How to say what you mean
50 everyday moments, from "I'm exhausted" to "no, thanks". Each one has the few phrases people actually use, from gentle to strong, with audio and a quick quiz.
How you feel
Tired, busy, nervous, relieved — past "I'm fine".
Being completely exhausted“I'm exhausted” · “I'm shattered”6 waysBeing extremely busy“I'm really busy at the moment” · “I've got a lot on”5 waysBeing in a difficult or stuck situation“I'm in a bit of a tricky situation” · “I'm a bit stuck”6 waysBeing reluctant to say no“I find it hard to say no” · “I didn't have the heart to say no”6 waysFeeling overwhelmed“I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed” · “It's all a bit much”6 waysSaying I'm confused“Sorry, I'm not following” · “You've lost me”6 waysSaying I'm disappointed“That's a shame” · “I was hoping for a bit more”6 waysSaying I'm excited“I can't wait” · “I'm really looking forward to it”6 waysSaying I'm nervous“I'm a bit nervous” · “I've got butterflies”6 waysSaying I'm relieved“What a relief” · “Phew, that was close”6 ways
Saying no and disagreeing
Push back without sounding rude.
Annoyed but staying polite“I'm a little frustrated” · “I'm not thrilled about this”6 waysBeing honest and direct with someone“I'll be honest with you” · “Can I be honest?”6 waysDescribing a bad idea politely“I'm not sure that's a good idea” · “Have you thought about”5 waysDisagreeing politely“I'm not sure I agree” · “That's a fair point, but”5 waysGiving your opinion softly“I'd say” · “I might be wrong, but”5 waysI don't want to be rude, but...“I don't want to be rude, but” · “No offence, but”6 waysNeeding space“I need a bit of space” · “I need a breather”6 waysNot being interested“It's not really my thing” · “I'm going to sit this one out”5 waysSaying no politely“I'm afraid I can't” · “I'd love to, but I can't”5 waysFollowing the conversation
Check, clarify, agree — and get out politely.
Asking for clarification“Sorry, what do you mean?” · “Could you be a bit more specific?”6 ways
Asking someone to repeat“Sorry, what was that?” · “I didn't catch that”6 waysChecking someone understands“Does that make sense?” · “Are we on the same page?”6 ways
Ending a conversation politely“I'd better get going” · “Anyway, I'll let you go”6 ways
Running into an old friend“Long time no see” · “No way, is that you?”6 ways
Saying I agree“I think so too” · “That's a good point”6 waysSaying I don't know“I'm afraid I don't know” · “No idea”6 ways
Saying I understand“That makes sense” · “Got it”6 ways
Saying I'm not sure“I'm not sure” · “I'm on the fence”6 waysPlans, time and sorry
Late, busy, forgot, need more time.
Asking for help“Could you give me a hand?” · “Have you got a sec?”5 ways
I'm busy, not ignoring you“I've been swamped” · “I'll reply properly later”5 ways
Changing my mind“I've changed my mind” · “On second thoughts”5 ways
Needing more time“I need a bit more time” · “Let me sleep on it”6 ways
Rescheduling plans“Can we reschedule?” · “Can I take a rain check?”5 ways
Saying I forgot“It slipped my mind” · “I totally blanked”5 ways
Saying I'm running late“I'm running a bit late” · “Be there in ten”6 ways
Sorry for the late reply“Sorry for the late reply” · “Sorry, only just seen this”5 ways
Softening a request“Would you mind” · “When you get a chance”5 waysKind words
Encourage, praise and comfort like you mean it.
Calming someone down when they're upset“It's going to be OK” · “Take a deep breath”6 waysEncouraging someone“You've got this” · “Keep going, you're nearly there”6 waysGiving a compliment“You did a great job” · “That really suits you”6 waysSaying I'm impressed“That's really impressive” · “You nailed it”6 waysSaying I'm proud of you“I'm so proud of you” · “You should be proud of yourself”6 waysShowing sympathy“That sounds really hard” · “I'm so sorry to hear that”6 ways
Money and everyday habits
Prices, budgets, decisions, putting things off.
Giving up too easily“Don't give up so easily” · “Stick with it”5 waysMaking a quick decision on the spot“I decided on the spot” · “I went with my gut”6 waysPutting things off“I keep putting it off” · “I've been meaning to”6 waysThat's too expensive“It's a bit out of my budget” · “That's more than I wanted to spend”6 waysTrying to save money“I'm saving up” · “I'm on a budget”6 ways
Describing people
Words that sound kind — and ones that don't.