151.
Reported speech: say / tell
Use say for the words or message and tell when there is a person receiving the information.
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I told her the truth.
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He told me he was busy.
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She said she was busy.
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152.
Reported questions
Use statement word order in reported questions.
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I asked if she was ready.
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He asked what I wanted.
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She asked where I lived.
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153.
Wish for present situations
Use wish + past form to talk about a present situation you want to be different.
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She wishes she lived closer.
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I wish I were better at speaking.
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I wish I had more time.
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154.
Hope + clause
Use hope to talk about a desired future or possible situation.
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We hope everything goes well.
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I hope it doesn't rain.
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I hope you get the job.
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155.
Would rather + base verb
Use would rather to express a preference.
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She would rather wait.
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I'd rather walk.
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I would rather stay home.
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156.
Had better + base verb
Use had better for strong advice about a specific situation.
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You'd better call him.
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We had better hurry.
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You'd better leave now.
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157.
Asking for repetition
Use polite phrases when you did not hear or understand someone.
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I didn't catch that.
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Sorry, could you say that again?
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Could you repeat that?
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158.
Asking for clarification
Use clarification phrases when you understand the words but not the meaning.
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Could you clarify what you mean?
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Could you explain that?
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What do you mean?
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159.
Buying time while speaking
Use short fillers to organize your thoughts without becoming silent.
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Give me a second.
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Well, I'm not sure.
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Let me think.
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160.
Softening a statement
Use I think, maybe, a little, quite, or I'm not sure to sound less absolute.
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I'm not sure that's the best option.
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Maybe we can try again.
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I think we should wait.
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