Speaking Like a Native (Functional Language)
What’s a more natural way to say “I don’t agree with you”?
“I’m not so sure about that” / “I see your point, but…”
What does “break the ice” mean?
To start a conversation in a social situation.
What does “pick up” mean in “I picked up English quickly”?
To learn something naturally.
Pronounce these “-ly” adverbs correctly: consequently, approximately, comparatively, predominantly, simultaneously.
Pronunciation + Examples:
• Consequently /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/ → “He didn’t study; consequently, he failed the exam.”
• Approximately /əˈprɒksɪmətli/ → “The flight takes approximately eight hours.”
• Comparatively /kəmˈpærətɪvli/ → “It’s comparatively cheaper to travel by bus.”
• Predominantly /prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/ → “The team is predominantly made up of local players.”
• Simultaneously /ˌsɪməlˈteɪniəsli/ → “They spoke simultaneously, so nobody was understood.”
What’s the only English word that ends with the letters “gry”?
Angry (and hungry — the only two common words ending in “-gry”).
How could you politely interrupt someone in a conversation?
“Sorry to jump in, but…” / “If I could just add something…”
What does it mean if something “costs an arm and a leg”?
It’s very expensive.
What does “run into” mean in “I ran into my teacher at the store”?
To meet someone unexpectedly.
What happens to the “t” sound in “want to” in connected speech?
It becomes “wanna.”
Which English word has the most meanings in the dictionary?
“Set.”
What’s a more native way to say “Can you repeat that?”
“Sorry, could you run that by me again?”
If you’re “under the weather,” how do you feel?
Sick / unwell.
What does “put off” mean in “I keep putting off my homework”?
To postpone / delay.
How is “I’m going to” often pronounced in fast speech?
“I’m gonna.”
What’s the only word in English that ends with “mt”?
“Dreamt.”
What’s a casual way to refuse an invitation?
“I’ll have to pass this time.” / “Maybe next time.”
What does “hit the nail on the head” mean?
To be exactly right.
What does “come up with” mean?
To think of an idea or solution.
Pronounce these adverbs ending in “-ly” correctly: surprisingly, undoubtedly, unbelievably, thoroughly, remarkably.
Pronunciation + Examples:
• Surprisingly /səˈpraɪzɪŋli/ → “Surprisingly, no one noticed the mistake.”
• Undoubtedly /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli/ → “She is undoubtedly the best candidate.”
• Unbelievably /ˌʌnbɪˈliːvəbli/ → “The view was unbelievably beautiful.”
• Thoroughly /ˈθʌrəli/ → “He checked the report thoroughly before sending it.”
• Remarkably /rɪˈmɑːkəbli/ → “The city has changed remarkably in the last decade.”
What English word changes its pronunciation when the first letter is capitalized? (Hint: it’s also a name.)
Polish (nationality) and polish (to make something shiny).
What’s a native expression for giving advice that means “be realistic”
“Get real.” / “Come back down to earth.”
If someone “spills the beans,” what did they do?
They revealed a secret.
What does “get away with” mean in “He got away with cheating”?
To do something wrong without being punished.
In connected speech, how would a native likely pronounce “What are you doing?”
/Whatcha doin?/
What’s the fastest spoken word in English (used constantly in conversation)?
“The.” / (Accept also: “uh,” “like.”)