Speak 12
Phrase of the Day: IN A MINUTE
Your goal: Use in a minute to say you will do something very soon.
REVIEW
IN A MINUTE often means very soon. It does not always mean exactly sixty seconds.
“I’ll be ready in a minute” means you need a short time.
Use in a minute with phrases such as I’ll be ready, I’ll help, and I’ll call you.
CHOOSE TWO AND RESPOND
Read each question aloud. Choose two responses that make sense together. Use in a minute in at least one. Say them together as your answer. Then try a different combination.
“Are you ready?”
I’ll be ready in a minute.
I’m getting my bag.
I’ll be there in a minute.
Please wait by the door.
I’ll finish in a minute.
I have one thing left.
“Can you help me?”
I can help in a minute.
Let me put this down.
I’ll be with you in a minute.
I’m finishing an email.
I’ll come over in a minute.
Please leave it on the table.
“Can we talk?”
I’ll call you in a minute.
I’m almost finished here.
I can talk in a minute.
Let me close the door.
I’ll be free in a minute.
I want to hear about it.
“Are you coming to lunch?”
I’ll join you in a minute.
Please save me a seat.
I’ll be there in a minute.
I just need to wash my hands.
I’ll leave in a minute.
I’m getting my lunch.
“Can you look at this?”
I’ll look in a minute.
Please leave it here.
I’ll check it in a minute.
I’m finishing this page.
I can read it in a minute.
I’ll give it my attention.
COMPLETE THE RESPONSE
Choose a word from the box. You may use a word more than once. More than one answer may work.
ready • help • call • join • check • free
“Can we leave soon?”
“I’ll be _____ in a minute.”“Can you carry this?”
“I can _____ in a minute.”“Can we talk on the phone?”
“I’ll _____ you in a minute.”“Are you coming to our table?”
“I’ll _____ you in a minute.”“Is this information correct?”
“I’ll _____ it in a minute.”“Do you have time to talk?”
“I’ll be _____ in a minute.”
EXTEND THE CONVERSATION
Choose an ending. Say the whole response aloud.
“Are you ready?”
“I’ll be ready in a minute. _____”
I just need my shoes.
Thanks for waiting.
I’m almost done.
“Can you help?”
“I can help in a minute. _____”
Let me finish this sentence.
Please put it on the desk.
I’ll come over to you.
“Are you joining us?”
“I’ll be there in a minute. _____”
Please save me a seat.
You can start without me.
I’m on my way.
