Many British speakers say things indirectly. They soften requests, bad news and disagreement with small words and gentle grammar. Learners often translate directly from their own language, where a clear, direct sentence is normal and friendly: "Give me the salt", "This is wrong", "No, I don't want". In this episode: • Grammar that softens • Little softening words • Bad news, no and complaints • Hearing the real meaning • A home scene • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: I was wondering if you could help me. — I'm asking for help (very polite) I wanted to ask you something. — I want to ask you something (polite) I was hoping to borrow your ladder. — can I borrow it? (polite) I'd say it's about ten minutes away. — I think it's ten minutes (neutral) That might be a bit tricky. — that's difficult, probably no (polite) Could I just borrow your pen? — just makes it sound small and quick It's a bit cold in here. — please can we close the window? (polite hint) I'm a bit worried about the cost. — I'm worried (polite) Perhaps we could leave a bit earlier? — I'd like to leave earlier (polite) Sorry, can I just squeeze past? — excuse me, let me through (polite) The film was quite good. — it was alright, not great I'm afraid we're out of milk. — sorry, there's no milk I'm afraid I can't make it on Saturday. — I can't come I'm not sure that's a good idea. — no, I don't think so I'd rather not, if that's okay. — I don't want to (polite) Thanks, but I'm alright. — no thank you (casual) Sorry to be a pain, but could you move your bins? — please move them (polite) Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.