ESL Brains: What I'm trying to say is.... (phrases)

1. a: Please bring the documents tomorrow.

b: Could you be more .............. as to which documents?

• specific

• accurate

• particular

1. a: Can you see the beech over there? 

b: What do you mean by the beach? We’re in the forest.

a: Beech ......... in a tree. 

• for

• as

• like

1. a: ......... to be clear, do you want me to get up at five tomorrow?

b: I just think that if you get up at five you should have enough time to prepare for the trip.

• Only

• Just

• Simply

1. a: We can’t apply for the grant this month.  

b: I’m afraid I don’t .......

• follow

• get

• attend

1. a: We can’t apply for the grant this month.  

b: I’m afraid I don’t follow

a: Well, the deadline for this month was yesterday, ....... is to say, we’ll need to apply next month.

• that

• what

• which

1. a: Just turn right at the lights and it’ll be on the left. 

b: Sorry, I didn’t quite ......... that. Did you say I should turn  left?

• pick

• grab

• catch

1. a: If we don’t outsource some of the work, we won’t be able to meet the deadline. 

b: Could you ....... on that?

• comment

• elaborate

• specify

1. What is the function of most of the phrases in the quiz so far?

• Clarifying

• Asking for clarification

1. Write 1 or 2 phrases you remember

1. a: See you all in the meeting tomorrow. 

b: I really don’t think we all need to be there.

a: Let ........ rephrase that. Your absence might have severe consequences.