Out-neutral / Negotiating url
Let’s work things out-1
- Meet me half way.
- Be a good sport.
- I don’t want to cause friction between us.
- No hard feelings, OK?
- Don’t take it personally.
- Let’s get that out of the way.
- That shouldn’t be a problem.
- If that’s what you want.
- If you say so.
- I think that might be in order.
- Let’s call it a truce.
- Let’s agree to disagree.
Let’s work things out-1
Out-negative / Anger url
Stop what you are doing-2
- Are you trying to start up with me?
- You wouldn’t dare.
- Let that be a warning to you.
- There’s no excuse for that.
- Who do you think I am?
- Hold your horses.
- Don’t you dare do any such thing.
- Haven’t you done enough harm already?
- Don’t make a scene.
- Let’s drop the subject!
- Wait just a cotton picking minute.
- Where do you think you’re going?
- You just can’t help yourself, can you?
- Enough of that.
- OK, enough of this for now.
Stop what you are doing-2
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
I don’t understand your point
- That doesn’t make any sense to me.
- That has nothing to do with it.
- I don’t know what you’re talking about.
- Where are you coming from?
- You’d have to be a fool to think that.
- Anyone with half a brain knows that.
- That’s a little hard to swallow.
- That's neither here nor there.
- You’re being simple minded.
- I’m not convinced.
- What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
- That’s out of the question.
- We don't see eye to eye.
- Do expect me to take that seriously.
I don’t understand your point
In-positive / Surprise url
Learning that a friend is a thief
- I’m shocked to say the least.
- I suspected it was true, but I didn’t put 2 and 2 together.
- I was so shocked because it happened right out of nowhere.
- The truth comes out at last.
- I didn’t expect it at all.
- I never would have suspected it.
- Speaking of the devil.
- Good grief.
- Ahah, just as I suspected.
- What was that all about?
- In all my years I never thought I’d live to see the day when you would say something like that.
- The cat is out of the bag.
- That came from out of left field.
- I am shocked beyond belief.
Learning that a friend is a thief
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-negative / Annoyed url
Don’t act innocent
- Don’t get cute.
- Don’t give me that look.
- Stop clowning around.
- Stop looking so smug.
- Laugh if you like.
- Don’t toy with me.
- Don’t play dumb with me.
- Oh it’s little miss goody two shoes.
- Wipe that smirk off your face.
- Don’t be a wise guy.
- Don’t you think that’s a bit much?
Don’t act innocent
Out-positive / Friendship url
Saying it’s no trouble
- It’s no trouble at all.
- I would have done the same thing for you.
- It’s no bother, it’s not out of my way, I’m going in that direction anyway.
- Don’t mention it.
- It’s the least that I could do.
- The pleasure’s all mine.
- Believe me, it comes from the heart.
- I’m happy I could help.
- You are most welcome.
- I’ll leave that up to you.
Saying it’s no trouble
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a son who is having difficulty learning how to read
- You’re beginning to catch on.
- Slowly but surely.
- Stay focused, keep your eye on the ball, and don’t let your mind wander.
- All things take time and effort, that’s to be expected.
- With a bit of work and luck, it will all work out fine in the end.
- You’ll look back on this and smile that you ever doubted your own ability to succeed.
- I know what it’s like because I went though a similar situation when I was your age.
- It’s really coming along.
- You’re really getting the hang of it.
For a son who is having difficulty learning how to read
In-negative / Doubt url
Being told that a certain penny stock is a sure thing
- I have a nagging suspicion that this isn’t on the up and up.
- I don’t feel right about it.
- I just can’t buy that.
- You can’t fool me.
- I’ve heard that before.
- That’s wishful thinking.
- It’s a figment of your imagination.
- Whatever gave you that idea?
- I wouldn’t be too sure.
- It won’t hold water.
- I find that very hard to believe.
- What are you talking about?
- If I did that, it would be against my better judgement.
Being told that a certain penny stock is a sure thing
In-positive / Confidence url
After winning an election
- I must be doing something right.
- I know the ropes.
- That’s progress.
- They are behind us 100 percent.
- I deserve it.
- I like to keep tabs on things.
- And away we go.
- Everything’s coming up roses.
- Nothing succeeds like success.
- Fasten your seatbelts, because from this point on, I predict things are really going to start happening.
- I pulled victory out of the jaws of defeat.
- I’m looking forward to serving in my new position, and making a positive contribution.
- I knew I would win, hands down.
After winning an election
In-positive / Determination url
Student work on a term-paper
- This deserves my total focus and undivided attention.
- I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it and feel more familiar with the whole topic.
- I’ll get it done in no time at all.
- I’m going to hit the ground running.
- The task I faced was difficult, but I rose to the challenge.
- We’re wrapping it up.
- There’s no time like the present.
- Stay the course.
- I really have my work cut out for me.
Student work on a term-paper
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