ESL Podcast 471 - Trying to Get Off the Phone

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1756_how_to_discuss/page5.shtml

Question Tags
We often use this structure when we are unsure of something or want to check information.
1. It's not Shilpa Shetty ...	is it?
2. She isn't an actress...	is she?
3. That's Shilpa Shetty ...	isn't it?
4. She's been on T.V. ...	hasn't she?
Examples 3 and 4 show slightly more certainty than 1 and 2. However, the intonation the speaker uses with a question tag is the main indicator of the level of certainty. Listen to these two clips of Example 1:
Note: When responding to question tags, yes and no refer to whether something is or isn't the case, not whether the first speaker is right or wrong. So in the following exchange, B is saying he doubts the woman is an actress: A: She's not an actress, is she? B: No, I don't think so.
On the Grammar Challenge website, you can find out more about the formation and intonation patterns of question tags.

Modals
It	might may could must	be Shilpa Shetty	uncertain     certain
Could is sometimes combined with a question tag: She couldn't be an actress, could she? You can use possibly and perhaps with all these modals (except must), to indicate a lack of certainty: She might perhaps be an actress ... She couldn't possibly be an actress, could she? Using I think before a modal usually shows that the speaker is more certain about something, e.g. I think it might be Shakira I think she might be an actress

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http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7019960

Erin: So I told Joey that I had no intention of letting him use my car again. Can you believe the nerve of that guy, after what he did?

Curran: That's terrible, but I'm going to have to let you go. I have an appointment...

Erin: But I didn't tell you what else he said. He said that running over my cat was just an accident. That's bull. He said I should be thankful that he took Fifi to a veterinarian!

Curran: Yeah, I can see why you're mad. I think I have a call on the other line...

Erin: Well, I'm glad you agree with me. I said to him that Fifi may be as good as new now, but that is no thanks to him! He's never liked Fifi and I wouldn't be surprised if he was gunning for her when he ran her over. He should count himself lucky he's getting off scot-free for trying to kill my cat. I said...

Curran: Sorry to have to cut this short, but I really have to get going.

Erin: Oh, sure, but just let me tell you what I plan to do if he asks me again.

Curran: I really want to hear all about it, but...but... nature calls!

Erin: Oh, okay, call me back. I haven't even told you what Sam told me about Ben yesterday. It's a real shocker!

Curran: Uh...right. I can't wait to hear all about it.

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- can you believe the nerve of that guy : that guy is doing things he should not (and he knows that but still do)
- to let sb go (in this context) ~ I have to go: to end the phone call conversation
- bull (n) (informal): thing is not true, a lie
- no thank to sb (informal): used to emphases that sb doesn't do anything to help
- to count yourself lucky : to realize / recognize you have good luck
- to get off scot-free : not to be punished for sth you've done wrong
- to cut sth short : to end sth before it finishes
- to have to get going : have to leave, go away
- nature calls : have to go to bath room


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Thanks,
Duy Lam