There are a number of formulas used when complaining in English. It's important to remember that a direct complaint or criticism in English can sound rude or aggressive. It's best to mention a problem in an indirect manner. Here are some of the most common:
- I'm sorry to have to say this but...
- I'm sorry to bother you, but...
- Maybe you forgot to...
- I think you might have forgotten to...
- Excuse me if I'm out of line, but...
- There may have been a misunderstanding about...
- Don't get me wrong, but I think we should...
Construction
| Formula | Example Finish |
| I'm sorry to have to say this but | I think we need to take another approach. |
| I'm sorry to bother you, but | I think you need to refine this layout. |
| Maybe you forgot to | include his name and number. |
| I think you might have forgotten to | finish the report on time. |
| Excuse me if I'm out of line, but | your work has not been adequate lately. |
| There may have been a misunderstanding about | what I expected from you. |
| Don't get me wrong, but I think we should | concentrate on the Smith account for the moment. |
There are a number of ways to guess in English. Here are some of the most common:
- I'd say he's about ready to quite his job.
- It might need some oil.
- He could be in the garden.
- It looks like a miniature motor.
- Perhaps he needs some time off work.
- Maybe they want to come and visit this summer.
- It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house.
- I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy hiking in the mountains.
- Can I talk to you for a minute?
- Can I ask you something?
- Do you mind if I ask you something?
- I need to talk to you for a minute.
- I have to tell you something.
- There's something I need to tell you.
- There's something I think you should know.
- We need to talk.
What do you mean?/ What do you mean by…?
Do you mean (that)…?/ Does that mean (that)…?
What exactly does that mean?
What are you saying/ trying to say?
Don’t you mean…?
What (exactly) does that …mean?
Could/Would you explain this word, please?
‘Trade convention’?/ ‘Curriculum’?/ etc. (echoing the problem word with a question intonation)
Sorry, I didn’t understand (the word)…
Sorry, I’m lost.
Sorry, I’m afraid you’ve lost me there.
Sorry, I don’t/didn’t quite follow you/ what you were saying about…
I’m not sure I understand/ follow you.
I’m afraid I don’t understand.
I don’t quite see what you mean/ what you’re getting at, I’m afraid.
I’m sorry, I’m not quite clear on…
I don’t get you/it/the point.
In case you don’t know the answer
- I don’t know.
- I don’t know anything about that.
- I haven’t thought about that.
- I’m sorry, could you be more specific?
- What do you mean exactly?
- What’s the point?
Speaking 1: What’s the point?
- How many are there in your family?
- What’s the most important thing in your life?
- What is/was your GPA in university?
- Do you have a girlfriend/ boyfriend?
If you need time to think
- Hmm, let me see…
- Let me think about that.
- Well…Good question.
- Pardon me? Could you please repeat that?
- I don’t understand.
- I didn’t hear what you said.
- What does that mean?
Speaking 2: Pardon me?
- Do you believe in ESP?
- Have you ever been to a BYOB party?
- What’s the purpose of life?
- What do you think of MLI?
If you feel your English is not good enough
- I know what you’re talking about, but it’s difficult for me to explain in English.
- I’m not sure if I can answer properly in English, but let me try.
If the question is too personal or rude
- I’m sorry, I’d rather not say.
- That’s a little personal.
- I’d rather not talk about it.
- It’s none of your business.
Speaking 3: It’s none of your business!
- How many men/women have you kissed?
- Are you a good kisser?
- How much money do you make?
- Can you explain the meaning of “yin & yang”?
- What grosses you out?
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