Positive Outcome: Granted Permission
The request is accepted, and the person expresses gratitude for being allowed to cut in line.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
bother
To disturb or annoy someone, often used politely when interrupting. In the dialogue, 'I'm so sorry to bother you' shows politeness in asking a favor.
wondering
Thinking about something and considering asking about it. It's a polite way to introduce a question, like 'I was wondering if...' to soften a request.
possibly
Used to make a request less direct and more polite, meaning 'if it's okay' or 'maybe.' It helps in situations like asking for a favor without sounding demanding.
urgent
Something that needs immediate attention because it's important. Common in excuses for cutting in line, like an 'urgent appointment.'
emergency
A serious or sudden situation that requires quick action. It's stronger than 'urgent' and used to explain why you need to go first in line.
lifesaver
An informal expression for someone who provides great help in a difficult situation. It's a way to show strong gratitude, like after getting permission to cut in line.
no worries
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it.' Used to respond positively when someone apologizes or asks a favor.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I could possibly quickly go ahead of you in line?
This is a polite way to interrupt and make a request. It uses phrases like 'excuse me,' 'I'm so sorry,' and 'I was wondering if' to soften the ask. Useful for requesting favors without being rude; the grammar is a polite question with modals like 'could' for possibility.
I have a really urgent appointment.
A simple explanation for why you need to cut in line. 'Really urgent' emphasizes importance. This sentence is useful for justifying requests in everyday situations; it uses an adjective to intensify the noun.
Oh, no problem at all. Is it an emergency?
A friendly response granting permission and asking for more details. 'No problem at all' means it's easy to agree. Great for showing empathy; the question uses 'is it' for confirmation in casual talk.
That's really cutting it close. Go right ahead.
Idiom 'cutting it close' means leaving very little time, showing understanding. 'Go right ahead' politely allows someone to proceed. Useful for time-sensitive situations; it's an imperative sentence for permission.
Oh, thank you so much! I really appreciate it. You're a lifesaver!
Expresses strong gratitude after getting help. 'Thank you so much' is emphatic, and 'I really appreciate it' adds sincerity. The idiom 'lifesaver' builds rapport. Ideal for ending positive interactions; uses exclamation for emotion.
No worries! Hope you make your flight.
A casual way to dismiss thanks and wish good luck. 'No worries' reassures, and 'hope you' expresses a positive wish. Perfect for friendly closures; simple structure with imperative-like hope.