Английская лексика для уверенного общения (B1–B2). Как понимать и использовать естественный английский

Since then, Laura has felt more confident in similar situations. She knows that good communication helps maintain positive relationships, even when plans do not work out.

Useful Words and Expressions

receive — получать

colleague — коллега

dinner party — званый ужин

already — уже

at first — сначала

respond — отвечать

seem rude — казаться грубым

decide — решать

message — сообщение

thank — благодарить

available — свободный

express — выражать

hope — надежда

reply — отвечать (на сообщение)

appreciate — ценить

honesty — честность

suggest — предлагать

instead — вместо

relieved — испытывающий облегчение

relationship — отношения

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct option

She decided to (accept / decline) the invitation because she was busy.

I (love / would love) to, but I have other plans.

He (accepted / invited) the invitation immediately.

They sent an (invite / invitation) to all their friends.

I had to (decline / accept) because I was not available.

Exercise 2: Match the expressions with their meanings

invite

accept an invitation

decline an invitation

I’d love to, but…

a. say yes to an invitation

b. politely refuse

c. ask someone to join an event

d. soft way to refuse

Exercise 3: Answer the questions

Why did Laura feel unsure at first?

How did she respond to the invitation?

What did her colleague say in reply?

Why did Laura feel relieved?

What did she learn from this experience?

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

decline

would love

accepted

invitation

decline

Exercise 2:

1 — c

2 — a

3 — b

4 — d

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers):

Laura felt unsure because she did not want to seem rude when refusing the invitation. She wanted to respond politely.

She thanked her colleague and explained that she was not available. She used a polite phrase to decline the invitation.

Her colleague said he understood the situation. He suggested meeting another time.

Laura felt relieved because her response was accepted positively. There was no conflict or misunderstanding.

She learned that it is possible to refuse politely. Clear and respectful communication helps maintain good relationships.

Vocabulary Tip / Mini Advice

В английском важно смягчать отказ. Вместо прямого I can’t, лучше использовать I’d love to, but… или добавить благодарность:

Thanks for the invitation, but…

Такие формулировки делают речь более вежливой и естественной.

Apologies and Giving Explanations

Vocabulary Focus

apologize for

— извиняться за что-то

Examples:

I want to apologize for being late.

(Я хочу извиниться за опоздание.)

She apologized for the mistake.

(Она извинилась за ошибку.)

Используется, когда важно прямо обозначить причину извинения.

make an excuse / give an explanation

— оправдываться / давать объяснение

Examples:

He tried to make an excuse, but it did not sound convincing.

(Он попытался оправдаться, но это звучало неубедительно.)

She gave a clear explanation for the delay.

(Она дала чёткое объяснение задержки.)

Make an excuse часто звучит негативно, а give an explanation — нейтрально или положительно.

take responsibility

— брать ответственность

Examples:

He decided to take responsibility for the problem.

(Он решил взять ответственность за проблему.)

It is important to take responsibility for your actions.

(Важно брать ответственность за свои действия.)

Используется в формальной и повседневной речи.

it won’t happen again

— это больше не повторится

Examples:

I am sorry for the mistake. It won’t happen again.

(Извините за ошибку. Это больше не повторится.)

She promised that it wouldn’t happen again.

(Она пообещала, что это больше не повторится.)

Используется, чтобы показать, что вы сделали выводы.

Story

Daniel was responsible for preparing an important report at work. However, he made a mistake and sent the wrong version to his manager. When he realized the problem, he immediately felt worried.

Instead of ignoring the situation, Daniel decided to take responsibility. He wrote a message to his manager and apologized for the mistake. He did not try to make an excuse but chose to give a clear explanation of what had happened.

In his message, Daniel also explained how he planned to fix the problem. He corrected the report and sent the right version as soon as possible. At the end, he added that it would not happen again.

His manager appreciated his honesty and quick action. Although the mistake was not ideal, the way Daniel handled the situation made a positive impression.

This experience taught Daniel that apologizing properly and giving clear explanations are essential skills in professional communication.

Useful Words and Expressions

responsible for — ответственный за

prepare — готовить

report — отчёт

mistake — ошибка

wrong version — неправильная версия

realize — осознавать

immediately — сразу

worried — обеспокоенный

instead of — вместо

ignore — игнорировать

situation — ситуация

message — сообщение

choose — выбирать

clear — чёткий

fix a problem — исправить проблему

as soon as possible — как можно скорее

correct — исправлять

appreciate — ценить

honesty — честность

impression — впечатление

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct option

I want to apologize (for / on) being late.

He decided to (take / make) responsibility for the mistake.

She gave a clear (excuse / explanation).

He tried to (make / do) an excuse.

It (won’t / doesn’t) happen again.

Exercise 2: Match the expressions with their meanings

apologize for

make an excuse

take responsibility

give an explanation

a. explain what happened

b. accept your mistake

c. say sorry for something

d. try to justify a mistake

Exercise 3: Answer the questions

What mistake did Daniel make?

How did he react when he realized the problem?

Why did he choose not to make an excuse?

What actions did he take to fix the situation?

What did Daniel learn from this experience?

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

for

take

explanation

make

won’t

Exercise 2:

1 — c

2 — d

3 — b

4 — a

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers):

Daniel sent the wrong version of an important report. This caused a problem at work.

He reacted quickly and decided to take responsibility. He did not ignore the situation.

He understood that making an excuse would not help. A clear explanation was more professional.

He apologized, explained the situation, corrected the report, and sent the right version.

He learned that honesty and responsibility are important. Proper communication can improve difficult situations.

Vocabulary Tip / Mini Advice

Обрати внимание на разницу:

apologize for + причина (for being late)

explain + ситуация (explain the problem)

Хорошая структура в речи:

apology → explanation → solution → reassurance

Например: I’m sorry for the delay. Let me explain… I’ve fixed it. It won’t happen again.

Expressing Opinions Politely

Vocabulary Focus

I think / I believe / In my opinion

— Я думаю / Я считаю / По моему мнению

Examples:

I think this idea could work.

(Я думаю, эта идея может сработать.)

In my opinion, this solution is better.

(По моему мнению, это решение лучше.)

I believe we should try a different approach.

(Я считаю, что нам стоит попробовать другой подход.)

Используются, чтобы выразить мнение мягко и без давления.

I might be wrong, but…

— Возможно, я ошибаюсь, но…

Examples:

I might be wrong, but this doesn’t seem effective.

(Возможно, я ошибаюсь, но это не кажется эффективным.)

I might be wrong, but we could check again.

(Возможно, я ошибаюсь, но мы могли бы проверить ещё раз.)

Смягчает высказывание, особенно если вы не уверены.

It seems to me that…

— Мне кажется, что…

Examples:

It seems to me that this plan needs more details.

(Мне кажется, что этому плану не хватает деталей.)

It seems to me that he is not ready yet.

(Мне кажется, что он ещё не готов.)

Делает мнение менее категоричным.

I see your point, but…

— Я понимаю твою точку зрения, но…

Examples:

I see your point, but we need more time.

(Я понимаю твою точку зрения, но нам нужно больше времени.)

I see your point, but I would suggest another option.

(Я понимаю твою точку зрения, но предложил бы другой вариант.)

Используется для вежливого несогласия.

Story

Sophie worked in a team where everyone had different ideas. During meetings, it was important not only to share opinions but also to do it politely.

At first, Sophie was very direct. She often said what she thought without considering how others might feel. As a result, some of her colleagues felt uncomfortable during discussions.

Later, Sophie decided to change her communication style. Instead of making strong statements, she began to use softer expressions such as «I think» and «It seems to me that.» When she disagreed, she said, «I see your point, but…» to show respect.

She also learned to say, «I might be wrong, but…» when she was not completely sure. This helped create a more open and friendly atmosphere in the team.

Over time, her colleagues started to respond more positively. Meetings became more productive, and everyone felt more comfortable sharing ideas.

Sophie realized that expressing opinions politely does not make your ideas weaker. On the contrary, it makes communication more effective and respectful.

Useful Words and Expressions

team — команда

different — разный

meeting — встреча

important — важный

share — делиться

opinion — мнение

politely — вежливо

at first — сначала

direct — прямой

consider — учитывать

feel — чувствовать

as a result — в результате

uncomfortable — испытывающий дискомфорт

discussion — обсуждение

decide — решать

communication style — стиль общения

instead of — вместо

disagree — не соглашаться

respect — уважение

productive — продуктивный

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct option

(In / At) my opinion, this idea is better.

I (see / look) your point, but I disagree.

It (seems / looks) to me that we need more time.

I might be (wrong / mistake), but this is not correct.

I (think / believe) we should discuss this again.

Exercise 2: Match the expressions with their meanings

I think

I might be wrong, but…

I see your point, but…

It seems to me that…

a. polite disagreement

b. soft personal opinion

c. uncertain opinion

d. careful observation

Exercise 3: Answer the questions