Spoken English Lesson 121: Conversation at a General Store

Now we're again back to the lessons. Here is a sample conversation of a situation where you are at a shop or general store to buy goods. Just have a look at the language used here and you would realise that it's quite easy for you to learn.

Store owner: What do you want Sir
Amir: Have you got the cooking oil?

Store owner: Sure sir, shall I give you the same brand you too last month
Amir: My wife prefers Sunlight brand. If you have it, give me two packs of 250 mg.

Store owner: Its ready. You want anything else?
Amir: Give me one kg rice and a bottle of honey. That's it.

Store owner: Sir, your things are ready.
Amir: Please put them in a carry bag.

Store owner: I have already got them packed. Here is your bill.
Amir (dishing out Rs 500 note): I am sorry, I don't have a smaller note.

Store owner: No problem. Your balance here (returns).
Amir: Thanks.

Lesson 120: Inviting friends for tea or dinner

Just a sample conversation for you to understand how people talk when a neighbouring couple visits another family. 

There is social talk and basic conversation over lunch or dinner. I am sure that after going through the earlier posts, you have learnt a lot.

And that you will be able to communicate better the next time, there are visitors at your doorstep. Confidence remains the key. Be natural and speak fearlessly. 

Amit: Hi Shabana, how are you Javed...

Javed: Great to see you guys. Glad that both of you have come...finally. 

Amit: Manisha, come...see who has graced our house.

Manisha: Wow. Real surprise. That day only I told him to ask you over to tea.

Amit: But where is the little one?

Shabana: He is at his grandfathers' place. Next time may be...

Amit: Our kiddo is also not around. Hope they will have fun together next time.

Javed: Where is little Neel? 

Amit: Sports camp. So he comes back in the evening. 

Javed: That's nice. Physical exercise is always much better than watching TV or those video games.

Manisha: I wish we'd invited you earlier. 

Shabana: We too were wanting to see you since we met at the wedding. 

Amit: Pass him the fried chicken plate

Shabana: Its yummy. You made all that just now?

Manisha: I am sure you make better biryani. 

Shabana: For that I need you guys to come over and soon. 

Amit: Sure. 

Javed: The food was amazing.

Manisha: The coffee is ready. Have some biscuits!

Javed: I'll just have coffee. Nothing else. I'm afraid I'm full. 

Lesson 119: Don't go for big words to improve your spoken English

A person knows big words that sound impressive but can't use them properly. When he speaks them, its clear that he has learnt them from a book or deliberately uses them to show his knowledge.

On the other hand, a person uses the most basic vocabulary but speaks effectively and without any effort. He speaks just like native speakers, fluently. Native speakers don't use big words. Phrasal verbs and If you have read books to crack English tests, you might have used words like 'gregarious' but in real conversation, 'friendly' would suit more.

Examples of conversation:

1. Sorry, I give up. I can't solve this problem.

2. I am looking for my mobile phone.

3. I must get on with my work. I got behind because I went to the movie.

4. I'll come and see you off at the railway station.

5. I feel he has got something weighing on his mind.

6. I don't like the way my nephew answers me back.

7. This bookshop owner is a rude guy. Doesn't let one flip through any magazine book before buying it.

8. I am really sorry for holding you up but its important to sign all these papers.

9. I was calling her on her cell phone since morning but I couldn't get through.

10. Hey, would you be able to put me up when I am in Delhi next week? (Will you let me stay at your place)

The sentences are just to give you an indication that simple language works well and better. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't learn big words. But the harsh reality is that if you have to speak fluent English, don't waste time on books that teach you tougher words instead of basic language.

The result of such books that promise to teach 'hi-fi' language is that you only end up getting confused. Speak the most basic words and then there will be no worry about pronunciation either. And you won't appear superficial either.

Best of Luck.

Lesson 118: How to talk about your failure or frustrations in English

This blog has been running for the last five years, helping people learn the skills of spoken English. This is lesson number 118 on this blog now.

In this lesson, we are posting a sample conversation between two gentlemen. One of them is depressed and the other is trying to cheer him up.

This is an example of how a person reacts when he is sad and frustrated as also the manner in which the other person should try and get him out of the abyss.

So read and practice. Do write to us if you find this lesson useful.


Peter: Nice to see you Joe
Joe: I am also glad to see you man.

Peter: Hey what's the matter? You look...I mean such a cheerful man....like you and today you look upset....
Joe: Yeah, I feel really hung up about things [hung up means depressed or miserable]

Peter: What's the matter dear
Joe: It's the factory. Nothing seems falling in place for the last few months.

Peter: That's part of the game. Don't feel so miserable.
Joe: Don't know. I think I am responsible. I totally messed up.

Peter: Its not your fault. Didn't you do your best? The situation is same everywhere.
Joe: I never anticipated it would turn this bad. I should have sold the factory long back.

Peter: Come on. Don't sound a pessimist. I tell you, the government is about to offer a package for industry.
Joe: Are you sure! Haven't heard as yet.

Peter: Bro, look at the bright side of things. Take it easy. We are all in doldrums, you are not alone.
Joe: You are right. I must not lose heart.

Peter: Exactly. No need to get so worked up. [worked up means 'getting tense' or upset]
Joe: You are sure an optimist. Shukriya [Urdu word for thanks used in India, England]. Must get rid of the thoughts and wait for package.

Peter: So, we're meeting at the billiard....
Joe: Yes, I sure will. Thanks buddy for pepping me up.