Information Sheet 1.1-3

Information Sheet 1.1-3: Noting spoken simple short phrases and sentences based on International Phonetic Alphabet

IPA symbols for American English

The following tables list the IPA symbols used for American English words and pronunciations. Please note that although the IPA is based on the Latin alphabet, the IPA contains some non-Latin characters as well.

Consonants

IPA	Examples
p	pit, lip
b	bit, tub
t	tip, sit
d	dig, sad
k	cup, sky, click
g	guy, bag
m	my, jam
n	not, ran
ŋ	sing, finger, link
tʃ	check, etch
dʒ	just, giant, judge, age
f	fish, cuff
v	vowel, leave
θ	thigh, breath
ð	thy, father, breathe
s	sip, mass
z	zip, jazz
ʃ	shop, wish
ʒ	genre, pleasure, beige
h	house, ahead
w	wit, swap
j	yes, young
r	rip, water, write
l	lap, pull

Vowels

IPA	Examples
i	feet, seat, me, happy
ɪ	sit, gym
e	late, break, say
ɛ	let, best
æ	cat, mad
ʌ	but, trust, under (stressed positions)
ə	comma, bazaar, the (unstressed positions)
u	goose, rude, cruel
ʊ	foot, took
oʊ	boat, owe, no
ɔ	frog, bought, launch
ɑ	not, father
aɪ	buy, aisle, isle
aʊ	cow, mouth
ɔɪ	soil, boy

Less common sounds

IPA	Examples
x	loch, challah
ʔ	uh–oh, a’a

• The tables above represent pronunciations of common phonemes in general North American English. Speakers of some dialects may have different sounds in certain words represented in the tables. For example, many American speakers pronounce words with /ɑ/ and /ɔ/ (e.g., “cot” and “caught”) the same.

• In the IPA, a word’s primary stress is marked by putting a raised vertical line (ˈ) at the beginning of a syllable. Secondary stress is marked by putting a lowered vertical line (ˌ) at the beginning of a syllable. For example, the word “Tennessee” has primary stress on the last syllable and secondary stress on the first syllable, so it is transcribed as /ˌtɛnəˈsi/.

• To help with readability, we use /r/ instead of the standard /ɹ/ in our transcriptions to represent the voiced alveolar approximant found in American English (i.e., the “r”-sound in a word like “ring”).

Greetings in English

Informal Greetings

Let’s begin by exploring some of the most common informal greetings in English. These can be used amongst friends or family, or even in an informal setting.

1. Hi!

Simple and straightforward, “hi” is often used as a quick greeting in English amongst friends, coworkers, and even family.

2. Hey, Heya or Hey there!

This is another one of the best greetings to use amongst friends or acquaintances.

3. Morning!

A more casual way of saying “Good morning.”

4. How are things?

This is one of the more casual greeting phrases used in an exchange.

5. What’s new?

Similar to “how are things?”, “what’s new?” is simply a way of saying hello to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.

6. It’s good to see you

As you may have assumed, this one is used when you haven’t seen someone in a while.

7. G’day!

This is short for “Good day,” typically used in Australia.

8. Howdy!

No list of English greetings vocabulary is complete without some unique variations. This is one that’s commonly used in the southern regions of the United States.

9. What’s up?

This can also be shortened to “‘Sup?”

10. How’s it going?

This is one of those types of greetings that doesn’t always need to be taken literally.

11. What’s happening?

Although a question, this type of greeting can be used in place of “hello!”

12. What’s the story?

This one is popular in Ireland.

13. Yo!

Another one of the simplest greetings words you can use.

Although some of these greetings look like questions, no answers are expected or a standard “good, thank you” or “nothing much” will suffice.

These greetings are typically used amongst friends or in more casual situations.

Formal Greetings

Now that you’ve learned how to greet someone informally, let’s check out some of the most common formal greetings in English.

14. Hello!

In formal greetings examples, hello is preferred to “hi” or “hey.”

15. Hi there

This is a slightly less formal way to say hello, but still more appropriate than using “hey.”

16. Good morning

You can never go wrong when using “good morning” in greeting sentences.

17. Good afternoon

If greeting someone later in the day, this is a great option.

18. Good evening

If greeting someone during the evening, use this option.

19. It’s nice to meet you

Just don’t say this one to someone you’ve met three times before!

20. It’s a pleasure to meet you

Remember, these last two only work when you are meeting someone for the first time.

Common English Phrases and Expressions

1. Could you please speak more slowly?

• Meaning: Asking someone to speak at a slower pace.
• Examples: “I’m sorry, could you please speak more slowly?” “Could you slow down a bit?”

2. Can I have the bill, please?

• Meaning: Requesting the check in a restaurant.
• Example: “Excuse me, can I have the bill, please? We’re ready to pay.”

3. I’m lost. Can you help me find my way?

• Meaning: Expressing that you are lost and need directions.
• Examples: “I’m sorry, but I’m lost. Can you help me find my way?” “Excuse me, I’m lost. Could you tell me how to get to the museum?”

4. That’s a great idea!

• Meaning: Expressing approval or agreement.
• Examples: “I think organizing a picnic is a great idea!” “Wow, that’s a great idea for our project.”

5. Could you please pass me the salt?

• Meaning: Asking someone to hand you something.
• Examples: “Could you please pass me the salt?” “Pass me the book, please.”

6. Could you elaborate on that?

• Meaning: Asking someone to provide more details or explain further.
• Examples: “I find your idea intriguing. Could you elaborate on that a bit more?” “The professor asked me to elaborate on my research findings.”

7. I’m afraid I can’t make it.

• Meaning: Politely declining an invitation or suggestion.
• Examples: “Thank you for inviting me, but I’m afraid I can’t make it to the party.” “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I can’t attend the meeting tomorrow.”

8. It’s high time we discussed this issue.

• Meaning: Expressing that something should have been done or addressed earlier.
• Examples: “It’s high time we discussed the budget cuts affecting our department.” “It’s high time we addressed the growing concerns about environmental sustainability.”

9. Would you mind if I joined you?

• Meaning: Politely asking permission to join someone.
• Examples: “Excuse me, would you mind if I joined you for lunch?” “Would you mind if I joined the conversation?”

10. That reminds me of a similar experience I had.

• Meaning: Connecting someone else’s story or experience with your own.
• Examples: “Your story about traveling alone reminds me of a similar experience I had in Europe.” “That reminds me of a similar situation I encountered last year.”

11. I’m really looking forward to our collaboration.

• Meaning: Expressing excitement and anticipation for working together.
• Examples: “I’m really looking forward to our collaboration on this project.” “I’m excited about working with you. I’m really looking forward to it.”

12. Could you please provide me with more information?

• Meaning: Requesting additional details or clarification.
• Examples: “This proposal looks promising, but could you please provide me with more information?” “I’m interested in this job opportunity. Could you please provide me with more information about the company?”

13. Let’s brainstorm some innovative ideas.

• Meaning: Suggesting to generate creative and original ideas together.
• Examples: “To solve this problem, let’s brainstorm some innovative ideas.” “Before the meeting, let’s brainstorm some innovative solutions to the challenges we’re facing.”

14. Could you tell me a bit more about yourself?

• Meaning: Asking someone to share additional information about their background or interests.
• Examples: “It’s nice to meet you! Could you tell me a bit more about yourself?” “Sure, I’d love to hear more about your hobbies.”

15. I’m not sure what you mean. Could you explain it another way?

• Meaning: Asking for clarification in a different manner because you didn’t understand something initially.
• Examples: “I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you mean. Could you explain it another way?” “Could you clarify that using a different example?”

16. Let’s plan to meet up next week.

• Meaning: Suggesting to arrange a meeting or get-together in the upcoming week.
• Examples: “I have some free time next week. Let’s plan to meet up for coffee.” “Let’s plan to meet up next week to discuss our project.”

17. I think it might be a good idea to ask for help.

• Meaning: Suggesting that seeking assistance could be beneficial.
• Examples: “I’m struggling with this assignment. I think it might be a good idea to ask for help.” “Considering the complexity of the problem, I think it might be a good idea to ask for help.”

18. I appreciate your help with this matter.

• Meaning: Expressing gratitude for someone’s assistance or support.
• Examples: “Thank you for explaining that. I appreciate your help with this matter.” “I really appreciate your help with organizing the event.”

19. Could you recommend a good restaurant in the area?

• Meaning: Asking for a suggestion or advice regarding a restaurant nearby.
• Examples: “I’m new to this neighborhood. Could you recommend a good restaurant in the area?” “We’re looking for a place to eat tonight. Could you recommend a good restaurant?”

20. Let’s go over the details one more time.

• Meaning: Suggesting to review or discuss the specifics again.
• Examples: “Before we finalize the plan, let’s go over the details one more time.” “Let’s go over the details of the project one more time to ensure we’re on the same page.”

Giving Directions in English

First of all, you need to know some basic vocabulary. The most important words and phrases are:

It’s also helpful to know some common places people visit in a city, such as the following:

Here are some examples:

• Go along the street until you reach the traffic lights.
• You’ll see a bank on the left.
• It’s about two blocks from here.
• I prefer going to the airport on the highway because it’s faster.

Some prepositions and adverbs can also help when you’re giving directions:

For example,

• My office building is in front of the mall.
• Go straight on for about one kilometer.
• The cinema is next to the bank.

Asking for directions

When you ask for directions, remember above all to be polite. So start by saying one of the following phrases:

•  Hello. Can you help me, please?
• Good morning. May I ask for some help?
• Excuse me, could you help?

Once you have someone’s attention, you can ask for help to reach your destination. You can do that by using one of these phrases:

•  Could you tell me how to get to the bank?
• Do you know where the museum is?
• We can’t find the subway station. Is it near here?
• Where can we find a park near here?

If you’re not sure you’re going in the right direction, you can make sure by asking:

• Are we on the right road to the city center?
• Is this the right way to the mall?
• What’s the best way to get to the airport?

Giving directions

In the same way that you need to ask directions when you travel abroad, foreigners visiting your city might ask you directions, and what better way to practice English than to help them? 🙂

Here are some common phrases you can use:

• Go past the cinema. (Pass the cinema.)
• Go along this road.
• Go straight on/ahead. (Stay on this road – don’t turn.)
• Go through the tunnel.
• At the roundabout, take the first exit.
• Turn left at the crossroads.
• Take the second right.
• It’s on your left.
• You’ll see it in front of you.
• It’s on the other side of the road.
• You’re going the wrong way.

If you travel abroad for work or pleasure, knowing how to ask and understand directions is really important.

The Weather in English

In English, we usually use it is when we talk about the weather.
This is normally: It is + adjective OR It is + verb-ing

It is + adjective = A description of the weather

• It is sunny today.
• It’s hot and humid today.
• It’s a nice day today.

We can also say:
It is a + adjective + day (or morning/afternoon/night)

• It’s a fine day.
• It’s a windy afternoon.

It is + verb-ing = This type of weather is happening now.

• It’s drizzling outside.
• It’s snowing.
• Take an umbrella, it’s raining.

You can also use it is in different tenses

• It was cold yesterday.
• It will be cloudy tomorrow.

When you are learning vocabulary about the weather, it is important to remember that some of the words have a noun form, a verb form and/or an adjective form. For example:

• Rain: (noun) The game was cancelled because of the rain.
• Rain: (verb) I think it is going to rain later.
• Rainy: (adjective) It’s a rainy day.

It pays to learn the different forms of each word and when they are used.

Nouns and Adjectives

Many times when we are talking about the weather, we can add the letter Y to the end of a noun to make it an adjective.

• rain (noun) – rainy (adjective)
• sun (noun) – sunny (adjective)
• wind (noun) – windy (adjective)
• cloud (noun) – cloudy (adjective)
• fog (noun) – foggy (adjective)

Questions about the weather

People commonly ask about the weather by saying:

• What’s it like out(side)?
• How’s the weather?
• What’s the weather like?
• What’s the temperature?
• What’s the weather forecast?
• What’s the forecast for tomorrow?

Vocabulary about the weather in English

We have divided this vocabulary into different categories to make it easier.

We have:
Clear or Cloudy – Types of Rain – Cold stuff – Types of Wind – Mixed Vocabulary

Clear or Cloudy

Bright: (adjective) full of light; when the sun is shining strongly
Sunny: (adjective) the sun is shining and there are no clouds
Clear: (adjective) without clouds
Fine: (adjective) not raining, clear sky
Partially cloudy: (adjective) when there is a mixture of both blue sky and clouds
Cloudy: (adjective) with many clouds in the sky
Overcast: (adjective) covered with cloud; dull
Gloomy: (adjective) with dark clouds and dull light; some people consider this weather depressing

Sometimes the cloud lowers to ground level and it becomes harder to see…
Fog (noun)/ foggy (adjective): thick cloud close to land
Mist (noun) / misty (adjective): light fog, often on the sea or caused by drizzle
Haze (noun) / hazy (adjective): light mist, usually caused by heat

Types of Rain

Damp: (adjective) slightly wet (often after the rain has stopped)
Drizzle: (verb/noun) to rain lightly with very fine drops
Shower: (noun) a short period of rain
Rain: (verb/noun) water that falls from the clouds in drops
Downpour: (noun) heavy rain
Pour: (verb) to have heavy rain
It’s raining cats and dogs: (Idiom) To rain heavily
Torrential rain: (noun) very heavy rain
Flood: (verb/noun) to become covered in water usually due to excessive rain

Cold stuff

Blizzard: (noun) severe snowstorm with strong winds
Frost: (noun) a layer of small ice crystals that forms on the ground or other surfaces when the temperate is cold
Hail: (verb) when frozen rain falls as small balls of ice (hailstones).
Hailstones: (noun) the small hard balls of ice that fall from the sky
Snow: (noun/verb) frozen rain that falls from the sky as soft snowflakes
Snowflake: (noun) an individual piece of snow
Sleet: (noun/verb) snow or hail mixed with rain (often with some wind)

Types of Wind

Breeze: a gentle wind (often nice or refreshing)
Blustery: blowing (strong) gusts of wind
Windy: continual wind.
Gale: a very strong wind
Hurricane/cyclone/typhoon: a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce winds and heavy rain.

What’s the difference between a hurricane, a typhoon and a cyclone?
They are the same thing just with different names because of the region they are in.

Atlantic/Northeast Pacific = a hurricane
Northwest Pacific = a typhoon
Southern Hemisphere = a cyclone

Tornado: (noun) strong violent circular winds in a small area; a rapidly revolving column of air
In United States the word twister is often used instead of tornado.

The Temperature in English

We have created an entire page about the temperature in English including the different ways of saying how hot or cold it is.

More vocabulary about the weather

Drought: (noun) Long periods of time without rain causing a lack of water in the area

• A lot of the crops dried up because of the drought.

Forecast: (noun) A prediction of how the weather will be on a certain day

• The forecast says it’s going to rain tomorrow.

Lightning: (noun) A flash of light in the sky during a storm.

• Lightning lit the sky many times that night.

Puddle: (noun) a small pool of water on the ground, usually after rain.

• The kids jumped in the puddles on the way home from school.

Rainbow: (noun) an arch of colors in the sky formed when the sun shines through rain

• I took a photo of a beautiful rainbow that was just above the lake.

Smog: (noun) a cloud of pollution hanging over a city (a fog of smoke)

• The view of the city wasn’t very good because it was covered in thick smog.

Storm: (noun) a combination of strong winds and rain, often with thunder and lightning, and in some occasions snow.

• It is too dangerous to go fishing because of the storm.

Sunshine: (noun) the light and heat of the sun

• I could feel the warm sunshine on my back.

Thunder: (noun/verb) the rumbling sound in the clouds that happens after lightning

• The cat hid under the bed because it was scared by the thunder.

Sentences using weather vocabulary

• It is usually chilly and damp in autumn, sometimes with rain or drizzle.
• I’m so glad there is a breeze right now otherwise it would be very hot.
• It is so humid that I’ve had to change my shirt twice already.
• It’s a blustery day; make sure your umbrella doesn’t blow away.
• Take a sweatshirt because it’s a little chilly outside.
• Those large hailstones left dents in my car.
• There has been a gale warning so it’s not safe to go out fishing on our boat.
• There was a drought in our province last summer. It didn’t rain for three months.
• We won’t be able to see the solar eclipse because it’s overcast.

Questions using weather vocabulary

• What’s the weather like in Buenos Aires in January?
• How’s the weather in Moscow in winter?
• It’s pretty hot. What’s the temperature?
• Is it raining outside?
• What’s the forecast for tomorrow?

References:
https://www.vocabulary.com/resources/ipa-pronunciation/
https://tandem.net/blog/20-greetings-in-english
https://blog.elsaspeak.com/en/20-common-english-phrases-and-expressions/
https://www.wallstreetenglish.com/blog/giving-directions-in-english
https://www.vocabulary.cl/english/weather.htm