English sentence starters + Verb
- I gotta…
Use phrase this for obligation or necessity - I’d rather (not)…
Use this phrase to express your preferences - I’ll help you…
Use this phrase to offer or promise assistance - Let me… / Can I…? / Do you mind if I…?
Use these three phrases to ask permission to do something
(from most informal to most polite/formal) - You could / You should…
Use these phrases to give advice – could is weaker, and should is stronger - Please don’t…
Use this phrase to ask someone not to do something - Let’s not…
Use this phrase to suggest that a group doesn’t do something - Why don’t we…? / Why not…?
Use these phrases to make suggestions
Examples:
“I gotta put some more gas in the car – the tank’s almost empty!”
“I’d rather stay home tonight.”
“I’ll help you install the new computer program.”
“Let me carry some of those books.”
“Can I have a glass of water?”
“Do you mind if I turn off the air conditioning?”
“You could take extra classes to help you catch up.”
“You should study harder.”
“Please don’t feed the animals.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
“Why don’t we try a new restaurant?” / “Why not try a new restaurant?”
English sentence starters + to + verb
- I used to…
Use this phrase for something you did frequently in the past, but you don’t do now - I’d like to…
Use this phrase for something you want to do - I’m about to…
Use this phrase for something you’re going to do in the immediate future - I didn’t mean to…
Use this phrase to talk about something you did accidentally - I’m here to…
Use this phrase to announce your purpose for being in a place - I’m dying to…
Use this phrase for something you REALLY want to do - It takes (time) to…
Use this phrase to talk about how long something takes - There’s no need to…
Use this phrase to talk about an unnecessary action
Examples:
“I used to play tennis, but I rarely have time nowadays.”
“I’d like to take martial arts classes.”
“I’m about to leave for work, so I can’t talk very long.”
“I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
“I’m here to apply for the internship.”
“I’m dying to see the new movie.”
“It takes an hour to drive from here to the city.”
“There’s no need to print out the document.”
English sentence starters + verb-ING
- I’ve been…
Use this phrase to talk about your recent activities - I’m busy… / I was busy…
Use this phrase to say how you are/were occupied - I’m not used to…
Use this phrase to talk about something you’re not accustomed to - I’m having a hard time…
Use this phrase to talk about something you’re having difficulty doing - I’m looking forward to…
Use this phrase to talk about something you’re excited about in the future - How about… ?
Use this phrase to make suggestions - It’s no use… / There’s no point…
Use this phrase to say that something will have no result/effect
Examples:
“I’ve been running 5 km every morning.”
“I’m busy folding laundry.”
“I’m not used to driving an automatic car.”
“I’m having a hard time finding clothes that fit.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing my family.”
“How about having a picnic in the park?”
“It’s no use arguing with him; his mind is made up.”
English sentence starters + subject + verb
- I’ve heard that…
Use this to talk about news or facts - I’m not sure if…
Use this to express uncertainty - What if… ?
Use this to bring up a potential concern - Let’s say that…
Use this to introduce a hypothetical situation - That’s why…
Use this to explain a logical result - How come… ?
Use this to ask “Why?” informally
Examples:
“I’ve heard that you’re moving to a new place.”
“I’m not sure if they’ll be happy with the changes.”
“What if you get sick while traveling?”
“Let’s say that things don’t go as planned.”
“That’s why we need to be prepared.”
“How come she didn’t tell me?”
English sentence starters + past participle
- I’ve…
Use this phrase to say something you’ve done in the past - Have you… ?
Use this phrase to ask about something another person has done in the past - I should(n’t) have…
Use this phrase to express your desire to have done something differently in the past
Examples:
“I’ve had three surgeries on my knee.”
“Have you cleaned your room?”
“I should have brought a jacket. I’m freezing.”
Learn more: How to start a conversation in English
