Are you uncomfortable sharing details in the workplace?
Sometimes you want to stay general rather than get specific.
Listen in today to learn how to express that you don’t want to share full details at work.
Generic responses
Lindsay asks Aubrey what she’s up to today.
Aubrey responds, “Oh you know, this and that.”
The expression ‘this and that’ is a generic response.
It’s similar to saying, “Fine.”
You can say this when you feel it’s not an appropriate time to share details.
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener who left a comment in an Instagram post.
Today’s question
Hi all! Thank you for teaching this expression. Could you do an episode on how to talk about things in a non-specific manner? For example, expressions like this and that, xyz, so and so, such and such, in x time.
Thank you,
Aisha_jummy
The phrases Aisha asked about are great for being generic.
Often you need to discreetly say something without mentioning details.
These expressions can be used in both formal and informal situations, even in the workplace.
Staying general
You may be willing to share details but feel the setting or timing isn’t right.
When talking to someone about important things or details about yourself, you want to share it in the appropriate place and at the right time.
Because of this, you need vocabulary to refer to things in general.
Today you’ll learn five phrases from Lindsay and Aubrey that you can use to stay general.
#1: This and that
You can use this to refer to general information.
This is similar to ‘stuff’ but more professional and formal.
Example:
Happy hour was fun last night. I was chatting with Maria about this and that and found out we have a lot in common!
#2: Such and such
This is similar to the expression ‘this and that.’
You can use this as an alternative.
It usually refers to a thing rather than a person.
Example:
Mark and I were talking about such and such when he got an emergency phone call.
#3: XYZ
This often implies information being replaced by the letters ‘XYZ’ and is unknown or not important.
Example:
We were talking about XYZ and he got an emergency phone call.
He said he was fired by XYZ company but he didn’t say why.
#4: So and so
This is used to refer to people.
This may imply you don’t remember someone’s name or you want to refer to someone who is not important.
Example:
Did you go out with so and so again last night?
#5: In X time
You can use “X” to replace an amount of time.
This expression is a way to mention an unspecified period of time.
Example:
If the project isn’t completed in X amount of time, we’ll need to set a deadline.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Aubrey and Lindsay using the expressions shared in today’s episode.
This is a good way for you to have a better idea of how to use them in a normal English conversation.
In this scenario, Aubrey and Lindsay are chatting before a Monday meeting begins.
Aubrey: How was your weekend?
Lindsay: I wasn’t feeling well, actually, so I just stayed home and did this and that.
Aubrey: Sorry to hear it. A lot of people have been sick lately! Everyone’s coming down with xyz bug.
Lindsay: Luckily we usually feel better after X amount of time!
Aubrey: Well you didn’t miss much! There wasn’t a lot going on this weekend so I just did errands and such and such.
Takeaway
We often don’t want to share insignificant details, but “stuff” is often too informal for business English.
Today’s phrases are great to use when you want to stay general at work.
You need the vocabulary for a general response that helps you avoid divulging details.
Especially if you’re in a business setting, you don’t want to use expressions that are too casual.
Try out the terms shared by Lindsay and Aubrey in your workplace and let us know how it goes.
What are other expressions you hear at work that you want to learn how to use?
Share one in the comments below.
