What to say in English in everyday situations: the doctor, the landlord and a job interview

Sometimes a single phrase is all you need to get something done: to book a doctor’s appointment, ask a landlord about bills, or get calmly through an interview. Here are ready-made English expressions for the most common situations in Britain — at the doctor’s, with a landlord, at a job interview and in a shop. Keep them to hand, and say the lines you need aloud in advance.

One secret of British politeness is worth learning at once: almost any request here begins with could you and ends with please. “Give me a receipt” sounds rude, while “Could I get a receipt, please?” sounds friendly and normal. With those two little words it is almost impossible to come across as impolite.

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At the doctor’s (GP)

You usually book ahead to see a GP (your family doctor). Useful lines: I’d like to book an appointment, please. I’ve had a headache for three days — name your symptom and how long. It hurts here. Do I need a prescription? Could you repeat that, please?

With a landlord or agent

Are bills included in the rent? Is the deposit protected? — ask whether it is held in a government scheme. The heating isn’t working — could you send someone? When is the rent due? Could I have that in writing, please? — always useful for agreements.

At a job interview

Thank you for seeing me. I have three years of experience in… Could you tell me more about the role? When can I expect to hear back? — a natural way to close the conversation.

In a shop or service

Can I pay by card? Do you have this in a different size? I’d like a refund, please. Could I get a receipt?

Rescue phrases for when you did not understand

Learn these first. Sorry, could you speak a bit more slowly? I’m still learning English — could you repeat that? Let me make sure I understood… How do you spell that? Brits take this well: asking someone to repeat or spell something out is completely normal, and the other person will almost always help.

A tip: pick three or four phrases for your next task — booking a GP appointment, calling a landlord or an interview — and say them aloud beforehand. With a phrase ready you feel calmer, sound more confident and are less likely to be misunderstood. And if you stumble, no matter: just smile and say “sorry, let me try again”.