English Expressions

Original tweet @EnglishTips4U

The first one:
1. EXCUSE ME.
You use this when you want to go past somebody (you don't know) or want to attract their attention.
Let's see how we use EXCUSE ME in sentences:
a. "Excuse me." (when you go past somebody).
b. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

The second expression:
2. SORRY.
You say this when you need to apologize for something small. You say this when you need to apologize for something small. Example: "Sorry I'm late."

I BEG YOUR PARDON is a formal expression. It also means "sorry". Example: "I beg your pardon, I did not mean to do that."
SORRY or I'M SORRY is used frequently in British English. While PARDON ME/EXCUSE ME in American English are used for apologies. When you did not hear/understand what somebody said want them to repeat it, you say PARDON/SORRY in British English PARDON ME/EXCUSE ME in American English and it is NOT POLITE to say WHAT ("What?") if you have not heard or understood something. So don't say that.

The third expression:
3. I'M AFRAID.
You use it when you want to apologize because you have to tell somebody something they may not like.
Let's see how we use I'M AFRAID:
a. "I'm afraid I can't make it tonight."
b. "Did I miss the last bust?" | "I'm afraid so."

The fourth expression:
4. I WONDER IF.
It shows hesitancy when you are asking somebody to do something or asking for a favor.
How do we use I WONDER IF in a sentence? Here is an example:
"Hey, Jo. I wonder if you could lend me some money."

The fifth expression:
5. PLEASE.
You say it when you ask for something. In British English it can be at the beginning or end, in American English always at the end.
Here are the examples:
a. "Please help me." (British English)
b. "Help me, please." (British English or American English).

The sixth expression:
6. THANK YOU.
When somebody gives you something or when you buy something or receive information, you say this.
Remember: some people may be offended if you say nothing when they give you something. So always remember to say THANK YOU. In response to THANK YOU, in British English some people may say THAT'S ALL RIGHT, THAT'S OKAY, DON'T MENTION IT. In American English YOU'RE WELCOME is common. You say THANK YOU or YES, PLEASE when you want to accept something. You say NO, THANK YOU or NO, THANKS to refuse something.

The seventh last expression:
7. CHEERS.
CHEERS is often used in informal British English to mean THANK YOU.