Conversational Phrases/S

Conversational phrases beginning with S. Select a phrase for more details.

sad to say

You can say this when describing something that's unfortunate or disappointing.

same here INFORMAL

If what someone says is also true for you, you can say "same here".

say a few words

You can say this if you, or someone else, is about to give a short speech.

say no more! INFORMAL

You can say this if you know what someone's going to say next, or you see what they're implying.

say the word | just say the word INFORMAL

You can say this to let someone know you'll respond to their order or request as soon as they make it.

say what you like INFORMAL

You can say this before saying something good about someone or something that isn't usually liked much.

say when

You can use this to ask someone to tell you when to stop, esp. if you're pouring a drink, putting food on a plate, adding salt to food, etc.

search me INFORMAL

You can say this to emphasize that you don't know the answer to someone's question.

see for yourself

You can say this when showing someone something you've told them about, esp. if they don't believe you.

see how it goes | see how things go INFORMAL

You can use this when saying it's best to wait and see how things develop before doing anything.

see what I mean?

You can say this after explaining something, or after something happens that supports your belief.

see you | see you later INFORMAL

You can use this to say good-bye to someone, esp. if you'll be seeing them again in the near future.

serves you right! | it serves you right! INFORMAL

You can use this to say something bad that's happened to someone is their own fault and they deserve it.

shame on you! INFORMAL

You can say this if you think someone should feel ashamed because they've done something very wrong.

since when? INFORMAL

You can say this if you're annoyed after being told about something that's wrong or unfair.

so there! INFORMAL

This can be added to an angry declaration to make it sound decisive and final.

so to speak

You can add this after you've said something in an unusual, amusing or idiomatic way.

so what? INFORMAL

If someone says something that doesn't seem important, or doesn't seem to matter, you can say "so what?"

sorry about that

You can use this to apologize for making a small mistake or for inconveniencing someone.

sorry to bother you

This is a polite thing to say before speaking to someone, esp. if you don't know them.

sorry to hear that

You can say this if someone tells you something bad has happened.

sorry to say

You can say this when telling someone something that might disappoint or inconvenience them.

sounds good | sounds great INFORMAL

You can say this if you think someone's suggestion is a good idea.

speak for yourself! INFORMAL

You can say this if someone has said something on your behalf that you disagree with.

suffice (it) to say FORMAL

You can say this if you won't be describing something in detail.

suit yourself INFORMAL

This is a way of telling someone to do what they want to do, esp. if they've ignored your advice or your wishes and you're annoyed with them.

sure thing American English INFORMAL

You can say this if you're agreeing to do something, or after someone has thanked you.

Contributor: Matt Errey