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."