In-positive / Realizing url
Hearing that a company went bankrupt
- That was patently obvious to anyone who gave it more than two seconds of thought.
- The secret is out.
- There’s been trouble brewing for a long time.
- I saw it right off the bat.
- Another one bites the dust.
- From what I understand, this is what really happened.
- The fact is I’ve been expecting that to happen all along.
- In the end, what do they have to show for it?
- Seeing is believing.
- I had a hunch that that’s what was happening.
- We should have seen it coming.
- I’m well aware of it, but I denied it to myself.
- It’s the same old problem all over again.
- That’s it in a nutshell.
Hearing that a company went bankrupt
In-negative / Explaining url
After getting too angry at the kids
- I lost control.
- This is what I have to deal with all the time.
- Things got the better of me.
- I’m a bit overwhelmed.
- I wasn’t myself.
- I was caught off-guard.
- It goes with the territory.
- I’ve been a little on edge.
- I meant well.
- I hope you understand.
- That’s easy for you to say, but put yourself in my shoes.
- I just got carried away.
After getting too angry at the kids
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
I’m trying to see your viewpoint-3
- That’s the first sensible thing you’ve said all day.
- Tell me something I don’t already know.
- I know where you’re at.
- Don’t keep me in the dark.
- What do you mean by that?
- Why do you say that?
- Tell me in layman’s terms.
- How can you say that?
- What do you think about it?
- What makes you say that?
- There’s nothing good you can say about it?
- What does that have to do with it?
- Is that what you’re driving at?
- I don’t know if I’ve answered your question or not.
- I’m bending over backwards to see things your way.
I’m trying to see your viewpoint-3
In-positive / Determination url
Politician running for office
- Don’t give up the ship.
- Of all the things I’m doing, this is one of the most important.
- There’s more that one way to skin a cat.
- It’s a long shot.
- That would be something that I would likely do.
- Back up your ideas with courage that will not back down, and there will be no way too long, no road too rough.
- It’s a race against time.
- I shall return.
- I think we’re going to have to bite the bullet.
- That’s when the really hard part comes.
- I’m going to move heaven and earth trying.
Politician running for office
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
Let’s work things out-1
- Meet me half way.
- Be a good sport.
- I don’t want to cause friction between us.
- No hard feelings, OK?
- Don’t take it personally.
- Let’s get that out of the way.
- That shouldn’t be a problem.
- If that’s what you want.
- If you say so.
- I think that might be in order.
- Let’s call it a truce.
- Let’s agree to disagree.
Let’s work things out-1
Out-positive / Friendship url
Secretive
- I told you all I can tell you.
- You can trust me, I won’t breathe a word about it to anyone, and it won’t go beyond here.
- Remember, not a word about this to anyone.
- I won’t tell a soul.
- A little birdie told me.
- That’s just between us.
- I’ll let you in on a secret.
- Keep it to yourself.
- Your secret is safe with me.
Secretive
Out-positive / Agreement url
I need you to stop looking at your cell phone while you’re talking to me
- You have my undivided attention.
- I hear you loud and clear.
- You’ve got a good point there.
- That sounds fair to me.
- You have my word.
- I’m slowly coming around to your way of seeing things.
- As you wish.
- I know what you mean.
- I can relate to that.
- I stand corrected.
- I read you loud and clear.
I need you to stop looking at your cell phone while you’re talking to me
Out-positive / Agreement url
I think that Bill Jones, who is running for Mayor, will make a better Mayor.
- You could make a case for that.
- I think you might have a point.
- I couldn't agree with you more.
- That makes the two of us.
- That's my sentiments exactly.
- I have a sneaking suspicion that you may be right.
- That's as plain as day.
- I'm with you.
- What you're saying has the ring of truth.
- I’ll take your word for it.
I think that Bill Jones, who is running for Mayor, will make a better Mayor.
In-negative / Doubt url
Neighbors of the Wright Brothers
- I’ll believe it when I see it.
- Are you really sure?
- Personally, I don’t think you stand a chance.
- The odds are stacked against you.
- I don’t think anything will ever come of it.
- Are your out of your mind?
- Are you serious?
- Are you crazy?
- You must be drunk.
- Are you kidding?
Neighbors of the Wright Brothers
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who’s tied in a final set of a tennis match
- That’s the spirit.
- You’ve got it in the palm of your hand.
- You’ve got what it takes.
- You’ve got to come through, we’re all depending on you.
- We’re all rooting for you.
- Take the bull by the horns.
- You can do it.
- The ball is in your court.
- Give it your best shot.
- Give it the old college try.
- We’re all counting on you.
- It’s all up to you.
- Get a move on it, and strike the iron while it’s hot.
- It’s shaping up to be a moment of truth.
- This is your big chance, don’t blow it.
For a friend who’s tied in a final set of a tennis match
In-negative / Doubt url
Someone saying he’s going on a new starvation diet
- It’s too high a price to pay.
- What gave you that idea?
- I just can’t picture it.
- You can’t believe everything you read.
- Boy, do you bounce from one extreme to another.
- I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re wasting your time.
- I’m sure you will, but I don’t give it much of a chance of success.
- The odds are against it.
- Where have I heard all of this before?
- I hope you know what you’re doing.
- You’ve got to take it with a grain of salt.
Someone saying he’s going on a new starvation diet
Out-positive / Agreement url
How would you like to eat in the Italian restaurant tonight?
- I think that would be a good idea.
- Whatever you want.
- It's as good a place as any.
- We're thinking along the same lines.
- I'll drink to that.
- I'd be delighted.
- Whatever you want is fine with me.
- Sound’s good to me.
How would you like to eat in the Italian restaurant tonight?