Quick Check at a Bus Stop
You're waiting for a bus and realize you don't know the current time, so you ask a fellow passenger.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
bother
To bother someone means to disturb or annoy them slightly. Use it politely when apologizing for interrupting, like in asking for help.
happen to know
This phrase means 'do you know by chance?' It's a polite way to ask if someone has specific information, making your question softer and less direct.
exactly
Exactly means precisely or right on time. Use it to give accurate details, like when telling the time or measurements.
died
When a phone or battery 'dies,' it means it runs out of power and stops working. This is common in everyday talk about electronics.
watch
A watch is a small clock you wear on your wrist to check the time easily. It's useful in conversations about being on time or forgetting things.
hopefully
Hopefully means 'I hope so' or 'with hope.' Use it to express a positive wish about a future event, like waiting for something to arrive.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you, but do you happen to know what time it is?
This is a polite way to ask for the time. 'Excuse me' gets attention, 'I'm so sorry to bother you' apologizes for interrupting, and 'do you happen to know' softens the question. Use it in public when you need information without being rude. Grammar: Polite question structure with 'but' to connect apology and request.
No bother at all! Let's see... it's exactly 3:15 PM.
This responds kindly to an apology. 'No bother at all' means it's not a problem, and 'Let's see' shows thinking. 'Exactly 3:15 PM' gives precise time. Useful for helpful replies; practice telling time with AM/PM. Grammar: Exclamation for reassurance and simple present for stating facts.
Oh, perfect! Thank you so much. My phone died and I forgot my watch today.
This shows relief and thanks. 'Oh, perfect!' expresses happiness, 'Thank you so much' is strong gratitude. Explain reason with 'and' connecting problems. Use when someone helps you and you share why you needed it. Grammar: Interjection for emotion and past tense for today's events.
No problem! Happens to me all the time.
'No problem' means you're welcome casually. 'Happens to me all the time' shows empathy by sharing a similar experience. Great for building conversation after helping. Use in friendly chats. Grammar: Present simple for general truths and frequency adverb 'all the time.'
Yes, I am! Hopefully, it'll be here soon.
This confirms and adds hope. 'Yes, I am!' agrees emphatically. 'Hopefully' expresses wish, 'it'll be' is future contraction. Useful for waiting situations like buses. Grammar: Emphatic affirmative and future 'will' for predictions.