Social situations
Make small talk, give compliments, apologise, congratulate and say what to say at parties, weddings and difficult moments.
In this lesson you will
- Start and continue small talk
- Give and respond to compliments
- Use phrases for celebrations, apologies and sympathy
Learn
Small talk topics: weather, the event, travel, work, weekend plans: Lovely day, isn’t it? How do you know the host? Did you have a good weekend? Avoid: salary, age, religion, politics with new people.
Compliments: I love your jacket! That was a delicious meal. Reply: Thank you! That’s kind of you.
Celebrations: Congratulations! Happy birthday! Well done! Cheers! Have a great time! Apologies: I’m so sorry I’m late. — Don’t worry. / No problem.
Sympathy: I’m sorry to hear that. That must be difficult. Get well soon!
Examples
- Lovely weather today, isn’t it?
- Congratulations on your new job!
- I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother.
- Thanks for inviting me — I had a great time.
Vocabulary
small talk
friendly conversation about easy topics
host
the person who invites guests
compliment
something nice you say about someone
congratulations
said when someone achieves something
sympathy
understanding someone’s sadness
Practice
Your friend passed an exam. You say:
Listening: At a party
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Nora: Hi, I’m Nora. How do you know Alex?
Pablo: We work together. I’m Pablo.
Nora: Nice to meet you. I love your shirt, by the way.
Pablo: Oh, thanks! It was a present from my sister.
Nora: Alex told me you just got engaged — congratulations!
Pablo: Thank you! We’re getting married next summer.
1.How does Pablo know Alex?
2.What does Nora compliment?
3.Why does Nora congratulate Pablo?
Speaking
Imagine you’re at a friend’s party where you don’t know many people. Start small talk with three people, give a compliment and react to some news.
Writing
Write three short messages: congratulations on a new job, get well soon, and thanks for a lovely dinner.
Lesson quiz
I’m sorry I’m late. — ___
Review
Key points
- Small talk: weather, event, weekend, how you know the host.
- Compliments and thanks.
- Congratulations on…, Get well soon, I’m sorry to hear that.
What you learned
- ✓ I can make small talk.
- ✓ I can give and accept compliments.
- ✓ I know what to say on special occasions.