Chunk DrillConversation Openers and Continuers
When to use: starting to speak, keeping the conversation going
Chunks in this category (18)
To be honest with you…▾
- To be honest with you, I don't really enjoy my job.
- How was the dinner? To be honest with you, the soup was too salty.
- I said yes to the party. To be honest with you, I'd rather stay home tonight.
The thing is…▾
- I'd love to come. The thing is, I have work early tomorrow.
- The thing is, our car is too small for five people.
- Why not buy the jacket? The thing is, I can't afford it this month.
What I mean is…▾
- The hotel was fine. What I mean is, it was clean but nothing special.
- I'm not saying no. What I mean is, let's wait until spring.
- I want a new phone. What I mean is, one with a better battery.
Now that you mention it…▾
- Are you tired? Now that you mention it, I didn't sleep well last night.
- Is it cold in here? Now that you mention it, yes, I need a jacket.
- Did Sam seem upset? Now that you mention it, he was very quiet at lunch.
I was just about to say…▾
- Should we order pizza? I was just about to say that! I'm starving.
- It looks like rain. Oh, I was just about to say we should take umbrellas.
- Let's leave early tomorrow. Yes! I was just about to say the same thing.
As far as I know…▾
- Is the shop open on Sunday? As far as I know, yes, until five.
- As far as I know, the meeting is still at ten.
- Is Anna coming tonight? As far as I know, she's still sick.
That reminds me…▾
- You're cooking pasta? That reminds me, I need to buy cheese.
- Mom's birthday is soon. That reminds me, I should call her today.
- A letter from the bank came. That reminds me, did you pay the bill?
Actually, come to think of it…▾
- I'm free on Friday. Actually, come to think of it, no, I have a dentist appointment.
- Was the restaurant good? Yes. Actually, come to think of it, the service was slow.
- Tom still works with you? Actually, come to think of it, I haven't seen him in months.
Funny you should mention that…▾
- Have you tried yoga? Funny you should mention that. I started last week.
- You should visit the coast. Funny you should mention that, I'm going there next month.
- Do you like gardening? Funny you should mention that. I just planted tomatoes.
I've been thinking about this lately…▾
- I've been thinking about this lately, and I want to change jobs.
- Should we move to a bigger place? I've been thinking about this lately. The kids need more space.
- I've been thinking about this lately. Maybe I should start running every morning.
That's actually a really good point…▾
- We could take the train instead. That's actually a really good point. It's cheaper too.
- Maybe ask your sister first? That's actually a really good point. She might know a cheaper shop.
- What if it rains on the picnic? That's actually a really good point. We need a backup plan.
Now where was I…▾
- Sorry, my phone rang. Now where was I? Oh yes, the hotel.
- Now where was I? Right, I was telling you about my new boss.
- Thanks for the coffee. Now where was I? Ah, the trip to the lake.
So I've been meaning to tell you…▾
- So I've been meaning to tell you, I got the new job!
- Hi Mum! So I've been meaning to tell you, we're coming to visit next month.
- Oh, before I go. So I've been meaning to tell you, the dentist moved your appointment.
You'll never guess what…▾
- You'll never guess what I found in the garage today.
- Hi! You'll never guess what happened at work this morning.
- Sit down for this. You'll never guess what my brother just bought.
Can I tell you something?▾
- Can I tell you something? I'm really nervous about tomorrow's interview.
- We've been friends a long time. Can I tell you something? I'm moving away.
- Can I tell you something? I don't actually like spicy food.
Building on what you said…▾
- Building on what you said we could also invite the neighbours.
- Yes, walking is healthy. Building on what you said cycling is great too.
- Building on what you said maybe we should leave earlier to avoid traffic.
Just to add to that…▾
- The beach is great. Just to add to that the parking is free too.
- Just to add to that the shop also opens on Sundays.
- Yes, the gym is cheap. Just to add to that it has a pool.
Something I've noticed is…▾
- Something I've noticed is I sleep better when I walk after dinner.
- We moved last year. Something I've noticed is the neighbours rarely say hello.
- Food keeps getting pricier. Something I've noticed is the portions are smaller too.