In-negative / Desperation url
Lost in the forest
- I’ve run out of steam.
- The situation is so grim.
- The situation was so dangerous that I thought it was curtains.
- I’m worried to death.
- I can’t cope with it.
- I’m scared to death.
- Time is running out.
- It’s all a nightmare.
- I’m never going to make it.
- I’m reaching the end of my rope.
- I was up the creek without a paddle.
Lost in the forest
Out-positive / Apology url
After a boss tells a worker that management won’t let him give the worker an expected raise
- I only wish I could have done more.
- I did the best I could.
- I’m sorry, my hands are tied.
- It might not make any sense to you, but that’s what they decided, and I hope you understand.
- I’m sorry that it’s not the answer you hoped for.
- My apologies that it took me longer to get the answer than I thought it would.
- I hope that we’ll be able to give you a better answer next time.
- I’m hoping this is something you can live with for the time being.
- I was told to explain to you that it’s due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Please give us a chance to make it up to you next time.
After a boss tells a worker that management won’t let him give the worker an expected raise
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who is recovering from an illness
- Now that’s more like it.
- I’m glad to see that you’re doing alright.
- Be patient with your recovery.
- Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- You don’t look any worse for wear or tear.
- You’re near and dear to our hearts.
- You’re doing what you can, and that’s all that there is to it.
- The way you’re handing this challenging situation is to your credit.
- It'll be over before you know it.
For a friend who is recovering from an illness
Out-neutral / Observation url
About Others – Positive-2
- She has a way with words.
- She stands out in a crowd.
- He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
- He’s out of the woods.
- She lights up the room.
- Those two stick together like glue.
- He’s cool, calm and collected.
- It’s a match made in heaven.
- She lends on air of dignity to wherever she goes.
- He’s one slick operation.
- He’s sharp as a tack.
- He’s the greatest.
- He went to bat for us.
- He’s taking it very well.
- He’s as straight as an arrow.
- He’s a mover and a shaker.
About Others – Positive-2
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
My offer is good
- Don’t pass up an offer like this.
- You’ll never see an offer like this again.
- The offer still stands.
- It seems fair to me.
- That ought to add up nicely.
- I’m trying to accommodate you.
- There’s something in it for everyone.
- I’ll even go you one better.
- I’ll make it worth your while.
- That’s my final offer, take it or leave it.
My offer is good
In-negative / Confusion url
Trying to understand current events
- Can you help me figure out what’s going on?
- I don’t know who to believe anymore.
- Frankly, none of this make sense.
- I’m totally baffled.
- I don’t have a clue about what is going on.
- I’m totally dumbfounded.
- It puzzles me.
- I don’t know what to make of it.
- What do you make of it?
- What does it all mean?
- How has it come to this?
Trying to understand current events
In-positive / Determination url
Musician practicing
- I have my work cut out for me.
- When I put my mind to it I can do anything!
- It’s a tough road ahead, but mark my word, I'm going to make it.
- I’m determined to show the true grit that is part of my DNA.
- Let’s rise to the occasion.
- I am coming up to speed, slowly but surely.
Musician practicing
Out-positive / Friendship url
Asking for a favor
- Can I ask you for a huge favor?
- Can you give me a hand?
- I could use your help with something I’m doing.
- Do you have any free time to give me some help?
- I’m confused about something, and I’d appreciate it if you could help clear things up.
- I'm so glad I reached you, because you’re a hard person to get a hold of.
- Just tell me one thing.
- Can I have a word with you?
- Could you spare a minute?
Asking for a favor
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
You will win
- I’m at your mercy.
- You saw through me.
- You’ve got me in the palm of your hand.
- I’ve painted myself into a corner that I can’t get out of.
- OK, I give in, you win, what’s next?
- You’re making out like a bandit.
- You have me over a barrel.
You will win
Out-positive / Friendship url
Having fun-1
- Time flies when you’re having fun.
- Here’s looking at you.
- Here’s to you.
- The more the merrier.
- Do you want to go for a spin?
- This will be a night to remember.
- Do you want something to wet your whistle?
- I’m headed your way.
- Going my way?
Having fun-1
Out-positive / Friendship url
Having fun-2
- All for one and one for all.
- It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away.
- It will be an experience of a lifetime for both of us.
- Let me propose a toast.
- You don’t have to pay for it, today it’s on me.
- Let’s grab a bite.
- I’ve got all the time in the world.
- Let’s drink to it.
- It's so good to have you here.
Having fun-2
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a friend who just scored the winning shot of a basketball game
- I think you’ve been doing your homework.
- You’ve done it again.
- You saved the day.
- I’ve really got to hand it to you.
- That’s my man.
- You’ve got the magic touch.
- It’s your lucky day.
- Your timing was perfect.
- The opportunity landed in your lap, and you made the most of it.
- Way to go!
- Attaboy!
To a friend who just scored the winning shot of a basketball game