Chunk DrillHesitation and Thinking Phrases
When to use: buying time without going silent
Chunks in this category (18)
That's a good point, let me think about that▾
- Should we hire someone new? That's a good point, let me think about that. Maybe next month.
- What if the kids get bored on the drive? That's a good point, let me think about that.
- Isn't the cheaper flight better? Hmm. That's a good point, let me think about that.
How do I put this…▾
- Did you like my cooking? How do I put this, it needed more salt.
- How do I put this? Your new haircut is very... different.
- Is the apartment nice? How do I put this, it's very small and noisy.
It's kind of like…▾
- Cricket? It's kind of like baseball, but the games take longer.
- What's a smoothie? It's kind of like a milkshake, but with fruit.
- My new job? It's kind of like teaching, but with adults.
I'm not sure but…▾
- When does the bus come? I'm not sure but I think it's at nine.
- I'm not sure but the pharmacy might close early today.
- Is Lisa coming to dinner? I'm not sure but she said maybe.
What I'm trying to say is…▾
- I like my job. What I'm trying to say is, I need more free time.
- What I'm trying to say is, we spend too much money eating out.
- Sorry, that sounded rude. What I'm trying to say is, I'm just tired.
Let me rephrase that▾
- That came out wrong. Let me rephrase that. I meant we need more time.
- Your cooking is okay. Oh, no. Let me rephrase that. It's really good!
- I can't go. Let me rephrase that. I can't afford the trip this month.
How do I explain this…▾
- What does your job involve? How do I explain this? I fix computers for banks.
- Why are you late? How do I explain this, the train stopped for an hour.
- How do I explain this? My grandmother's recipe has no exact amounts.
That's a tough one…▾
- Pizza or pasta tonight? That's a tough one. Maybe both?
- Which city did you like most? That's a tough one. Probably the first one.
- Should I take the new job or stay? That's a tough one, honestly.
Give me a second to think about that▾
- What should we get Dad for his birthday? Give me a second to think about that.
- Can you work this Saturday? Give me a second to think about that. I might have plans.
- Where should we go on holiday? Hmm. Give me a second to think about that.
I know what I want to say but…▾
- I know what I want to say but the words won't come out.
- Why did you leave the job? I know what I want to say but it's hard to explain.
- Tell us about your trip. I know what I want to say but I'm too nervous right now.
It's on the tip of my tongue…▾
- What's that actor's name? It's on the tip of my tongue. He was in that space movie.
- It's on the tip of my tongue. The vegetable that's purple and long?
- Your neighbor's name? It's on the tip of my tongue. It starts with M.
I'm trying to find the right word…▾
- The movie was... I'm trying to find the right word. Strange, but beautiful.
- How do you feel about the move? I'm trying to find the right word. Nervous, maybe.
- I'm trying to find the right word. The soup tastes a bit... sour?
Well, it's hard to say▾
- Will it rain tomorrow? Well, it's hard to say. The forecast keeps changing.
- Who's the better cook, me or your mum? Well, it's hard to say!
- How long will the repair take? Well, it's hard to say, maybe a week.
I'd have to think about it▾
- Do you want to move to the city? I'd have to think about it.
- That job offer sounds great. I'd have to think about it before I say yes.
- I'd have to think about it. Can I give you an answer on Monday?
Off the top of my head…▾
- How many people work there? Off the top of my head, about fifty.
- Off the top of my head, I'd say the train leaves at six.
- Any good restaurants nearby? Off the top of my head there's a nice noodle place.
I've never really thought about it▾
- Why do you like cooking? Hmm, I've never really thought about it.
- I've never really thought about it, but maybe I'd enjoy living by the sea.
- What's your favourite season? I've never really thought about it. Probably autumn.
Where do I even start?▾
- How was your holiday? Where do I even start? So much happened!
- My kitchen is such a mess. Where do I even start?
- Where do I even start? This tax form has twenty pages.
If I remember correctly…▾
- If I remember correctly, the shop closes at five on Saturdays.
- Her birthday is in May. If I remember correctly, it's the twelfth.
- Where's the car? If I remember correctly, we parked on the third floor.