Cactus Language Blog

Cactus Opinion: London (by Katie Bann)

Posted by Sarah under Cactus Languages Abroad, Cactus Staff Opinion, English, Language Courses UK

How to use the London Underground: useful English phrases to learn before venturing underground, by Katie Bann of Language Courses UK (these phrases are real)

• Mind the Gap
“Please mind the gap when leaving the train. If you’re not leaving the train, there’s no need to mind the gap. It’s all right, you’re safe.”

• Stand clear of the closing doors
“Let the passengers off the train FIRST!….(pause) Go on then, stuff yourselves in like sardines, see if I care, I’m going home.”

• Check your destination carefully
“Apparently, this train is no longer terminating at Barking, but is in fact, terminating here. I’m sorry about this but I too was under the impression that this train was going to Barking, but ‘they’ have other ideas. I mean, why tell me - I’m merely the driver..”

• No skateboarding
“To the person skateboarding down the southbound platform of the Northen Line - I suggest that you stop. There are approximately 640 volts going through the line beneath you, and if you care to fall off the skateboard you will find out!”

• No littering
“Ladies and gentlemen, upon departing the train may I remind you to take your rubbish with you. Despite the fact that you are in something that is metal, fairly round, filthy and smells, this is a tube train and not a bin on wheels.”