Across the globe, Native and non-native English speakers use the English Language to communicate with others. However, conversational English contains a lot of common phrases in English that you may not understand if you are not a native speaker. If you want to master this universal language and handle everyday conversations like a native English speaker, this article is for you. Here, you will find some practice tips to help you improve your English vocabulary and navigate daily communication with ease.
Navigating Social Interactions: Must-Know English Phrases for Everyday Conversations
If you want to become a fluent English speaker, you need to English phrases for daily use. These are phrases you will use when you meet new people, engaging friends, or expressing your opinion within an English speaking community. While the list is endless, below are some of the most common English phrases and essential expressions you should learn for the appropriate situation:
For Greetings
When you meet a person, courtesy requires greeting them and exchanging some pleasantries before starting a conversation. Some of the most common phrases for greeting are “Hello, how are you doing”, “Good morning, it’s nice to meet you”, or “Good morning, how was your night?”.
For Introduction
After exchanging pleasantries, the next step is introducing yourself, assuming you are meeting the person for the first time. Tell the person your name and ask for their name in return. You can say something like “My name is Jack, I am from Los Angeles. What about you”?
To Keep the Conversation Going
If you want to continue the conversation but don’t have any specific topic in mind, you should make small talk by asking questions like “How is your day going?”, “What do you do for a living?” “How is the weather in Manhattan”? “How’s life treating you there days”.
If You Need Help
When need help from a native speaker and English is your second language, consider using polite phrases. The easiest ways to ask for assistance are “Excuse me, can you help me with directions to the mall?”, “Please, do you know the distance to the next bus top?”
Practical Tips for Everyday Scenarios: Mastering English Phrases for Daily Use
Apart from social interactions, there are still a few phrases in English you should learn for more practical situations beyond exchanging greetings and introducing yourself. Irrespective of the scenario, remember to always speak politely and respectfully with a smile on your face if you want to navigate these situations smoothly. Below you will learn how to use these practical English phrases for daily use.
During Emergencys
When you are in emergency situations, you must use grammar that depicts urgency so the person listening will understand the gravity of the situation. However, you should still maintain calmness even in the worst possible situation. For example, you can say “Call an ambulance!”.
When Ordering Food
Whether you are ordering food in person or over the phone, you should always speak respectfully to the service provider. It is also impormt to speak clearly, especially if you have a thick accent because of your native language. You can say “Please can I have the crispy chicken and fried rice? Thank you”.
During Shopping Sprees
When you are shopping on your own but need help from a staff nearby, you should ask the closest person to you for assistance. When you approach them, you can say “Excuse me, can you help me get this box?”, “Is this shoe available in a different size?”
When You Hear Idioms
Some times, you may hear idiomatic expressions that sound strange because the worlds mean something different from what the person is trying to say. Learning about some common English idioms and how to use them will improve your conversational skills. Some examples of English idioms are:
- Break the eyes – Saying or doing something to keep the conversation going in an awkward or tense situation
- Last straw – The last event in a series of unfortunate situations that makes a person reject or accept a given problem
- Kill two birds with one stone – Overcoming two obstacles by taking a single action
- Raining cats and dogs – Raining cats and dogs means heavy rain is falling
- It costs an arm and a leg – It is unbelievably expensive
- Add insult to injury – Making a bad situation even worse
- Once in a blue moon – An event that rarely occurs
- Barking up the wrong tree – Taking the wrong action, usually based on a misconception or wrong premise
- Cold shoulder – Internationally beyond unfriend toward strangers or new friends
Add these and more English idioms to your vocabulary to improve your conversational skills.
Building Bridges through Language: Connecting with Others Using Everyday English
Some people learn practical English to trade more effectively and navigate the business world. Some others learn career-specific English for work, while others learn everyday language to overcome language barriers and bridge cultural gaps. It makes it easier for you to establish relationships when you stay in a community that is predominantly made of native English speakers. If you want to become a fluent English speaker, you need to look beyond learning words to improve spoken English. You also need to consider the following aspects of daily communication:
Mind Your Body Language
Communication isn’t just about what you say alone. It is also about how you express non-verbal communication. Your body language shows the listener how you feel about the topic both of you are discussing. If you are trying to look tell the person bad news, avoid smilling, maintain eye contact and lower your gaze just before you tell the person the bad news. These non-verbal cues show strong feelings like empathy.
Don’t Just Speak, Listen Too
Communication isn’t just about speaking English. As you learn to speak and use English idioms effectively, you should also learn to listen actively during your everyday conversation. If you listen actively, you will be able to respond appropriately and show the listener that you are attentive.
Make Cultural Connections
When you stay in a multi-cultural society, you need to learn about cultural nuances and integrate them into your everyday conversations. For example, some environments may demand more formal and respective daily communication styles than others. Learning about these nuances will allow you to adjust your speaking styles accordingly.
Seek Language Exchange Opportunities
One great way to boost your conversational English skills is to opt for language exchange programs. Interact with native English speakers as frequently as you can as part of your practical English exercises. Apart from official language exchange programs, you can also improve English speaking by practice with a native English speaker in your immediate environment. Speaking English can be so much fun when you keep an open mind.
Conclusion
Getting better at conversational English isn’t something that happens overnight, especially if it is your second language. You will need to practice essential expressions frequently and consistently to improve English speaking. Even then, language learning is a continuous process as new words, English phrases, and English idioms. Immerse yourself in the new language as much as you can buy watching English television, reading English content, taking an English test, and take active efforts to incorporate common phrases in English into your daily life.