Accommodations phrases

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Accommodation Phrases: A Guide for English Learners

Accommodation phrases are expressions used to politely adjust, clarify, or soften statements in conversations. They help maintain harmony in communication and are essential for effective English communication.

Common Accommodation Phrases

• If I’m not mistaken…

Used when you’re somewhat sure but want to allow room for error.

Examples:

• If I’m not mistaken, the meeting starts at 3 PM.
• If I’m not mistaken, you studied at Harvard, right?
• If I’m not mistaken, this restaurant serves vegan options.
• As far as I know…

Indicates you’re sharing information based on your current knowledge.

Examples:

• As far as I know, the project deadline hasn’t changed.
• As far as I know, she’s still working in the marketing department.
• As far as I know, this is the last copy available.
• Correct me if I’m wrong, but…

Invites correction while presenting your understanding.

Examples:

• Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you say you’d finish by Friday?
• Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think we met at last year’s conference.
• Correct me if I’m wrong, but this seems to be the wrong address.

Softening Phrases

Phrase	Meaning	Examples
I may be wrong, but…	Expresses uncertainty while making a point	I may be wrong, but I think we need more data. I may be wrong, but wasn’t the deadline extended? I may be wrong, but this doesn’t seem like the best approach.
If I remember correctly…	Used when recalling information	If I remember correctly, you mentioned liking Italian food. If I remember correctly, the store closes at 9 PM. If I remember correctly, we discussed this last month.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences with appropriate accommodation phrases:

1. __________, the train leaves at 7:30 AM. (you’re fairly certain)
2. __________, this isn’t the document we approved yesterday. (inviting correction)
3. __________, you’re from Canada originally? (softening a personal question)

Exercise 2: Rewrite these blunt statements using accommodation phrases:

1. “You’re wrong about the date.”
2. “This is the wrong way to do it.”
3. “The meeting was at 3 PM yesterday.”

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

1. As far as I know, the train leaves at 7:30 AM.
2. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this isn’t the document we approved yesterday.
3. If I’m not mistaken, you’re from Canada originally?

Exercise 2: Possible answers:

1. “I may be wrong, but I think the date might be different.”
2. “If I remember correctly, we usually do it another way.”
3. “If I’m not mistaken, the meeting was at 3 PM yesterday.”

Remember that using accommodation phrases makes your English sound more natural and polite, especially in professional and academic settings.