This exercise will help you perform below functions in everyday life in English

• making complaints
• complaining about behaviour
• criticizing
• pointing things out
• expressing dissatisfaction
• reporting issues

Instruction to do the exercise:

1. Hear all reflexes in general way.
2. Pick reflexes one by one and utter it aloud 4 to 5 times.
3. Use correct pronunciation of word.
4. Use weak form while pronouncing function word.
5. Apply word linking technique.
6. Apply rhythm exercise technique. (Applicable for advanced learners only)

Group 1:

I bought this mobile from you only last week. It doesn’t work. It doesn’t even make a sound. I’d like a replacement, please.

The potatoes you sold me are full of spoiled spots. I don’t want them. Pick me out a few unspoiled ones, please.

I have a complaint to make. It’s about the TV I bought from you yesterday. It’s not working. I can’t get a picture at all.

I bought this shirt from you yesterday. When I got home, I saw it had a hole in the collar.

I’d like to exchange it for another one.

I’m sorry to trouble you, but this clock doesn’t work. I bought it from you last week.

These oranges are green — I want ripe ones — firm and ripe.

I’m not interested in getting it repaired. I want a refund on it.

These trousers are too tight across the seat. Can you change them, please?

These trousers have a big tear in one leg.

There seems to be something wrong with this mobile. I’ve been using the camera, but all the pictures it takes are completely dark.

I bought these shoes from you two days back. They’re defective.

This shirt is too tight for me. Can you let it out a little?

I bought this switch from you yesterday. I’m afraid it’s faulty. Can I have another, please?

These trousers don’t fit. They’re much too loose round the waist.

I bought this brief-case from you last week. When I lifted it today, the handle came off in my hand. I’d like a refund, please.

I’m not satisfied with this mixer. It shakes whenever it works. And it makes a lot of noise.

These lemons are soft and no good. I want firm, unspoiled ones.

I bought this dress from you. It’s too small for me. Could I have a larger size?

You delivered a new washing machine yesterday. It doesn’t work.

These apples look green. I want ripe ones, please.

These apples are bruised. Can you change them please?

I bought these scissors here. They aren’t sharp enough. I want you to replace them.

I bought these shoes here yesterday. I’ve only worn them once. One heel is already loose.

I got this dress stitched here. The waist is too tight. Can you let it out a bit?

Do you remember me buying this tin of milk powder from you yesterday? When I opened it at home, I saw it was mouldy.

This fan doesn’t work. I’d like you to do something about it.

I bought this shirt from you yesterday. The seams down its side split the first time I put it on.

I’ve got a bit of a problem with my radio.

There are some spots on this sleeve.

I bought these pants from you last night. In the daylight, the colour looks awful. Could I have a lighter colour, please?

My TV set has broken down again. Can you send a mechanic quickly?

Will you please stop making so much noise?

You shouldn’t have said that. That’s what hurts me the most.

Will you stop teasing me?

This is really going too far. I’m sorry, but this has got to stop.

I’ve just about had enough! Now stop it!

How come you’re in such a bad mood today?

That’s really going a bit too far.

I’m sorry to have to say this, but you’re making fun of me, and I want you to stop doing that.

You have absolutely no right to behave like that.

That’s your radio, isn’t it? Will you please turn the volume down a bit, please?

You don’t have to be rude. I only asked you a simple question.

What do you think you’re doing?

I feel bad about what you said now.

If you don’t stop smoking, I’ll have to complain to the conductor.

Have you gone off your head?

Must you always shout at her like this?

This is really too much!

Would you mind making less noise?

Stop shouting! I’ve had enough of this.

Why don’t you stop using such foul language?

How can you ignore me like this — after everything I have done for you?

What are you so angry about?

What gives you the right to behave like that?

Group 2: Expressing sarcasm

A lot of sympathy you showed!

(A wife): I can stay up all night washing dishes. That’s what a man’s got a wife for, isn’t it?

Oh no, you didn’t take long to come back. Only two hours.

I beg your pardon! You’re very considerate!

You flatter me!

It’s a wonder you have time to come home at all!

Oh, that’s just marvellous!

You know, I’m learning a lot from you.

You’re sorry? I like that!

You were going to do wonders — you were!

A lot of help you turned out to be.

Don’t worry. You’re only a few hours late.

I should hope so. After what you’ve done!

Quite a hero, aren’t you?

You’re joking, aren’t you?

No, no. They welcomed me with open arms.

You’re only two hours late, and that isn’t very much.

Fantastic indeed!

Note: When you express sarcasm, what you say is the opposite of what you mean. In general, sarcastic expressions are expressions of approval said with a ‘sarcastic’ tone: a low tone, and rather flat intonation. You use sarcastic expressions to criticize others or to make them look silly.

Group 3:

This is not what I need.

I’m not satisfied with what I have done for them.

This dress is not quite right in style.

I don’t like it.

I had in mind something very simple.

That won’t do.

That’s no good.

His work isn’t up to the mark.

These shoes seem a little short for me.

I don’t like it like this.

This dress is a little tight in the waist.

I can’t say I like it.

The sleeves are just a little too long.

That’s not what I wanted.

I’m not sure it’s really suitable.

For heaven’s sake, I can’t wear this!

That’s awful!

That’s a bit faded, isn’t it?

I’m not satisfied with it.

I wanted something slightly smaller, actually.

What other styles do you have?

That’s not right yet.

It seems a bit large for me.

There’s something not quite right about it.

Just look at the sleeves. They’re too long.

That’s a rotten film.

Things aren’t going well. We’ve hit some problems.

I don’t feel happy about it.

Couldn’t we look at something else?

This isn’t as big as I thought.

It’s a lousy novel.

I’d like to have the sleeves a half-inch shorter.

None of these shoes are quite right in size.

This is not what I had in mind.

What other colours do you have?

Isn’t it a little too tight for me?

These shirts are not quite right in colour.

I’m not happy about the salary they’ve offered.

Group 4:

Don’t repeat the same mistake again.

Don’t try to harass me — I’m warning you.

You’ll be more careful in future, won’t you?

Don’t give me any more cause for complaint.

There’ll be serious consequences if you try to cheat us again.

I think you’re making a mistake.

I don’t think that was very wise.

Let me warn you: Don’t interfere in my affairs in future.

Be more careful in future.

Next time, I won’t forgive this kind of behaviour.

You had better watch out!

You had better not make another mistake.

Don’t all talk together.

I wouldn’t do such a thing again, if I were you.

Just be more considerate in future.

If you do this again, I’ll come down hard on you.

Mind the step! Don’t fall over it!

Be careful of that knife — it’s very sharp.

Look out! It might fall on you.

Watch out! Someone is coming.

Watch out for that car ahead.

I can smell gas. Perhaps there’s a leak.

Be careful! It might bite.

Be careful you don’t say anything to him.

Be careful with your clothes; it’d be risky to do that.

Look what you’re doing.

Be careful with that man. He’s a crook.

Watch where you’re going.

Be careful to keep it in a cool place. Or it’ll turn sour.

Be careful not to leave the door open.

If you eat too much, you’ll be ill.

Take care not to tilt it too far to a side.

Be careful you don’t burn your fingers.

Don’t do that! Watch out! There’s a car coming.

Mind your head! The ceiling is very low in there.

Don’t make any noise or you’ll scare the birds away.

Careful! The floor is wet and slippery.

Watch out for the cars!

You’ll lose your figure if you eat too much chocolate.

Watch out! There’s a pit there.

You’ll get dirty if you do that.

Mind you! There is a child there.

Don’t say a word.

Don’t use it — it can do severe damage to the skin.

Mind you don’t drop it.

Take your umbrella in case it rains.

Watch it! You might hit him.

Mind you don’t forget your umbrellas.

Be careful not to turn it over.

Don’t repeat what you’ve heard here.

I should be careful, if I were you.

Group 5:

It’s very hot. You might burn yourself.

Be careful with that.

Be careful with that knife, or you might cut yourself.

It’s going to be foggy.

I’m sure it’s going to rain.

I can smell something burning.

I wouldn’t do that, if I were you.Hurry, or you’ll be late.

Take care that you don’t spill your coffee.

You’ll get fat and lazy if you don’t exercise enough.

Keep quiet about it until I’ve told them.

You dare touch me!

If you dare say that again, I’ll hit you.

Stop shouting or I’ll go away.

You’d better watch what you say.

If you don’t stop teasing me, I’ll have to leave.

If you come near me, I’ll scream.

You had better watch it from now on!

I’ll report you if you don’t do it.

Look here, don’t try any nonsense with me.

You’d better not come here again, if you know what’s good for you.

Do it now, or else.

If you don’t refund my money, I’ll have to take the matter further.

If you say that again, I’ll break your neck.

You’d better be ready for the journey.

Do that, and I’ll show you.

You’d better not make another mistake.

I’ll be writing a stiff letter of complaint to your chairman.

Don’t talk to me like that, or else.

I won’t let you take any of your things away from here, unless you pay back my money.

If you do that, you’ll be sorry.

Don’t you dare tell lies to me.

Remember your manners.

Look here, I’ve come to the end of my patience.

If you don’t pay the rent in a week’s time, I’ll have to ask you to vacate the house.

You’d better behave yourself — otherwise I’ll have to ask you to leave.

If we don’t get your cheque by the 30th, we’ll take proceedings.

If you hurt him, you’ll have me to reckon with.

Don’t you dare tell her father about this.

You must go and meet her.

You simply must do it.

I’m afraid You’ll have to do it.

I want to know when you’ll do it.

I’m not leaving until I know.

Do stay for dinner.

You really must help him.

You’ll have to finish it by this evening.

You must stay for lunch, I insist.

I’m sorry. I can’t accept that.

I insist you do it.

You must stay for tea.

I don’t mind waiting. It’s very important.

You will come before four — I insist.

It’s essential that you meet him.

I won’t go until you give me a full refund.

I insist on a written report from him.

If you can’t help me, I’d like to see the manager.