Useful Speaking Alternatives and Expressions
Alternatives for 'Yes'
Expression
Definitely
Absolutely
Of course
Certainly
Without a doubt
By all means
For sure
No doubt
Indeed
That’s right
You bet
Sure thing
Affirmative
Naturally
Exactly
Example (if applicable)
Alternatives for 'No'
Expression
Not at all
Absolutely not
No way
Certainly not
I don’t think so
Unfortunately not
I’m afraid not
Nope
Not really
Not this time
That’s not happening
Negative
Out of the question
I’d rather not
I have to say no
Example (if applicable)
Phrases to Provide an Example
Expression
For instance
For example
Such as
Like
To illustrate
Example (if applicable)
As an example
Let’s say
Take [something] as an example
Imagine that…
Suppose that…
A case in point is…
In particular
One example of this is…
A good illustration of this is…
Namely
Alternatives for 'But'
Expression
However
Yet
On the other hand
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Still
That being said
Whereas
Although
Even so
Though
While
In contrast
Conversely
Despite this
Example (if applicable)
Alternatives for 'And' / 'In Addition'
Expression
Moreover
Furthermore
Also
As well
Not to mention
Additionally
On top of that
Plus
Besides that
Too
What’s more
In like manner
Together with
Equally important
Coupled with
Example (if applicable)
Sequence Words
Expression
First
Second
Third
Next
Then
After that
Later
Finally
At last
To begin with
In the beginning
Before that
In the meantime
Subsequently
Eventually
Example (if applicable)
Fill-in-the-Gap Speaking Prompts
Expression
Well...
Actually...
You know...
To be honest...
The thing is...
Let me think...
I mean...
Well, to be fair...
Hmm...
What I’m trying to say is...
To tell you the truth...
Honestly...
I guess...
In fact...
I would say...
Example (if applicable)
Suggestions
Expression
How about...?
Why don’t we...?
We could...
Maybe we should...
Have you thought about...?
I suggest...
What if we...?
Perhaps we could...
Let’s try...
Example (if applicable)
How about going to the beach?
Why don’t we order pizza?
We could take a different route.
Maybe we should wait until tomorrow.
Have you thought about changing jobs?
I suggest we start early.
What if we split the cost?
Perhaps we could ask for help.
Let’s try a new restaurant.
Would you consider...?
Would you consider moving abroad?
Giving Offers
Expression
Would you like...?
Can I get you...?
Do you want me to...?
Shall I...?
I can... if you like.
Let me know if you need...
I’d be happy to...
If you want, I can...
Need a hand with...?
Want me to...?
Example (if applicable)
Would you like some coffee?
Can I get you a glass of water?
Do you want me to help with your
homework?
Shall I open the window?
I can drive you to the station if you like.
Let me know if you need anything.
I’d be happy to assist you.
If you want, I can stay late to finish.
Need a hand with those bags?
Want me to call a taxi for you?