The same fifteen words as the cards above, written out in full — easy to scan, search or print.

I’d like to propose a toast / Please raise your glasses — to the happy couple!B2phrase

The fixed way to start and finish a toast: announce it, then invite the guests to drink to someone’s health.

I’d like to propose a toast. Please raise your glasses to Sam and Priya, the happy couple!

I’ll keep this shortB2phrase

A polite way to open a speech that is a promise to be brief and a small apology at the same time.

I’ll keep this short, because I know the band is waiting.

I’m so sorry for your lossB2phrase

The fixed, kind phrase to say to someone whose loved one has died; loss is gentler than death.

I heard about your grandmother. I’m so sorry for your loss.

If there’s anything I can do, just askB2phrase

A warm offer of help to someone who is grieving; add a concrete offer to make it useful.

If there’s anything I can do, just ask. I could walk the dog for you this week.

He’ll be sorely missedB2phrase

A formal way to say that someone who has died or left will be missed deeply.

Our caretaker retired after forty years, and he’ll be sorely missed.

self-deprecatingC1adjective

Making jokes about your own flaws.

His speech was self-deprecating, and the room adored him.

sophisticatedB2adjective

Clever, elegant and worldly.

She has sophisticated taste in restaurants.

genialB2adjective

Friendly and cheerful in a relaxed way.

Our host was genial and kept our glasses topped up all evening.

deathB1noun

The end of a person’s life; loss is a gentler, more polite word for it.

News of his death came as a shock to the whole village.

sorely temptedB2phrase

Very strongly tempted to do something; sorely is an old-fashioned word that means deeply.

I was sorely tempted to leave the party early, but I stayed for the cake.

imminentB2adjective

About to happen very soon.

With the train’s departure imminent, we ran across the station.

shamblesB2noun

A situation that is badly organised and full of mistakes.

The meeting was a shambles because nobody had brought the right documents.

bereavementC1noun

The death of a close relative or friend, and the sad time that follows it.

She took two weeks of bereavement leave after her father died.

sombreB2adjective

Dark, serious and sad in colour or mood.

The mood in the office was sombre after the announcement.

eulogyC1noun

A speech at a funeral that praises the person who has died.

Her brother gave a moving eulogy that made us smile through our tears.