Everyday Communication Flashcards

Your coworker says, 'Could you possibly cover my shift on Friday?' What is the most appropriate response if you are unavailable?

Answer: I'm afraid I can't — I already have plans that day.

Politely declining with a brief reason is the appropriate way to handle this workplace request.

Which sentence uses 'however' correctly to contrast two ideas?

Answer: I wanted to go; however, it started raining.

'However' is correctly used as a conjunctive adverb between two independent clauses separated by a semicolon.

A friend says, 'I bombed my interview today.' What does 'bombed' most likely mean in this context?

Answer: Did very poorly

In informal American English, 'bombed' means to fail badly or perform very poorly.

Which is the most appropriate way to ask someone to repeat themselves in a formal setting?

Answer: I beg your pardon — could you please repeat that?

'I beg your pardon' is a polite and formal phrase used to ask someone to repeat what they said.

You receive an email that says 'Please RSVP by Thursday.' What action is expected of you?

Answer: Reply confirming whether you will attend or not

RSVP (from French 'répondez s'il vous plaît') means you should reply with your attendance status by the given date.

Which phrase best signals that you are about to give a counter-argument in a discussion?

Answer: On the other hand,

'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase that introduces a contrasting or opposing viewpoint.

Someone asks, 'Do you have the time?' What is the expected response?

Answer: It's 3:45.

'Do you have the time?' is an idiomatic way of asking what time it is, so the expected answer is the current time.