Learn English By Devraj Yadav

English Speaking Basics

Are you into + (noun)

Here you are asking a question about an interest they might have or something they might enjoy doing.

Here are some examples:

"Are you into soccer?"
"Are you into trying new things?"
"Are you into wine tasting?"
"Are you into working out at home or at the gym?"
"Are you into scary movies?"
"Are you into playing games?"
"Are you into jogging?"
"Are you into painting?"
"Are you into traveling?"
"Are you into fixing cars?"

Are you trying to + (verb)

Can I get + (noun)

The phrase 'Can I get' can be used in a couple different ways. You can use it to ask a question.

Here are some examples:

"Can I get a cup of water?"
"Can I get a dog?"
"Can I get lunch?"
"Can I get sugar in my coffee?"
"Can I get popcorn at the movie?"

You can also use it when offering to help someone or do something for them.

Here are some examples:

"Can I get you another drink?"
"Can I help you move that?"
"Can I recommend a good place to eat?"
"Can I take you home?"
"Can I help you finish your project?"

Can I + (verb)

When ending a sentence with a question mark (?) you are asking the person or people you are talking to a question for which you would like an answer. Here you are asking permission to do a particular action.

Here are some examples:

"Can I answer your question?"
"Can I attend the event?"
"Can I move to another spot?"
"Can I call you tomorrow?"
"Can I complete this later?"
"Can I explain myself?"
"Can I help you with your homework?"
"Can I include you in our plans?"
"Can I introduce you to my co-workers?"
"Can I inform you of some bad news?"

Do you mind if I + (verb)

You are asking someone in present tense if they object to something you are asking.

Here are some examples:

"Do you mind if I excuse myself?"
"Do you mind if we left early?"
"Do you mind if I take a nap?"
"Do you mind if I ask your mom?"
"Do you mind if it snows?"

You could also use the word 'would'

Here are some examples:

"Would you mind if we went out to eat?"
"Would you mind if I opened the window?"
"Would you mind telling me what you're doing?"
"Would you mind being quiet for a minute?"
"Would you mind if I changed the channel?

Do you want me to + (verb)

To 'want' is to feel or have a desire for. When saying 'Do you want me to' you're asking someone if there is anything you can do for them or assist them with.

Here are some examples:

"Do you want me to pick up the kids?"
"Do you want me to fix your flat tire?"
"Do you want me to help you read that book?"
"Do you want me to remind you?"
"Do you want me to remove my shoes?"

The word 'want' can also be used to express something YOU would like someone else to do or that something you personally would enjoy.

Here are some examples:

"I want you to come over."
"I want you to make a decision."
"I want you to water the flowers."
"I want to understand what you are trying to say."
"I want to be better at swimming."
"I want to be more involved at church."

Here's to + (noun)

'Here's to' is used in a way of celebrating or identifying a person, place, or thing of significance. It is usually said while toasting someone at dinner, or signaling to someone or something after an event.

Here are some examples:

"Here's to the winner!"
"Here's to your marriage!"
"Here's to the New Year!"
"Here's to great friends!"
"Here's to starting a new job!"
"Here is to the luckiest guy in the world!"
"Here is to you!"
"Here is to happiness!"
"Here is to a wonderful day!"
"Here is to great memories!"

How come + (subject + verb)

When using 'how come' you are asking why a particular thing has or had to take place.

Here are some examples:

"How come parents worry so much?"
"How come people carpool to work?"
"How come you are so upset?"
"How come he will not call you?"
"How come you stayed out so late?"
"How come you cannot make a decision?"
"How come you always question me?"
"How come we never agree?"
"How come your dog digs in the yard?"
"How come she will not come over?"

How much does it cost to + (verb)

You are simply asking how much you would need to pay to do something.

Here are some examples:

"How much does it cost to fly to Europe?"
"How much does it cost to own a house?"
"How much does it cost to play a round of golf?"
"How much does it cost to join a gym?"
"How much does it cost to repair my car?"
"How much would it cost to talk long distance?"
"How much would it cost to run a website?"
"How much would it cost to wash my car?"
"How much would it cost to rent a car?"
"How much would it cost to go to the movies?"

How often do you

How was + (noun)

By using the words 'how was' you are asking someone a question about something that happened or something they did in the past.

Here are some examples:

"How was your meeting?"
"How was your doctor's appointment?"
"How was the birthday party?"
"How was lunch?"
"How was the airplane ride?"
"How was vacation?"
"How were your parents?"
"How were roads when you drove home?"
"How were people acting after what happened?"
"How were holidays with the family?"

I don't know what to + (verb)

You are letting someone know that you are not sure about what is being asked. You may also have no knowledge or opinion on a topic.

Here are some examples:

"I don't know what to eat for dinner."
"I don't know what to buy you for your birthday."
"I don't know what to say."
"I don't know what to do with my spare time."
"I don't know what to do for vacation."
"I do not know what to do to make you happy."
"I do not know what to do to help you understand."
"I do not know what to think."
"I do not know what to do to prevent this."
"I do not know what to order."

I'm not sure if (subject + verb)

'I'm not sure' expresses a feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence on a particular matter.

Here are some examples:

"I am not sure if they will offer me the job."
"I'm not sure if she'll return my call."
"I'm not sure if my wife will understand."
"I'm not sure if we will go out tonight."
"I'm not sure if I understand your question."
"I am not sure if I can handle it."
"I am not sure if it will happen."
"I am not sure if it will matter."
"I am not sure if my mom will notice."
"I am not sure if they will permit us to park there."

I'm thinking of + (verb-ing)

'Thinking' refers to a process of thought, forming an opinion or judgment. When expressing 'I am thinking of' you are letting someone know what you are personally thinking.

Here are some examples:

"I'm thinking of checking out the new movie."
"I'm thinking of filming my vacation."
"I'm thinking of following a healthy diet."
"I'm thinking of handing out flyers describing our business."
"I'm thinking of increasing my work load."
"I am thinking of introducing myself to him."
"I am thinking of launching a new website."
"I am thinking of moving to a new city."
"I am thinking of offering her the position."
"I am thinking of opening up a store."

I'll help you + (verb)

This lets you inform someone that you are willing to provide assistance. This could refer to something physical or mental, like helping someone to 'think' or 'remember' something.

Here are some examples:

"I'll help you cook dinner tonight."
"I'll help you raise money for your charity."
"I'll help you register for your class online."
"I'll help you move to your new house."
"I'll help you prevent that from happening again."
"I will help you park your car."
"I will help you provide all the information you need."
"I will help you realize your potential."
"I will help you stop smoking."
"I will help you shop for groceries."

It looks like + (noun)

You could be describing how something is similar or appears to be by the way it looks.

Here are some examples:

"It looks like a balloon."
"It looks like a jellyfish."
"It looks like a banana."
"It looks like a fish."
You can also use 'it looks like' to describe something that might be in the future.

Here are some examples:

"It looks like it's going to rain."
"It looks like it's going to be fun."
"It looks like it's going to be a long day."

You can also use it to describe something in the present tense.

Here are some examples:

"It looks like they are leaving."
"It looks like he is waving to us."
"It looks like she is lost."
"It looks like they are racing."

It occurred to me that (subject + verb)

The word 'occurred' informs someone that something has come to mind or has been found. You are letting someone know that you suddenly have thought or remembered about something.

Here are some examples:

"It occurred to me that I forgot your birthday."
"It occurred to me that we both belong to the same gym."
"It occurred to me that we enjoy a lot of the same things."
"It occurred to me the price for homes are more expensive here."
"It occurred to me that eating healthy makes me feel better."

Using the word 'had' or 'has' can change what you are saying to represent something remembered in a past time.

Here are some examples:

"It had occurred to me that I forgot something at the grocery."
"It had occurred to me I might need to change my email address."
"It has occurred to me I forgot my mom's birthday."
"It has occurred to me before."

It's my turn to + (verb)

The word 'It's' is a contraction of the words 'it is.' When stating 'my turn' you are telling someone that it is time to change position or position focuses on to you.

Here are some examples:

"It's my turn to walk you home."
"It's my turn to do laundry."
"It's my turn to work late."
"It's my turn to take out the trash."
"It's my turn to choose where we eat."
"It is my turn to pay for dinner."
"It is my turn to roll the dice."
"It is my turn to provide an answer."
"It is my turn to try and play the game."
"It is my turn to attempt solving th

It's time to + (verb)

You are letting someone know that something is required to be done at the present time.

Here are some examples:

"It's time to say goodbye."
"It's time to ask for a raise."
"It's time to collect our money."
"It's time to cheer for our team."
"It's time to change the clocks."
"It is time to decide what to do."
"It is time to enjoy ourselves."
"It is time to fill me in on what's going on."
"It is time to help out."
"It is time to join a gym."

Please + (verb)

'Please' is generally used in a polite request when asking someone to do something.

Here are some examples:

"Please pass me the salt."
"Please order me the steak and potatoes."
"Please stop bothering me."
"Please wash your hands before dinner."
"Please wait outside until we are ready."
"Please zip up your coat before you go outside."
"Please stand back."

The word 'please' can also mean to give enjoyment or satisfaction to.

Here are some examples:

"The smell of the flowers was very pleasing."
"May it please the court to admit this into evidence?"
"I was very pleased with how the children behaved in class."
"You cannot please everyone all the time."
"She was pleased with the dress."

Thank you for

Saying 'thank you' is telling someone you appreciate what they have done. This can either be something they did for you or for someone else.

Here are some examples:

"Thank you for inviting me."
"Thank you for helping me move."
"Thank you for informing me about the job opening."
"Thank you for mailing that package for me."
"Thank you for working so hard."
"Thank you for stopping by to visit."
"Thank you for replying to my email."
"Thank you for providing me with the answers."
"Thank you for heating up dinner."
"Thank you for hurrying to get here."

The point is that + (subject + verb)

There's no need to + (verb)

The word 'there's' is a contraction of the words 'there is' or 'there has.' When expressing 'no need' you are stating that the action does not need to take place.

Here are some examples:

"There's no need to worry."
"There's no need to be upset."
"There's no need to act so strange."
"There's no need to act so shy."
"There's no need to rush off."
"There's no need to talk now."
"There is no need to call this late."
"There is no need to bother him."
"There is no need to run away."
"There is no need to stop now."

There's nothing + (subject) + can + (verb)

There's no way + (subject + verb)

'There's' is a contraction of the words 'there is.' By stating 'there's no way' you are relaying a thought of doubt about an event taking place now or in the future.

Here are some examples:

"There's no way you finish on time."
"There's no way we complete on time."
"There's no way your mother approves."
"There's no way no one claims it."
"There's no way they expect it."
"There's no way he can fix it."
"There's no way he can handle the news."
"There's no way your brother injured his ankle."
"There is no way that horse jumps it."
"There is no way he missed it."

What are the chances of + (verb-ing)

By asking 'what are the chances of' you are wondering how often or in what case would a particular thing happen.

Here are some examples:

"What are the chances of getting tickets?"
"What are the chances of that happening?"
"What are the chances of it raining today?"
"What are the chances of winning the lottery?"

When replacing the word 'the' with 'your' or 'our' you can ask what the chances 'personally' that the topic will happen.

Here are some examples:

"What are the chances of you staying home today?"
"What are your chances of getting the job?"
"What are your chances of improving?"
"What are your chances of moving?"
"What are our chances of staying together?"
"What are our chances of working together?"
"What are our chances of going together?"

Why don't we + (verb)

'Don't' is a contraction of 'do not.' When using 'why' you are asking a question that involves yourself and the person you are talking to.

Here are some examples:

"Why don't we go bowling tonight?"
"Why don't we pick some fresh flowers?"
"Why don't we play a game of chess?"
"Why don't we save more money?"
"Why don't we remember this place?"
"Why don't we test this before using it?"
"Why don't we try and do it again?"
"Why don't we post our results online?"
"Why don't we gather more firewood?"
"Why don't we earn more money?"

You could have + (past participle)

Using 'could have' you are speaking about something that was, should be or would be. You are stating that they had other options that could have been chosen.

Here are some examples:

"You could have completed it sooner."
"You could have blown your chance."
"You could have done better on your exam."
"You could have given me more time to get ready."
"You could have heard that from someone else."
"You could have sent that package first class."
"You could have slept in a little longer."
"You could have written him a letter."
"You could have thought of something to do."
"You could have upset her by saying that."

You should + (verb)

Here you are suggesting an obligation or duty that needs to take place either now or in the near future.

Here are some examples:

"You should go to bed."
"You should do your homework before going outside."
"You should replace you headlights on your car."
"You should request a raise at work."
"You should stop smoking."
"You should smile more."
"You should slow down when driving in a neighborhood."
"You should talk to him about it."
"You should train your dog."
"You should trust what they say."

You'd better + (verb)

'You'd' is a contraction of 'you had' or 'you would.' You are making a suggestion to someone for a particular action.

Here are some examples:

"You'd better exercise."
"You'd better help out."
"You'd better invite your brother."
"You'd better impress the judges."
"You'd better listen to your parents."
"You had better not come home late."
"You had better hope for the best."
"You had better change your attitude."
"You would be good at teaching."
"You would do well at math."

I'm not used to + (verb-ing)

I don't have time to + (verb)

The word 'don't' is a contraction of the words 'do not.' When adding 'have time to' you are simply stating that you have other obligations and all other things considered must wait.

Here are some examples:

"I don't have time to explain."
"I don't have time to eat."
"I don't have time to exercise."
"I don't have time to watch my favorite TV show."
"I don't have time to talk."

You can also use the phrase 'I don't' to express things you do not like, things you do not understand, or things you do not do.

Here are some examples:

"I don't eat meat."
"I don't like the rain."
"I don't understand Spanish."
"I do not understand what you are saying."
"I do not like scary movies."
"I do not like sports."

I have to + (verb)

The words 'have to' describe something that needs to take place soon. It expresses certainty, necessity, or obligation.

Here are some examples:

"I have to switch schools."
"I have to use the telephone."
"I have to go to the bathroom."
"I have to leave."
"I have to unpack my bags."

You can also add the word 'don't' to suggest that someone is not required to do something.

"I don't have to switch schools."
"I don't have to use the telephone."
"I don't have to go to the bathroom."
"I don't have to leave."
"I don't have to unpack my bags."

I plan to + (verb)

'Plan to' describes something that you would like to do in the near future.

Here are some examples:

"I plan to find a new apartment."
"I plan to relax on vacation."
"I plan to surprise my parents."
"I plan to wash my car."
"I plan to adopt a child."
"I plan to impress my boss."
"I plan to watch a movie."
"I plan to save more money."
"I plan to read a book."
"I plan to learn new things."

I promise not to + (verb)

When using the word 'promise' you are giving your word that what you are saying is true. You might also be assuring someone a guarantee that you will follow thru on what you are saying to them.

When using 'promise not to' you are stating you will not do a particular thing.

Here are some examples:

"I promise not to tell."
"I promise not to leave without you."
"I promise not to be so late."
"I promise not to hurt your feelings."
"I promise not to wake you up."

You can also just use the word 'promise' to assure someone of your intentions.

Here are some examples:

"I promise I am telling the truth."
"I promise to practice my math."
"I promise to call you."
"I promise I will tell you."
"I promise I will come to your party."

I wanna + (verb)

The word 'wanna' is incorrect grammatically. It is equivalent to 'want to.' When combined with the word 'I' it helps communicate something you want to do.

Here are some examples:

"I wanna talk."
"I wanna search for a job."
"I wanna order some food."
"I wanna marry her."
"I wanna listen to that song."

By adding the word 'don't' you can change the meaning of what you are saying to something you 'want' to do to something you 'do not' want to do.

Here are some examples:

"I don't wanna talk."
"I don't wanna search for a job."
"I don't wanna marry her."
"I don't wanna listen to that song."
"I don't wanna order some food."

I want you to + (verb)

'I want you to' is telling someone that you have a desire or would like for them to do something.

Here are some examples:

"I want you to clean the dishes."
"I want you to come home right after school."
"I want you to call once you get there."
"I want you to explain yourself to me."
"I want you to educate me."

By using the word 'need' instead of 'want' you are expressing something that is required or wanted.

Here are some examples:

"I need you to study harder in school."
"I need you to stop and listen to me."
"I need you to greet our guests."
"I need you to introduce me to your family."
"I need to request a refund."

I suck at

The word 'suck' means 'not good.' It is commonly used when expressing to someone that you do not do well at a particular thing. It means the opposite of something you are 'good' at.

Here are some examples:

"I suck at cooking."
"I suck at writing."
"I suck at sports."
"I suck at drawing."
"I suck at video games."
"I suck at dancing."
"I suck at riding a bike."
"I suck at driving."
"I suck at karaoke."
"I suck at math."

I'd rather + (verb)

'I'd' is a contraction of the words 'I had' or 'I would.'

When using it with the word 'rather' you are suggesting you would like to do or prefer one thing more than another.

Here are some examples:

"I'd rather talk about this later."
"I'd like to eat at home than go get fast food."
"I'd rather ski than snowboard."
"I'd rather stay late than come in early tomorrow."
"I'd rather handle the problem myself."
"I had rather go home than stay out too late."
"I had rather listen to my parents or get in trouble."
"I would rather exercise than sit on the couch all day."
"I would rather complete my task early."
"I would rather know the answer."