Author: Xela

What to say when you know but you are not sure

Posted on by Xela

Sounds almost contradictory doesn’t it? How can you ‘know’ something if you are not ‘sure’?

When it comes to learning any language things get quite hard when you have to learn the small and subtle ways of saying the same thing.
Saying you know something can be simple “I know today is Wednesday” but what if you know something but you are not completely sure it is right?

Useful sentences to express uncertainty in English

As far as I know!

This is a very useful term. It will allow you to say what you know you think is true but clearly showing that you understand it may not be correct. It suggests that from the information that you have, or what you have been told it is correct but you may not have all the facts

Example “As far as I know we are meeting tomorrow morning”

To the best of my knowledge!

This phrase works in the same way as “as far as I know” but it is a lot more formal. This would work very well in a work situation where you wanted to say the same thing but with the right amount of respect and politeness.

Example “To the best of my knowledge we are meeting tomorrow morning”

What to Say When You Know But You are Not Sure
Correct me if I'm wrong

Correct me if I’m wrong…

This is a different type of phrase. which is a great way of politely disagreeing with someone in a formal way because you know or you believe that you are right and they are wrong

Example “Correct me if I am wrong but I think/believe we were meeting tomorrow morning (and not this morning)”

I thought…

This is a very useful phrase. It allows you to say what you think is correct but saying it this way shows you are very happy for someone else to have a different answer. It is perfect if you really do not know if you are correct or not.

While it is a statement you can also turn it into a question to reinforce your feeling of doubt,

Example: “I thought we were meeting tomorrow morning?”

TIP

These kind of phrases are good to try on your English speaking friends first, so they can let you know if you are using them in the right way.

Expressing uncertainty in a work environment

Expressing uncertainty in English

How to say I am not sure in a formal way

When you’re in a business or professional setting, choosing the right words is crucial. It’s important to communicate your thoughts clearly while maintaining respect for your workplace and colleagues. Here are some formal and professional ways to express uncertainty in a professional manner

  • “Correct me if I am wrong…”
  • “To the best of my knowledge…”
  • “I may be wrong, but…”
  • “As far as I know…”
  • “I believe so, however, I’d suggest double-checking.”
  • “It’s possible that…”
  • “I think that might be the case, however, let’s verify to be sure.”
  • “From my understanding…”
  • “Unless I’m mistaken…”
  • “Based on the information I have…”

Using these phrases instead of informal or slang expressions like “I dunno, but…” projects professionalism and helps maintain a positive impression in formal settings

Are you aiming to excel in the corporate world? Do you find communicating in business settings challenging? Explore our diverse range of business English courses, tailored to empower you with the language skills needed for success in today’s fast-paced business environment. Whether you’re looking to enhance your presentations, write more effective emails, or communicate confidently in meetings, we have the perfect course for you. Start your journey towards clearer, more impactful business communication today! Check some of our Business English courses from interview help to business vocabulary.

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How to say I am not sure in email

Writing an email differs significantly from speaking directly to someone, yet when it comes to expressing uncertainty, the language used remains similar.
Whether it’s in a professional work email or a casual message to a friend, using phrases like ‘I am not sure but…’ or ‘I may be wrong but…’ is still considered polite and appropriate.

For instance, in a work email, you might write, ‘I am not sure, but I think the deadline is next Friday.’ In a more informal setting with a friend, you could say, ‘I may be wrong, but wasn’t the movie we planned to watch next week?’ Additionally, in a collaborative team email, you could use, ‘As far as I know, the meeting is scheduled for 3 PM, but let’s confirm with the team.’

These examples show how using such phrases can effectively convey your uncertainty in various email contexts

Expressing uncertainty in English in emails

Mastering the art of expressing uncertainty is a valuable skill in both personal and professional communication.

Phrases like “As far as I know,” “To the best of my knowledge,” “Correct me if I’m wrong,” and “I thought…” are not just linguistic tools; they are bridges that connect understanding and respect in conversations.

Whether it’s in a formal business setting, a casual chat with friends, or composing thoughtful emails, these expressions can enhance your clarity and politeness. Remember, effective communication is about conveying your thoughts accurately while being considerate of others’ perspectives.

Practising these phrases can significantly improve your confidence and competence in English, paving the way for more effective and respectful interactions.

Happy English learning!

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5 Useful English Slang Words

Posted on by Xela

Slang is a word that describes another word that is not in the English dictionary but is commonly used to describe things, place and feelings. They are very useful to know if you are planning on working or studying in the UK or with people from the UK. Many slang words are not found in other English speaking countries like America for example where they are likely to be confusing or misunderstood. Generally, slang words are not suitable (1) for the workplace or formal situations but can be used with friends and family or in casual conversations.

Budge Up

This is a casual (2) term you might use with a friend or a family member. It is used when you would like someone to move along a seat to give you some room to sit down. It is also used if you need someone to move to make some room (3) for you if you are standing watching something.

Cock Up

This is a common slang term used to describe something that went wrong. If you were talking about a mistake (4) with someone you could say “that was a cock-up” or “that was a total cock-up”. It is a very casual term but is used in a number of situations.

Fancy

This is a word used in a number of ways but all uses are similar. It means to like or want something. But it can also be used by men and women who like each other. For example “I fancy a pizza” would mean you would like a pizza. But you could also see someone very attractive in a bar and tell your friend you fancy that person.

Mate

This is another word for friend. It is used very commonly (5)  and in many different situations. You could say “he is my mate” or “my mate is coming to the pub with us”. But you could also use it to address (6) your friends by saying “hello mate, how are you”. It is not a word that should be used to describe your boss or someone important at work. It is a friendly term used with friends.

Posh

This is a very common (5) word used to describe things that are expensive or part of a luxury lifestyle. It can also be a little bit rude when talking about people. Calling someone posh is not really very nice as it means they are rich or wealthy but also a little bit rude (7). If you went out to a very nice restaurant you could say to your friends it was a posh place to eat and this would be fine.

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VOCABULARY:

  1. Suitable: appropriate.
  2. Casual: informal.
  3. Make some room: move aside or move something aside to allow someone to enter or pass or to clear space for something.
  4. Mistake : error.
  5. Common/ly : regular, frequently.
  6. Address : call.
  7. Rude: not polite.

How to Say I’m Sorry in English

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We all make mistakes and one of the best ways to deal with a mistake is to say sorry and to tell people it was your fault. When learning English it is important to understand some different ways we can say sorry and how we can let people know we made a mistake. This can be very important in the workplace where a mistake can be very serious.

I’m So Sorry

While saying “sorry” is good, if you want to say something stronger, then adding “I’m so” at the start will work very well. This is a very polite thing to say and very common in all situations. It is a way of saying you are more than sorry you are “so” sorry. This phrase is very common if you knock over someone’s drink in a bar or walk into someone at the shops.

Example “I am so sorry I forgot to send the email you asked me to send”

My Fault

This is a very useful term that simply tells people that you made a mistake and that it was not anyone else. If two people walk into each other but one person was not looking where they were walking that person may say “Sorry, that was my fault” or “Sorry; my fault” which is a shorter version. There is a more casual and more American version of this term that is simply “my bad”. The word bad is used in the place of fault but means the same thing. In the workplace “fault” is the correct word to use.

Sorry About That and Sorry About This

Just saying sorry is good but it is also quite common to use “that” if the mistake was more than a few minutes ago.

Example – “Sorry about that, I meant to send the email but I forgot”

If the mistake is part of something that is still going on then “sorry about this” is very useful. Perhaps you have asked for help in a shop queue and lots of people are waiting behind you. You could simply say “sorry about this” to them and it would be a very polite way of understanding they are waiting for you.

I Apologise

The word apologise is used to describe any term that tells someone you are sorry. Sometimes it can show more emotion if you tell someone you apologise. You could say “I’m sorry” but if the mistake is quite serious saying “I apologise” can be more effective.

Saying sorry is a very important part of the English language and culture. British people are very well known to be well mannered and people that say sorry a lot. Understanding how to use different types of apology can help make a situation a lot better and make people feel better.

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A vocabulary guide to British money

Posted on by Xela

If you are learning English to work in the UK, planning to visit the UK or are even just want to improve you knowledge and understanding of English, knowing the vocabulary around money is very useful. As with most countries, there are a number of informal and slang terms used to describe different amounts of money.

Being aware of these terms and expressions will help you feel more comfortable and in control in situations where they are used. As with all informal or slang English we don’t recommend you using them actively unless you feel you know and understand the terms perfectly and how to use them correctly in the appropriate context.

Here are some very commonly used words that describe different amounts of money in the UK. The currency is called Sterling or Pounds but also GBP.

A vocabulary guide to British money: British money terms

 

It is worth noting that while these are British terms they are also English money terms, Scotland and Northern Ireland do have some more local slang terms.

Note

A note is a word that describes paper money. In America, this is known as a bill. It is common for someone to say “do you have a ten pound note?” However, as bank cards and mobile payment apps are becoming more and more popular this type of money is not as common as it used to be.

Cash

Connected with the term “note” cash is a term used to describe any physical money. So coins or notes are cash. We are moving towards a cashless society in many developed countries.

P or Pence

The smallest amount of currency in the UK is 1 penny. There are 100 pennies or pence in every pound. It is very common in almost all situations to shorten the term “pence” to just “p”.( pronounced like the letter ‘p’). For example, a coffee in a vending machine at work might be 50p. A colleague might ask “Can you lend me 50p please so I can get a coffee?”.

A vocabulary guide to British money - British bank notes
A vocabulary guide to British money - a tenner

A Quid

This strange little word is used to describe 1 pound. Someone may ask “Can I borrow a quid” to get a snack or pay for a bus ticket. While it is often used on its own, the word quid can be used against any number of pounds. If something costs £60, someone might say ‘It costs 60 quid”.

A Fiver

There are 4 different value bank notes in circulation today in Britain. The highest value notes are fifty (£50) and twenty (£20).

The smallest value note in the UK is a 5 pound note (£5). This is commonly called a fiver. However, people can also use this term to describe 5 pounds as an amount. For example “I think the ticket costs about a fiver”.

A Tenner

A tenner is a term used to describe a 10 pound note or 10 pounds (£10). Tenners are probably the most common bank note in circulation today.

A Grand

A grand is 1000 pounds (£1000) . This is a much larger amount of money and not an amount you would ever really lend to anyone. It can be used to describe any number of 1000s so 6000 pounds would be 6 grand. “She’s just spent five grand on a Caribbean holiday”

K

The letter ‘k’ is also used to describe 1000 pounds but normally only used for more than 1000. So a car might be worth 8000 pounds ( or 8 grand) and someone might say “the car costs 8K”. Or perhaps the deposit to buy a house is 60k.

If you are not sure when it is right to use these terms then be safe and use pounds. Context is also very important These terms can be are casual and informal and may give the wrong impression in certain situations, like a job interview for example.

Stacks of British pound coins - A vocabulary guide to British money

English Idioms with Money

 

English is peppered with colourful expressions that make the language vibrant and engaging. Here are five commonly used idioms that weave in money-related terms, showcasing the quirky and imaginative side of the English lexicon

  • Cost an arm and a leg: This idiom means something is very expensive. For example, “The new car cost him an arm and a leg.”
  • Money doesn’t grow on trees: This popular saying is used to imply that money is not easily acquired and should be spent wisely. For example, “You can’t just buy a new phone whenever you want—money doesn’t grow on trees!”
  • Penny for your thoughts: This phrase is an invitation for someone to share what they’re thinking, often when they seem deep in thought. It’s like asking, “What are you thinking about?”
  • Break the bank: To use all one’s resources or money, often recklessly. For example, “Renting that luxury villa for the vacation might break the bank.”
  • A dime a dozen: This means something is very common and not of much value. For instance, “Those kinds of paintings are a dime a dozen, you can find them anywhere.”

Grasping the UK’s unique slang terms for money can significantly enhance your experience while living, working, or travelling there. Not only does it help in everyday conversations and transactions, but it also enriches your understanding of the local culture and customs.

Remember, while these terms are widely used in England, variations exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland, reflecting the rich diversity of the UK. So, whether you’re counting ‘quid’ or saving ‘pennies’, your journey into mastering British English is an investment that pays off in more ways than one.

Keep exploring, keep learning, and you’ll find that the language of money, just like the language itself, is full of surprises and delights.

Happy English learning!

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3 Things You Hear About the UK That are Not True

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As with every country there are a lot of stereotypes and things that people believe are true that are simply not. Because British actors often feature on huge movies and many TV shows are exported around the world the UK perhaps suffers this problem more than some other countries. Here are just 3 things you may have heard about British people and the UK that are just not true.

Every British Person Loves the Royal Family

This is simply not true. Whilst many Brits (1) are proud of the royal family and some do have pictures up in their homes the majority of British people are really not that interested. The royal family, for a large number of British people is a rather old fashioned and expensive thing that they feel should be made smaller or given less money. For many others it is something that is a tradition but not something they love. It is quite common for people from other countries to ask if a British person has actually met the Queen. Very few people in the UK actually get to meet or see the Queen and a large number would not really want too. The Brits do not all have large pictures of the Queen in their homes and do not all follow the news about them. In fact, people in the USA are often more interested in the royal family than British people.

British People all Wear Hats

Sadly, this is not true at all. The traditional image of a business man wearing a hat to work on the underground or a lady dressing like the Queen in a hat is very old fashioned (2) and really stopped around the 1960s. Whilst many people wear baseball caps and woolly hats in the cold this is nothing you would not see in many other countries.

It Rains All the Time

This is a very common idea that it rains almost every day in the UK and the weather is very bad. It is simply not true. However, the West Coast of Scotland does get the most rain per year for any country in Europe that is just a small part of the UK. Southern England often has droughts (3) in the summer and gets far less rainfall than places like Norway or the Alps. Perhaps it is the fact that Brits talk about the weather all the time and like to moan (4)  about the rain that gives other countries this idea.

Knowing these stereotypes and ideas are not true will help you if you are learning English to work or study in the UK. It is important to understand the people of the UK if you are hoping to interact with them. If you would like to learn English or improve your existing skills then join Perfectly Spoken and take one of our online English courses.

VOCABULARY:

  1. Brit: informal way for British.
  2. Old fashioned: opposite to modern, not contemporary.
  3. A drought is long period of little or no rain
  4. To moan: to complain (often about something that isn’t important)

4 Top Tips – How to Study When Learning English Online

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Studying and learning is never easy, and we know learning a language can be very tough sometimes. This can be really hard if you are working at the same time. A lot of people study and work because they would like to get a better job or move to another country for work. Read this blog for some simple and easy to understand tips to help you study better and learn faster.

Plan

Planning is very important, it is even more important if you do not have much time. If you have a busy job and study around this then planning is critical. See how many lessons there are in your course and then plan a time to take them. This time can be in the morning, evening, on a lunch break at work or any other time. But whenever you like to study it should be planned. This way you can stick to your plan and finish the course by a date you would like.

Targets and Goals

Setting yourself target and goals can be very useful. For many people a target might be to finish a video lesson and learn 5 new words by the end of the week. For other people it may be to watch 4 videos and learn 20 new words. What the target is will depend on your level and how fast you learn. When you reach your target why not reward yourself with something you like or perhaps visit some friends.

Go Outside

Going outside may not seem like a very good way to learn but it is very good for your mind. If you work very hard and do not go outside and get some air you may not learn as much. Take time out and take a break, doing this outside can really help you remember things and learn more.

Get Support

We have already said learning is hard but it can be easier when you have the support of friends and family. Tell people you are taking an online English course and when things are hard you can talk to them. Friends and family can support you and help you keep going when you are tired or maybe when you are finding learning really difficult.

If you are not already learning English with us then take a look at our courses. By joining Perfectly Spoken for just 9.99 Euro each month you can choose any English course and change anytime. Our video lessons are used by thousands of people to learn English every day.

We hope these tips help you with your English lessons and perhaps you can move on to a more advanced level very soon.

Word of the Day – January

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If you follow us on Facebook, you will know we have a number of posts called Word of the Day. This is a fun look at a single word to see if people know what it means, and then we look at the definition and how it might be used. These are all common words in English and are all useful to know if you are learning English.

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Resolution

This word has two or more meanings. One very common one is about how clear and image is or the size of a digital image. It is important because we use technology so much. So a high resolution image would be a very high quality image.

The second meaning is about settling an argument. When people are fighting they might be looking for a resolution or looking to resolve a disagreement. A resolution is a very good thing if people are fighting as it means they have agreed and can stop fighting.

Pouring

It is winter in the UK and as everyone knows, we do like to talk about the weather. So in January we had 3 weather words. The first was “pouring”. This word actually has different uses but essentially one meaning. You can pour water from a jug, or pour a glass of wine. So it describes moving liquid or even solids like sand from one place to another. However, it is very common in the UK to say “it’s pouring outside” or “it’s pouring with rain”. This means it is raining very heavily and is a useful term to know.

Blizzard

The second weather word is blizzard. This is related to snow, you can only have a blizzard in snow. This is when it snows so much that you cannot see very well, driving is dangerous and even walking can be hard. In fact, people often use the word when it is snowing heavily and actually not a blizzard.

Gust

Our last weather word is gust. A gust is a single blast of wind that is very strong that then goes away. During storms, there are often gusts of faster wind and times when it is slower. A gust can be very strong and even cause damage in some storms. Some people call a windy day “gusty”; “it’s very gusty outside”.

Prompt

This is a very important word. It is a word used to describe being somewhere at the time you said you would. If a job interview is at 09:00 then a prompt arrival would be 08.55. Prompt means on time or early. In business, it is very important, if someone asks you to be at a meeting promptly then you must not be late.

Colleague

Another work term this word means a person you work with. A colleague can be anyone in the company you work for; they may be in the office with you or in another office in another country. If they work for the same company they are a colleague. It is a nice word and is often used when two companies work together as a way of saying everyone is working together.

Assume

This is a very useful and important word that can have 2 meanings. To assume something is to think you know what is going to happen before it does. It can be rude if you do not have the information to make that choice. It can also be used by managers and bosses to say “I assume you will be at work on time” by this they mean they want you to be at work on time and if you are not it will not be good.

However, you can also “assume” responsibility for something or someone. This is where you can take control or take charge of looking after a project or job.

 

What is Pancake Day?

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If you are living in the UK or working with people that do then you may have heard about Pancake Day. It is basically a day when people in the UK cook and enjoy thin flat cakes made in a pan But, there is a lot more to the day than enjoyable food.

If you are learning English and not sure what Pancake Day is then read this!

Shrove Tuesday

The day is actually celebrating in a number of English speaking countries including Canada, Ireland and the USA. It is also celebrated in France and Australia. In Spain, Italy and Brazil it falls at the end of Carnival.  It is called different things in different countries and the proper name in the UK is Shrove Tuesday. In other countries, it is called Mardi Gras and even “fat day”.

Why Is It Celebrated?

Like many traditional festival days, it is based on religion. But as much of the UK is no longer religious the meaning is sometimes lost. The day is always just before ash Wednesday at the start of lent. Lent marks the start of a 40 day period before Easter. During lent it is common to give up things that you enjoy as part of a Christian tradition. Butter, sugar, eggs and milk were often given up and so there was a reason to use them all up before lent started.

The Pancake

With these ingredients needing to be used the pancake was invented. It is a very simple recipe where eggs and milk are mixed together and fried in a hot pan in butter. The pancake is a very thin soft cake that is then eaten with some lemon juice and sugar.

The Cooking

Cooking pancakes is actually quite hard. When one side is ready, you need to turn it over. This is very hard and the only way to do it without tearing the pancake is to “toss” or flip the pancake in the air and catch it again in the pan. Pancake tossing is a very traditional part of Shrove Tuesday.

Racing?

In some parts of Britain they have pancake races. This is where people run through the streets with a pancake in a frying pan, often in costumes.

Pancake day is considered a fun day and not one you need to totally understand. If you get a chance, why not try a pancake with a friend or go to a café to have one made for you.

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Wales – A Useful Guide

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If you are planning on visiting the United Kingdom for work or you are working with people from the UK then this Guide to Wales will be very useful. When learning English it can be important to understand the different countries in the UK and how the people can be different.

General Information

Wales is 1 of the 4 countries that make up the United Kingdom. Like Scotland and England it shares the main island while Northern Ireland is across a small stretch of sea called the Irish Sea.

Wales is a small but very proud country. There is around 3 million people living in Wales which is around 5% of the total UK population. The capital city is called Cardiff which is a vibrant and busy place to visit and work. Wales is, as with other parts of the UK, famous for it’s amazing beaches and beautiful mountainous scenery. The coastline of Wales has around 1300 km of beach, some of these are the most beautiful in the UK.  It is also famous for the amount of rain it gets and this is often a point of humour among people form the UK.

The Welsh flag shows a large red dragon and this is a very important symbol for the country along with a yellow flower called a Daffodil.

Language

While both Northern Ireland and Scotland do have a traditional language Wales has more people that speak theirs. The language is used on road signs and many other things although it is almost always written next to English. In certain areas of Wales, Welsh is still spoken but most people will also speak English. Around 20% of the population can speak Welsh.

Food

Lamb is a very traditional food in Wales. This is because sheep farming is very common rather like New Zealand. There is also a cheese and toasted bread meal called Welsh Rarebit which was created in Wales. It is delicious and eaten across the UK.

Sport

Football is very popular in Wales but Rugby is the sport most people watch and play. The Welsh are very passionate about it and the streets can be empty when there is a large international game being played, especially if they are playing England.

In some parts of Wales the feelings towards the English are not very positive or happy. As with Northern Ireland and Scotland England is seen as the larger country that invaded them historically. It is useful to remember not to call anyone from Wales English.

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Scotland – A Useful Guide

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If you are planning to move to the UK for work, visit or if you work with people from the UK then this guide to Scotland will be very useful. If you are learning English it can be very useful to understand a little more about how the UK is made up of different countries. This can be very important if you are going to be working with people from the UK.

Scotland is one of 4 countries that make up the parts of the United Kingdom. Unlike Northern Ireland, Scotland is part of the same island as England and Wales. It is well known for its mountains, forests, beaches and Lochs.

General Information

Scotland is north of the top of England. It is the very top part of the United Kingdom. Because it is so far north it often gets a lot of snow and you can even see the Northern Lights from some parts and has sunlight until 11:30pm in the summer. It can also rain a lot and be very cold!

Scotland has its own parliament which is in the capital city of Edinburgh. Around 5 million people live in Scotland which is around 8.5% of the total UK population. Glasgow is another famous Scottish city. Most people tend to live further South and the more mountainous and cold country is further north. This northern part of the country is called the Highlands.

Lochs

A loch is a Scottish word for a large lake. There is a very famous Loch called Loch Ness where a famous monster called the Loch Ness Monster is said to live. Over many years there have been photographs of this monster but most are hard to see and the monster is considered a myth; it is often called Nessy!

Music

Like other parts of the UK modern music is very popular but Scotland also has a very traditional type of music and a very famous instrument called the bagpipes. This instrument is made up of an airbag and a number of pipes. It creates a very unique and beautiful sound.

Language

In Scotland there are actually 3 languages; English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic. Around 30% of the population are able to speak Scots but everyone in Scotland will understand and be able to speak English. Scots actually has a lot of words that are the same in English but it would be very hard to understand.

Sport

Football is very popular in Scotland. They have their own large football league called the Scottish Premier League. Huge matches are played between Celtic and Rangers and it is worth remembering some fans of these teams do not like each other. Scotland also hosts a more traditional collection of sports called the Highland Games. These events include dancing, music and games involving huge tree trunks being thrown.

Food

Like other parts of the UK, the food is very similar but each part has some of its own traditional food types. Haggis is something eaten at certain celebrations in Scotland. It is a kind of round sausage made using a sheep stomach, oats and meat. Scotland is also famous for amazing seafood because of its rich coastline.

Scottish people are often very friendly but also very proud of their country. As the film Braveheart shows, the Scottish and English have not always got on well so be aware of that if talking to Scottish people.

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