Some Common Expressions in English

OK

This is one of the most common expressions used in English. OK means all right. OK is sometimes written as okay.

• ‘I’m sorry. I’m a little busy at the moment. I’ll talk to you later.’ ‘It’s OK. No problem.’
• ‘Are you okay?’

Of course

Of course means ‘without any doubt’ or ‘certainly’.

• ‘Can you help you?’ ‘Of course.’
• ‘Could you get me something to drink?’ ‘Of course.’
• ‘Do you know what I mean?’ ‘Of course.’

Of course is also used for giving permission in a polite way.

• ‘May I come in?’ ‘Of course you may.’

Of course not

Of course not means ‘no’.

John: Could you lend me 100 rupees?
James: Of course not.

Of course not is also used to refuse permission.

John: Can I borrow your car tonight?
James: Of course not. I need it.

That’s fine with me

This expression is used to say that you have no problems with something.

Mary: I’m giving away your old shirts to some charities.

Stephen: That’s fine with me. (= I have no problems with that.)

The expressions that’s fine by me and that’s okay with me also mean the same.

Sure

Sure means ‘certain’.

Rahul: Excuse me. Can you help me?
Meera: Sure. What can I do for you?
Rahul: Do you know where the super market is?
Meera: There’s one just around the corner.
Rahul: Thank you.

More examples are given below.

• ‘Will you do me a favour?’ ‘Sure. What’s it?’

Certainly

Certainly is also used to mean ‘yes’.

Customer: Can I try this shirt on?

Salesman: Certainly. The changing rooms are over there.

Customer: Thank you.

As soon as possible

As soon as possible means ‘in the least amount of time’.

• We need to take him to the doctor as soon as possible.
• Please contact us with your latest resume as soon as possible.