Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Uncomfortable or embarrassing, especially when a situation is hard to handle politely.

“This is a bit awkward, because both you and Hana asked to borrow the tent.”

“It felt awkward telling my coworker I had already agreed to help our manager.”

Often used: an awkward situation · feel awkward about · a little awkward

CELPIP tip: Naming the awkwardness honestly at the start can relax the listener. Then move quickly to your decision so the answer does not stall.

Able to handle a delicate situation calmly so that nobody feels offended.

“I tried to find a diplomatic answer, since both of you are good friends of mine.”

“The diplomatic solution was to let each neighbour use the parking spot on alternate weeks.”

Often used: a diplomatic solution · be diplomatic about · diplomatic approach

CELPIP tip: Diplomatic solution is a useful chunk when you propose a middle path that respects both people in the situation.

Feeling or showing sadness about something you have done or about a situation you cannot change.

“I felt regretful telling Maya I could not help her move this Saturday.”

“In a regretful tone, I explained to my boss that I needed to leave the project early.”

Often used: feel regretful · a regretful tone · regretful about

CELPIP tip: Describing your own feeling shows the listener you care about the other person. Pair it with a practical solution so you do not sound only sad.

Careful to say things in a way that avoids hurting other people's feelings.

“I want to be tactful here, because I know how much this trip means to you.”

“Our manager gave a tactful reply when two staff asked for the same week off.”

Often used: a tactful way to · tactful reply · try to be tactful

CELPIP tip: You can describe your own intention with it, but your word choice must actually be tactful too. Show it rather than only claim it.

To fail to give someone the help or support they were expecting from you.

“I really don't want to let you down, so I've found someone else who can babysit.”

“Farid felt he had let his teammates down by missing the final game.”

Often used: hate to let you down · feel let down · let someone down gently

CELPIP tip: The object usually goes in the middle: let you down, not let down you. This small word-order point is a common learner slip.

To decide not to do something you had already agreed or promised to do.

“I feel terrible backing out of the camping trip at the last minute.”

“Kofi backed out of coaching the team when his work schedule changed.”

Often used: back out of a deal · back out at the last minute · hate to back out of

CELPIP tip: If your decision means cancelling an earlier promise, own it with this phrase and apologise. Taking responsibility sounds more mature than blaming circumstances.

To find it very hard to choose between two people or options you care about.

“Honestly, I was torn between helping you and going to Dad's birthday dinner.”

“Aisha was torn between two coworkers who both wanted her on their project.”

Often used: be torn between two options · feel torn between · really torn between

CELPIP tip: Opening with this shows the listener their request mattered to you. It softens the choice you are about to explain.

An arrangement you agreed to earlier, which stops you accepting a new request.

“I have a prior commitment with my volunteer group that afternoon.”

“Ms. Chen declined the meeting, citing a prior commitment with a client.”

Often used: have a prior commitment · due to a prior commitment · honour a prior commitment

CELPIP tip: Formal and neutral, so it suits a supervisor or teacher. With a close friend, explain the actual commitment instead of hiding behind the phrase.

To create a situation where someone has no easy or comfortable choice.

“Both requests came on the same day, which put me in a difficult position.”

“I don't want to put you in a difficult position with your boss, so I'll ask someone else.”

Often used: put me in a difficult position · put you in a difficult position · rather not put you in

CELPIP tip: Describe the clash without blaming either person. Saying the timing put you in a difficult position keeps the tone fair.

A polite closing that asks the listener to accept your reasons without anger.

“My daughter's recital is that night, so I hope you understand why I can't stay late.”

“I hope you understand that I had to put my own exam first this time.”

Often used: I hope you understand why · I really hope you understand

CELPIP tip: Put it after your reason, not before. It works as a bridge into your offer to make things up to the listener.

A polite softener placed before disappointing information; it does not mean real fear.

“I'm afraid I won't be able to lend you the truck this weekend.”

“The dates overlap, so I'm afraid I'll have to say no to the conference.”

Often used: I'm afraid not · I'm afraid I can't · I'm afraid that

CELPIP tip: Many learners think it signals fear. Here it simply cushions a refusal, and it works with any listener from a friend to a manager.

A gentle opener that warns the listener unwelcome information is coming.

“I hate to say this, but I've already promised Saturday to my sister.”

“I hate to say this, but the car won't be free for your trip after all.”

Often used: I hate to say this, but I can't · I really hate to say this, but

CELPIP tip: Good with friends and family. Follow it with a clear statement; stopping halfway sounds hesitant rather than kind.

To do something kind later for someone because you disappointed them now.

“Let me make it up to you by taking you out for dinner next weekend.”

“I'll make it up to you, Sam; I can drive you to the airport in March.”

Often used: let me make it up to you · I promise to make it up to you · make it up to you somehow

CELPIP tip: Always follow it with a specific plan. A vague promise sounds weak, while a date and an action sound sincere.

To tell someone about something that will probably disappoint or upset them.

“I'm not sure how to break the news, Jenna, but I can't help with your move on Saturday.”

“Marco had to break the news to his team that the holiday party was cancelled.”

Often used: break the news gently · break the news to someone · hate to break the news

CELPIP tip: Use it to frame your opening so the listener expects bad news. Then deliver the decision directly instead of circling around it.

To reach an agreement where each person accepts part of what the other wants.

“Could we meet halfway? I'll help pack on Friday night, though not on moving day.”

“Our landlord met us halfway and split the cost of the new blinds.”

Often used: meet someone halfway · willing to meet halfway · meet halfway on

CELPIP tip: A partial offer often feels kinder than a flat no. Propose what you can do, then invite the listener to meet you halfway.

To support one person in a disagreement against another person.

“I'm not trying to take sides between you and Lena; I just had to pick one date.”

“A good team lead avoids taking sides when two staff members argue.”

Often used: refuse to take sides · not take sides · take sides in an argument

CELPIP tip: Useful when your choice might look like favouritism. Say you are not taking sides, then explain the neutral reason behind your decision.

To fail to do what you promised someone you would do.

“I don't like going back on my word, but my mother's surgery changed everything.”

“Rahul never goes back on his word, so this decision was hard for him.”

Often used: hate to go back on my word · never go back on your word

CELPIP tip: Admitting that you are going back on your word shows honesty. Pair it with a serious reason so the listener sees it is not a casual choice.

To make disappointing news easier to accept, often by offering something kind.

“To soften the blow, I'll cover your shift next Friday instead.”

“She brought coffee to soften the blow before telling her roommate she was moving out.”

Often used: try to soften the blow · help soften the blow · soften the blow with

CELPIP tip: After you give the decision, name one concrete gesture that softens the blow. A real offer is more convincing than repeated apologies.