Language Focus

30 ways to sound more like a native and less like a textbook.

Textbook

"I am very tired."

Native

I'm spent. / I'm wiped.

In Context

"What a day... I’m absolutely spent."

Textbook

"It is expensive."

Native

It's a bit pricey.

In Context

"The food was great, but the drinks were a bit pricey."

Textbook

"How are you?"

Native

How's it going? / What's up?

In Context

"Hey, how's it going? Haven't seen you in a while!"

Textbook

"I understand."

Native

Got it. / Makes sense.

In Context

"The meeting is at five? Got it, see you then."

Textbook

"I will think about it."

Native

I'll sleep on it.

In Context

"I'm not sure yet; let me sleep on it and tell you tomorrow."

Textbook

"I like that."

Native

I’m a fan of that. / I'm into it.

In Context

"The new office layout? Yeah, I'm a fan of that."

Textbook

"Wait a moment."

Native

Hang on a sec.

In Context

"Hang on a sec, I just need to grab my keys."

Textbook

"I do not know."

Native

I'm not (entirely) sure.

In Context

"I’m not entirely sure where the report is, actually."

Textbook

"You are welcome."

Native

Anytime. / No worries.

In Context

"Thanks for the lift!" — "Anytime, man."

Textbook

"I am going to leave."

Native

I'm gonna head out.

In Context

"It’s getting late, so I'm gonna head out now."

Textbook

"You are welcome."

Native

No problem / Don't mention it.

In Context

"Thanks for the help!" — "Don't mention it, happy to do it."

Textbook

"I am very excited."

Native

I can't wait!

In Context

"I can’t wait for the concert this weekend!"

Textbook

"I am sorry."

Native

My bad. / Whoops.

In Context

"I forgot to CC you on that email—my bad."

Textbook

"I do not like it."

Native

It’s not really my thing.

In Context

"I tried yoga, but it's not really my thing."

Textbook

"I am very busy."

Native

I'm swamped. / My hands are tied.

In Context

"I'd love to help, but I'm swamped with deadlines today."

Textbook

"Tell me more."

Native

I'm all ears.

In Context

"You have a plan? Great, I'm all ears."

Textbook

"I agree with you."

Native

I’m on board. / I’m with you.

In Context

"I'm with you on this—we need a better strategy."

Textbook

"It is easy."

Native

It's a breeze. / No biggie.

In Context

"Don't worry about the test; it's a breeze."

Textbook

"I will call you later."

Native

I'll give you a shout.

In Context

"I'll give you a shout once I get home."

Textbook

"Goodbye."

Native

Catch you later! / Take care!

In Context

"Great seeing you! Catch you later!"

Textbook

"I am going to..."

Native

I'm about to...

In Context

"I'm about to start lunch, do you want anything?"

Textbook

"It is very cold."

Native

It's freezing!

In Context

"Put a coat on; it's freezing out there!"

Textbook

"I am listening to you."

Native

Go ahead.

In Context

"Sorry to interrupt." — "No, go ahead."

Textbook

"I will help you."

Native

Let me give you a hand.

In Context

"That box looks heavy—let me give you a hand."

Textbook

"That is a good idea."

Native

That works!

In Context

"Shall we meet at the park?" — "Yeah, that works!"

Textbook

"Do you want to...?"

Native

Wanna...?

In Context

"Wanna grab a bite to eat after work?"

Textbook

"I think that..."

Native

I feel like... / I reckon...

In Context

"I feel like we might be missing something here."

Textbook

"It is your turn."

Native

You're up!

In Context

"Okay, the boss is ready for your presentation—you're up!"

Textbook

"I do not believe it."

Native

No way!

In Context

"I won the raffle!" — "No way! That's amazing!"

Textbook

"I forgot."

Native

It slipped my mind.

In Context

"I meant to call you, but it totally slipped my mind."