Addressing Missed Chores
One roommate needs to gently remind another about a chore they missed or didn't complete to the agreed standard, aiming for a polite and constructive conversation.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
chore chart
A list or schedule that shows who does which household tasks and when. It's useful for roommates to divide responsibilities fairly.
wiped down
To clean a surface by wiping it with a cloth to remove dirt. Commonly used for kitchen or bathroom cleaning.
spaced on
Informal way to say 'forgot' or 'didn't remember' something. It's casual and shows it was an oversight, not intentional.
slipped my mind
Means something was forgotten accidentally. It's a polite way to admit a mistake without making it seem serious.
apologies
A formal or polite way to say 'sorry.' Use it when you want to express regret sincerely.
heads-up
A warning or reminder in advance. It's informal and helpful for giving notice about something without blaming.
consistent
Doing something in the same way over time. In chores, it means sticking to the schedule to keep things fair.
gentle reminder
A soft, polite way to remind someone without making them feel bad. Useful for maintaining good relationships.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, do you have a quick moment? I just wanted to chat about something.
This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask if the person is free. Use it when you need to discuss something important but not urgent. 'Quick moment' means a short time.
Sure, what's up, Emily? Everything okay?
A casual response showing willingness to listen. 'What's up?' is slang for 'What's the matter?' and 'Everything okay?' checks if there's a problem. Great for friendly talks.
I just noticed the kitchen counters haven't been wiped down yet, and it was on our chore chart for today. Did you maybe forget?
This gently points out a missed task without accusing. 'Just noticed' softens the statement, and 'Did you maybe forget?' uses 'maybe' to be polite. Useful for reminding roommates.
Oh man, you are absolutely right! I totally spaced on that. I was so caught up with work deadlines, it completely slipped my mind. My apologies!
This admits a mistake honestly and explains why without excuses. 'Absolutely right' agrees fully, 'spaced on' and 'slipped my mind' are idioms for forgetting. Ends with apology for politeness.
No worries at all! Just wanted to give you a heads-up before things got sticky.
Reassures the other person it's okay. 'No worries' means 'don't be concerned,' and 'give you a heads-up' is a reminder. 'Got sticky' here means becoming messy or problematic.
Thanks for the gentle reminder, I appreciate it. I'll get to it right after I finish this email.
Shows gratitude for the reminder and promises action. 'Gentle reminder' acknowledges politeness, 'appreciate' means thankful. 'Get to it' means do the task soon. Builds positive dialogue.
Perfect, thanks so much, Michael! That would be great.
Expresses approval and thanks. 'Perfect' shows satisfaction, and 'that would be great' encourages the action. Use this to end conversations positively.