Task 6 vocabulary: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Speaking Task 6, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 6 format and strategy.
Phrases 25
I'm afraid that
phraseCLB 6A polite way to introduce bad news.
“I'm afraid that I won't be able to make it to the meeting.”
SimilarunfortunatelyI regret thatCELPIP tip Softens bad news, which is key in Task 6.
I hate to say this, but
phraseCLB 7Used before saying something the listener may not like.
“I hate to say this, but I can't lend you my car this weekend.”
SimilarI'm sorry to sayCELPIP tip Shows tact and sensitivity.
I completely understand, but
phraseCLB 7Acknowledges the other person's feelings before disagreeing.
“I completely understand, but I really need the report by Friday.”
SimilarI see your pointbutCELPIP tip Empathy + firmness is the ideal tone for difficult conversations.
I'd really appreciate it if
phraseCLB 7A polite way to make a request.
“I'd really appreciate it if you could keep the noise down after 10.”
Similarit would mean a lot ifCELPIP tip Use 'could' after it: 'if you could...'.
How about we
phraseCLB 6Used to suggest a solution together.
“How about we split the cost of the repair?”
Similarwhy don't wewhat if weCELPIP tip Offering a compromise shows maturity and problem-solving.
Would you mind
phraseCLB 6A polite request.
“Would you mind switching shifts with me on Saturday?”
Similarcould you possiblyCELPIP tip Follow with a gerund: 'Would you mind switching...'.
I know this isn't what you want to hear
phraseCLB 7Prepares the listener for bad news.
“I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I can't come.”
SimilarI'm sorry to tell youCELPIP tip Shows empathy before bad news.
I wanted to talk to you about
phraseCLB 6Opens a difficult conversation.
“I wanted to talk to you about something important.”
Similarcan we talk aboutCELPIP tip A calm, polite opener.
I hope you won't take this the wrong way
phraseCLB 8Asks the listener not to be offended.
“I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but the music is too loud.”
Similarplease don't be offendedCELPIP tip Softens criticism so the listener isn't offended.
The reason is that
phraseCLB 6Introduces an explanation.
“The reason is that I've already promised my brother.”
Similarthis is becauseCELPIP tip Always give a reason for your decision.
I've given it a lot of thought
phraseCLB 7Shows the decision wasn't easy.
“I've given it a lot of thought, and I've decided to decline.”
SimilarI've thought carefullyCELPIP tip Makes your choice sound respectful.
Would it help if
phraseCLB 7Offers a solution.
“Would it help if I covered your shift next week instead?”
Similarwhat if ICELPIP tip Offering help keeps the relationship positive.
As an alternative
phraseCLB 7Suggests another option.
“As an alternative, we could meet on Sunday.”
Similarinsteadanother optionCELPIP tip Shows problem-solving by offering another option.
I'm really sorry, but
phraseCLB 5Apologizes before bad news.
“I'm really sorry, but I have to cancel.”
SimilarI apologizebutCELPIP tip Simple, sincere and effective.
I was hoping we could
phraseCLB 6A soft way to suggest something.
“I was hoping we could find a solution together.”
SimilarI'd like us toCELPIP tip Past continuous makes requests softer.
I understand this is frustrating
phraseCLB 7Acknowledges the other person's feelings.
“I understand this is frustrating for you.”
SimilarI know this is hardCELPIP tip Empathy improves your tone.
Let me know what you think
phraseCLB 5Invites a response.
“Let me know what you think about this idea.”
Similarwhat do you think?CELPIP tip Ends your answer openly, inviting a response.
I'm in a bit of a bind
phraseCLB 8Used to say you are in a difficult situation.
“I'm in a bit of a bind because I promised to help both you and my sister on Saturday.”
SimilarI'm in a tough spotI'm stuckCELPIP tip A natural way to explain your problem before giving bad news.
I'm torn between
phraseCLB 8Used when you find it hard to choose between two things.
“I'm torn between helping you move and keeping my promise to my boss.”
SimilarI can't decide betweenI'm caught betweenCELPIP tip Shows the listener you have thought about both sides, which sounds considerate.
I'm stretched too thin
phraseCLB 8Used to say you have too many tasks and not enough time or energy.
“I'd love to join the committee, but I'm stretched too thin this month.”
SimilarI'm overloadedI'm swampedCELPIP tip An honest, natural reason for saying no without blaming anyone.
I'd hate for you to think
phraseCLB 9Used to avoid a misunderstanding about your feelings or intentions.
“I'd hate for you to think I don't care; I just can't take on more work right now.”
SimilarI don't want you to thinkPlease don't thinkCELPIP tip Protects the relationship, which is exactly what Task 6 tests.
I'm in no position to
phraseCLB 9Used to say you are not able to do something.
“I'm in no position to lend money right now, as I've just paid my tuition.”
SimilarI'm unable toI can't afford toCELPIP tip A polite but clear refusal; follow it with a reason.
the lesser of two evils
phraseCLB 9The less bad of two bad choices.
“Missing the party is the lesser of two evils; I can't miss the client meeting.”
Similarthe better of two bad optionsCELPIP tip Explains your choice honestly when neither option is good.
I'd be remiss if I didn't
phraseCLB 10Used to say that it would be wrong not to mention or do something.
“I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that the deadline has moved.”
SimilarI should mentionIt would be wrong not toCELPIP tip Very polished; use it to raise an uncomfortable point respectfully.
strike a balance
phraseCLB 10To find a fair middle point between two needs.
“Let's try to strike a balance: I'll cover Monday, and you take Friday.”
Similarfind a middle groundcompromiseCELPIP tip A strong lead-in to the solution you propose.
Verbs 9
apologize
verbCLB 6/əˈpɒləˌdʒaɪz/To say sorry.
“I want to apologize for the misunderstanding last week.”
Similarsay sorryexpress regretCELPIP tip Pattern: apologize for + noun/gerund.
explain
verbCLB 5/ɪkˈspleɪn/To make something clear by giving reasons.
“Let me explain why I made this decision.”
SimilarclarifydescribeCELPIP tip Explaining your reasons makes you sound fair and reasonable.
compromise
verbCLB 7/ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz/To reach an agreement where both sides give up something.
“Maybe we can compromise and take turns each weekend.”
Similarmeet halfwayfind middle groundCELPIP tip Shows you're trying to keep the relationship positive.
decline
verbCLB 6/dɪˈklaɪn/To politely say no.
“I'm afraid I'll have to decline.”
Similarturn downrefuseCELPIP tip More polite than 'refuse'.
offer
verbCLB 5/ˈɒfər/To say you're willing to do something.
“I'd like to offer to help you find someone else.”
SimilarproposevolunteerCELPIP tip Shows goodwill: offer something to fix the situation.
reassure
verbCLB 7/ˌriːəˈʃʊər/To make someone feel less worried.
“I want to reassure you that this won't happen again.”
SimilarcomfortcalmCELPIP tip Good for apologies: reassure the listener that things will be fine.
accommodate
verbCLB 8/əˈkɑːmədeɪt/To provide what someone needs or wants, or to fit them in.
“I'd love to accommodate your request, but the car only has five seats.”
Similarmeetfit inhelpCELPIP tip Spelled with double c and double m, a common writing mistake too.
reconcile
verbCLB 9/ˈrekənsaɪl/To find a way for two different needs or ideas to exist together.
“I'm trying to reconcile what the team wants with what the budget allows.”
SimilarbalanceresolvematchCELPIP tip Shows a mature approach: you are solving the problem, not just refusing.
placate
verbCLB 10/pləˈkeɪt/To make someone feel less angry or upset.
“I offered to pay for half the repair to placate my neighbour.”
SimilarcalmsootheappeaseCELPIP tip Use it when you describe how you will handle someone's feelings.
Phrasal verbs 3
make it up to you
phrasal verbCLB 7To do something good to fix a disappointment.
“I promise I'll make it up to you next time.”
Similarmake amendsCELPIP tip A warm, natural way to end a difficult conversation.
work something out
phrasal verbCLB 7To find a solution together.
“I'm sure we can work something out.”
Similarfigure outsort outCELPIP tip Sounds positive and cooperative.
let you down
phrasal verbCLB 7To disappoint someone.
“I'm really sorry to let you down like this.”
SimilardisappointfailCELPIP tip Shows you care about the other person's feelings.
Adjectives 4
unfortunate
adjectiveCLB 7/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənət/Unlucky or regrettable.
“It's an unfortunate situation, but I think we can handle it.”
SimilarregrettableunluckyCELPIP tip More formal than 'bad'.
regrettable
adjectiveCLB 9/rɪˈɡretəbəl/Unfortunate and causing regret.
“It's regrettable, but I won't be able to lend you the car this weekend.”
SimilarunfortunatesadCELPIP tip More formal than "unfortunate"; good when speaking to a boss or landlord.
amicable
adjectiveCLB 10/ˈæmɪkəbəl/Friendly and without argument.
“I'm sure we can find an amicable solution that works for both of us.”
SimilarfriendlypeacefulcordialCELPIP tip Pair it with solution, agreement or arrangement.
conciliatory
adjectiveCLB 10/kənˈsɪliətɔːri/Intended to end a disagreement or make someone less angry.
“I took a conciliatory tone and apologized first before explaining.”
SimilarpeacemakingappeasingdiplomaticCELPIP tip Describes your approach and shows awareness of tone, a high-level skill.
Expressions 2
I hope you understand
expressionCLB 6A polite way to ask for understanding.
“I hope you understand that this wasn't an easy decision for me.”
SimilarI hope you can see where I'm coming fromCELPIP tip Good closing line for Task 6.
meet halfway
expressionCLB 8To compromise so both sides give up something.
“Could we meet halfway and leave at 7 instead of 6?”
Similarcompromisesplit the differenceCELPIP tip Idiomatic and natural for offering a solution.
Nouns 6
misunderstanding
nounCLB 6/ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋ/A failure to understand correctly.
“I think there's been a misunderstanding.”
Similarmix-upconfusionCELPIP tip Lowers tension by blaming the situation, not the person.
solution
nounCLB 5/səˈluːʃən/A way to solve a problem.
“I think I've found a solution that works for both of us.”
SimilaranswerfixCELPIP tip Always offer a solution.
situation
nounCLB 5/ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/The circumstances at a time.
“I know this is a difficult situation.”
SimilarcircumstancespositionCELPIP tip Neutral word that avoids blame.
commitment
nounCLB 7/kəˈmɪtmənt/A promise or obligation.
“I already have a family commitment that day.”
SimilarobligationpromiseCELPIP tip A polite reason for saying no.
favour
nounCLB 6/ˈfeɪvər/A kind act you ask or do for someone.
“I'm sorry I can't do you this favour.”
SimilarhelpkindnessCELPIP tip Collocation: 'do someone a favour'.
dilemma
nounCLB 8/dɪˈlemə/A situation where you have to make a difficult choice.
“I'm facing a real dilemma: my best friend's wedding is on the same day as my exam.”
Similarpredicamentdifficult choiceCELPIP tip Name the dilemma early so your answer is easy to follow.
Adverbs 3
unfortunately
adverbCLB 6/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/Used before bad news.
“Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend.”
SimilarregrettablysadlyCELPIP tip Polite way to give bad news.
honestly
adverbCLB 5/ˈɒnɪstli/Sincerely.
“Honestly, I wish I could help more.”
SimilartrulyfranklyCELPIP tip Shows sincerity in a difficult conversation.
really
adverbCLB 5/ˈrɪəli/Very; truly.
“I'm really sorry about this.”
SimilartrulyveryCELPIP tip Strengthens apologies: "I'm really sorry."
Idioms 3
put yourself in my shoes
idiomCLB 8Imagine my situation.
“Please try to put yourself in my shoes.”
Similarsee it from my sideCELPIP tip Asks the listener to understand your situation.
on the same page
idiomCLB 7In agreement.
“I just want to make sure we're on the same page.”
Similarin agreementCELPIP tip Useful when clarifying that you both agree.
no hard feelings
idiomCLB 7No anger or resentment.
“I hope there are no hard feelings.”
Similarno offenceCELPIP tip A friendly way to end.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 6 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Speaking vocabulary
- Task 1: Giving Advice (54 words)
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience (66 words)
- Task 3: Describing a Scene (54 words)
- Task 4: Making Predictions (50 words)
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (49 words)
- Task 7: Expressing Opinions (57 words)
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (58 words)
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