In-negative / Explaining url
Trying to fix work-mate’s computer
- I found the problem, but I just need time to fix it.
- I’m a little rusty.
- I’m working on it.
- I've hit a brick wall.
- I tried my best, but I guess that just wasn’t good enough.
- It doesn’t look like I’m making much headway.
- Oh well, it was worth a try.
- It may look simple, but it's really complicated.
- You can’t blame a fellow for trying.
- I’m sorry that it just didn’t work out.
- Back to the drawing board.
- I got more than I bargained for.
- That’s easier said than done.
- It was a shot in the dark.
- That’s what I could do.
- I’m sure you were expecting more from me.
- I’m trying my best.
- That’s the only thing I can think of.
Trying to fix work-mate’s computer
In-negative / Confusion url
To someone explaining calculus
- I haven’t the foggiest/slightest/vaguest idea of what you’re talking about.
- I can’t make heads or tails of it.
- I don’t understand.
- Whatever do you mean?
- You’ve got me stumped.
- I don’t know what to make of it.
- It doesn’t make any sense.
- How could that possibly be?
- It’s Greek to me.
To someone explaining calculus
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 / Desperation url
Breaking up a long term relationship
- I feel torn apart inside.
- That’s really depressing.
- Things seemed to be going well when all of a sudden our plans fell through.
- It’s tearing me apart at the seams.
- I’m down in the dumps.
- I don’t want to think about it.
- I never thought it would ever come to this.
- Sometimes I think, Why bother?
- Out of the frying pan into the fire.
- I feel shattered.
- I’m afraid I made it worse.
- I made the same mistake again.
Breaking up a long term relationship
In-negative / Desperation url
Running away from the Cossacks
- I’m knee deep in alligators.
- I’ve got to get a handle on the situation before it’s too late.
- The people around me are dropping like flies.
- I’m going out of my mind.
- It’s a matter of life and death.
- I’m overcome with fear.
- I just can’t deal with it anymore.
- What going on here?
- I just can’t put up with it any longer.
- It’s every man for himself.
- What else have I got?
Running away from the Cossacks
Out-negative / Annoyed url
Listen to me-2
- Are you paying attention – it seems that what I’m saying is going in one ear and out the other.
- You got that?
- Can you get it through your thick skull?
- I’m trying to pound it into your head.
- You’re memory is like a sieve.
- Out with it.
- Don’t you ever forget that.
- Give me a straight answer.
- Why can’t I get through to you?
- You’re excused, but make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Listen to me-2
Out-negative / Anger url
You disgust me
- What you did really turns my stomach.
- You make me sick!
- You’re one of nature’s greatest disasters.
- I’m not even going to honor your insulting comment with a reply.
- You’re a wise guy.
- You’re more trouble than your worth.
- You really get on my nerves.
You disgust me
Out-positive / Friendship url
Happy for you
- I’m glad to hear it.
- I’m so happy for you.
- I’m really happy to hear it.
- Isn’t that nice.
- That’s wonderful news!
- Your bringing me up to date really makes my day.
Happy for you
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 / Friendship url
Stating commitment-1
- We’ll stick together like glue.
- Let’s tie the knot.
- We’re like two peas in a pod.
- You’re my knight in shining armor.
- You can count on me.
- Blood is thicker than water.
- I can’t be without you.
- Our relationship is a match made in heaven.
- You taught me everything I know.
- We were made for each other.
- I would move Heaven and Earth for you.
- We’re made for each other.
- You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.
- I don’t know what I would do without you.
Stating commitment-1
In-positive / Confidence url
Shopping for clothes for camp
- You’ll be out of here so fast your head will spin.
- We’re getting our money’s worth.
- That was a productive use of our time.
- I’ve got it all under control.
- I’m going to have to ride shotgun on this task to make sure it gets done.
- Now this certainly seems like a worthwhile endeavor.
Shopping for clothes for camp
Out-neutral / Advice url
Calm down
- You’re too up tight.
- Loosen up.
- Don’t get hot under the collar.
- Don’t take leave of your senses.
- Don’t let your imagination run away with itself.
- Get a handle on it.
- Don’t blow your cool.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself.
- Don’t worry, you’ll get over it.
- Stop feeling sorry for yourself!
- Don’t mope around.
- Try and catch your breath.
- You shouldn’t go around like a chicken with its head cut off.
- Don’t worry about it, it was a freak occurrence, and chances are it’ll never happen again.
- Take a deep breath, and try to pull yourself together.
Calm down