30 ways to sound more like a native and less like a textbook.
"That is a very good idea."
That’s a solid idea.
"Using a card layout for mobile? Yeah, that’s a solid idea."
"Do me a favor."
Do me a solid idea.
"Could you do me a solid and grab me a cup of coffe on your way here?"
"You should do that."
Go for it.
"You want to apply for that promotion? Go for it!"
"Can you repeat that?"
Come again? / Sorry, missed that.
"Come again? The connection cut out for a second."
"I will think about it."
I’ll give it some thought. / Let me chew on that.
"That's an interesting proposal. Let me chew on that for a day or two."
"It is my mistake."
That's on me. / My fault.
"I sent the wrong link to the client—that's on me."
"I am very happy for you."
Good for you! / That's great to hear!
"You finally finished your web page? That's great to hear!"
"It is not important."
It’s no big deal. / No biggie.
"Sorry I'm five minutes late." — "Don't worry, it's no big deal."
"I have to go now."
I’ve gotta bolt. / I’m off.
"Look at the time! I’ve gotta bolt or I'll miss my bus."
"That is very funny."
That’s hilarious! / (It) cracked me up.
"Did you see that video? It totally cracked me up."
"I am very hungry."
I'm starving. / I'm famished.
"Is dinner ready yet? I'm starving."
"I do not care."
It doesn't matter to me. / I'm easy (to please).
"Pizza or Tacos?" — "Whatever you want, I'm easy."
"I will do it later."
I'll get around to it.
"I need to fix that leaky tap. I'll get around to it this weekend."
"Can I help you?"
Need a hand?
"You look like you're struggling with those bags. Need a hand?"
"I am going to bed."
I’m gonna hit the sack. / I'm crashing.
"I'm exhausted, guys. I think I'm gonna hit the sack."
"That is very strange."
That’s a bit odd. / That's sketchy.
"The website is asking for my passport number? That's sketchy."
"I am very surprised."
I’m blown away. / No way!
"I can't believe they gave me the lead role—I'm blown away!"
"It is very easy."
It’s a piece of cake. / It's a walk in the park.
"Once you learn the shortcuts, the software is a piece of cake."
"Please be quiet."
Keep it down.
"Hey guys, the baby is sleeping—can you keep it down?"
"I do not understand."
I don’t get it. / I’m lost.
"Wait, why did the math change? I don't get it."
"I am very angry."
I’m fuming. / I’m ticked off.
"The flight was canceled without a refund and I'm fuming."
"I want to buy this."
I’ll take it.
"This jacket fits perfectly. I'll take it!"
"Are you busy?"
Got a sec?
"Hey Sarah, got a sec to look at this spreadsheet?"
"I am very nervous."
I’ve got butterflies (in my stomach).
"I have to give a speech today and I've got butterflies."
"That is very boring."
It’s like watching paint dry.
"That three-hour documentary was like watching paint dry."
"I will pay the bill."
It’s on me. / My treat.
"Put your wallet away! Dinner is on me tonight."
"I am joking."
I’m just kidding. / I'm just pulling your leg.
"I didn't actually win the lottery—I'm just pulling your leg!"
"It is time to start."
Let’s get the ball rolling.
"Everyone is here, so let’s get the ball rolling with the introduction."
"I can't think of her name."
Her name escapes me.
"I know her from the gym, but her name escapes me right now."
"I am very busy."
My schedule is packed. / I'm tied up.
"I'd love to grab coffee, but my schedule is packed until Friday."
"You are right."
You hit the nail on the head.
"I think we need to focus more on mobile users." — "Exactly, you hit the nail on the head!"
"I agree./I understand how you feel."
Tell me about it! (usally a response to a negative comment)
"Our department has too many meetings." — "Tell me about it!!"