Phone Rings During a Class or Lecture
In a classroom or lecture hall, your phone rings during an instructor's explanation. You quickly turn it off and apologize to the lecturer and classmates.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sorry
An expression used to apologize when you make a mistake or cause inconvenience, like when your phone rings in a quiet place.
apologies
A more formal way to say 'sorry' to a group, showing respect and sincerity in situations like interrupting a class.
worries
In the phrase 'no worries,' it means 'no problem' or 'don't worry about it,' a casual way to reassure someone after an apology.
silence
To make something quiet, as in silencing a phone to stop it from ringing in inappropriate moments.
fumbles
To handle something clumsily or awkwardly, often when you're in a hurry, like quickly turning off a ringing phone.
continue
To keep going or resume an activity, useful after a short interruption like a phone ring in a lecture.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh, I am so sorry!
This is a quick, natural apology for an immediate mistake. Use it right away when something embarrassing happens, like a phone ringing. The structure 'I am so sorry' adds emphasis with 'so' for stronger regret.
No worries. Just turn it off please.
A reassuring response to an apology, meaning 'it's okay.' 'No worries' is informal and common in English-speaking countries. 'Just... please' politely gives instructions without anger, useful for teachers or leaders.
Yes, sorry about that, everyone. My apologies.
This extends the apology to a group, showing politeness. 'Sorry about that' refers to the specific incident, and 'my apologies' is a formal phrase. Use it in public settings like classes to address everyone.
It's fine. As I was saying...
A way to accept an apology and move on smoothly. 'It's fine' means no harm done, and 'as I was saying' transitions back to the topic. This is practical for resuming a conversation or lecture after a disruption.