Attachment 2. Conversational Formulas

Abridged from A.Medvedev. English Conversational Formulas

http://english-l.chat.ru/

FORMS OF ADDRESS When addressing people in English we usually call our friends by their first name, for example, John or Mary. When speaking to someone whom we know less well, we use Mr./ Mrs./ Miss followed by the surname. Sir – used to a man who is clearly older and/or more senior than oneself. It is also used: by shop assistants, waiters, etc. to their male customers; by schoolchildren to men-teachers; as a polite form of address to a stranger, even if not older or more senior. However, this is not common in Britain, where the usual way of addressing a stranger is Excuse me, please. d ) Madam – used by shop assistants, waiters, etc. to their female customers. It is not used when addressing women-teachers (here Mrs./ Miss with surname is used), nor when addressing an older or more senior woman. It is only rarely used to address a stranger, "Excuse me, please" being the usual form. e) Doctor – used alone only to medical practitioners. When addressing a person with the degree the surname is always included, for example, Dr. Brown. f) Professor – used either with or without the surname, depending on how formal or informal one wishes to be. (Simply Professor is more formal.) General/Colonel/Captain, etc. – also used wither with or without the surname. Ladies and Gentlemen – to an audience With waiters, porters, people simply try to catch their eye, for example, or say Excuse me, (please). Officer – to a policeman, but most people approaching a policeman for information or help use Excuse me, (please), without any form of address. Within the family: Mammy, Daddy, Granny (sometimes Gran or Nanny), Grandad, Auntie and Uncle usually with the first name. Aunt is often used instead of Auntie by older children and adults, particularly in formal situations.

ATTRACTING ATTENTION The most common way of attracting attention is Excuse me, (please). Other expressions used to attract attention in certain situations are: May/Can I have your attention, please? – used to attract the attention of a group of people who are talking among themselves to make an announcement, etc. Attention, please. – used to introduce official announcements, especially over a loudspeaker. I say. – sometimes used in conversation to draw particular attention to the sentence which follows. Addressed more often to groups of people than individuals. Look here! - used to attract someone’s attention to something of which you disapprove. Often indignant. Just a minute. – used to someone who is going away before you think he should (you still have something to tell him) or to stop someone in the middle of what he is saying in order to voice an objection. Hey! – used wither to express indignation or to warn someone quickly of some danger. If used simply to attract attention it is rude, or at least familiar. Look/watch out! – to warn someone of danger. Mind …! – meaning "be careful (of)"

INTRODUCTIONS AND CONVERSATION OPENINGS A person performing an introduction in a formal situations says, for example: Mrs Johnson, may I introduce Mr. Bentley? Mr. Bentley – Mrs. Johnson. Less formal alternatives to it are (in order of decreasing formality): Let me introduce…I’d like to meet…This is…Meet… (mainly American) The two people who have been introduced both say: How do you do? – in formal and semi-formal, Hallo – in informal and semi-formal situations Pleased/ Glad to meet you – is fairly common in America but is generally avoided in Britain by educated people. In formal situations, English people sometimes shake hands when introduced but do not bow. Two phrases often used before introducing someone are: Have you met…? I don’t think you’ve met… If you have to introduce yourself, you may say: May I introduce myself? – this is the formal style. Less formal is Let me introduce myself. Note that Mr./Mrs./Miss should only when addressing other people, or speaking about them. Either the first name and surname are used together, or, in informal situations, simply the first name. This implies that you expect to be addressed by your first name. When introducing a guest speaker to an audience, one may say, for example: Ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure in introducing … When two people have been introduced, one of them usually has to start a conversation. One may to do this is to ask a question such as: Is this your first visit to…? Have you been here/ to… before? Have you visited/ seen...? How do you like/find (our) …? (How) are you enjoying…? Are you finding … interesting/ useful? What do you think of…? Are you interested in …? A less direct and therefore more tactful way of asking for information is to make a remark with a question tag (usually pronounced with a rise to show interest). Other remarks which invite a response are, for example: I believe/hear… I’ve been told…I expect/suppose/imagine…   Comments about the weather, especially with a question tag, can also be a convenient way of starting a conversation.

GREETINGS AND INQUIRIES ABOUT HEALTH, ETC.   When you already know someone, the following formal greetings should be used: Good morning – until lunch time (12-2 p.m.), Good afternoon – until 5-6 p.m., Good evening – until 10-11 p.m. Remember about the difference in tone. For formal greeting, we use the low fall. For less formal and warmer greeting we use the low rise. The most friendly tone for greeting is the fall – rise. Note: Good night is not a greeting but a wish. Good day is hardly ever used nowadays, either as a greeting or on parting. Morning/Afternoon/Evening – semi-formal. Used, for example, to neighbours, colleagues and other people whom one sees regularly but does not know well. Hello – semi-formal, informal Hi – informal, used mainly in America. The name of the person greeted is often added. However, no form of address is generally used when greeting groups of people. Such forms as Good morning, all and Hello, everybody occur but are rare and not to be recommended.   Greetings are often followed by an inquiry about the other person’s health. The answer may be: (I’m) very/fairly/quite/well, thank you – formal, semi-formal Note that quite and fairly are synonymous here, but quite is now more common. Fine, thanks! Not too/so bad (thank you/ thanks), All right, thank you/thanks semi-formal, formal OK, thanks – informal, familiar. A bit tired, otherwise all right – semi-formal, formal Avoid saying simply Thank you or Thanks in this situation. These replies are usually followed by an inquiry about the other person’s health. The most common forms are: And how are you? And you? - logical stress on you These inquiries are answered in the same way as the first one.   If the answer to an inquiry about someone’s health is unfavorable, I’m afraid ( meaning unfortunately) is often used, for example: Not very/ too well, I’m afraid. I am afraid I am not feeling very/too well today. Possible reactions to such replies are: Oh, dear. I am sorry to hear that.   If you know someone fairly well (or at least if he is more than an acquaintance), you may ask a more general question, such as: How are you getting on? How are things (with you)? – semi-formal How’s life? – informal   If you want to express pleasure at seeing someone, for example, when you welcoming a guest, you may say: Hello, nice to see you. A common reply to this is: Nice to see you, too. (With stress on both you and too.)

LEAVE-TAKING When you want to take your leave of someone use some introductory phrase such as: (Well,) I must be going (now). I’m afraid I must be going (now). It’s time I was going/off. I’d better be going. I must be off now. When you actually leave, you may say: Good-bye – formal, semi-formal (Good-) bye for now – semi-formal, informal Bye (then). Bye now. Bye-bye. Cheerio – semi-formal, informal See you – very colloquial. Used mainly by young people to their friends. This phrase does not refer to a later meeting, in contrast to those, which follow. See you later/tonight/tomorrow/on Saturday/next week, etc. See you at the theatre/party, etc. (I’ll) be seeing you. – this means simply some time in future.   The phrases All the best and Good luck are used only in certain circumstances. All the best is appropriate when seeing a friend off for a long time or when leaving someone who is going for interview (for a job, etc), or in some similar situation. Good luck may also be used in the latter case or when someone is going to take an examination. Good night – when leaving someone late in the evening or before going to bed. Note: that Good morning/afternoon/evening are no longer used when taking one’s leave. Farewell – is now confined to poetry and is not longer used in conversation, even when parting someone for ever. Good-bye is used. The reply to Good-bye and the alternatives listed above is either the same or one of the other expressions of the same degree of formality.   When leaving someone we sometimes want to be remembered to some member(s) of his family or a mutual friend or acquaintance. The following phrases are used: Please, give my (kind) regards to … – formal (Please) remember me to... – semi-formal, informal Give my love to… – informal, for close friends and relations The person addressed usually answers as follows: Thank you, I (certainly) will.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WISHES   When someone has achieved something, or been fortunate in some way, we say: Congratulations (on…) The answer is Thank you or Thanks (informal). Well done – may also be used about an achievement. Seasonal greetings include: Happy/ Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Easter!   In reply the person greeted may either repeat the greeting or say Thank you, (and) (the) same to you. Note that congratulate and congratulations are not appropriate here. Note also that there is no English greeting which can be used for any festival. The only way of greeting someone on the occasion of a festival not celebrated in Britain (or at least not wildly celebrated) is to use the word wishes, for example: (Very) best wishes for … My/our (very) best wishes for… The usual birthday greetings are: Many happy returns (of the day)! Happy birthday! - more common, especially in informal situations Congratulations may be used when someone comes of age (now at 18 in Britain) in formal style. Otherwise it is practically never used as a birthday greeting nowadays. The answer to all these is Thank you.   For engagements and weddings the following forms are used: Congratulations. – weddings only I wish you every happiness. – very formal, weddings only I hope you will be very happy. – semi-formal, weddings only If we meet someone who has recently has married but whose wedding we didn’t go to, the word marriage is used instead. Congratulations on your marriage. – very formal I hear you’ve got married. Congratulations. – informal, semi-formal   Now here are some other wishes for various occasions: Have a good/nice holiday. – to someone going away on holiday Have a good/nice weekend. Have a good/nice time. Enjoy yourself. Have a good journey – to someone about to travel somewhere, but not usually when he is going on holiday (Here is Have a good holiday is more usual.) Good luck!The best of luck! The person addressed replies Thank you or Thanks and may add I shall need it. All the best! I hope you’ll soon be/feel better.

REQUESTS Positive requests When we want someone to do something, we may use the imperative with please. Please in initial position tends to be more emphatic. Note that there is no pause (and no comma) after it. Nor is there a pause before please when is used in the end of the sentence, in spite of the comma. In many situations, however, the imperative with please is not considered polite enough. Then we use one of the following phrases (said with a rising tone), which are listed in order of increasing politeness (formality) Will you… (please)?Would you… (please)? Could you … (please)? Do you think you could…? Would you mind...ing? Will you be so kind as to…? –very formal. Would you be so kind as to…? – very formal The choice between the various alternatives given above depends on: how large the request is or how well we know the person we ask. Thus the same request may be formulated with different degrees of politeness.   When one has little hope of one’s request being granted, or at least wishes to give this permission, one can use I don’t suppose.   The usual replies are: (yes) certainly – formal (yes) of course. – semi-formal, informal All right. – expressing a lesser degree of willingness OK – informal, often casual (only among friends and relatives) (Yes) here you are. – when handing someone something he has asked for. Not at all/in the least/ a bit. In reply to Would you mind…? I am afraid I can’t, (I’m) sorry, I can’t formal, semi-formal No, I can’t/ won’t - a point – blank refusal. Abrupt, possibly rude.   B. Negative requests If we want someone not to do something, we can say: Please don’t… Try not to … Would you mind not …ing? – more polite

ASKING PERMISSIONS (FAVORS)   May I…? – formal. Can I..? – semi-formal, informal. Could I…? – more polite Could I possibly…? - emphasizes that one is asking a favour Do you think I could…? I wonder if I could.. – tentative Do you mind if I…? Is it all right if I..?Is it all right (for me) to…?   To grant permission the following forms are used: (yes,) certainly. – formal (yes,) of course. – semi-formal, informal Go ahead. – informal If you like. – often implies an element of reluctance Not at all. – in reply to Do you mind…? No, that’s all right – in reply to Do you mind…?   Permissions may be granted on a certain condition, using: providing…As long as…But only if… To refuse permission we use: (No,) I’m afraid not. (No,) I’m sorry. You can’t. No, of course not. I’d rather you didn’t. – tactful. Yes, I would mind. No, it isn’t all right – abrupt, possibly rude.

APOLOGIES The basic form of apology is I’m sorry. However, there are several variations which make the apology more or less emphatic. I’m very sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m terribly/awfully/dreadfully sorry. - more emphatic Sorry. – less emphatic, often casual. Only for relatively unimportant things. When the person to whom we want to apologize does not yet know what has happened, we often use I’m (very/so, etc) sorry but…I am afraid can be used instead of I am sorry in this type of situation. I’m afraid means unfortunately here and functions as an apology. Excuse me (for…) is alternative here. However, excuse me, alone (or with please) is usually either a way of indicating politely that you want to pass, at the same time apologizing for any inconvenience you may cause, or a way of attracting the attention of a person whose name you do not know I hope you don’t mind … – when one has done something without first asking permission In apologies the verb “ apologize ” may be used. I apologize for… I must/ do apologize for formal I beg your pardon. – formal. It is rarely used, mostly as a request for repetition. Pardon. Sorry. – the most common form among educated people nowadays. Pronounced with a high rise. If a specific request or explanation follows, I’m sorry may be used.   Here are some possible replies to apologies: That’s/It’s all right.That’s/ It’s quite all right. – more formal. That’s/It’s OK. – informal, casual Don’t worry. (I’ve got plenty more). Never mind. That/it doesn’t matter. In certain situations, a less reassuring reaction may be appropriate. Oh, you are, are you? – in reply to I’m sorry. You have, have you? – in reply to I’m sorry (but) I’ve… Being sorry won’t help. You should be more careful Polite replies to apologies for causing trouble include: No trouble at all. That’s quite all right. I’m glad I was able to help you.

SUGGESTIONS   When we want to suggest something in which we are to participate ourselves, we use one of the following forms: Let’s…Why don’t we…? Why not…? We could/might – tentative I suppose we could/ might … - more tentative I suggest (that)… – a firmer suggestion, and more formal. I propose (that)… – even stronger and more forma. Used mainly at meetings, official discussions, etc.   If we are agree to a suggestion, we say: Yes, let’s (do that). That’s a (very) good idea. Good idea. – less formal That/ it might be interesting. OK. – informal, casual. All right. – willing but not enthusiastic I don’t mind. We might as well (do that). – rather indifferent Conditional agreement can be expressed by: All right, but only if… Yes/All right/I don’t mind, providing/as long as …   If we disagree, our reply depends to a greater extent on the situation. Here are some commonly used phrases: I do not like… – only among friends (too abrupt for other situations) I am not very keen on… I am not very fond of … – more tactful I don’t feel like it (at the moment/just now). I am too tired. I’m feeling rather tired (today/at the moment) – less abrupt We haven’t got time. Have we got time? There is no point. I’d rather… I’d rather not… Let’s not bother. Don’t let’s bother.

APPOINTMENTS   Appointments are usually made over the telephone. After introducing yourself you can say: I would like (to make) an appointment with… What time would be convenient for you/him? I wonder whether you could see me now/on/at/before/about? – more tentative In less formal situations you may say: I’d like to see (talk to) you (some time) about… What time would be convenient for you? Will you be able to see me now/on/at/before/about? Can you see me now/on/at/before/about?   If the person can meet you at suggested time he (or his secretary) will say: Yes, that will be quite/very convenient. Yes, that will do very well. – formal, semi-formal Yes, I’m/he’s free then. – both formal and informal Yes, that’ll be just fine. – informal   Searching for an alternative, you can suggest another time or ask the person to choose the time: What time would be convenient for you? Would… be more convenient? Would… suit you better? Could we make it… instead/then? – semi-formal, informal How/what about… – informal Is… any good? – informal   To cancel an appointment we can say: I’m awfully sorry, but I can’t make it on…/at… I have an appointment with you for…, but unfortunately I can’t make it.

INVITATIONS   Invitations may be phrased in one of the following ways: Would you like to…? – the most common form I wonder whether you’d like to … – tentative Would you care to … I wonder whether you’d care to – very formal Do you feel like …ing? – informal, semi-formal Invitations may also take the form of suggestion, for example: What/how about …ing?   Acceptance: (yes,) very much. (yes), I’d like to very much. (yes,) I’d love to. That would be very nice. Thank you. Refusal: I’m afraid I can’t. I’m sorry I can’t.   Some explanation for your refusal is often desirable. I’d like to (very much) but…I’d love to but…I wish I could but…Thank you, but (I’m afraid)… No, thank you. No, thanks. – by itself, this is rather abrupt, even rude. However, it may be used among friends if followed by an explanation. Invitations are often introduced by a question such as Are you doing anything (special)? Have you got anything (special) on…? Have you got any plans for…? What are you doing…? Are you free…? – more direct

OFFERS A. Offers of help I’ll… (if you like)…Shall I…? Let me… Would you like me to…? Do you need any help? Is there anything I can do (to help)? Can I help you (at all)? is used mainly by shop assistants and people whose job is to give information, etc   Acceptance: Yes, please. – in reply to offers in the form of a question Thank you (very much). That’s very kind of you. (Thank you). If (you’re sure) it’s not too much trouble. If (you’re sure) you’ve for time. Well, perhaps you could… Do you think you could…?   Refusal: No, thank you. Oh, please don’t bother. No, it’s/that’s (quite) all right, (thank you). Thank you, but there is really no need (to). I can easily… I (think I) can manage all right, thank you. B. Offers of Food, Drink, etc Would you like…? – the most common used form. Will you have…? – formal Would you care for…? – very formal Have… -if one is actually holding something out Do have… – more emphatic, persuasive (Please) help yourself (to…) – used when the food is on the table but one is not going to had it around. Help yourself (without to) refers to everything on the table; help yourself to – to something specific.   The clearest and most usual replies to the interrogative forms are: Yes, please. No, thank you – both with rising intonation and no pause between the words.   Other possible replies are: (yes,) that would be very nice Please. – pronounced with a fall-rise. Thank you. – as one takes something, especially in reply to (Do) have… or Help yourself (to…). In other situations Thank you alone is ambiguous and should be avoided. Thank you, but… – refusal followed by an explanation.

THANKS Thank you. Thank you very/so much. Thank you ever so much – more emphatic; informal Thank you very much indeed – emphatic and formal Thanks. Thanks a lot/awfully. Many thanks. – rather formal I don’t know how to thank you. I can never thank you enough. I’m very grateful (to you) That’s/It’s very/awfully kind of you. – formal, semi-formal How kind of you. (I’m) much obliged (to you) – used mainly by shop assistants   Possible replies are: Not at all. You’re welcome. (Oh,) that’s all right. (Oh,) that’s OK – casual, informal Don’t mention it. – more emphatic, rather formal It’s nothing. – informal, semi-formal Think nothing of it. – informal, casual It’s a pleasure. – only for things involving some time and trouble I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m glad you were able to come. Thank you for coming. I’m glad you like it.

COMPLIMENTS   The following phrases can be used to compliment people on their personal qualities or abilities: You are … – with strong stress on are and the following adjective or noun. You are so… You are such a… How… you are! I wish I had your…   On possessions: You’ve got a nice/lovely/beautiful/wonderful… What a nice/lovely/beautiful/wonderful… you’ve got! I wish I’d got a… like yours.   On clothes and appearance: That’s a nice/lovely/beautiful/wonderful… (you are wearing) What a nice/lovely/beautiful/wonderful… (you are wearing) You do look nice/smart in/with that… I (do) like your… do (stressed) makes the statement more emphatic.   On achievements: The form used here usually depends on the type of achievement. However, the general verbs be and do can be used in various situations: You were wonderful/superb/magnificent! You were great! – More colloquial You did very well!   To compliment somebody on something he has made, mended, etc, we can say: What a nice (-looking)/convenient/delicious… You’ve done a wonderful job. You’ve done wonders with the … A compliment can be introduced by I must say.   If you consider the compliment to be deserved you can simply say Thank you, but this may sound self-satisfied or immodest. Here are some modest responses:   To compliment on personal qualities and abilities: Do you really think so?(Oh) I wouldn’t say that. (Oh) I don’t think I’m (any) better/ more… than anybody else.(Oh) I don’t think I’m better… than you/ anybody else. You’re… too (yourself).   On possessions, clothes: Do you like it (them)? I’m glad you like it. Yes, I’m quite/ rather pleased with it (myself). It’s not bad, is it? – usually an understatement, used out of modesty (real or assumed)   On appearance, clothes: Do I? Does it? Do you like it?   On achievements: Here either ‘echo’ question or one of the responses given above can be used, depending on the situation and the form of the compliment.

WARNING, CAUTION The following expressions can be used to warn somebody: Look out! Mind…! Hold tight! – to passengers (in a bus, etc) Don’t rush, take it easy! – a policeman to a crowd. Mind you…Make sure you… (+ inf. without ‘to’) Mind you don’t… Take care you don’t… Take care not to… Mind how you… Be careful (with…) Steady on (with…)! – informal   Though in form of a caution, these expressions imply a definite threat: You are asking for trouble! Watch your step! I should watch my step, if I were you.   A warning may take the form of threat: If you… I/we shall… If you… I/we shan’t… You’d better (not). Stop (doing) that, or else I… You’ll be sorry, if/when… – often mixed with anger   Colloquial: You are for it! You’ve done it now! You’ll catch it!

REPROACH AND REPRIMAND The following expressions can be used for reproach and reprimand: Why (on earth) didn’t you…? You might have… I do think you might have… –rather mild You should (not) have…/ought (not) to have… You ought to be ashamed (of yourself). What do you mean by …ing? – mixed with anger You have no right to… How dare you (…)! – very strong, mixed with anger Come off it! = Stop whatever you are doing – a mild, informal reprimand   Reproach and reprimand are frequently used to prevent people (especially children) from behaving badly. Here are some expressions which can be used for this: What are you up to? Stop (doing) that! Stop fooling around/about! Behave yourself! Be/act your age! Come on, be a good boy/girl (and…) – gentle, mild.

COMPLAINT The most usual complain about services or quality of goods. Formal: I am sorry to complain, but…I don’t like to complain, but…   Less formal complaints about the same: I don’t want to make fuss (about it), but…I don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but…   You should remember that the English are reluctant to complain, and when they do it, they often do it in a somewhat apologetic manner: Sorry, but… could you…? – semi-formal, formal Do you think you could…? – semi-formal, formal, depending on the tone of voice. I wish you wouldn’t … – grumbling Do you have to…? – sarcastic   Grumbling, semi-formal, informal: It’s a bit much/thick. It’s a bit much/thick if…It’s a bit steep. – about prices   Replies are: Oh, I’m very sorry (Sir/Madam). I’ll see that everything is put right. I’ll see to it at once. I’ll ask/ tell the… to…I’ll send for…Sorry, is it bothering you? Sorry, I thought you didn’t mind. Sorry, I didn’t realize you felt so strongly about it.   If complaint is considered to be unjustified, one may tactfully say, for example: Yes, I know, but…I’m (very) sorry, but…I’m (very) sorry, but there’s nothing we can do about it (I’m afraid).Well, Sir/Madam, you…

OPINION An opinion may be expressed simply as an assertion, without any introductory words. Sometimes, however, such statements may sound too dogmatic, and to avoid this effect one of the following phrases should be used: I think (that)… – the most common. I thought is often used to express an opinion about something experienced in the past, for example, a film seen, a book read. I think may also be used in sentences about verifiable facts, meaning It seems to me. I believe (that)… I feel (that)… I consider (that)… formal, semi-formal. Also more intellectual than I feel, which is more emotional. In my opinion – emphatic, slightly formal To my mind – emphatic. If you ask me,… – colloquial   The following phrases are used to ask someone’s opinion: What do you think of/about? What do you feel about…? What’s your opinion of/about …? – formal, semiformal   Note: to avoid being dogmatic and/or abrupt you may express your opinion (especially when asked) beginning your phrase with Well.

AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT A.Agreement The simplest way to express agreement with a statement is, for example: Yes, it is/does/can, etc. Yes, he is/does/can, etc. Yes, they are/do/can, etc. To agree with a negative statement we say, for example: No, it isn’t/doesn’t/can’t, etc. No, he isn’t/doesn’t/can’t, etc. No, they aren’t/don’t/can’t, etc.   To make the agreement more friendly, a question tag may be added. Certainly may be included for emphatic. I (quite) agree (with) you. I think so too. So do I. You are (quite) right there. Exactly. Quite so. – formal I couldn’t agree more. I should say so. That’s just what I think. - emphatic You can say it again You are telling me. – emphatic, colloquial Hear! Hear! At meetings So it is/I have/he did, etc – surprised agreement I suppose so. I suppose it is/he does, etc. – reluctant or half-hearted agreement   Partial agreement may be expressed by the following phrases: I agree with you | up to a point (but…) | in a sense (but…) | in a way (but…) I see what you mean, but… That may be true, but (on other hand)…(Oh) yes, but… B. Disagreement The simplest way to express disagreement with a statement is, for example: No, it isn’t/doesn’t/can’t, etc. No, he isn’t/doesn’t/can’t, etc. No, they aren’t/don’t/can’t, etc. To disagree with a negative statement we say: Yes, it is/does/can, etc. Yes, he is/does/can, etc. Yes, they are/do/can, etc.   To express stronger disagreement we can introduce the sentences with oh, which is stressed. The above forms are used mainly to disagree with statements of fact. To disagree with an opinion, one of the following phrases is generally to be preferred: I don’t agree (with you) (there). I disagree (with you) (there). I’m afraid I can’t agree (with you) (there). – milder, more tactful. I’m afraid you are mistaken (here).I think you are mistaken (here). Direct, sometimes abrupt: Not at all. Nothing of the kind. On the contrary. - formal Very abrupt, possibly rude: Nonsense. Rubbish. (That’s) ridiculous. Now here are some ways of softening disagreement: Well,…Personally,…As a matter of fact,… To disagree tactfully we may also use such expressions as: Oh, I don’t know. – usually in response to critical remarks. I wouldn’t say that. I wouldn’t call it/him… (exactly). Do you (really) think so?