Please, Thank You, Sorry: practical Pre-A1 English

Notice what the person needs

Think of one real situation where you need this language. Say one phrase before reading further.

A useful chunk can work before you understand every word inside it.

Match the phrase to its job

Put please inside a request: “Tea, please” or “Please repeat.” It shows that you are asking, not ordering.

Use thank you or the shorter thanks after help, a gift or information. “You’re welcome” is a common reply.

Use sorry after a mistake or problem you caused. Use excuse me before interrupting, passing someone or asking a stranger for attention.

“No problem” can reply to sorry or thanks in informal conversation. Context tells you which meaning is intended.

Too many polite words can sound confused

Do not use sorry to begin every question. Excuse me is better when you only need attention.

Do not translate please into every English sentence. Use it for a request, not a plain fact.

Say the phrase clearly. Politeness disappears if the listener cannot hear it.

Choose the phrase for six moments

Choose the phrase that completes the real task. Read the reason after a wrong choice.

Perform four mini-dialogues

1. Read each mini-dialogue as both people.
2. Replace water with tea, a pen or another real item.
3. Record the four situations without stopping.

Use the phone recorder. Replay once and check whether every task is understandable.

Carry greetings into the exchange

Open one mini-dialogue with Hello. Close it with Goodbye or See you. The earlier greetings now carry a polite task.