In-negative / Doubt url
To chemist who blew up the lab
- You’re supposed to know these things.
- What have you done?
- How could you do that?
- I can’t believe it.
- You certainly have had a streak of bad luck.
- I didn’t think that was going to happen.
- What were you trying to do?
- Well what did you expect?
- Is that the best you can do?
- Maybe you should choose a different line of work.
- I don’t think anyone expected this result.
- The less said about it the better.
- What have you gotten yourself into?
To chemist who blew up the lab
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
You’re not negotiating well-2
- Did that ever occur to you?
- I was afraid you’d do that.
- You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.
- Don’t keep harping on it.
- Why did you bring it up in the first place?
- That’s a cop out.
- We’re finally talking about something important, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t change the subject.
- Who asked you?
- That’s the oldest trick in the book.
- You let the cat out of the bag.
- You cried wolf once too often.
- If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
- Come on, spill the beans.
- You act like someone with a chip on his shoulder.
- You can’t pull the wool over my eyes.
- You’re acting like you have a chip on your shoulder.
- You give me no choice but to do what I feel is my obligation to do.
You’re not negotiating well-2
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Getting a doctor’s appointment in 3 months
- Its better late than never.
- All in good time.
- Does it really make such a difference?
- It really doesn’t matter.
- It’ll happen before we know it.
- All things happen to those who wait.
Getting a doctor’s appointment in 3 months
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a student who just solved a difficult math problem
- That’s a brilliant deduction.
- You’re as smart as a whip.
- You’re really catching on.
- That’s a step in the right direction.
- You’ve got that down pat.
- Nobody can do it better.
- You should be proud of yourself.
- You’re a pretty smart cookie.
- I’ll be happy/glad to write a letter of recommendation for you.
To a student who just solved a difficult math problem
In-neutral / Caution url
Thinking of entering an abandoned house
- I’m not running so fast to go there.
- It just doesn’t sit right with me.
- In my opinion I’ll be lucky if I survive by the skin of my teeth.
- I sense that this might be something I might live to regret.
- I’m going to take one step at a time.
- Something undesirable could happen at any time at the drop of the hat.
- I think I’ve gotten about as far as I’m going to get.
- I’m on the look-out.
- Hold your horses.
- I can’t chance it.
- Are you crazy, why on earth would I ever try to do something like that?
Thinking of entering an abandoned house
Out-positive / Agreement url
Do you agree that people should leave their phones at the desk when eating in a restaurant?
- I think that would improve the situation.
- I think they should give it a try.
- My personal experience bears you out.
- You're right on point.
- I think you’re onto something.
- That goes without saying.
- That’s a good point.
Do you agree that people should leave their phones at the desk when eating in a restaurant?
Out-neutral / Advice url
Honesty
- The ends don’t justify the means.
- Tell it like it is.
- Keep it clean.
- You should set a good example.
- Honesty is the best policy.
- You can’t go wrong by being straight.
- Be a straight-shooter.
Honesty
Out-neutral / Advice url
Give to yourself
- Do yourself a favor.
- It will do you a world of good.
- Do your own thing.
- Take a load off your feet.
- Feast your eyes.
- Experience a little, and take a bite out of a life.
- It’s important every day to take time from your busy schedule to make time for yourself.
- Wake up and smell the roses.
- Make sure you have a balanced diet and get enough exercise.
Give to yourself
In-negative / Desperation url
Missing the last train
- It’s enough to make me cry.
- I’ve had all I can handle.
- I'm coming apart at the seams.
- I just can’t take it anymore.
- I can hardly stand it.
- It’s driving me crazy.
- That’s the kind of day it’s been.
- I needed that like a hole in the head.
- I shouldn’t have waited till the last minute.
Missing the last train
In-positive / Hope url
Graduating from college
- Now I’ve got a whole new outlook on life.
- It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
- It’s my big break.
- It’s opening up a whole new world.
- I’ll be much better off.
- It’s a great way of life.
- The sky’s the limit.
- I’ve been waiting a long time for this, and today’s the day.
- We put a lot of work into it, and now it looks like the effort will bear fruit.
- I feel like I have a new lease on life.
- It’s something I have to live for.
- I have a new lease on life.
- I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time.
- Things are looking up.
Graduating from college
In-positive / Surprise url
Learning that a friend is ill
- His illness came out of the blue.
- He’s never been sick a day in his life.
- I don’t know what to say.
- I didn’t expect that.
- It’s beyond comprehension.
- What brought this on?
- I still can’t believe it’s true.
- I’m in a state of denial.
- It came as a great shock.
- I found the news earth shattering.
Learning that a friend is ill
Out-positive / Friendship url
Offering help-1
- If there’s anything you want or need, at anytime, don’t hesitate to ask.
- Your wish is my command.
- I haven’t failed you yet.
- I’ll help you every step of the way.
- I’ll be right with you.
- I could teach you a thing or two.
- I’ll be your rock of Gibraltar.
- You have my word on it.
- I’m pleased to be of help.
- If you need me, you know where to find me.
- I’m never too busy for you.
- I’ll back you a 100 percent.
- You can count on me.
Offering help-1