Child Kicking Seat on Bus/Train
A parent apologizes to a fellow passenger because their child is repeatedly kicking the back of their seat on public transportation.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sorry
An expression used to apologize when you feel regret for something, like a child's bad behavior. It's very common in everyday English.
kicking
The action of hitting something repeatedly with the foot, often used when describing playful or annoying movements by children.
seat
A place to sit, especially on public transport like a bus or train. In this context, it refers to the back of the seat in front of someone.
alright
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'no problem,' often used to accept an apology without making a big deal.
antsy
Feeling restless or unable to sit still, especially during long trips. It's informal and useful for describing fidgety children.
distract
To take someone's attention away from something annoying by giving them something else to focus on, like a toy for a child.
appreciate
To feel grateful for someone's action or kindness. It's polite and shows thanks in response to an apology or help.
apologies
A formal or repeated way to say 'sorry.' Use it when you want to emphasize your regret, like 'my apologies.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh, I am so sorry about that. Is my son kicking your seat?
This sentence starts with a polite apology using 'Oh, I am so sorry about that' to express immediate regret. The question checks the situation politely. Useful for initiating an apology in public; note the present continuous 'is kicking' for ongoing actions.
It's alright, yes, he is a bit. No worries, kids will be kids.
A reassuring response to an apology. 'It's alright' means no harm done, and 'No worries' is casual for 'don't worry.' The proverb 'kids will be kids' excuses child behavior. Great for accepting apologies gracefully; 'a bit' softens the complaint.
I'm really sorry. Sometimes he just gets a little antsy on long rides.
Emphasizes sincerity with 'really sorry' and explains the reason using 'sometimes' for occasional behavior. 'Gets a little antsy' describes restlessness. Useful for giving context in apologies; simple present 'gets' for habits.
Here, let me distract him with something.
Offers a solution politely with 'let me' to suggest helping. 'Distract with something' means diverting attention. Practical for showing action after apologizing; imperative 'let me' is courteous.
Thanks, I appreciate that. Don't worry too much about it.
Expresses thanks and reassurance. 'I appreciate that' is polite gratitude, and 'Don't worry too much' minimizes the issue. Ideal for responding kindly; 'too much' adds a gentle tone.
I'm trying to get him to stop. My apologies again.
Shows effort with present continuous 'I'm trying to get him to stop' for ongoing action. 'My apologies again' repeats the sorry formally. Useful for follow-up apologies; infinitive 'to stop' after 'get.'
It's perfectly fine. Just a few more stops for me anyway.
Fully accepts with 'perfectly fine' meaning completely okay. 'Just a few more stops' explains the short duration, and 'anyway' adds casualness. Helpful for ending the conversation positively; 'for me' personalizes it.