B1English

Making Small Talk

Use these common phrases to start, keep going, and politely end light conversations with colleagues or acquaintances.

Key Phrases

Voice
Greeting · 2 ways to say it

Hey, how are things?

casual

A friendly and very common way to say hello to someone you know.

How is your week going so far?

neutral
Commenting on the weather · 2 ways to say it

Can you believe this rain?

casual

The weather has been beautiful recently, hasn't it?

neutral

Using a tag question ('hasn't it?') invites the other person to agree and keeps the chat going.

Asking about the weekend · 2 ways to say it

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?

neutral

US English — Americans say 'over the weekend'.

What did you get up to at the weekend?

casual

UK English — British people usually say 'at the weekend'.

Asking about work · 2 ways to say it

Have you been busy at work lately?

neutral

How's work treating you?

casual

A friendly way to ask someone if their job is going well right now.

Asking about free time · 2 ways to say it

Are you watching any good shows at the moment?

casual

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

neutral
Asking about travel plans · 2 ways to say it

Do you have any vacation time coming up?

neutral

US English — Americans use 'vacation'.

Got any holidays planned?

casual

UK English — British people use 'holidays'.

Showing interest

Oh, really? That sounds interesting.

neutral

Use this reaction to politely encourage the other person to say more.

Ending the conversation · 3 ways to say it

I've got to run, but I'll catch you later.

casual

Anyway, I should probably get back to work.

neutral

The word 'anyway' is a great signal that you are preparing to end the chat.

It was very nice speaking with you.

polite

Practice Dialogue

Marketing Manager
Hey, how is your week going so far?
Web Designer
Pretty good, thanks. I've been a bit busy with the new website that we are building.
Marketing Manager
Oh, really? That sounds interesting. Are you going to launch it soon?
Web Designer
Hopefully next month. Anyway, did you do anything fun over the weekend?
Marketing Manager
Not really. I just relaxed at home because the weather has been terrible.
Web Designer
I know, can you believe that rain? It didn't stop pouring all day on Saturday.
Marketing Manager
Exactly. Well, I should probably get back to work before my next meeting starts.
Web Designer
Right, me too. I've got to run, but I'll catch you later!

More Greetings & Socializing (B1)

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