Smart English Course 6
Everyday English Essentials: Thank You, Sorry, Please
Fluency is about politeness. Master the essential phrases for gratitude, apology, and requests like a native speaker.
Part I: The Spectrum of Gratitude – Saying "Thank You"
Saying Thank You correctly shows sincerity and social awareness. Let’s explore casual to professional expressions.
1. The Simple & Casual (Everyday Use)
| Expression | Formality Level | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| Thanks! | Very casual | "Here's your coffee." "Thanks!" |
| Thank you. | Neutral / Standard | Safe in almost any situation. |
| Cheers! | Casual (BrE) | "Can you pass the menu?" "Cheers!" |
| Much obliged. | Slightly formal / Dated | Polite, old-fashioned expression for deep thanks. |
2. Responding to "Thank You"
| Response | Meaning |
|---|---|
| You’re welcome. | Standard polite reply |
| No problem. | Casual, implies the favor was easy |
| My pleasure. | Friendly, professional response |
| Don’t mention it. | Minimizes significance of your help |
Part II: Navigating Mistakes – Saying "Sorry"
"Sorry" is one of the most common words in English but is often misused. Understanding when to say **sorry** vs **excuse me** is essential.
1. Sorry vs Excuse Me
- Sorry: After a mistake. "Sorry I’m late."
- Excuse me: Before an interruption. "Excuse me, may I pass?"
2. Minor Apologies
- Sorry, could you repeat that?
- Oh, sorry! (bumped into someone)
- My bad. (informal)
- Pardon me. (formal)
3. Serious Apologies
- I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. (Formal/Business)
- I take full responsibility for the error. (Accountable)
- I owe you an apology. (Personal opener)
- I regret that... (Expressing disappointment over a situation)
Video Lesson: Mastering the Apology (BBC Learning English)
Watch this essential BBC lesson to hear pronunciation and context for different ways to say sorry.
Part III: The Ultimate Request Modifier – Using "Please"
The key to polite requests is in your use of "Please". Placement and softening verbs like could or would are essential.
1. Placement Matters
- End of sentence: Can you close the window, please?
- Start of sentence: Please send me the report by noon.
- Before the verb (formal): Will you please reconsider the decision?
2. Softening Requests
| Softening Tool | Structure | Polite Example |
|---|---|---|
| Modal Verbs | Could / Would you...? | Could you possibly help me carry this? |
| Indirect Questions | I was wondering if... | I was wondering if you could look over my work. |
| Conditional Form | I'd appreciate it if... | I'd appreciate it if you could sign this form. |
| Minimizing | Just a moment / A little | Could you move over just a little, please? |
The Final Transformation
- RUDE COMMAND: "Shut the door."
- BASIC REQUEST: "Shut the door, please."
- NATURAL ENGLISH: "Would you mind shutting the door? I'd really appreciate it."
Conclusion: The Confidence of Courtesy
Mastery relies on precision: using variations of Thank You for sincerity, differentiating Sorry and Excuse Me for accuracy, and utilizing softeners like Could and Would for polite requests.
Your 7-Day Politeness Challenge
Commit to replacing basic expressions with advanced forms learned today to hardwire premium phrases into your daily speech.
Ready for the next step? Explore formal business etiquette or common false friends that lead to accidental rudeness!
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