes toward spending money 381
Attitudes toward spending money — clichés 382
Basic requests to a bank teller 366
Basic requests to a personal banker 371
Concerning a bank account 372
Concerning payment of rent 761
Concerning the payment of a bill in a restaurant 442
Concerning the price of a car 603
Controlling expenses 379
Describing problems with a pay telephone 660
Financial arrangements with a babysitter 612
Financing a car 604
General banking matters 369
Information about foreign exchange rates 374
Paying a taxi fare 711
Payment for an entertainment event 589
Payment to a barber or a hairdresser 638
Questions about the cost of travel 675
Requesting change from a teller or cashier 368
Requesting large or small bills when cashing a check 367
Spending a lot of money 380
Using the automatic (mechanical) teller 370
MORE
Encouraging someone to be more sensible 95
A waiter or waitress seeking to be of further service 438
Additional costs in the rental of lodgings 755
Concerning additional servings of food 470
Describing additional unspecified people or things 254
Expressions about drinking additional drinks 451
Making an extra effort 262
Offering additional help to a customer 558
Requesting additional information from a telephone solicitor 671
Requesting additional servings in a restaurant 430
MOTIONS
Concerning motions under parliamentary procedure 543
MOVING
Steering a guest to a particular room 218
When your moving about may bother someone 133
MUCH
When you are overworked and doing too much 81
When someone argues too much 171
When someone drinks too much 457
MUSIC
Lacking an ear for music 294
NAME
Expressions for a forgotten word or name 245
NAP
Taking a nap 330
NEEDLESS
Requesting someone to stop needless talk 199
NEGOTIATING
Expressions heard in negotiating sessions 545
NEW
Asking about a new baby 160
Beginning a new project or activity 546
Choosing a new car’s options 602
Explaining why you are having difficulty in a new job 535
Seeing a new baby 159
NEWSPAPERS
A newspaper agent responding to complaints 598
Expressions used with a newspaper agent 596
Making a complaint to a newspaper agent 595
Requesting a publication from a news vendor 593
NOSE
Allergic problems with the nose and breathing 481
NOSTALGIA
Concerning nostalgia 249
NOTING
Noting digressions in a conversation 48
NUMBER
Requesting a telephone number from directory assistance 656
Directing attention to an object 40
Demanding to be given an object 263
OBSERVING
Commenting on personal similarities 55
Noting digressions in a conversation 48
Observing that someone looks disorderly 476
OBVIOUS
Saying the obvious — clichés 244
OFFENSES
Encouraging someone not to be offended — informal 83
Excuses for failure or offense 536
OFFERING
Offering help to someone 61
A dry cleaner or a launderer offering responses to complaints 619
A dry cleaner or launderer offering services 617
A fast-food clerk offering food items 401
A gasoline station attendant offering service 729
A salesperson offering help to a customer 555
A waiter or waitress offering dessert 439
Offering a guest a seat 217
Offering a very polite apology 146
Offering additional help to a customer 558
Offering care to a sick person 491
Offering merchandise to a customer 557
Offering someone a bit of food 467
Offering someone a small portion of food 298
Offering someone help and advice 274
Offering to help a telephone caller 654
Offering to let someone enter in front of you 134
Offering to make amends 150
Offering to take a message from a telephone caller 653
Reciting special meal offers for the day 419
OFFICES
A postal clerk bringing a transaction to an end 581
Asking questions at a post office 578
Inviting an employee into a private office for a reprimand 533
OFFICERS
A police officer confronting a criminal 774
A police officer seeking information 773
Requests for help from a police officer 772
Trying to intimidate a police officer — (not recommended) 736
When a police officer stops a driver 735
Asking about computer operation 615
OPERATORS
Expressions used by a telephone directory assistance operator 662
Expressions used by a telephone repair service operator 663
Requests to a telephone operator 657
OPINIONS
Asking for a diner’s opinion of a meal 437
When someone interrupts with an opinion 192
OPPOSITE SEX
Approaching the opposite sex 58
OPTIONS
Choosing a new car’s options 602
ORDER
Regarding order and procedure 246
When something is out of order 270
ORDERING
A fast-food clerk delivering an order 402
A fast-food clerk taking an order 395
Asking about payment for goods ordered over the telephone 669
Asking how to place a merchandise order over the telephone 668
Complaining about a fast-food order 403
Concerning food allergies when ordering at a restaurant 428
Explaining to a waiter or waitress that you are not ready to order 424
Indicating readiness to order a meal at a restaurant 425
Ordering drinks at a café 407
Ordering drinks at a fast-food restaurant 398
Ordering flowers from a florist 591
Ordering food to be taken out 434
Ordering wine in a restaurant 431
Placing a telephone order for pizza 409
Placing an order at a bakery for something to drink 460
Placing an order for baked goods 459
Placing an order for fast-food products 397
Placing an order in a café 405
Placing an order with a dry cleaner or a launderer 616
Special orders in a bakery 462
Taking out a bakery order or eating it in the shop 461
Taking your order 404
Taking your order for a pizza 408
Telling where a fast-food order will be eaten 400
Describing additional unspecified people or things 254
Interrupting a telephone call with other business 651
Mingling with other guests 220
OUTRAGEOUS
When someone says something outrageous 97
OVERBEARING
When someone is overbearing 165
OVERREACTING
When someone overreacts 194
OVERWORKED
When you are overworked and doing too much 81
OWING TO
Expressing mild discomfort owing to illness 486
PACKER
Making special requests to a bag packer at a grocery store 387
PACKING
Making special requests to a bag packer at a grocery store 387
Requesting instructions for packing your purchases 386
PAID
Asking how a purchase will be paid for 566
PAIN
Describing a pain in the head 488
Telling the doctor about a pain in the back 496
Telling the doctor about soreness 497
Telling the doctor about various pains and problems 499
PARENTS
When a parent is frustrated with a child’s behavior 362
When the parents return 613
PARLIAMENTARY
Adjourning a meeting under parliamentary procedure 544
Concerning motions under parliamentary procedure 543
Expressions used under parliamentary procedure 542
PARTICULAR
Asking about specific items on a restaurant menu 426
Asking about transportation to a particular place 716
Asking for directions to a specific place 715
Asking if someone speaks a particular language 119
Giving specific instructions on how to get to somewhere 721
Promising never to repeat a particular mistake 149
Steering a guest to a particular room 218
When you do not speak a particular language 120
Asking about an invitation you have received 207
PASSENGERS
Giving instructions to bus passengers 701
Questions a passenger might ask about an airline flight 676
Questions a passenger might ask of an airline ticket agent 678
PASSING
Concerning passing food at the table 469
PAST
The time is fifteen minutes past the hour 128
The time is fifty minutes past the hour 131
The time is forty-five minutes past the hour 130
The time is forty minutes past the hour 129
The time is ten minutes past the hour 127
PATIENCE
Encouraging someone to be patient and take things slowly 68
On being pushed to the limit of your patience 271
PATIENTS
Questions a doctor asks of a patient 493
Questions for the hospital patient 509
Talking to a hospital patient 508
PATRON
A bank teller greeting a patron 365
PAY
Describing problems with a pay telephone 660
PAYING
Confirming that you are paying attention 41
Paying a taxi fare 711
Paying for pizza 412
PAYMENT
A barber or hairdresser asking for payment 637
A clerk asking about payment 390
A rental agent’s statements about the payment of rent 754
About payment for a meal in a restaurant 441
Asking about bus and subway fare 695
Asking about payment at a grocery store 385
Asking about payment at a hotel 747
Asking about payment for goods ordered over the telephone 669
Asking about payment plans in a store 569
Asking about sales and money-off coupons 388
Asking for the bill in a restaurant 440
Asking how a purchase will be paid for 566
Asking questions about payment for tickets 585
Charges for drinks at a bar 449
Concerning payment of rent 761
Concerning the payment of a bill in a restaurant 442
Concerning the price of a car 603
Paying a taxi fare 711
Payment for an entertainment event 589
Payment to a barber or a hairdresser 638
PEOPLE
Asking a child to leave people alone 354
Describing additional unspecified people or things 254
Dullness in people 287
Excitement in people 288
Expressing differences between people — clichés 239
PERMISSION
Asking for permission to leave a place — polite 139
Offering to let someone enter in front of you 134
PERSON
Greeting a person you haven’t seen in a long time 4
Dealing with an injured person at the scene of an accident 764
Describing a bothersome person 178
Encouraging a timid person 169
Inviting an annoying person to leave 173
Offering care to a sick person 491
PERSONAL
Commenting on personal similarities 55
Basic requests to a personal banker 371
Instructing a child in personal safety 359
PERSONALITY
Concerning rigidity of character — idioms and clichés 251
PERSONNEL
A prospective employee to a human resources or personnel director 525
An employee to a human resources or personnel director 526
Complaining to a human resources or personnel director 527
PETS
Caring for pets 334
PHARMACIST
Questions for a pharmacist 572
Requests to a pharmacist for special instructions 573
PHRASES
Various conversational phrases 46
Sexually phrased insults and retorts 312
Physical responses 301
Statements about sexual and physical abuse 518
PIPES
Describing plumbing problems — water pipes 628
PIZZA
Concerning pizza delivery 410
Paying for pizza 412
Placing a telephone order for pizza 409
Questions about delivering pizza 411
Taking your order for a pizza 408
PLACES
Leaving a place 23
Asking about the location of some place 667
Asking about transportation to a particular place 716
Asking for directions to a specific place 715
Asking for permission to leave a place — polite 139
Asking how to place a merchandise order over the telephone 668
Describing a messy place 247
Describing a place that is a long way away 719
Describing a place that is difficult to find 717
Describing a place that is not too far away 720
Describing a place that is quite distant 718
What to say when in a crowded place 227
When you feel out of place 289
PLACING
Placing a telephone order for pizza 409
Placing an order at a bakery for something to drink 460
Placing an order for baked goods 459
Placing an order for fast-food products 397
Placing an order in a café 405
Placing an order with a dry cleaner or a launderer 616
PLAINLY
Encouraging someone to speak plainly 47
PLANS
Making plans to keep in touch with someone 24
Asking about payment plans in a store 569
PLAY
Expressions used in children’s games 343
PLUMBING
Describing plumbing problems — bathtubs 627
Describing plumbing problems — sinks 625
Describing plumbing problems — toilets 626
Describing plumbing problems — water heater 629
Describing plumbing problems — water pipes 628
POINT
Coming to the point of the matter 44
Requesting that the speaker get to the point 45
POINTING
A gasoline station attendant pointing out problems 730
POLICE
A police officer confronting a criminal 774
A police officer seeking information 773
Requests for help from a police officer 772
Trying to intimidate a police officer — (not recommended) 736
When a police officer stops a driver 735
POLITE
A preface to making a statement — very polite 118
Being assertive— polite 144
Offering a very polite apology 146
Saying good-bye — polite 140
PORTION
Offering someone a small portion of food 298
POSITION
Concerning an easy task or employment position 529
POST OFFICE
A postal clerk bringing a transaction to an end 581
A postal clerk greeting a customer 575
Asking questions at a post office 578
Buying postage stamps 576
Giving instructions to a postal clerk 577
Miscellaneous expressions used by a postal clerk 580
Questions a postal clerk might ask a customer 579
POSTAGE
Buying postage stamps 576
POSTAL
A postal clerk bringing a transaction to an end 581
A postal clerk greeting a customer 575
Giving instructions to a postal clerk 577
Miscellaneous expressions used by a postal clerk 580
Questions a postal clerk might ask a customer 579
POSTURE
Instructing a child in good posture 356
PRAISING
Congratulating someone for doing a good job 161
Lawn-care worker to employer 644
Praising a house-cleaner 639
Praising a small child 349
Praising an employee 534
PREFACE
A preface to asking a question 115
A preface to making a statement — formal 116
A preface to making a statement — informal 117
A preface to making a statement — very polite 118
PREFERENCES
A hotel desk clerk finding out a guest’s preferences 743
PREGNANCY
Concerning pregnancy 310
PREMONITIONS
Concerning a premonition 260
Concerning expectation 259
PREPARING
Preparing to leave a host or hostess 230
Preparing to leave home 228
When someone is preparing for an important event — clichés 264
PRESCRIPTION
Instructions for taking prescription medication 513
PRESUMPTUOUS
When someone is presumptuous 190
PRICES
A clerk asking about prices 389
Concerning the price of a car 603
PRIVATE
Inviting an employee into a private office for a reprimand 533
PROBLEMS
A gasoline station attendant pointing out problems 730
Allergic problems with the eyes 483
Allergic problems with the nose and breathing 481
Allergic problems with the skin 484
Asking a doctor about a medical problem 507
Describing plumbing problems — bathtubs 627
Describing plumbing problems — sinks 625
Describing plumbing problems — toilets 626
Describing plumbing problems — water heater 629
Describing plumbing problems — water pipes 628
Describing problems with a pay telephone 660
Explaining that you are cured of a health problem 512
Explaining why you are having difficulty in a new job 535
Problems on the highway 733
Reporting problems to a utility company 631
Telling a gasoline station attendant about car problems 728
Telling the doctor about bowel problems 502
Telling the doctor about sleep problems 503
Telling the doctor about various pains and problems 499
Tire problems 732
PROCEDURES
Adjourning a meeting under parliamentary procedure 544
Concerning motions under parliamentary procedure 543
Expressions used under parliamentary procedure 542
Regarding order and procedure 246
PRODUCTS
Health claims found on consumer products 515
Medical warnings and advice found on product labels 514
Placing an order for fast-food products 397
PROFESSING
Professing love 308
PROFESSOR
Questioning a college professor 338
PROJECTS
Beginning a new project or activity 546
Ending a project 551
Starting over again on a project 552
PROMISING
Promising to keep a secret 74
Promising never to repeat a particular mistake 149
PROPERTY
Asking someone to leave your property alone 186
PROPOSITION
Stating your disagreement with a proposition 33
PROSPECTIVE
A prospective employee to a human resources or personnel director 525
A prospective employee to a prospective employer during an interview 523
An employer to a prospective employee during an interview 524
PROVIDING
When a salesperson cannot supply exactly what is wanted 567
Encouraging someone to be prudent — clichés 69
PUBLIC
Asking about the location of a rest room in a public building 433
PUBLICATION
Requesting a publication from a news vendor 593
PUNISHMENT
When punishment is in store for someone 195
PURCHASES
Asking how a purchase will be paid for 566
Buying beverage alcohol at a supermarket 392
Getting a purchase gift wrapped in a store 570
Getting grocery store purchases to the car 394
Health claims found on consumer products 515
Placing an order for fast-food products 397
Requesting a subscription from a magazine agent 594
Requesting instructions for packing your purchases 386
PUSHED
On being pushed to the limit of your patience 271
PUTTING
Attempting to put an end to a misunderstanding 103
Putting a telephone caller on hold 650
QUIET
Encouraging a child to be quiet 351
Requesting silence 198
QUITE
Describing a place that is quite distant 718
RADIO
Concerning a radio or stereo 325
RATES
Information about foreign exchange rates 374
REACH
Telling a babysitter how to reach you 608
READINESS
Asking when a meal will be ready 464
Explaining to a waiter or waitress that you are not ready to order 424
Getting ready to study or do homework 335
Indicating readiness to order a meal at a restaurant 425
Stating when food will be ready 466
Asking about an invitation you have received 207
Asking someone about injuries received in an accident 765
Explaining that you are receiving medical care 511
Giving and receiving — clichés 242
RECITING
Reciting special meal offers for the day 419
RECORDINGS
Recorded telephone service messages 665
REFUSING
Expressing refusal 35
Stating simple disagreement or refusal 30
Refusing to do business with a telephone solicitor 672
REGARDING
Regarding order and procedure 246
Regarding something less than what was desired 267
REGULATIONS
Special rules for rooms and apartments 758
REJECTION
Expressing rejection 34
RELATIONSHIPS
Describing family relationships 314
RELAXING
Encouraging someone to relax 85
RELIGIONS
Religious expressions 235
RELUCTANCE
Expressing reluctance 110
REMAIN
Making plans to keep in touch with someone 24
Asking someone to stay out of your affairs 187
Inviting a visitor to stay for dinner 215
Telling someone to stay away or keep out 183
REMARKS
Encouraging remarks a salesperson might make to a customer 565
RENTALS
A rental agent’s statements about the payment of rent 754
Additional costs in the rental of lodgings 755
General questions for a rental agent 751
Questions about rules in rental lodging 753
Requesting rooms from a rental agent 750
Expressions used by a telephone repair service operator 663
Instructions for a shoe repair clerk 571
REPEAT
Promising never to repeat a particular mistake 149
REPEATING
Repeating what you have said 49
When someone is being repetitious 50
REPORTING
Reporting problems to a utility company 631
REPRESENTATIVE
Expressions used by a telephone company sales representative 664
REPRIMANDING
Describing a reprimand 268
Inviting an employee into a private office for a reprimand 533
Reprimanding an employee 532
RESCHEDULING
Rescheduling an airline flight 679
RESIDENTIAL
Answering the telephone — residential 645
RESIGNED
When someone is resigned to life as it is 283
RESOURCES
A prospective employee to a human resources or personnel director 525
An employee to a human resources or personnel director 526
Complaining to a human resources or personnel director 527
RESPONDING
A smoker’s response to a nonsmoker’s complaint 89
Answers to “How did you find out?” 52
A dry cleaner or a launderer offering responses to complaints 619
A library desk clerk’s responses 622
A newspaper agent responding to complaints 598
Answering the telephone — residential 645
Physical responses 301
Responding to a tenant’s complaints about lodgings 760
Responses from a barber or hairdresser 634
Responses from a magazine agent 597
Sexually phrased insults and retorts 312
When someone has been insolent or rude — firm response 167
When someone has been insolent or rude — rude response 168
When someone has been insolent or rude — shocked response 166
Asking about the location of a rest room in a public building 433
Concerning going to the bathroom while traveling 724
RESTAURANTS
About payment for a meal in a restaurant 441
Asking about specific items on a restaurant menu 426
Asking for a table at a restaurant 413
Asking for the bill in a restaurant 440
Concerning food allergies when ordering at a restaurant 428
Concerning seating in a restaurant 414
Concerning smoking in a restaurant 415
Concerning the payment of a bill in a restaurant 442
Explaining that someone else will join you at a restaurant 416
Indicating readiness to order a meal at a restaurant 425
Making a complaint in a restaurant 432
Ordering drinks at a fast-food restaurant 398
Ordering wine in a restaurant 431
Questions asked of a restaurant customer 421
Requesting additional servings in a restaurant 430
Requesting something to drink at a restaurant 422
Requesting that certain foods not be served to you in a restaurant 427
Telling how a steak is to be cooked in a restaurant 429
When a restaurant is out of some item 420
When your food is brought to the table in a restaurant 436
RETALIATION
Threatening retaliation 197
RETORTS
Sexually phrased insults and retorts 312
RETURNING
Returning someone’s good wishes 136
Returning to school after an absence 337
Stating when you will return home 229
Welcoming someone who has returned 738
When the parents return 613
RIGHTS
Claiming the rights to something 344
RIGIDITY
Concerning rigidity of character — idioms and clichés 251
ROMANTIC
Concerning romantic or sexual attraction 307
ROOMS
Additional costs in the rental of lodgings 755
Asking about the location of a rest room in a public building 433
Requesting a larger room at a hotel 742
Requesting a room for one at a hotel 741
Requesting rooms from a rental agent 750
Responding to a tenant’s complaints about lodgings 760
Special rules for rooms and apartments 758
Starting a conversation in a waiting room 225
Steering a guest to a particular room 218
ROUTES
Asking about bus routes 697
Asking about subway routes 698
Verifying your route when traveling 714
RUDE
Asking someone to stop being unpleasant 285
Insulting a coward 170
Sexually phrased insults and retorts 312
When someone has been insolent or rude — firm response 167
When someone has been insolent or rude — rude response 168
When someone has been insolent or rude — shocked response 166
When someone is conceited or vain 164
When someone is making you angry — rude 176
When someone is overbearing 165
When someone is presumptuous 190
RULES
Listing the special rules at a hotel 748
Questions about rules in rental lodging 753
Special rules for rooms and apartments 758
RUNNING OUT
Running out of gasoline 731
When supplies run out at a grocery store 384
SAD
Asking why someone looks so unhappy 273
Encouraging someone who is unhappy 275
Expressing despair and emptiness 277
When you are depressed 276
SAFETY
Asking if someone is all right 272
Instructing a child in personal safety 359
SALES
Asking about sales and money-off coupons 388
Expressions used by a telephone company sales representative 664
A salesperson greeting a customer 554
A salesperson offering help to a customer 555
Encouraging remarks a salesperson might make to a customer 565
Questions a salesperson might ask a customer 556
When a salesperson cannot supply exactly what is wanted 567
SAMENESS
Commenting on personal similarities 55
SANITY
Questioning someone’s sanity 93
SARCASM
Apologizing — sarcastic 193
SATISFACTORY
Regarding something less than what was desired 267
When merchandise is not satisfactory 568
SATISFIED
When someone is resigned to life as it is 283
SAVINGS
Asking about sales and money-off coupons 388
SAYING
What to say to a smoker 88
When someone says something outrageous 97
Saying good-bye to departing guests 233
Saying good-bye — informal 141
Saying good-bye — polite 140
Saying good night 332
Saying the obvious — clichés 244
Saying “thank you” — formal 155
Saying “thank you” — informal 156
What a guest says to a host or hostess 221
What to say when in a crowded place 227
When you do not know what to say 292
SCENES
Asking for help at the scene of an accident 763
Asking what has happened at the scene of an accident 762
Dealing with an injured person at the scene of an accident 764
SCHOOLS
Asking about a classroom assignment 341
Asking about classroom examinations 340
Asking about grades 342
Asking for clarification in a college classroom 339
Concerning a child’s homework 360
Getting ready to study or do homework 335
Questioning a college professor 338
Returning to school after an absence 337
SCOLDING
Scolding a child 350
SCREENING
Screening someone’s telephone calls 648
SEATING
Asking about a bus seat you want to sit in 694
Asking about a train seat you want to sit in 690
Concerning seating in a restaurant 414
Offering a guest a seat 217
SECOND
Second servings 320
SECRETS
Instructions about keeping a secret 73
Introducing a secret 72
Promising to keep a secret 74
SEEING
Greeting a person you haven’t seen in a long time 4
Concerning good vision 304
Concerning vision and belief 305
Difficulties with seeing 303
Seeing a new baby 159
SEEKING
A hotel desk clerk finding out a guest’s preferences 743
A police officer seeking information 773
A waiter or waitress seeking to be of further service 438
An automobile dealer finding out what you want 600
Describing a place that is difficult to find 717
Finding things in a department store 559
SEEM
When someone does not look well 479
SELLER
Requesting a publication from a news vendor 593
SENDING
Sending a child to bed 361
SENSE
The sense of touch 302
SENSIBLE
Encouraging someone to be more sensible 95
Requesting that certain foods not be served to you in a restaurant 427
SERVICES
A dry cleaner or launderer offering services 617
A gasoline station attendant offering service 729
A waiter or waitress seeking to be of further service 438
Asking questions at the grocery store service counter 393
At the service counter of a library 621
Expressions used by a telephone repair service operator 663
Recorded telephone service messages 665
Requesting service from a utility company by telephone 630
Requesting telephone service or installation 661
SERVINGS
Concerning additional servings of food 470
Requesting additional servings in a restaurant 430
Second servings 320
SESSIONS
Expressions heard in negotiating sessions 545
SETTING UP
Arranging for a babysitter 606
SETTLED
Stating that something is settled 106
SEX
Concerning pregnancy 310
Concerning romantic or sexual attraction 307
Sexual expressions 311
Sexually phrased insults and retorts 312
Statements about sexual and physical abuse 518
SHOCK
Asking in disbelief or disagreement 96
Showing disbelief 108
When someone has been insolent or rude — shocked response 166
SHOES
Instructions for a shoe repair clerk 571
SHOP
Taking out a bakery order or eating it in the shop 461
SHOPPING
A clerk asking about prices 389
An automobile dealer finding out what you want 600
Asking about payment at a grocery store 385
Asking about payment for goods ordered over the telephone 669
Asking about store hours 553
Asking about store hours over the telephone 666
Asking for change at a grocery store 391
Asking how to place a merchandise order over the telephone 668
Choosing a car 601
Choosing a new car’s options 602
Choosing merchandise in a store 562
Concerning the price of a car 603
Encouraging remarks a salesperson might make to a customer 565
Finding things in a department store 559
Getting grocery store purchases to the car 394
Making special requests to a bag packer at a grocery store 387
Offering additional help to a customer 558
Offering merchandise to a customer 557
Questions a customer might ask in a store 563
Requesting general merchandise at a drugstore 574
Requesting instructions for packing your purchases 386
Shopping for something at a department store 560
When a customer wants to try on clothing 564
When a salesperson cannot supply exactly what is wanted 567
When supplies run out at a grocery store 384
When you are just looking and not buying 561
SHOWING
Conveying urgency 539
Showing disbelief 108
SHOWS
Asking questions about an entertainment event 586
Expressions about tickets to an entertainment event 588
Information about an entertainment event 590
Payment for an entertainment event 589
Questions asked by a ticket agent for an entertainment event 587
SHY
Encouraging a timid person 169
SICK
Offering care to a sick person 491
SIGHT
Concerning good vision 304
Concerning vision and belief 305
Difficulties with seeing 303
SIGNALING
Signaling the end of a conversation 18
Conveying urgency 539
Encouraging a child to be quiet 351
Requesting silence 198
SIMILARITIES
Commenting on personal similarities 55
SIMPLE
Simple greetings 1
Simple agreement 25
Simple good-byes 21
Stating simple disagreement or refusal 30
Simple forgiveness 152
SINCERE
Sincere apologies 145
SINKS
Describing plumbing problems — sinks 625
SITTING
Asking about a bus seat you want to sit in 694
Asking about a train seat you want to sit in 690
SITUATION
Making the best of a bad situation 111
SIZE
A teller inquiring about the size of bills that you want 376
Requesting a larger room at a hotel 742
SKIN
Allergic problems with the skin 484
SLEEPING
Going to bed and to sleep 331
Instructions to a babysitter about feeding and bedtime 611
Sending a child to bed 361
Telling the doctor about sleep problems 503
SLOWLY
Encouraging someone to be patient and take things slowly 68
SMALL
Asking for a small drink of beverage alcohol 452
Offering someone a small portion of food 298
Praising a small child 349
Requesting large or small bills when cashing a check 367
SMELLING
Identifying smells 300
SMOKING
A smoker’s response to a nonsmoker’s complaint 89
Questions a smoker might ask 90
What to say to a smoker 88
Concerning smoking in a restaurant 415
Concerning smoking in a taxi 708
SNEEZING
When someone sneezes 482
SOFT
Hearing loud and soft sounds 295
SOLICITORS
Refusing to do business with a telephone solicitor 672
Requesting additional information from a telephone solicitor 671
When you are interrupted by a telephone solicitor 670
SOLIDARITY
Family solidarity 315
SOLITUDE
Asking to be left alone 177
SOON
Explaining that you will attend to someone soon 138
SORENESS
Telling the doctor about soreness 497
SORROW
Expressing death 237
Expressing mock sympathy 202
Expressing mock sympathy — sarcastic 203
Expressing sympathy at a funeral or wake 163
SORRY
Apologizing for being late 208
Apologizing to someone you have bothered 135
Expressing sympathy at a funeral or wake 163
SOUNDS
Concerning a radio or stereo 325
Hearing loud and soft sounds 295
Lacking an ear for music 294
SPEAKING
Agreeing with a speaker 51
Encouraging someone to speak plainly 47
Requesting that the speaker get to the point 45
Asking if someone speaks a particular language 119
When you do not speak a particular language 120
SPECIAL
Commenting on the uniqueness of someone 54
Listing the special rules at a hotel 748
Making special requests to a bag packer at a grocery store 387
Reciting special meal offers for the day 419
Requests to a pharmacist for special instructions 573
Special information about lodgings 756
Special instructions at a café 406
Special instructions for a fast-food clerk 399
Special instructions to a bartender 447
Special orders in a bakery 462
Special requests at a hotel 744
Special rules for rooms and apartments 758
SPECIFIC
Asking about specific items on a restaurant menu 426
Asking for directions to a specific place 715
Giving specific instructions on how to get to somewhere 721
SPEED
Concerning speed in a taxi 707
SPENDING
Attitudes toward spending money 381
Attitudes toward spending money — clichés 382
Controlling expenses 379
Spending a lot of money 380
STALLING
Encouraging someone to stop stalling and do something 65
STAMPS
Buying postage stamps 576
STARTING
Starting a fight 185
Starting over again on a project 552
When someone starts trouble 201
STARTING OUT
Starting an informal conversation 42
Asking a question to start a conversation 223
Beginning a new project or activity 546
Starting a conversation in a waiting room 225
Starting a conversation using the topic of weather 222
Starting a conversation with someone you know well 224
STATE
Expressing your state of health and happiness 7
STATEMENTS
A preface to making a statement — formal 116
A preface to making a statement — informal 117
A preface to making a statement — very polite 118
A rental agent’s statements about the payment of rent 754
Statements about sexual and physical abuse 518
Statements concerning excessive drinking 517
Statements made about infidelity 520
Statements made about trying to make a marriage work 521
Statements made to a guidance counselor or therapist 516
Statements made to a marriage counselor 519
STATIONS
A gasoline station attendant offering service 729
A gasoline station attendant pointing out problems 730
Greetings from a gasoline station attendant 726
Making requests to a gasoline station attendant 727
Telling a gasoline station attendant about car problems 728
STAY
Asking someone to stay out of your affairs 187
Inviting a visitor to stay for dinner 215
Telling someone to stay away or keep out 183
STEAK
Telling how a steak is to be cooked in a restaurant 429
STEERING
Steering a guest to a particular room 218
STEREO
Concerning a radio or stereo 325
STOPPING
Asking a child to stop some behavior 352
Asking someone to stop being unpleasant 285
Encouraging someone to stop stalling and do something 65
Getting someone to stop doing something 175
Requesting someone to stop needless talk 199
When a police officer stops a driver 735
STORE
When punishment is in store for someone 195
STORES
Asking about payment at a grocery store 385
Asking about payment plans in a store 569
Asking about store hours 553
Asking about store hours over the telephone 666
Asking for change at a grocery store 391
Asking questions at the grocery store service counter 393
Buying beverage alcohol at a supermarket 392
Choosing merchandise in a store 562
Finding things in a department store 559
Getting a purchase gift wrapped in a store 570
Getting grocery store purchases to the car 394
Locating things in a supermarket 383
Making special requests to a bag packer at a grocery store 387
Questions a customer might ask in a store 563
Shopping for something at a department store 560
When supplies run out at a grocery store 384
STRENGTH
Concerning strength — clichés 250
STRESS
Expressing stress or anxiety 80
When someone is anxious and under stress 82
STRONG
Stating strong disagreement 32
Concerning strength — clichés 250
STUDY
Getting ready to study or do homework 335
SUBSCRIPTION
Requesting a subscription from a magazine agent 594
SUBWAYS
Asking about bus and subway fare 695
Asking about subway routes 698
SUPERMARKETS
Buying beverage alcohol at a supermarket 392
Locating things in a supermarket 383
SUPPLIES
When a salesperson cannot supply exactly what is wanted 567
When supplies run out at a grocery store 384
SUPPORT
Expressing support for someone 60
SURE
Making sure you are understood 29
Making sure a child understands 363
SURPRISE
Expressing surprise at meeting someone 5
Asking in disbelief or disagreement 96
Concerning surprise 258
Showing disbelief 108
SURVEY
Questions found on surveys and forms 522
Concerning a premonition 260
SWIMMING
A lifeguard’s instructions to swimmers 624
Questions for a lifeguard 623
SYMPATHY
Expressing mock sympathy 202
Expressing mock sympathy — sarcastic 203
Expressing sympathy at a funeral or wake 163
TABLES
Asking for a table at a restaurant 413
Asking to leave the dinner table early 323
Concerning passing food at the table 469
Enforcing good table manners 471
Excusing oneself from the table 473
Instructing children on good table manners 321
When your food is brought to the table in a restaurant 436
TAILORS
Giving instructions to a tailor 583
Questions asked of a tailor 582
TAKING
Encouraging someone to be patient and take things slowly 68
Taking leave of someone 22
A fast-food clerk taking an order 395
Instructions for taking prescription medication 513
Offering to take a message from a telephone caller 653
Ordering food to be taken out 434
Requests to have uneaten food wrapped so it can be taken home 435
Taking a call off hold 652
Taking a nap 330
Taking out a bakery order or eating it in the shop 461
Taking your order 404
Taking your order for a pizza 408
TALKING
Bringing a conversation to an end 59
Ending a conversation abruptly 20
Ending a telephone conversation 19
Inviting someone to talk 43
Noting digressions in a conversation 48
Starting an informal conversation 42
Various conversational phrases 46
Asking a question to start a conversation 223
Asking whom a telephone caller wants to talk to 647
Mingling with other guests 220
Requesting someone to stop needless talk 199
Starting a conversation in a waiting room 225
Starting a conversation using the topic of weather 222
Starting a conversation with someone you know well 224
Talking about the weather 226
Talking to a child’s teacher 336
Talking to a hospital patient 508
TASK
Concerning an easy task or employment position 529
TASTING
The taste of foods 297
TAXIS
A taxi driver asking general questions 705
A taxi driver asking where to go 704
A taxi driver discussing payment 712
A taxi driver identifying the final destination 706
Asking a taxi driver to wait 710
Basic instructions to a cab driver 703
Concerning smoking in a taxi 708
Concerning speed in a taxi 707
Concerning the temperature in a taxi 709
Paying a taxi fare 711
TEACHER
Talking to a child’s teacher 336
TELEPHONES
Ending a telephone conversation 19
Answering the telephone — business 646
Answering the telephone — residential 645
Asking about payment for goods ordered over the telephone 669
Asking about store hours over the telephone 666
Asking how to place a merchandise order over the telephone 668
Asking whom a telephone caller wants to talk to 647
Bringing a telephone call to an end 655
Connecting or transferring a telephone caller 649
Describing problems with a pay telephone 660
Emergency telephone calls 767
Expressions used by a telephone company sales representative 664
Expressions used by a telephone directory assistance operator 662
Expressions used by a telephone repair service operator 663
Interrupting a telephone call with other business 651
Making complaints about unwanted telephone calls 659
Offering to help a telephone caller 654
Offering to take a message from a telephone caller 653
Placing a telephone order for pizza 409
Putting a telephone caller on hold 650
Recorded telephone service messages 665
Refusing to do business with a telephone solicitor 672
Requesting a telephone number from directory assistance 656
Requesting additional information from a telephone solicitor 671
Requesting service from a utility company by telephone 630
Requesting telephone service or installation 661
Requests to a telephone operator 657
Screening someone’s telephone calls 648
When you are interrupted by a telephone solicitor 670
TELEVISION
Changing the television channel 328
Concerning television 327
Giving a child instructions for television watching 358
Managing a television set 329
TELLER
A bank teller greeting a patron 365
A teller inquiring about the size of bills that you want 376
Basic requests to a bank teller 366
Requesting change from a teller or cashier 368
Using the automatic (mechanical) teller 370
TEMPERATURE
Concerning the temperature in a taxi 709
TENANTS
Responding to a tenant’s complaints about lodgings 760
TESTS
Asking about classroom examinations 340
Expressions a doctor uses about medicine and tests 506
Test-driving a car 605
THANKING
Saying “thank you” — formal 155
Saying “thank you” — informal 156
Acknowledging someone’s thanks — formal 157
Acknowledging someone’s thanks — informal 158
THERAPIST
Statements made to a guidance counselor or therapist 516
THINGS
Asking someone how things are going 17
Encouraging someone to be patient and take things slowly 68
Leaving things as they are 238
Describing additional unspecified people or things 254
Asking a child to leave things alone 353
Locating things in a supermarket 383
Important things to tell a doctor 505
Finding things in a department store 559
THOROUGHNESS
Describing your thoroughness 531
THREATS
Threatening retaliation 197
TICKETS
Requests made to a ticket agent 584
Asking questions about payment for tickets 585
Questions asked by a ticket agent for an entertainment event 587
Expressions about tickets to an entertainment event 588
Questions a passenger might ask of an airline ticket agent 678
TIDINESS
Giving a child instructions for cleanliness or tidiness 355
TIME
Greetings for various times of the day 3
Greeting a person you haven’t seen in a long time 4
Asking the time of day 123
The time is 12:00 o’clock 124
The time is on the hour 125
The time is approximate 126
The time is ten minutes past the hour 127
The time is fifteen minutes past the hour 128
The time is forty minutes past the hour 129
The time is forty-five minutes past the hour 130
The time is fifty minutes past the hour 131
When a timepiece is not accurate 132
Giving a child instructions at dinner time 357
Asking about the time that a bar closes 454
Approaching a deadline 538
TIMID
Encouraging a timid person 169
TIRE
Tire problems 732
TIRED
Describing being exhausted or worn out 490
TOILETS
Asking about the location of a rest room in a public building 433
Describing plumbing problems — toilets 626
Concerning going to the bathroom while traveling 724
Starting a conversation using the topic of weather 222
TOUCH
Making plans to keep in touch with someone 24
The sense of touch 302
TRAINS
Instructions from a commuter train conductor 688
Asking about a long train trip 689
Asking about a train seat you want to sit in 690
Making requests on a train 691
Asking questions on a train 692
TRANSACTION
A postal clerk bringing a transaction to an end 581
TRANSFERRING
Connecting or transferring a telephone caller 649
TRANSPORTATION
Asking about transportation to a particular place 716
Questions about the convenience of transportation 752
Describing the availability of transportation 757
TRAVEL
Questions asked by a travel agent 673
Requests made to a travel agent 674
Questions about the cost of travel 675
Questions a passenger might ask of an airline ticket agent 678
Complaining about lost or damaged luggage 680
Asking about frequent flyer mileage 681
On an airplane 685
Eating and drinking on an airplane 686
Asking about a long train trip 689
Asking about a train seat you want to sit in 690
Asking questions on a train 692
Asking about a long bus trip 693
Asking about a bus seat you want to sit in 694
Asking questions on a bus 700
Verifying your route when traveling 714
Asking about transportation to a particular place 716
Concerning going to the bathroom while traveling 724
Trying to get children to behave while traveling 725
Problems on the highway 733
When someone is leaving on a journey 737
Concerning a journey or vacation 739
Questions about the convenience of transportation 752
Asking about a long train trip 689
Asking about a long bus trip 693
TROUBLE
When you are in trouble 76
When someone is in trouble 77
When someone starts trouble 201
TRUST
Expressing trust in someone 62
Asking to be trusted 105
TRYING
Encouraging someone to try something 64
Attempting to put an end to a misunderstanding 103
Making an extra effort 262
A waiter or waitress seeking to be of further service 438
Statements made about trying to make a marriage work 521
When a customer wants to try on clothing 564
Trying to get children to behave while traveling 725
Trying to intimidate a police officer — (not recommended) 736
TURNING
Turning someone down 313
TYPES
Describing types of airline flights 677
UNDERESTIMATED
When someone has underestimated your intelligence 191
UNDERSTANDING
Stating that you understand 28
Making sure you are understood 29
When you do not understand someone 100
When someone does not understand you 101
Claiming that something is easy to understand 107
When you do not understand what was said 121
When you do not understand what a foreign visitor has said 122
Making sure a child understands 363
UNEATEN
Requests to have uneaten food wrapped so it can be taken home 435
UNFEELING
When someone is cold and unfeeling — informal 87
UNHAPPY
Asking why someone looks so unhappy 273
Encouraging someone who is unhappy 275
When something is unimportant 550
UNIQUENESS
Commenting on the uniqueness of someone 54
UNITED STATES
Entering the United States through customs and immigration 687
UNITY
Concerning unity — clichés 248
Family solidarity 315
UNNECESSARY
Requesting someone to stop needless talk 199
UNPLEASANT
Asking someone to stop being unpleasant 285
UNSPECIFIED
Describing additional unspecified people or things 254
UNWANTED
Making complaints about unwanted telephone calls 659
UNWELCOME
When someone makes an unwelcome intervention 182
URGENCY
Conveying urgency 539
UTILITY
Reporting problems to a utility company 631
Requesting service from a utility company by telephone 630
VACATION
Concerning a journey or vacation 739
VAGUENESS
Concerning the deceptively difficult 547
Describing additional unspecified people or things 254
The time is approximate 126
VAIN
When someone is conceited or vain 164
VARIOUS
Greetings for various times of the day 3
Various conversational phrases 46
Describing types of airline flights 677
Telling the doctor about various pains and problems 499
Various requests for drinks from a bartender 446
VENDOR
Requesting a publication from a news vendor 593
Verifying your route when traveling 714
VERY
Describing a place that is quite distant 718
Offering a very polite apology 146
When someone is very annoying or hurtful 174
When someone is very happy — idioms 279
When someone looks very bad 477
When someone looks very happy 278
VIEWING
Giving a child instructions for television watching 358
VIOLENCE
Life and death emergencies — violence 769
VISION
Concerning good vision 304
Concerning vision and belief 305
Difficulties with seeing 303
VISIT
Asking to visit someone 205
VISITATION
Expressing sympathy at a funeral or wake 163
VISITORS
After greeting a visitor 213
Greetings for visitors 211
Inviting a visitor to come in 212
Inviting a visitor to stay for dinner 215
Making a visitor feel welcome and comfortable 214
When you do not understand what a foreign visitor has said 122
VOMITING
Telling the doctor about vomiting 501
When you feel like vomiting 487
WAITERS
A waiter or waitress offering dessert 439
A waiter or waitress seeking to be of further service 438
Explaining to a waiter or waitress that you are not ready to order 424
Greetings from a waiter or waitress 417
Questions a waiter or waitress might ask 418
Requesting attention from a waiter or waitress 423
WAITING
Asking someone to wait 67
Asking a taxi driver to wait 710
Explaining that you will attend to someone soon 138
Starting a conversation in a waiting room 225
WAITRESSES
A waiter or waitress offering dessert 439
A waiter or waitress seeking to be of further service 438
Explaining to a waiter or waitress that you are not ready to order 424
Greetings from a waiter or waitress 417
Questions a waiter or waitress might ask 418
Requesting attention from a waiter or waitress 423
WAKE
Expressing sympathy at a funeral or wake 163
WANTING
A bartender asking what you want 443
A hotel desk clerk finding out a guest’s preferences 743
A teller inquiring about the size of bills that you want 376
An automobile dealer finding out what you want 600
Asking about a bus seat you want to sit in 694
Asking about a train seat you want to sit in 690
Asking whom a telephone caller wants to talk to 647
When a customer wants to try on clothing 564
When a salesperson cannot supply exactly what is wanted 567
When you feel you are not wanted 266
WARM
Feeling warm or hot 252
WARNINGS
Medical warnings and advice found on product labels 514
Warnings 240
WATCHES
When a timepiece is not accurate 132
WATCHING
Giving a child instructions for television watching 358
WATER HEATER
Describing plumbing problems — water heater 629
WATER PIPES
Describing plumbing problems — water pipes 628
WAY
Describing a place that is a long way away 719
WEATHER
Starting a conversation using the topic of weather 222
Talking about the weather 226
Making a visitor feel welcome and comfortable 214
Welcoming someone who has returned 738
WELLNESS
Explaining that you are cured of a health problem 512
Inquiring about someone’s health or well-being 478
Starting a conversation with someone you know well 224
When someone does not look well 479
Wishing someone well 162
WHITENESS
Concerning whiteness 255
WHY
Asking why someone looks so unhappy 273
Explaining why one is late 209
Explaining why you are having difficulty in a new job 535
Explaining why you are not going to do something 537
WINE
Ordering wine in a restaurant 431
WISDOM
Encouraging someone to be more sensible 95
WISHING
Returning someone’s good wishes 136
Wishing someone well 162
WITNESSING
Explaining that you have witnessed an accident 766
WORD
Expressions for a forgotten word or name 245
WORK
A prospective employee to a human resources or personnel director 525
A prospective employee to a prospective employer during an interview 523
An employee to a human resources or personnel director 526
An employer to a prospective employee during an interview 524
Complaining to a human resources or personnel director 527
Concerning an easy task or employment position 529
Concerning being busy — clichés 261
Congratulating someone for doing a good job 161
Describing a lack of work experience 528
Employer to lawn-care worker 642
Encouraging someone to keep working at a job 541
Explaining why you are having difficulty in a new job 535
Expressions used in business letters 143
House-cleaner to employer 641
Inviting an employee into a private office for a reprimand 533
Lawn-care worker to employer 644
Praising an employee 534
Reprimanding an employee 532
WORK OUT
Statements made about trying to make a marriage work 521
WORKERS
A prospective employee to a prospective employer during an interview 523
An employer to a prospective employee during an interview 524
Employer to lawn-care worker 642
Instructions to lawn-care worker 643
Inviting an employee into a private office for a reprimand 533
Lawn-care worker to employer 644
Praising a house-cleaner 639
Praising an employee 534
WORN-OUT
Describing being exhausted or worn-out 490
WRAPPING
Getting a purchase gift wrapped in a store 570
Requests to have uneaten food wrapped so it can be taken home 435
WRONG
Stating that someone is wrong 36
Stating what’s wrong with a computer 614
When someone has done something wrong — amazed 180
When someone has done something wrong — polite 179
When someone has done something wrong — sarcastic 181