I'm, phrase(done)

 I was busy + (verb-ing)

When using the word 'was', you are referring to something in a past

tense, or something that happened before. Combining it with the word

'busy' you can express something that was occupying you in a past

time.

Here are some examples:

"I was busy thinking."

"I was busy working."

"I was busy cooking dinner."

"I was busy talking on the phone."

"I was busy cleaning the house."

"I was busy studying for my test."

"I was busy thinking of ideas for our website."

"I was busy entertaining our neighbors."

"I was busy completing my housework."

"I was busy learning new things."

 I can't help + (verb-ing)

The word 'can't' is contraction for 'cannot.' Combined with 'help' you

are communicating something you are unable to control or having a hard

time gaining a grasp for. This can be a physical or mental action.

Here are some examples:

"I can't help thinking about it."

"I can't help shopping so much."

"I can't help working all the time."

"I can't help smiling when I see her."

"I can't help eating so much."

"I can't help loving you."

"I can not help biting my nails when I am nervous."

"I can not help smoking when I have been drinking."

"I cannot help feeling so sad."

"I cannot help remembering the things you did.

 I feel like + (verb-ing)

Here you are expressing to someone something you would enjoy doing.

Here are some examples:

"I feel like going for a bike ride."

"I feel like going to the beach."

"I feel like having a snack."

"I feel like talking."

"I feel like dancing."

"I feel like having friends over to my house."

"I feel like watching TV."

By adding 'don't' or 'do not' you can change what you are saying to

express something you would not enjoy or express a concern about

something.

Here are some examples:

"I don't feel like leaving yet."

"I don't feel like explaining."

"I don't feel like going to bed."

"I do not feel comfortable talking about it."

"I do not feel like we are going in the right direction."

 I'd rather + (verb)

'I'd' is a contraction of the words 'I had' or 'I would.'

When using it with the word 'rather' you are suggesting you would like

to do or prefer one thing more than another.

Here are some examples:

"I'd rather talk about this later."

"I'd like to eat at home than go get fast food."

"I'd rather ski than snowboard."

"I'd rather stay late than come in early tomorrow."

"I'd rather handle the problem myself."

"I had rather go home than stay out too late."

"I had rather listen to my parents or get in trouble."

"I would rather exercise than sit on the couch all day."

"I would rather complete my task early."

"I would rather know the answer."

i was about to

I didn't mean to + (verb)

The word 'didn't' is a contraction of the words 'did not'. When using

it in a sentence with the words 'mean to' you are informing someone

that you did something you regret or are sorry for. This could have

been a physical, mental or verbal action.

Here are some examples:

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"I didn't mean to call you so late."

"I didn't mean to lie about what happened."

"I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"I didn't mean to stay out so late."

"I did not mean to say those things."

"I did not mean to leave you out."

"I did not mean to make you confused."

"I did not mean to think you were involved."

"I did not mean to cause trouble."

I'll help you + (verb)

This lets you inform someone that you are willing to provide

assistance. This could refer to something physical or mental, like

helping someone to 'think' or 'remember' something.

Here are some examples:

"I'll help you cook dinner tonight."

"I'll help you raise money for your charity."

"I'll help you register for your class online."

"I'll help you move to your new house."

"I'll help you prevent that from happening again."

"I will help you park your car."

"I will help you provide all the information you need."

"I will help you realize your potential."

"I will help you stop smoking."

"I will help you shop for groceries.

I've decided to + (verb)

'I've' is short for 'I have' and including the word 'decided' you are

stating that you have made a decision or come to a conclusion.

Here are some examples:

"I've decided to accept the job."

"I've decided to complete my degree."

"I've decided to change my bad habits."

"I've decided to extend my membership at the gym."

"I've decided to form a chess club."

"I've decided to hand over my responsibilities."

"I've decided to help you move."

"I've decided to interview for the job."

"I've decided to increase my work load."

"I've decided to manage a store."

I've heard that + (subject + verb)

You are letting someone know that you are aware of something or that
you have been informed of something that is taking place. This could
be something that has already happened or something happening in the
near future. 'I've' is a contraction of the words 'I have.'

Here are some examples:

"I've heard that you got a new job."
"I've heard that you want to leave your job."
"I've heard that you got a new car."
"I've heard that you like to jog."
"I've heard that you fix computers."
"I've heard that you've never been to Canada."
"I've heard that you like to shop."
"I've heard that you and your boss don't get along."
"I've heard that there is no school next week."
"I've heard that your wife is a yoga instructor."

I wanna + (verb)

The word 'wanna' is incorrect grammatically. It is equivalent to 'want

to.' When combined with the word 'I' it helps communicate something

you want to do.

Here are some examples:

"I wanna talk."

"I wanna search for a job."

"I wanna order some food."

"I wanna marry her."

"I wanna listen to that song."

By adding the word 'don't' you can change the meaning of what you are

saying to something you 'want' to do to something you 'do not' want to

do.

Here are some examples:

"I don't wanna talk."

"I don't wanna search for a job."

"I don't wanna marry her."

"I don't wanna listen to that song."

"I don't wanna order some food."

I have to + (verb)

The words 'have to' describe something that needs to take place soon.

It expresses certainty, necessity, or obligation.

Here are some examples:

"I have to switch schools."

"I have to use the telephone."

"I have to go to the bathroom."

"I have to leave."

"I have to unpack my bags."

You can also add the word 'don't' to suggest that someone is not

required to do something.

"I don't have to switch schools."

"I don't have to use the telephone."

"I don't have to go to the bathroom."

"I don't have to leave."

"I don't have to unpack my bags."

I have + (noun)

By using the words 'I have' you are informing someone of something you

have possession of or have acquired.

Here are some examples:

"I have a cat."

"I have a nice car."

"I have a house."

"I have a computer."

"I have a headache."

You may hear the words 'cannot' and 'won't' used with 'I have.' By

adding these you can express what you will not put up with or allow.

Here are some examples:

"I cannot have that behavior in my house."

"I cannot have you over tonight."

"I won't have anything to do with that."

"I won't have it any other way."

I have something + (verb)

When using the expression 'I have something' you are communicating

that you possess something or need to do something that is unspecified

or undetermined.

Here are some examples:

"I have something to complete."

"I have something to share with you."

"I have something important to tell you."

"I have something to encourage you."

"I have something to explain to you."

"I have something special planned for your birthday."

"I have something else to consider."

"I have something to apologize about."

"I have something to attend tonight."

"I have something to ask you."

"I have something fun for us to do."

I'm

 "I'm so tired."

"I'm confused."

"I'm happy."

"I'm twenty three years old."

"I'm hungry."

"I'm nervous."

"I'm excited."

"I'm leaving work."

"I'm thirsty."

"I'm from Seattle."

You can also add descriptive words with 'I'm' such as:

"I'm extremely tired."

"I'm very happy."

"I'm terribly hungry."

"I am super excited."

"I'm very nervous."

I'm not sure if (subject + verb)

'I'm not sure' expresses a feeling of uncertainty or lack of

confidence on a particular matter.

Here are some examples:

"I am not sure if they will offer me the job."

"I'm not sure if she'll return my call."

"I'm not sure if my wife will understand."

"I'm not sure if we will go out tonight."

"I'm not sure if I understand your question."

"I am not sure if I can handle it."

"I am not sure if it will happen."

"I am not sure if it will matter."

"I am not sure if my mom will notice."

"I am not sure if they will permit us to park there."

 I should have + (past participle)

'Should' is the past tense of the word 'shall.' When using the words

'should have' you are talking about something in the past that you

'ought to' or 'might have' done.

Here are some examples:

"I should have gone with you."

"I should have studied more for my test."

"I should have read the directions before starting."

"I should have eaten breakfast this morning."

"I should have listened to your advice."

"I should have married her when I had the chance."

'Shall' is something that will take place or exist in the future.

Here are some examples:

"I shall leave tomorrow."

"I shall finish the job next week."

"I shall see it tomorrow."

"I shall go outside if it's nice out."

"I shall pay for this later.

I wish I could + (verb)

You are expressing a desire to do something.

Here are some examples:

"I wish I could sing better."

"I wish I could settle the argument."

"I wish I could sail around the world."

"I wish I could remain calm during all of this."

"I wish I could remember his name."

"I wish I could replace my old car with a new one."

"I wish I could play outside."

"I wish I could go to the game with you."

"I wish I could write better."

"I wish I could own my own business."

I'm calling to + (verb)

When using the words 'I'm calling' you are stating that you are

actually using the phone to call and relay information.

Here are some examples:

"I'm calling to tell you about my day."

"I'm calling to accept your invitation."

"I'm calling to answer your question."

"I'm calling to book a reservation at your restaurant."

"I'm calling to complain about something."

"I'm calling to thank you."

"I'm calling to support your decision."

"I'm calling to remind you of our dinner plans."

"I'm calling to report a lost wallet."

"I'm calling to receive my prize."

 I'm dying to + (verb)

When using the word 'dying' in this manner you are referring to

wanting or desiring something greatly.

Here are some examples:

"I'm dying to relax on the beach."

"I'm dying to pick some fresh fruit."

"I'm dying to order some desserts."

"I'm dying to find out if I got the job."

"I'm dying to move to a bigger house."

"I'm dying to look at all the work you've done."

"I'm dying to learn more about you."

"I'm dying to introduce you to my parents."

"I'm dying to expand my business."

"I'm dying to check my score on the test."

 I'm getting

When combining the words 'I am' and 'getting' you are telling someone

'you' are gaining possession, being affected by or have plans to seek

out and obtain a particular thing.

Here are some examples:

"I'm getting better."

"I'm getting ready for bed."

"I'm getting a tooth ache."

"I'm getting a cold."

"I'm getting married."

"I'm getting tired."

"I'm getting good at reading."

"I'm getting a new car."

"I'm getting a job."

"I'm getting a puppy."

 I'm having a hard time + (verb-ing)

By stating you are having a hard time you are letting someone know you

are having difficulty with something. This could be something physical

or mental and something that could be overcome with effort.

Here are some examples:

"I'm having a hard time writing."

"I'm having a hard time understanding you."

"I'm having a hard time answering your question."

"I'm having a hard time downloading songs to my iPod."

"I'm having a hard time agreeing to the terms."

With the addition of a verb you can express in more detail just how

difficult something is for you.

Here are some examples:

"I'm having an extremely hard time trusting you."

"I'm having an extremely hard time with my wife."

"I'm having a very hard time finding a job."

"I'm having a very hard time finding parts for my car."

 (I'm looking foward to)

When telling someone that you are 'looking forward to'

 you are saying that you are waiting or hoping for something,

especially with pleasure.

Here are some examples:

"I'm looking forward to meeting you."

"I'm looking forward to talking with you."

"I'm looking forward to going on vacation."

"I'm looking forward to spending time with my family."

"I'm looking forward to learning the English language."

"I am looking forward to visiting another country."

"I am looking forward to having a family."

"I am looking forward to graduating from college."

"I am looking forward to watching the baseball game."

"I am looking forward to running in a race."

I'm thinking of + (verb-ing)

'Thinking' refers to a process of thought, forming an opinion or

judgment. When expressing 'I am thinking of' you are letting someone

know what you are personally thinking.

Here are some examples:

"I'm thinking of checking out the new movie."

"I'm thinking of filming my vacation."

"I'm thinking of following a healthy diet."

"I'm thinking of handing out flyers describing our business."

"I'm thinking of increasing my work load."

"I am thinking of introducing myself to him."

"I am thinking of launching a new website."

"I am thinking of moving to a new city."

"I am thinking of offering her the position."

"I am thinking of opening up a store."

I'm trying + (verb)

'I am trying' informs someone that you are attempting to accomplish

something using bodily, mental, or spiritual strength. By adding a

verb to 'I'm trying' you are pointing out exactly what it is you are

attempting to do.

Here are some examples:

"I'm trying to get a job."

"I'm trying to call my family."

"I'm trying to enjoy my dinner."

"I'm trying to educate myself."

"I'm trying to explain myself."

"I'm trying new food."

"I'm trying to eat healthy."

"I'm trying to understand."

 I'm working on + (noun)

'I'm' is a contraction for the words 'I am.' The phrase 'working on'

relays a physical or mental effort towards an accomplishment.

Here are some examples:

"I'm working on a big project."

"I'm working on training my dog."

"I'm working on making new friends."

"I'm working on educating myself."

"I'm working on my homework."

"I am working on painting a house."

"I am working on a new idea."

"I am working on my computer."

"I'm working on my website."

 I'm gonna + (verb)

The word 'gonna' is incorrect grammatically. The equivalent in proper

grammar would be 'going to.' When using the word 'gonna' you are

telling someone what you are planning to do at that moment or in the

near future.

Here are some examples:

"I'm gonna have some coffee."

"I'm gonna go to work."

"I'm gonna eat some cake."

"I'm gonna send out my resume."

"I'm gonna run a marathon."

"I'm gonna ask her out for dinner."

"I'm gonna stop smoking."

"I'm gonna help my friends."

"I'm gonna take swim lessons."

"I'm gonna read a book."

 I'm good at

Again, 'I'm' is used here as 'I am.' 'Good at' informs someone what

you excel at and are comfortable doing.

Here are some examples:

"I'm good at drawing."

"I'm good at video games."

"I'm good at swimming."

"I'm good at driving."

"I'm good at reading."

"I'm good at sports."

"I'm good at writing."

"I'm good at math."

"I'm good at dancing."

"I'm good at chess."

 I'm here to + (verb)

You are informing someone that you are at a particular place to

accomplish something.

Here are some examples:

"I'm here to apply for the job."

"I'm here to take a test."

"I'm here to receive my gift."

"I'm here to support all your decisions."

"I'm here to watch a movie."

"I'm here to work on your computer."

"I'm here to welcome you to the neighborhood."

"I'm here to raise awareness for cancer."

"I'm here to start the job."

"I'm here to receive the award."

 I'm not sure if (subject + verb)

'I'm not sure' expresses a feeling of uncertainty or lack of

confidence on a particular matter.

Here are some examples:

"I am not sure if they will offer me the job."

"I'm not sure if she'll return my call."

"I'm not sure if my wife will understand."

"I'm not sure if we will go out tonight."

"I'm not sure if I understand your question."

"I am not sure if I can handle it."

"I am not sure if it will happen."

"I am not sure if it will matter."

"I am not sure if my mom will notice."

"I am not sure if they will permit us to park there."

 I'm not used to + (verb-ing)

Here you are using 'not used to' to inform someone that you are

unfamiliar or uncomfortable with a topic at hand.

Here are some examples:

"I'm not used to talking English."

"I'm not used to studying so much."

"I'm not used to being around new people."

"I'm not used to talking in front of groups of people."

"I'm not used to having so much stress."

"I'm not used to traveling so much."

"I'm not used to working so early."

"I'm not used to having so much responsibility."

"I'm not used to drinking so much."

 I'm sorry to + (verb)

Saying you are 'sorry to' expresses a feeling of sympathy or regret.

Here are some examples:

"I'm sorry to be so late."

"I'm sorry to hear about your sick mother."

"I'm sorry to waste your time."

"I'm sorry to make you feel so sad."

"I'm sorry to frighten you."

"I'm sorry to disagree with your decision."

"I'm sorry to call so late."

"I'm sorry to admit what I did."

"I'm sorry to end this relationship."

I think I should + (verb)

Here you are telling someone that you feel strongly about doing a

particular action. Here are some examples:

"I think I should practice my reading."

"I think I should join a study group."

"I think I should handle this as soon as possible."

"I think I should earn my degree."

"I think I should explain myself."

By adding the word 'don't' you have changed what you are conveying

from something you are thinking of doing, to something you are

against.

Here are some examples:

"I do not think I should complain so much."

"I do not think I should attend that event."

"I do not think I should borrow more money."

"I do not think I should doubt you."

"I do not think I should decide until later.

I want you to + (verb)

'I want you to' is telling someone that you have a desire or would

like for them to do something.

Here are some examples:

"I want you to clean the dishes."

"I want you to come home right after school."

"I want you to call once you get there."

"I want you to explain yourself to me."

"I want you to educate me."

By using the word 'need' instead of 'want' you are expressing

something that is required or wanted.

Here are some examples:

"I need you to study harder in school."

"I need you to stop and listen to me."

"I need you to greet our guests."

"I need you to introduce me to your family."

"I need to request a refund."

I used to + (verb)

'Used to' expresses something that was done in the past, and is not

usually done now.

Here are some examples:

"I used to develop websites."

"I used to jog every day."

"I used to paint."

"I used to smoke."

"I used to work from home."

"I used to live in California."

"I used to go to the beach every day."

"I used to sing in a choir."

"I used to like vegetables."

"I used to start work at 6 o'clock."

I would like to + (verb)

This sentence lets someone know what you would be interested in doing.

This can be a physical, mental or verbal action.

Here are some examples:

"I would like to answer that question."

"I would like to compete in a cooking contest."

"I would like to explain myself."

"I would like to invite you over."

"I would like to practice."

"I would like to become a doctor."

"I would like to see you more often."

"I would like to thank you."

"I would like to learn about animals."

"I would like to meet the President."

I plan to + (verb)

'Plan to' describes something that you would like to do in the near future.

Here are some examples:

"I plan to find a new apartment."

"I plan to relax on vacation."

"I plan to surprise my parents."

"I plan to wash my car."

"I plan to adopt a child."

"I plan to impress my boss."

"I plan to watch a movie."

"I plan to save more money."

"I plan to read a book."

"I plan to learn new things.

I promise not to + (verb)

When using the word 'promise' you are giving your word that what you

are saying is true. You might also be assuring someone a guarantee

that you will follow thru on what you are saying to them.

When using 'promise not to' you are stating you will not do a particular thing.

Here are some examples:

"I promise not to tell."

"I promise not to leave without you."

"I promise not to be so late."

"I promise not to hurt your feelings."

"I promise not to wake you up."

You can also just use the word 'promise' to assure someone of your intentions.

Here are some examples:

"I promise I am telling the truth."

"I promise to practice my math."

"I promise to call you."

"I promise I will tell you."

"I promise I will come to your party."

I don't have time to + (verb)

The word 'don't' is a contraction of the words 'do not.' When adding

'have time to' you are simply stating that you have other obligations

and all other things considered must wait.

Here are some examples:

"I don't have time to explain."

"I don't have time to eat."

"I don't have time to exercise."

"I don't have time to watch my favorite TV show."

"I don't have time to talk."

You can also use the phrase 'I don't' to express things you do not

like, things you do not understand, or things you do not do.

Here are some examples:

"I don't eat meat."

"I don't like the rain."

"I don't understand Spanish."

"I do not understand what you are saying."

"I do not like scary movies."

"I do not like sports.

I don't know what to