Listening Part 2: Daily Life Conversation

In casual speech, to get, buy or have something quickly, especially food or a drink.

“Want to grab a coffee after the parent meeting?”

“I'll grab a couple of pizzas on the way so nobody has to cook.”

Often used: grab a bite · grab a coffee · grab something quick

CELPIP tip: Grab rarely means seizing with force in conversation. Treat grab lunch or grab a seat as ordinary actions, not dramatic ones.

A quick warning or piece of advance information so someone can prepare.

“Just a heads-up, they're shutting off the water in the building tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks for the heads-up about the road work. I'll leave earlier.”

Often used: give someone a heads-up · just a heads-up · thanks for the heads-up

CELPIP tip: The information after heads-up is usually important and new. It often becomes the focus of a question about what one speaker told the other.

A small mistake or confusion, such as the wrong order, time or name.

“There was a mix-up with the booking, so they gave us a table by the door.”

“Sorry about the mix-up. I thought you said Tuesday, not Thursday.”

Often used: a mix-up with · sorry about the mix-up · some kind of mix-up

CELPIP tip: When you hear mix-up, work out exactly what got confused. Questions often ask what went wrong, and the details are given right after the word.

To collect a person or item from a place, or to buy something while you are out.

“Could you pick up some milk and bread if you're passing the corner store?”

“I'm picking the kids up from hockey at six, so I can't stay long.”

Often used: pick up groceries · pick someone up at · pick up an order

CELPIP tip: Pick up has several meanings, so check the object. Picking up a parcel, a friend and a phone call are very different actions in an answer choice.

To leave a place in order to go somewhere, often said just before departing.

“We should head out soon if we want a parking spot at the market.”

“I'm heading out to the bank. Need anything?”

Often used: head out early · about to head out · head out for the day

CELPIP tip: When someone is heading out, the conversation is usually about timing or errands. Listen for where they are going and why they need to leave now.

To join others in helping with work or contributing money toward something shared.

“If everyone pitches in, we'll have the yard cleaned up by lunch.”

“We're all pitching in ten bucks for Maria's retirement gift.”

Often used: everyone pitched in · pitch in with · pitch in for a gift

CELPIP tip: Pitch in can mean giving time or money. Listen for which one, because answer choices may swap them.

For a cashier, to enter items into the till so the customer can pay.

“I'll ring these up for you over at the other register.”

“She rang it up at full price, so I showed her the flyer.”

Often used: ring something up · ring it up at · ring up a sale

CELPIP tip: In store conversations ring up is about paying, not phoning. Do not choose an answer about a phone call if the scene is at a checkout.

To make a quick visit to a place, usually on the way to somewhere else.

“I'll swing by the pharmacy on my way home and grab your prescription.”

“Can you swing by around eight? I've got your drill in the garage.”

Often used: swing by the store · swing by later · swing by on the way

CELPIP tip: This tells you where someone will go and roughly when. Note the place, since questions often ask what one speaker will do after the conversation.

Behind schedule and likely to arrive or finish later than planned.

“Sorry, I'm running late. The bus broke down near Dundas.”

“The dentist is running about twenty minutes late today.”

Often used: running a bit late · running behind · running late for

CELPIP tip: Listen for the reason and the new expected time. A question may ask why someone is late or how the delay changes the plan.

A store's rules about whether and how customers can bring back items they bought.

“What's your return policy on electronics? I might need a different size.”

“Their return policy's only fourteen days, so keep the box.”

Often used: check the return policy · a strict return policy · under the return policy

CELPIP tip: The staff member's answer usually includes a time limit and a condition. Both are likely question targets, so note them quickly.

To share the cost of something, especially a restaurant meal, between the people involved.

“Let's just split the bill four ways. It's easier.”

“They split the bill for the cottage rental, but Sam paid for the gas.”

Often used: split the bill evenly · split it three ways · split the bill with

CELPIP tip: Money details are common question targets. Note how many people share the cost and whether anyone pays extra.

A relaxed reply meaning that something is fine, often after thanks or an apology.

“No worries, I can wait. Take your time.”

“You forgot the chairs? No worries, we've got extra in the basement.”

Often used: no worries at all · oh, no worries · no worries, I'll

CELPIP tip: This shows the speaker is not upset. Questions about someone's attitude or reaction may depend on noticing this calm reply.

Offered at a lower price than usual for a limited time.

“The winter boots are on sale till Sunday, so I'd grab them now.”

“Is this jacket on sale too, or just the ones on that rack?”

Often used: on sale this week · half off on sale · go on sale

CELPIP tip: Listen for which items are included and when the sale ends. Shopping conversations often hide the answer in those small conditions.

Having no items or tickets left because they have all been bought.

“The Saturday show's sold out, but they still have seats Sunday.”

“Sorry, we're sold out of the large size until the next shipment.”

Often used: completely sold out · sold out of · sold out in minutes

CELPIP tip: Sold out is often followed by an alternative. The alternative, not the original choice, is usually what the speaker ends up with.

To accidentally leave your keys inside so you cannot get into your home or car.

“I locked myself out again. Do you still have my spare key?”

“He locked himself out of the car at the plaza and had to call his wife.”

Often used: lock myself out · locked out of the house · locked out again

CELPIP tip: Neighbour conversations often start with a small problem like this. Listen for who has the spare key and what they agree to do.

A request for someone to be quieter, often used about noise from neighbours or guests.

“Could you guys keep it down after eleven? The baby's asleep.”

“Sorry, we'll keep it down. We didn't realize the walls were that thin.”

Often used: keep it down a bit · try to keep it down · please keep it down

CELPIP tip: Pay attention to the tone around this phrase. A question may ask how the neighbour feels, and the answer depends on whether the request sounds polite or annoyed.

To help someone with a task, usually a physical or practical job.

“Could you lend a hand moving the couch upstairs on Saturday?”

“My neighbour lent me a hand shovelling the driveway after the storm.”

Often used: lend someone a hand · happy to lend a hand · lend a hand with

CELPIP tip: Listen for whether the offer is accepted and when the help will happen. The day and task are common details in follow-up questions.

A polite way to turn down an invitation now while suggesting you would like to accept another time.

“Can I take a rain check on dinner? I'm wiped after this week.”

“She took a rain check on the hike but said maybe next Saturday.”

Often used: take a rain check · can I get a rain check · rain check on

CELPIP tip: The phrase means the invitation is declined for now, not cancelled forever. An answer that says the person refused completely is probably wrong.