How To Start & End A Conversation In English Politely? 10 Daily English Expressions You Should Know!

Summary

In this lesson, Hridhaan teaches viewers how to confidently start and end conversations in English. He introduces useful phrases for initiating discussions, such as 'long time no see,' 'is this your first time here?' and 'hi, do you have a minute?' He also shares polite ways to wrap up conversations, like 'I've got to get going,' and 'thanks again for the lovely evening.' With these phrases, viewers can overcome awkwardness and engage in smooth, confident communication. Hridhaan encourages learners to practice these phrases for natural, charming, and fluent English conversations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many people feel hesitant to start or end conversations, but there are useful phrases to help with this.
• 😀 Phrases like 'long time no see' are great for reconnecting with friends or family after a long time.
• 😀 Asking 'Is this your first time here?' is a polite and non-intrusive way to start a conversation with a stranger.
• 😀 'Do you come here often?' is a simple question that can be used to start a conversation with someone you've seen but not spoken to before.
• 😀 'Hello! I wanted to introduce myself…' is a confident way to start a conversation with someone new.
• 😀 'Hi, do you have a minute?' is a polite way to approach someone for a brief conversation.
• 😀 Ending conversations politely is equally important, especially when you're in a rush or need to leave.
• 😀 'I don't want to keep you any longer…' is a respectful way to end a conversation without making the other person feel uncomfortable.
• 😀 'I’ll let you carry on then' is a nice way to gracefully end a conversation when you need to move on.
• 😀 'Thanks again for the lovely evening' is a polite way to show appreciation and wrap up a conversation.
• 😀 'I've got to get going' is a direct yet polite way of telling someone you're leaving.
• 😀 Phrasal verbs like 'roll out' or 'head out' are more polite and formal ways to say goodbye than simply saying 'I need to go now.'

Q & A

Why do people often feel hesitant to start a conversation?

People may feel hesitant to start a conversation due to uncertainty about what to say or fear of awkwardness, especially with strangers or in unfamiliar settings.

What is the appropriate context for using the phrase 'long time no see'?

'Long time no see' is typically used with friends, family, or acquaintances you haven’t met in a long time. It is not appropriate to use it with strangers.

When can you use the phrase 'Is this your first time here?'?

You can use 'Is this your first time here?' when talking to someone you don't know well, like a stranger at a party, event, or conference, to politely start a conversation.

How is the phrase 'Do you come here often?' used in conversation?

'Do you come here often?' is used in social settings to initiate a conversation with someone you find interesting or attractive. It’s often used when you notice the person regularly at the same place.

What makes the phrase 'Hello! I wanted to introduce myself...' effective in conversation?

This phrase is effective because it directly addresses the need to introduce yourself, showing confidence and reducing the chances of awkwardness by initiating the conversation politely.

How does the phrase 'Hi, do you have a minute?' help in starting a conversation?

'Hi, do you have a minute?' is a polite way to ask for someone’s time before introducing yourself or asking a question, making it a respectful way to start a conversation.

Why is ending a conversation important?

Ending a conversation properly is important because it leaves a good impression, maintains politeness, and ensures that you can leave without causing any discomfort or rudeness.

What does the phrase 'I don't want to keep you any longer...' imply?

The phrase 'I don't want to keep you any longer...' implies that you are aware the other person might be busy or in a rush, and you want to end the conversation politely and respectfully.

In what situation would you use 'I’ll let you carry on then'?

'I’ll let you carry on then' is used when you need to end a conversation but want to let the other person continue with their activities, often in casual settings like a coffee shop or during a meeting.

What is the significance of saying 'Thanks again for the lovely evening'?

'Thanks again for the lovely evening' is used to express gratitude and appreciation for the time spent with someone, and it signals that you are ready to end the conversation in a friendly manner.

Why is 'I’ve got to get going' considered a polite way to end a conversation?

'I’ve got to get going' is polite because it is a straightforward way of letting the other person know you need to leave, without being abrupt or rude.

What is the difference between 'I’ve got to get going' and 'I shall now roll out'?

'I’ve got to get going' is a casual way of saying goodbye, while 'I shall now roll out' is a more formal and polite expression, often used in business or professional settings.