Natural English fluency requires mastering three interconnected layers: (1) Phrases for expressing opinions, clarifying, emphasizing, and hedging appropriately; (2) Idioms for talking about progress, effort, difficulty, time, and relationships; (3) Connectors for adding, contrasting, showing cause and result, and concluding ideas. These language tools transform robotic textbook English into authentic, flowing communication that signals confidence, thoughtfulness, and cultural understanding.
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Today we have 13 families of language.
Four families of phrases for expressing opinions, clarifying, emphasizing, and being appropriately cautious.
Five families of idioms for talking about progress, effort, difficulty, time, and relationships. And four families of connectors that join your ideas the way native speakers naturally do. For each family, I will introduce the language, show you exactly how it is used in real conversations, and then we shadow together until it feels natural. One rule, every time I ask you to practice, open your mouth and say it out loud, not in your head. Your real voice at a natural pace. That is the only way today's language moves from something you recognize to something you actually say. Before we begin, please subscribe to English in Moments and press the bell icon so you never miss a new lesson. We post every single day and every lesson is built to move your English forward in a way that is real, practical, and lasting.
Now find a comfortable position, take a breath and let's begin. The first family is phrases for giving your opinion. And I want to start here because this is one of the areas where learners most often fall back on the same one or two phrases. I think and I believe do a lot of heavy lifting in learner English. And there is nothing wrong with either of them. But native speakers have a much wider range of ways to introduce a personal opinion. And the variety itself does something important. It signals confidence. It signals that you are comfortable in the language. And it signals that you have a genuine and considered perspective to offer. The first phrase is if you ask me. if you ask me, is one of the most natural and characteristically native phrases for giving a personal opinion. It is warm and slightly conversational.
It signals that what follows is your genuine personal view. Listen. If you ask me, the whole approach needs rethinking from the beginning. Try it out loud. If you ask me, the whole approach needs rethinking from the beginning.
Listen, if you ask me, she handled it remarkably well given everything that was going on. Shadow it smoothly. If you ask me, she handled it remarkably well given everything that was going on. Now, as far as I am concerned, as far as I am concerned introduces an opinion with a sense of firmness and personal conviction. It says, "This is my position and I am clear about it."
Listen. As far as I am concerned, the decision was made too quickly and without enough information.
Speak it with confidence. As far as I am concerned, the decision was made too quickly and without enough information.
Listen. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the best things we have done all year. Now you as far as I am concerned it is one of the best things we have done all year. Now personally I think personally I think is the most versatile and widely used opinion phrase in natural English. The word personally does important work here. It signals that you are not claiming your view is objective fact. You are offering it as your own perspective. Listen.
Personally, I think the best approach is to start small and build gradually.
Let's hear it. Personally, I think the best approach is to start small and build gradually.
Now, from my point of view, from my point of view is slightly more formal than personally, I think, but equally natural in professional and semi-professional conversations.
Listen.
From my point of view, the most important thing is that everyone on the team feels heard.
Try it. From my point of view, the most important thing is that everyone on the team feels heard.
Now, my feeling is my feeling is is a slightly softer and more intuitive opinion phrase. It signals that your view comes from a sense or an instinct rather than a definitive analysis.
Listen. My feeling is that we are moving in the right direction, but we need more time.
Shadow it softly. My feeling is that we are moving in the right direction, but we need more time.
Now, the way I see it, the way I see it is one of the most characteristically conversational opinion phrases in everyday English. It is warm and direct and signals a clear personal perspective.
Listen, the way I see it, we have two options, and neither of them is perfect.
Speak it naturally.
The way I see it, we have two options and neither of them is perfect.
Listen, the way I see it, the real issue is communication rather than resources.
Now you the way I see it, the real issue is communication rather than resources.
Now, I would say I would say is a slightly hedged and thoughtful way to give an opinion. It sounds considered rather than impulsive.
Listen, I would say the hardest part is getting started. Everything else tends to fall into place after that. Try it out loud. I would say the hardest part is getting started. Everything else tends to fall into place after that.
Let's practice a full opinion-giving sequence. Shadow every line.
Listen. What do you think went wrong with the project?
Try it. What do you think went wrong with the project?
Listen. If you ask me, the problem started much earlier than people realize.
The way I see it, the brief was never clear enough from the beginning.
Let the words flow. If you ask me, the problem started much earlier than people realize.
The way I see it, the brief was never clear enough from the beginning.
Listen. Do you think it can still be rescued?
Speak it. Do you think it can still be rescued? Listen, personally I think yes. As far as I am concerned, there is still enough time if we act now.
My feeling is that the team knows what to do. They just need the direction.
Now follow my rhythm.
Personally, I think yes. As far as I am concerned, there is still enough time if we act now.
My feeling is that the team knows what to do. They just need the direction.
Notice how each of those responses used a different opinion phrase and each one felt confident and natural. That variety is one of the hallmarks of a fluent speaker.
Now, let's practice opinion phrases in two more real contexts.
Shadow this first sequence about a lifestyle decision.
Listen.
Do you think it is worth moving to a new city for a job? Try it. Do you think it is worth moving to a new city for a job?
Listen. The way I see it, it depends entirely on the opportunity.
If you ask me, a good opportunity is always worth exploring, even if it means some disruption.
Let's hear it. The way I see it, it depends entirely on the opportunity.
If you ask me, a good opportunity is always worth exploring, even if it means some disruption.
Listen, but what about leaving everything behind?
Speak it. But what about leaving everything behind?
Listen.
Personally, I think the fear of leaving is almost always bigger than the reality of going.
From my point of view, the things you gain usually outweigh the things you leave.
Shadow it smoothly.
Personally, I think the fear of leaving is almost always bigger than the reality of going. From my point of view, the things you gain usually outweigh the things you leave.
Now shadow this second opinion sequence about learning English.
Listen.
Do you think it is possible to become fluent just by watching films and listening?
Try it. Do you think it is possible to become fluent just by watching films and listening?
Listen.
My feeling is that input is essential but not sufficient on its own. I would say you also need to practice speaking to really internalize the language.
As far as I am concerned, the combination of listening and speaking is what produces real fluency.
Let the words fill your mouth. My feeling is that input is essential but not sufficient on its own. I would say you also need to practice speaking to really internalize the language. As far as I am concerned, the combination of listening and speaking is what produces real fluency.
Two more full opinion sequences practiced.
Notice how the phrases themselves signal thoughtfulness.
They do not just introduce your opinion.
They shape how the listener receives it.
Now, the second family, phrases for clarifying and checking understanding.
And this family is one that many learners underestimate because the ability to clarify what you mean and to check that you have been understood is not just a communication skill. It is a confidence skill.
Every time you say what I mean is and then restate your idea more clearly, you are demonstrating something important.
You are demonstrating that you are in control of your meaning, that you know what you want to say and you are making sure it lands.
And that kind of clarity and care is one of the most attractive qualities in any speaker of any language.
What I mean is, what I mean is is the most direct and most used clarifying phrase in everyday English. It signals that you are about to restate or expand what you just said.
Listen, what I mean is it is not about the result. It is about whether we gave it everything we had.
Try it out loud.
What I mean is it is not about the result. It is about whether we gave it everything we had.
Listen.
What I mean is the process matters just as much as the outcome.
Now you what I mean is the process matters just as much as the outcome.
Now to put it another way, to put it another way signals that you are going to restate the same idea using different words. It is elegant and native speakers use it constantly in both formal and informal contexts.
Listen, to put it another way, if we do not change the approach now, we will face the same problems in six months.
speak it clearly. To put it another way, if we do not change the approach now, we will face the same problems in 6 months.
Now, just to clarify, just to clarify is used when you want to make sure a specific point has been understood clearly. It is precise and professional and signals careful communication.
Listen, just to clarify, the deadline is Friday of this week, not Friday of next week.
Let's hear it. Just to clarify, the deadline is Friday of this week, not Friday of next week.
Listen.
Just to clarify, I am not saying the idea is wrong. I am saying the timing is not right.
Try it naturally.
Just to clarify, I am not saying the idea is wrong. I am saying the timing is not right.
Now, what I am trying to say is what I am trying to say is is used when you have said something and feel it has not quite landed the way you intended.
It signals effort and honesty.
Listen.
What I am trying to say is I think we need to slow down before we speed up.
Shadow it. What I am trying to say is I think we need to slow down before we speed up.
Now, in other words, in other words is used to restate something more simply or more directly.
It is one of the most elegant clarifying tools in the language.
Listen.
In other words, the plan looks good on paper, but we have not tested it in the real world yet.
Speak it smoothly.
In other words, the plan looks good on paper, but we have not tested it in the real world yet. Now, let me rephrase that.
Let me rephrase that is used when you feel your first attempt at saying something did not quite capture what you meant. It is honest and self-aware and native speakers use it regularly.
Listen, let me rephrase that. What I really mean is that the idea has potential but the execution needs more work.
Try it.
Let me rephrase that. What I really mean is that the idea has potential but the execution needs more work.
Now, does that make sense? And if that makes sense, these are the checking phrases that close a clarification and invite the listener to confirm they have understood.
They are warm and collaborative.
Listen. Does that make sense? I know I am jumping between a few different ideas.
Ask it naturally.
Does that make sense? I know I am jumping between a few different ideas.
Listen.
I just want to make sure we are all working towards the same goal. If that makes sense.
Now you I just want to make sure we are all working towards the same goal. If that makes sense. Let's practice a full clarifying sequence.
Shadow every phrase.
Listen.
I did not quite follow what you meant about the timeline.
Try it.
I did not quite follow what you meant about the timeline.
Listen.
Of course.
Let me rephrase that.
What I mean is we have two separate deadlines and I think we have been treating them as one. To put it another way, the internal deadline and the client deadline are not the same date.
Just to clarify, the client deadline is the 14th. Does that make sense?
Follow my rhythm through this.
Of course, let me rephrase that.
What I mean is we have two separate deadlines and I think we have been treating them as one. To put it another way, the internal deadline and the client deadline are not the same date.
Just to clarify, the client deadline is the 14th. Does that make sense?
Clear, precise, completely natural.
That is what clarifying phrases do. They do not signal confusion. They signal control.
Now let's practice two more clarifying sequences.
Shadow this first one.
Someone is explaining a complex situation.
Listen.
I am not sure I am explaining this well.
What I am trying to say is that the problem is not the people, it is the structure.
In other words, the system makes it almost impossible for people to do their best work even when they want to. Does that make sense?
Try it out loud.
I am not sure I am explaining this well.
What I am trying to say is that the problem is not the people. It is the structure.
In other words, the system makes it almost impossible for people to do their best work even when they want to. Does that make sense?
Now, shadow this second clarifying sequence.
Listen.
Sorry. Let me rephrase that. I think I made it sound more negative than I meant it to be.
What I mean is there is a lot here that is really strong.
To put it another way, the foundation is solid. What we are working on is the details, not the direction. If that makes sense.
Let the words flow.
Sorry, let me rephrase that. I think I made it sound more negative than I meant it to be.
What I mean is there is a lot here that is really strong.
To put it another way, the foundation is solid.
What we are working on is the details, not the direction, if that makes sense.
Two more full clarifying sequences.
Notice how each one left the listener feeling more clear rather than more confused.
That is the mark of great communication in any language.
Now the third family phrases for emphasizing because in natural English conversation there are moments when something really matters.
When a point is not just one idea among many, but the central idea, the thing you most need the other person to hear and understand and remember.
And native speakers have a specific set of phrases for those moments that signal to the listener, stop. This is the important part. Pay attention to what comes next.
These emphasis phrases are not aggressive or demanding. They are simply a way of directing attention to what matters most.
The thing is.
The thing is is perhaps the single most used emphasis phrase in everyday English. It signals that what follows is the core point, the real heart of what you are trying to say.
Listen.
The thing is we do not actually have enough time to do this properly if we start today.
Let's hear it. The thing is we do not actually have enough time to do this properly if we start today.
Listen.
The thing is she has been carrying this on her own for months and nobody noticed.
Now you the thing is she has been carrying this on her own for months and nobody noticed.
Now what really matters is what really matters is cuts through complexity and signals the essential point.
Listen what really matters is that the people affected feel listened to and respected.
Speak it with conviction.
What really matters is that the people affected feel listened to and respected.
Now, above all, above all is used to signal the single most important point in a series of points. It is slightly formal but completely natural in both spoken and written English.
Listen.
Above all, I want to make sure we do this in a way we can all be proud of.
Try it out loud.
Above all, I want to make sure we do this in a way we can all be proud of.
Now, the point I am making is The point I am making is signals that you want to be heard clearly on something specific.
It often follows a longer explanation where the central point may have become slightly lost.
Listen.
The point I am making is not that we failed.
The point I am making is that we can learn something valuable from what happened.
Shadow it smoothly.
The point I am making is not that we failed.
The point I am making is that we can learn something valuable from what happened. Now the fact is the fact is introduces an emphasis on something that is simply true and cannot really be argued with. It signals clarity and directness.
Listen. The fact is we are already behind and the only way forward is to be honest about it. Speak it clearly. The fact is we are already behind and the only way forward is to be honest about it.
Now, if nothing else, if nothing else is used to identify the single minimum takeaway from a situation, even if everything else is uncertain or lost, this one thing remains. Listen, if nothing else, I hope today's session has shown you how much you already know. Try it naturally.
If nothing else, I hope today's session has shown you how much you already know.
Now, more than anything, more than anything signals the most deeply felt priority or desire. Listen. More than anything, I want the team to feel supported through this process. Let's hear it. More than anything, I want the team to feel supported through this process.
Let's practice a full emphasis sequence.
Shadow every line. Listen. What is the most important thing you want people to take away from today? Try it. What is the most important thing you want people to take away from today? Listen. The thing is there are a lot of things I could say, but what really matters is this. The point I am making is that small consistent effort produces better results than occasional big bursts of energy. Above all, I want people to leave today feeling like change is possible.
If nothing else, I hope that lands.
Follow my rhythm. The thing is there are a lot of things I could say, but what really matters is this. The point I am making is that small consistent effort produces better results than occasional big bursts of energy. Above all, I want people to leave today feeling like change is possible. If nothing else, I hope that lands.
Powerful, directed, completely natural. That is what emphasis phrases do. They shape not just what you say, but how much of it is heard and remembered. Now, let's practice emphasis phrases in two more sequences. Shadow this first one.
Listen. Why do you think so many people struggle to learn a language? Speak it.
Why do you think so many people struggle to learn a language?
Listen. The fact is most people give up before the results become visible. The thing is language learning has a delayed feedback loop. What really matters is staying consistent even when it does not feel like you are making progress. Above all, it is the willingness to keep going that makes the difference. More than anything, it is that shadow it with feeling.
The fact is most people give up before the results become visible. The thing is language learning has a delayed feedback loop. What really matters is staying consistent even when it does not feel like you are making progress. Above all, it is the willingness to keep going that makes the difference. More than anything, it is that. Now shadow this second emphasis sequence. Listen. What would you say to someone just starting their English journey?
Try it. What would you say to someone just starting their English journey?
Listen, the point I am making when I talk about phrases and idioms is that the language you need for real connection is not the language in textbooks. What really matters is the living everyday English that comes out in kitchens and offices and conversations.
If nothing else, start with the phrases you will use today. The thing is the right phrase at the right moment changes everything.
Let the words flow.
The point I am making when I talk about phrases and idioms is that the language you need for real connection is not the language in textbooks.
What really matters is the living everyday English that comes out in kitchens and offices and conversations.
If nothing else, start with the phrases you will use today. The thing is the right phrase at the right moment changes everything.
Two more sequences, two more moments where the most important thing was said clearly and heard completely. Now the fourth family phrases for hedging and being appropriately cautious.
And I want to say something important about this family before we begin. In many cultures, precision is valued above all. You either know something or you do not. You are either right or you are wrong. And expressing uncertainty can feel like weakness.
But in English, especially in British and North American conversation, appropriate hedging is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of intellectual honesty and social intelligence. It signals that you understand the complexity of the world, that you know most things are not black and white, and that you are thoughtful enough not to overstate your certainty.
A person who hedges well sounds credible. They sound like someone whose confident statements can be trusted precisely because they do not make confident statements about everything.
These phrases are tools of nuance and nuance is one of the most sophisticated things any language can express.
It depends. It depends is one of the most honest and most useful phrases in natural English. It acknowledges that the answer to a question is not fixed but varies according to circumstances.
Listen, it depends on what you are trying to achieve in the long run. Try it out loud. It depends on what you are trying to achieve in the long run.
Listen, it really depends on the person.
Some people thrive under pressure and others need more structure.
Now you, it really depends on the person. Some people thrive under pressure and others need more structure.
Now it is hard to say. It is hard to say signals genuine uncertainty without pretending to a confidence you do not have. Listen, it is hard to say at this stage. We do not have enough information yet to make a reliable prediction.
Let's hear it. It is hard to say at this stage. We do not have enough information yet to make a reliable prediction.
Now, that is a tricky one. That is a tricky one is a warm and natural acknowledgement that a question is genuinely complex. It buys a moment of thinking time while also validating the difficulty of the question.
Listen, that is a tricky one actually.
There are good arguments on both sides.
Shadow it smoothly.
That is a tricky one actually. There are good arguments on both sides.
Now, it is not that straightforward.
It is not that straightforward signals that something has more layers to it than it might initially appear.
Listen, it is not that straightforward.
Unfortunately, there are a few different factors that all affect each other.
Speak it clearly. It is not that straightforward. Unfortunately, there are a few different factors that all affect each other.
Now, to some extent, to some extent is a precise and elegant hedging phrase. It means the statement that follows is partly true but not entirely or universally true. Listen to some extent.
Yes. But I think the situation is more complicated than that.
Try it. To some extent. Yes. But I think the situation is more complicated than that.
Now up to a point. Up to a point is similar to to some extent but often used when you agree with something in principle but have a reservation.
Listen up to a point I agree but I think there are some circumstances where that logic does not quite hold.
Shadow it naturally up to a point I agree but I think there are some circumstances where that logic does not quite hold.
Now, in some ways, and it varies, these are two more natural hedging expressions that acknowledge complexity and context dependence.
Listen. In some ways, it is easier than people think. In other ways, it is harder.
Let's hear it. In some ways, it is easier than people think. In other ways, it is harder.
Listen, it varies quite a bit depending on the situation. There is no single answer that fits every case.
Now you It varies quite a bit depending on the situation. There is no single answer that fits every case.
Let's practice a full hedging sequence.
Shadow every phrase.
Listen.
Is it better to learn English in an English-speaking country or in your home country?
Try it. Is it better to learn English in an English-speaking country or in your home country?
Listen. That is a tricky one. Honestly, it depends. To some extent, being immersed in the language every day accelerates certain things. But in some ways, a structured learning environment in your home country can be more effective for building foundations.
It is not that straightforward.
It varies a lot depending on the person and the stage they are at. It is hard to say definitively.
Follow my rhythm. That is a tricky one.
Honestly, it depends. To some extent, being immersed in the language every day accelerates certain things, but in some ways, a structured learning environment in your home country can be more effective for building foundations.
It is not that straightforward. It varies a lot depending on the person and the stage they are at. It is hard to say definitively.
Honest, nuanced, completely credible.
That is what hedging phrases do when used well. Now let's practice two more hedging sequences on different topics.
Shadow this first one. Listen.
Do you think artificial intelligence will replace language teachers?
Speak it. Do you think artificial intelligence will replace language teachers?
Listen, it depends on what you mean by replace.
Up to a point, technology can support and personalize language learning in ways that were not possible before. But in some ways the human connection in a classroom is something that cannot be replicated.
To some extent I think the two will coexist rather than one replacing the other. It varies depending on the context.
Try it out loud. It depends on what you mean by replace. Up to a point, technology can support and personalize language learning in ways that were not possible before.
But in some ways, the human connection in a classroom is something that cannot be replicated.
To some extent, I think the two will coexist rather than one replacing the other. It varies depending on the context. Now shadow this second hedging sequence. Listen. Is hard work more important talent?
Let's hear it. Is hard work more important than talent?
Listen.
That is a tricky one. In some ways, talent creates an initial advantage, but it is hard to say how much that matters in the long run. To some extent, consistent effort tends to compound in a way that natural ability alone does not.
Up to a point, I think we overestimate the role of talent and underestimate the role of showing up. It varies. But if I had to choose, I would choose effort every time.
Let the words flow.
That is a tricky one. In some ways, talent creates an initial advantage, but it is hard to say how much that matters in the long run. To some extent, consistent effort tends to compound in a way that natural ability alone does not.
Up to a point, I think we overestimate the role of talent and underestimate the role of showing up. It varies. But if I had to choose, I would choose effort every time. Two more full and natural hedging sequences.
Notice how in both cases, the speaker sounded more credible, not less, because they acknowledged the complexity of the question. Before we move into part two, I want you to take a quick physical reset. Roll your shoulders back.
Take a deep breath and let all of those phrases settle in your mind. You are doing incredibly well today. Let's keep building. Now we move into part two of today's session. Idioms. And before we begin, I want to say something about idioms that I think will change how you feel about learning them. Many learners approach idioms as a kind of exotic feature of the language. colorful expressions that native speakers use occasionally but that learners can largely ignore without losing much. But this misses something important.
Idioms are not decoration. They are not optional extras. They are one of the primary ways that native speakers compress complex ideas into short natural phrases. When someone says, "We are back to square one," they are communicating something that would otherwise take a full sentence or more to explain.
When someone says, "She really goes the extra mile, they are conveying not just the fact of effort, but a warmth and admiration that a literal phrase would not quite capture.
Idioms carry emotional weight. They carry cultural meaning and using them naturally and appropriately is one of the clearest signals that a speaker is truly at home in the language. So today we are going to shadow these idioms in real contexts until they feel natural to say until they are part of your active vocabulary and not just your reading comprehension.
That is the difference that this kind of practice makes and that is exactly what we are going to build together. Now the fifth family is idioms for talking about how things are going. Progress, direction, status. These are the idioms you hear constantly in workplace conversations and in any conversation where people are discussing plans, projects or situations that are developing over time. On the right track. On the right track means progressing in the correct direction.
Things are going as they should. Listen.
I think we are on the right track. The last two weeks have shown real improvement. Try it out loud. I think we are on the right track. The last two weeks have shown real improvement.
Listen. You are definitely on the right track. Keep going. Now you you are definitely on the right track. Keep going. Now back to square one. Back to square one means returning to the very beginning after a plan has failed or a problem has blocked progress. Listen.
Unfortunately, the whole design needs to be rethought. We are basically back to square one. Let's hear it.
Unfortunately, the whole design needs to be rethought. We are basically back to square one now. In the same boat. In the same boat means in the same difficult or challenging situation as someone else.
It is one of the most empathybuilding idioms in everyday English. Listen, do not worry. We are all in the same boat right now. Nobody has this completely figured out. Shadow it smoothly. Do not worry. We are all in the same boat right now. Nobody has this completely figured out. Now, get the ball rolling. Get the ball rolling means to start something.
To take the first action that will set a process in motion. Listen. Someone needs to get the ball rolling on this. We have been talking about it for weeks. Speak it clearly. Someone needs to get the ball rolling on this. We have been talking about it for weeks now. Move the goalposts.
Move the goalposts means to change the requirements or expectations of something after it has already started.
It is often used with mild frustration.
Listen. Every time we think we have met the brief, they move the goalposts again. Try it naturally.
Every time we think we have met the brief, they move the goalposts again.
Now, touch base. Touch base means to make brief contact with someone to check in or share a quick update. Listen, let's touch base at the end of the week and see where things stand. Now, you let's touch base at the end of the week and see where things stand.
Now, up in the air. Up in the air means uncertain, not yet decided or resolved.
Listen. The plans are still a bit up in the air. We should know more by Thursday. Let's hear it. The plans are still a bit up in the air. We should know more by Thursday.
Now, gain ground. Gain ground means to make progress. To move forward in a situation that was previously difficult or stagnant.
Listen, we are definitely gaining ground. The feedback from the last round has been much more positive. Shadow it.
We are definitely gaining ground. The feedback from the last round has been much more positive.
Let's practice a full idiom sequence for how things are going. Shadow every line.
Listen.
How is the project looking at the moment?
Try it. How is the project looking at the moment? Listen, honestly, we were back to square one two weeks ago, but I think we are on the right track now. We got the ball rolling on the new approach last Monday, and we are already gaining ground. The timeline is still a bit up in the air, but the direction feels right. Let the words flow. Honestly, we were back to square one two weeks ago, but I think we are on the right track now. We got the ball rolling on the new approach last Monday, and we are already gaining ground. The timeline is still a bit up in the air, but the direction feels right. Listen.
Let's touch base tomorrow and I can give you a fuller picture. Finish the scene.
Let's touch base tomorrow and I can give you a fuller picture. Natural, idiomatic, completely fluent. That is what this family of idioms adds to your English. Let's practice two more sequences using progress idioms. Shadow this first one about a difficult work situation. Listen.
Has anything changed with the negotiations?
Try it. Has anything changed with the negotiations?
Listen, we are all in the same boat to be honest. Nobody is quite sure where things stand. The goalposts keep moving, which makes it really hard to plan.
Follow my rhythm. We are all in the same boat. To be honest, nobody is quite sure where things stand. The goalposts keep moving, which makes it really hard to plan. Listen.
So nothing is decided yet. Speak it. So nothing is decided yet. Listen.
Everything is up in the air, but we are gaining ground slowly. I think once we touch base with the full team this week, we will have a clearer picture. Shadow it smoothly.
Everything is up in the air, but we are gaining ground slowly. I think once we touch base with the full team this week, we will have a clearer picture. Now shadow this second sequence about a personal project. Listen. How is the new business coming along? Let's hear it.
How is the new business coming along?
Listen. We were back to square one for a while. A plan we had spent months on just did not work. But we got the ball rolling on a completely different approach last month and I genuinely think we are on the right track now. Now you we were back to square one for a while. A plan we had spent months on just did not work. But we got the ball rolling on a completely different approach last month. And I genuinely think we are on the right track now.
Two complete sequences. Two conversations that used progress idioms naturally and warmly. Let's do one more progress idiom sequence. This one about a personal goal. Shadow every line.
Listen.
How is the running training going? Try it. How is the running training going?
Listen. I was ahead of schedule for the first month and then everything went up in the air when I got ill. Speak it naturally.
I was ahead of schedule for the first month and then everything went up in the air when I got ill. Listen. Oh no. Are you back on track now? Now you Oh no.
Are you back on track now? Listen.
Getting there. I had to go back to square one with the training plan which was frustrating but I got the ball rolling again last week. Shadow it getting there. I had to go back to square one with the training plan which was frustrating but I got the ball rolling again last week. Listen. And the race. Is it still happening? Let's hear it. And the race. Is it still happening?
Listen, we are all in the same boat.
Actually, the whole group had to postpone, but we are gaining ground and I think we will get there. Finish strong. We are all in the same boat actually. The whole group had to postpone, but we are gaining ground and I think we will get there. Now, the sixth family, idioms for effort and action. These are the idioms native speakers use when talking about how hard someone is working. Whether they are cutting corners, whether they are giving everything they have, give it a shot.
Give it a shot means to try something, to make an attempt even without certainty of success.
Listen, I have never done anything like this before, but I am willing to give it a shot. Try it out loud. I have never done anything like this before, but I am willing to give it a shot.
Now, hit the ground running. Hit the ground running means to start something energetically and effectively from the very beginning. No slow warm-up, full speed from day one. Listen, she hit the ground running. By the end of her first week, she already knew everyone's name and had a plan. Shadow it smoothly. She hit the ground running. By the end of her first week, she already knew everyone's name and had a plan.
Now, cut corners. Cut corners means to do something in the easiest or cheapest way, usually by skipping important steps. It almost always carries a negative implication.
Listen. We cannot afford to cut corners on this one. The quality has to be right.
Speak it clearly. We cannot afford to cut corners on this one. The quality has to be right.
Now, go the extra mile. Go the extra mile means to make more effort than is required or expected. To do more than the minimum.
Listen. What I love about this team is that everyone genuinely goes the extra mile without being asked.
Now you What I love about this team is that everyone genuinely goes the extra mile without being asked.
Now pull your weight. Pull your weight means to do your fair share of work. To contribute as much as everyone else in a group or team. Listen. As long as everyone pulls their weight, I think we can get this done by Friday. Let's hear it. As long as everyone pulls their weight, I think we can get this done by Friday.
Now, put your foot down. Put your foot down means to be firm and refuse to accept something. To assert your position clearly and without giving way.
Listen. At some point you have to put your foot down and say this is not acceptable.
Try it naturally. At some point you have to put your foot down and say this is not acceptable.
Now take the plunge. Take the plunge means to do something bold or committing after a period of hesitation. To finally go ahead with something you have been considering for a while. Listen. After years of thinking about it, she finally took the plunge and started her own business.
Shadow it. After years of thinking about it, she finally took the plunge and started her own business.
Now, mean business. Mean business means to be completely serious about something. To be genuinely determined and not just talking about it. Listen.
When she said she was going to change the whole system, she meant business.
Speak it with conviction. When she said she was going to change the whole system, she meant business.
Let's practice a full effort and action idiom sequence. Shadow every line.
Listen. How is the new team member settling in? Try it. How is the new team member settling in? Listen. She is fantastic. She hit the ground running from day one. Goes the extra mile constantly without being asked. pulls her weight and then some. I think she really means business about making a difference here.
Let the words flow. She is fantastic.
She hit the ground running from day one.
Goes the extra mile constantly without being asked. Pulls her weight and then some. I think she really means business about making a difference here. Listen.
And the project itself.
Are you cutting any corners to meet the deadline?
Now you and the project itself, are you cutting any corners to meet the deadline?
Listen, absolutely not. We gave it a shot with a faster approach last month and it did not work out. So we put our foot down and said we are going to do this properly even if it takes longer.
Finish the scene.
Absolutely not. We gave it a shot with a faster approach last month and it did not work out. So we put our foot down and said we are going to do this properly even if it takes longer.
Two full sequences, two conversations that used effort idioms fluently and naturally. Let's practice one more effort idiom sequence. This one about a personal decision.
Shadow every line. Listen. Are you going to apply for the promotion?
Try it. Are you going to apply for the promotion?
Listen. I keep going back and forth.
Personally, I think I should give it a shot. I have been meaning to take the plunge for a while.
Speak it. I keep going back and forth.
Personally, I think I should give it a shot. I have been meaning to take the plunge for a while.
Listen. What is stopping you? Let's hear it. What is stopping you? Listen.
Honestly, I am worried about whether I can go the extra mile that the new role requires. I do not want to cut corners just to keep up. Shadow it smoothly.
Honestly, I am worried about whether I can go the extra mile that the new role requires. I do not want to cut corners just to keep up. Listen, you you absolutely pull your weight. Everyone can see that. Now you you absolutely pull your weight. Everyone can see that.
Listen, that means a lot. I think I need to put my foot down and just commit. If I mean business about my career, this is the moment. Wrap it up. That means a lot. I think I need to put my foot down and just commit. If I mean business about my career, this is the moment.
Now, the seventh family, idioms for difficulty and pressure. Because life is not always smooth and having the language to describe difficulty and pressure naturally is one of the marks of a truly fluent speaker.
Under the weather. Under the weather means feeling slightly unwell or not at your best. It is gentle and natural and very widely used. Listen. I have been feeling a bit under the weather this week. Nothing serious but not quite right. Try it out loud. I have been feeling a bit under the weather this week. Nothing serious but not quite right.
Now in over your head. In over your head means to be in a situation that is beyond your current ability or resources to handle.
Listen. I think I took on too much too quickly and now I feel like I am in over my head. Shadow it. I think I took on too much too quickly and now I feel like I am in over my head.
Now bite off more than you can chew.
Bite off more than you can chew means to take on more than you are capable of handling. It is similar to in over your head, but places more emphasis on the decision to take on too much.
Listen. I think we bit off more than we could chew with this project and now we are paying for it. Speak it naturally.
I think we bit off more than we could chew with this project and now we are paying for it. Now between a rock and a hard place. Between a rock and a hard place means caught between two difficult options where neither is good. Listen. I am completely between a rock and a hard place. If I say yes, I overcommit and if I say no, I let people down.
Now you I am completely between a rock and a hard place. If I say yes, I overcommit. And if I say no, I let people down.
Now, at the end of your rope. At the end of your rope means to have reached the limit of your patience or ability to cope.
Listen. I am honestly at the end of my rope with this situation. Something has to change.
Let's hear it. I am honestly at the end of my rope with this situation.
Something has to change.
Now, burn the candle at both ends. Burn the candle at both ends means to work extremely hard for long hours, especially by staying up late and getting up early.
Listen. She has been burning the candle at both ends for months and it is starting to show.
Shadow it smoothly. She has been burning the candle at both ends for months and it is starting to show. Let's practice a full difficulty idiom sequence.
Shadow every line.
Listen. How are you doing? You look exhausted.
Try it. How are you doing? You look exhausted.
Listen.
Honestly, I have been a bit under the weather on top of everything else. I think I bit off more than I could chew this month. I am burning the candle at both ends and I am starting to feel in over my head.
Let the words flow.
Honestly, I have been a bit under the weather on top of everything else. I think I bit off more than I could chew this month. I am burning the candle at both ends and I am starting to feel in over my head.
Listen. Is there anything I can do to help now? You. Is there anything I can do to help?
Listen.
I am a bit between a rock and a hard place because I cannot really hand anything off right now. But honestly, just talking about it helps. I was at the end of my rope earlier this week.
Finish the scene. I am a bit between a rock and a hard place because I cannot really hand anything off right now. But honestly, just talking about it helps. I was at the end of my rope earlier this week.
Real human. That is what difficulty idioms do. They give you the language for the hard moments as well as the good ones. Let's practice two more difficulty idiom sequences.
Shadow this first one. Listen.
You seem stressed. Is everything okay?
Speak it. You seem stressed. Is everything okay?
Listen. Honestly, I am a bit under the weather on top of everything else.
I think I burned the candle at both ends last month and now I am paying for it.
Shadow it. Honestly, I am a bit under the weather on top of everything else. I think I burned the candle at both ends last month and now I am paying for it.
Listen. Is the workload easing at all?
Let's hear it. Is the workload easing at all? Listen slowly. I was really in over my head for a while. I bit off more than I could chew in January and it has taken this long to recover.
Try it out loud slowly.
I was really in over my head for a while. I bit off more than I could chew in January and it has taken this long to recover.
Now shadow this second sequence.
Listen.
How is she handling the new role?
Speak it. How is she handling the new role?
Listen. Between a rock and a hard place.
I think the previous person left the team in a difficult state and she inherited all of it.
Shadow it smoothly.
Between a rock and a hard place. I think the previous person left the team in a difficult state and she inherited all of it.
Listen, is she managing now? You is she managing?
Listen, she is but she is at the end of her rope some days. The thing is she will not ask for help which makes it harder.
Bring it home. She is, but she is at the end of her rope some days. The thing is, she will not ask for help, which makes it harder.
Now, the eighth family, idioms for time and progress.
In the long run.
In the long run means over an extended period of time. When you consider how things will develop over months or years rather than days or weeks.
Listen.
In the long run, I think this decision will turn out to be the right one even if it is painful. Now, try it out loud. In the long run, I think this decision will turn out to be the right one even if it is painful now.
Now, sooner or later.
Sooner or later means at some point, inevitably, whether it happens quickly or takes more time.
Listen.
Sooner or later, the truth tends to come out and it is better to be honest from the beginning.
Shadow it.
Sooner or later, the truth tends to come out and it is better to be honest from the beginning.
Now, ahead of schedule.
Ahead of schedule means finishing or progressing faster than planned.
Listen. We are actually ahead of schedule, which is a rare and wonderful thing.
Let's hear it.
We are actually ahead of schedule which is a rare and wonderful thing.
Now, right on time.
Right on time means exactly when expected or required. Neither early nor late. Listen. The report arrived right on time. Not a day to spare, but not a day late either.
Speak it naturally.
The report arrived right on time. Not a day to spare, but not a day late either.
Now, at the last minute. At the last minute means at the very latest possible moment, often with a sense of relief or mild stress. Listen. As usual, everything came together at the last minute. But it came together.
Now you as usual everything came together at the last minute. But it came together.
Now in no time. In no time means very quickly, faster than expected.
Listen. Once we got the right people in the room, the solution became clear in no time.
Shadow it smoothly.
Once we got the right people in the room, the solution became clear in no time.
Now, buy some time.
Buy some time means to do something that delays a decision or a deadline. To create more space to think or act.
Listen, I need to buy some time before I commit to anything. There are still too many unknowns.
Try it. I need to buy some time before I commit to anything. There are still too many unknowns.
Now, in due course. In due course means at the appropriate time. When the time is right, not rushed, not delayed unnecessarily.
Listen, all of this will become clearer in due course. For now, the most important thing is to stay focused.
Let the words flow.
All of this will become clearer in due course. For now, the most important thing is to stay focused.
Let's practice a fulltime idiom sequence. Shadow every line. Listen.
How is the renovation going?
Speak it. How is the renovation going?
Listen. We were ahead of schedule until last week. Then everything happened at the last minute, as it always does. But honestly, in no time, we were back on track.
In the long run, this is going to be exactly what we wanted.
Follow my rhythm.
We were ahead of schedule until last week. Then everything happened at the last minute as it always does. But honestly, in no time, we were back on track. In the long run, this is going to be exactly what we wanted.
Listen. And the decisions about the layout. Now you and the decisions about the layout.
Listen. still buying some time on that one. It will all become clear in due course.
Sooner or later, we have to commit, but we are not right on time for that decision yet.
Finish the scene. Still buying some time on that one. It will all become clear in due course.
Sooner or later, we have to commit, but we are not right on time for that decision yet.
Let's practice two more time idiom sequences.
Shadow this first one. Listen. How is the renovation going?
Try it. How is the renovation going?
Listen. Ahead of schedule for once, which is a miracle. We managed to get everything sorted in no time once the right trades people were on board.
Let's hear it.
ahead of schedule for once, which is a miracle. We managed to get everything sorted in no time once the right trades people were on board. Listen and the final details.
Speak it and the final details.
Listen. Still buying some time on the kitchen, but in due course, it will all fall into place. Sooner or later, it always does.
Shadow it. Still buying some time on the kitchen, but in due course, it will all fall into place. Sooner or later, it always does.
Now, shadow this second sequence.
Listen. Did you manage to submit the report on time?
Try it. Did you manage to submit the report on time? Listen, right on time. Honestly, it came together at the last minute as it always does, but in the long run, the extra time we spent on it was worth it. Now, you right on time. Honestly, it came together at the last minute, as it always does. But in the long run, the extra time we spent on it was worth it.
Listen and the next one. Speak it and the next one. Listen. In no time at this rate. We are actually ahead of schedule which never happens.
Wrap it up. In no time at this rate. We are actually ahead of schedule which never happens.
Now the ninth family idioms for people and relationships.
These are the idioms that describe how people interact, connect, and sometimes clash with each other.
On the same page, on the same page means sharing the same understanding, expectations, or goals.
Listen, before we start, I just want to make sure we are all on the same page about what we are trying to achieve.
Try it out loud.
Before we start, I just want to make sure we are all on the same page about what we are trying to achieve. Now, see eye to eye. See eye to eye means to agree or share the same perspective.
Often used in the negative when two people disagree.
Listen, we do not always see eye to eye, but we respect each other enormously.
Shadow it. We do not always see eye to eye, but we respect each other enormously.
Now, rub someone up the wrong way. Rub someone up the wrong way means to irritate or annoy someone, often without intending to. Listen. I am not sure why, but he just rubs me up the wrong way. I think it is the way he interrupts.
Let's hear it. I am not sure why, but he just rubs me up the wrong way. I think it is the way he interrupts.
Now, break the ice. Break the ice means to do or say something that reduces tension and starts a conversation in a new or awkward social situation.
Listen, someone needs to break the ice.
Why don't you start with a question?
Speak it naturally.
Someone needs to break the ice. Why don't you start with a question now? Clear the air. Clear the air means to resolve a misunderstanding or tension by having an honest conversation about it. Listen, I think we need to clear the air before the meeting. There has been some tension lately and it is affecting everyone now. you. I think we need to clear the air before the meeting. There has been some tension lately and it is affecting everyone.
Now, read between the lines. Read between the lines means to understand what someone means beyond what they have actually said. To pick up on implied or hidden meaning. Listen. If you read between the lines of what she said, I think she is not happy with the direction.
Shadow it smoothly. If you read between the lines of what she said, I think she is not happy with the direction.
Now, get on like a house on fire. Get on like a house on fire means to like someone immediately and very much. To have a strong and easy connection from the start. Listen. They met at the conference and got on like a house on fire. Completely inseparable by the end of the evening.
Try it. They met at the conference and got on like a house on fire. Completely inseparable by the end of the evening.
Let's practice a full relationship idiom sequence. Shadow every line. Listen. How did the new team dynamic go?
Speak it. How did the new team dynamic go? Listen. Better than expected.
Honestly, most people are on the same page, which helps enormously.
There were one or two people who did not immediately see eye to eye, but we cleared the air early on, and that made all the difference.
Let the words flow. Better than expected. Honestly, most people are on the same page, which helps enormously.
There were one or two people who did not immediately see eye to eye, but we cleared the air early on, and that made all the difference.
Listen. And the new manager.
Now you and the new manager.
Listen. She broke the ice brilliantly on the first day. I think you either get on like a house on fire with her or she rubs you up the wrong way a bit.
Personally, I think if you read between the lines of what people are saying, most of them are really positive.
Finish the scene. She broke the ice brilliantly on the first day. I think you either get on like a house on fire with her or she rubs you up the wrong way a bit. Personally, I think if you read between the lines of what people are saying, most of them are really positive.
Let's practice two more relationship idiom sequences. Shadow this first one about a new working relationship.
Listen. How are you finding the new colleague?
Try it. How are you finding the new colleague?
Listen. We get on like a house on fire actually which I was not expecting. We are completely on the same page about the project direction.
Shadow it. We get on like a house on fire actually which I was not expecting.
We are completely on the same page about the project direction.
Listen. And the rest of the team. Let's hear it. and the rest of the team.
Listen, mostly fine. There is one person I find hard to read between the lines with, and I think I might rub them up the wrong way without meaning to.
Speak it clearly.
Mostly fine. There is one person I find hard to read between the lines with, and I think I might rub them up the wrong way without meaning to.
Listen. Has it caused any tension?
Now you has it caused any tension?
Listen a little. I think we need to clear the air at some point. We do not always see eye to eye, but I think once we do that, it will be much better.
Follow my rhythm a little. I think we need to clear the air at some point. We do not always see eye to eye but I think once we do that it will be much better.
Now shadow the second sequence about starting something new. Listen.
How was your first session at the new class?
Try it. How was your first session at the new class?
Listen.
Great. Actually, the teacher broke the ice really well. By the end of the session, everyone was on the same page and it felt completely relaxed.
Shadow it smoothly.
Great. Actually, the teacher broke the ice really well. By the end of the session, everyone was on the same page and it felt completely relaxed.
Listen.
Did you get on with the other people there?
Speak it. Did you get on with the other people there?
Listen.
Most of them. Yes. We were all in the same boat as beginners, which helped a lot. Finish strong.
Most of them. Yes, we were all in the same boat as beginners, which helped a lot.
We have covered a lot of ground today.
Before we move into our final section, take one more quick physical stretch.
Shake out your hands and take a long breath.
Ready? Let's move in to part three.
Now we move into part three, connectors.
And this is the part of today's session that I want you to pay particular attention to. Because if phrases are the vocabulary of natural conversation and idioms are the vocabulary of natural expression, then connectors are the architecture of natural English. They are the words and phrases that build the structure between your ideas that show the listener how your thoughts relate to each other. Whether you are adding, contrasting, giving a reason or summing up. A speaker who does not use connectors well sounds like they are listing ideas. A speaker who uses them well sounds like they are building an argument, weaving a narrative, thinking in English rather than translating into it.
And that shift from listing to building is one of the most transformative things that can happen to a learner's spoken English. So let's build it together.
The 10th family, connectors for adding ideas.
These are the connectors you use when you want to add further information or further support to something you have just said. On top of that, on top of that is one of the most natural and most used adding connectors in everyday spoken English. It adds a further point that often compounds or reinforces what came before. Listen, the project came in under budget.
And on top of that, it was delivered 2 weeks early.
Try it out loud. The project came in under budget and on top of that it was delivered two weeks early.
Listen, she is incredibly talented.
On top of that, she is one of the most collaborative people I have ever worked with.
Shadow it.
She is incredibly talented.
On top of that, she is one of the most collaborative people I have ever worked with.
Now, not only that, not only that is used to add a further and often surprising or emphatic point.
Listen, the product works exactly as promised.
Not only that, but it costs significantly less than the alternatives.
Let's hear it. The product works exactly as promised.
Not only that, but it costs significantly less than the alternatives.
Now, what is more?
What is more introduces an additional point that is often even stronger or more significant than the one before.
Listen.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
What is more, several customers have already recommended it to others.
Speak it naturally.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
What is more, several customers have already recommended it to others.
Now besides besides adds a further consideration and often signals that the previous point was already sufficient.
Listen, I do not think we should rush this.
Besides, we have not yet heard back from everyone involved.
Now you I do not think we should rush this.
Besides, we have not yet heard back from everyone involved.
Now, furthermore, furthermore is slightly more formal and is used in both spoken and written English to add a significant further point.
Listen, the data supports our original hypothesis.
Furthermore, the results have been consistent across all test groups.
Shadow it smoothly.
The data supports our original hypothesis.
Furthermore, the results have been consistent across all test groups.
Now, in addition, in addition is clean and direct and works in any register.
Listen.
In addition to the budget concerns, there are some timeline issues we need to address.
Try it. In addition to the budget concerns, there are some timeline issues we need to address. Now, to make matters worse, To make matters worse is used to add a further negative point to an already difficult situation.
Listen, the deadline was moved forward.
To make matters worse, two members of the team were away that week. Let the words flow. The deadline was moved forward. To make matters worse, two members of the team were away that week.
Now, come to think of it, come to think of it signals that an additional thought has just occurred to you. It is natural and conversational and slightly spontaneous.
Listen. Actually, come to think of it, I believe we went through something similar last year. Speak it clearly.
Actually, come to think of it, I believe we went through something similar last year. Let's practice a full adding connector sequence. Shadow every line.
Listen.
Why do you think the new approach has worked so well? Try it. Why do you think the new approach has worked so well?
Listen. I think it worked for a few reasons. The team was more experienced this time. On top of that, we had a much clearer brief from the beginning. Not only that, but we gave people more autonomy to make decisions.
What is more, the communication across teams was genuinely better. Furthermore, come to think of it, the timing was just right. All of those things together made the difference.
Follow my rhythm. I think it worked for a few reasons. The team was more experienced this time. On top of that, we had a much clearer brief from the beginning. Not only that, but we gave people more autonomy to make decisions.
What is more, the communication across teams was genuinely better. Furthermore, come to think of it, the timing was just right. All of those things together made the difference.
Let's practice two more adding connector sequences.
Shadow this first one. Listen. Why do you enjoy working with that team so much? Speak it. Why do you enjoy working with that team so much? Listen. They are just genuinely talented. On top of that, everyone pulls their weight without needing to be asked. Not only that, but the communication is the best I have ever experienced in a workplace. What is more, they are the kind of people who go the extra mile without making a big deal of it. Shadow it warmly. They are just genuinely talented. On top of that, everyone pulls their weight without needing to be asked. Not only that, but the communication is the best I have ever experienced in a workplace. What is more, they are the kind of people who go the extra mile without making a big deal of it. Now shadow this second sequence.
Listen. How is the new flat? Let's hear it. How is the new flat? Listen. I love it. It is in a great location.
Furthermore, it is much quieter than the old place. In addition, I actually have a proper workspace now, which makes a huge difference. Come to think of it, I should have made the move sooner. Finish the scene. I love it. It is in a great location. Furthermore, it is much quieter than the old place. In addition, I actually have a proper workspace now, which makes a huge difference. Come to think of it, I should have made the move sooner. Now, the 11th family, connectors for contrasting.
These are some of the most important connectors in the entire language because they allow you to present complexity. To acknowledge that something is true while also saying something else is true. To show that reality is not simple.
Even so. Even so means despite what was just said. It introduces a point that holds true in spite of what came before.
Listen. The results were disappointing.
Even so, I think we learned something valuable from the process.
Try it out loud. The results were disappointing.
Even so, I think we learned something valuable from the process.
Now having said that, having said that is one of the most elegant and most used contrasting connectors in everyday English. It acknowledges the previous point and then introduces a qualification or a different perspective.
Listen, it is a genuinely difficult situation.
Having said that, I think there are more options available than people realize.
Shadow it. It is a genuinely difficult situation.
Having said that, I think there are more options available than people realize.
Now, then again, then again introduces a second thought that complicates or qualifies the first. It often signals that you are genuinely thinking something through. Listen, I think we should act quickly. Then again, rushing has caused problems before.
Speak it naturally. I think we should act quickly.
Then again, rushing has caused problems before.
Now, at the same time, at the same time signals that two things are simultaneously true, even though they may seem to be intention. Listen, I understand why the decision was made. At the same time, I think it was premature.
Now you I understand why the decision was made. At the same time, I think it was premature.
Now, on the other hand, on the other hand is the classic way of presenting the alternative perspective in a balanced argument. Listen. On the one hand, it saves time. On the other hand, it increases the risk significantly.
Let's hear it. On the one hand, it saves time. On the other hand, it increases the risk significantly.
Now, that said, that said is a more concise version of having said that equally natural and very widely used. Listen, it was not perfect.
That said, it was a significant improvement on what we had before.
Shadow it smoothly.
It was not perfect. That said, it was a significant improvement on what we had before.
Now, nevertheless, Nevertheless is slightly more formal and introduces a strong contrast. It signals that the previous point is acknowledged, but does not change what follows.
Listen.
There were significant obstacles along the way. Nevertheless, the team delivered.
Try it. There were significant obstacles along the way. Nevertheless, the team delivered.
Now, all the same. All the same is warm and conversational and introduces a qualification that persists despite everything. Listen. I know it is a lot to ask. All the same. I think it is worth trying. Let the words flow. I know it is a lot to ask. All the same. I think it is worth trying. Let's practice a full contrasting connector sequence.
Shadow every line. Listen. What do you think of the new proposal?
Speak it. What do you think of the new proposal?
Listen, honestly, it has some real strengths.
Having said that, I have a few reservations.
On the one hand, the ambition is exactly right. On the other hand, the timeline feels very optimistic.
Then again, I could be wrong. At the same time, I do not want to be too cautious.
That said, I think it is worth raising the timeline question before we commit.
All the same, I am broadly supportive.
Follow my rhythm. Honestly, it has some real strengths. Having said that, I have a few reservations.
On the one hand, the ambition is exactly right. On the other hand, the timeline feels very optimistic.
Then again, I could be wrong.
At the same time, I do not want to be too cautious. That said, I think it is worth raising the timeline question before we commit. All the same, I am broadly supportive, balanced, thoughtful, genuinely fluent. Let's practice two more contrasting connector sequences. Shadow this first one.
Listen. Would you recommend the course?
Try it. Would you recommend the course?
Listen. To some extent, yes. Having said that, it is very intensive and not right for everyone. On the one hand, the content is genuinely excellent. On the other hand, the pace is relentless.
Then again, if you are serious about improving, it is hard to beat. All the same, I would suggest trying a taster session first. Let's hear it. To some extent, yes. Having said that, it is very intensive and not right for everyone.
On the one hand, the content is genuinely excellent. On the other hand, the pace is relentless.
Then again, if you are serious about improving, it is hard to beat. All the same, I would suggest trying a taster session first. Now, shadow this second sequence. Listen. Do you think remote working is better than being in an office? Speak it. Do you think remote working is better than being in an office?
Listen. At the same time, both have real advantages.
Even so, I think there is something about being physically present with a team that is hard to replicate. That said, the flexibility of remote work is genuinely valuable. Nevertheless, most people I know prefer some kind of combination. On balance, I think hybrid is the future. Now, you at the same time, both have real advantages.
Even so, I think there is something about being physically present with a team that is hard to replicate.
That said, the flexibility of remote work is genuinely valuable.
Nevertheless, most people I know prefer some kind of combination.
On balance, I think hybrid is the future. Now, the 12th family, connectors for cause and result. These are the connectors that show why something happened or what something leads to. As a result, as a result is one of the clearest and most direct cause and result connectors. Listen. We changed the approach completely. As a result, the whole project moved faster. Try it out loud. We changed the approach completely. As a result, the whole project moved faster.
Now, that is why. That is why is the most natural and conversational cause and result connector. It is used constantly in everyday spoken English.
Listen. Nobody was given a clear brief.
That is why everyone went in different directions.
Shadow it. Nobody was given a clear brief. That is why everyone went in different directions.
Now with that in mind, with that in mind is used after explaining a context or situation and then saying what follows from it. Listen, we have a very tight deadline. With that in mind, I think we need to prioritize ruthlessly.
Let's hear it. We have a very tight deadline. With that in mind, I think we need to prioritize ruthlessly.
Now, it follows that it follows that is slightly more formal and introduces a logical conclusion that is drawn from what has been established.
Listen. If the data is correct, then it follows that our original estimate was too conservative.
Speak it naturally. If the data is correct, then it follows that our original estimate was too conservative.
Now, because of this, because of this is direct and clear and explains the direct cause of something. Listen, the communication broke down early because of this. The team lost focus.
Now you the communication broke down early because of this. The team lost focus.
Now, which means that which means that introduces the practical implication or consequence of something. Listen. The budget has been reduced by 20%.
Which means that we need to rethink the scope. Shadow it smoothly. The budget has been reduced by 20%.
Which means that we need to rethink the scope now. And so and so is the most natural and conversational connector for introducing a consequence in everyday speech. Listen. Nobody told me the meeting had been moved. And so I turned up at the wrong time to the wrong room.
Try it. Nobody told me the meeting had been moved. And so I turned up at the wrong time to the wrong room.
Now, no wonder. No wonder introduces a consequence that in retrospect makes complete sense. It carries a tone of realization.
Listen. She had been working 18-hour days for 3 months. No wonder she needed a break. Let the words flow. She had been working 18-hour days for 3 months.
No wonder she needed a break.
Let's practice a full cause and result connector sequence. Shadow every line.
Listen. Can you explain why the launch did not go as planned?
Speak it. Can you explain why the launch did not go as planned? Listen. Of course. The brief changed three times in the final week. Because of this, the team lost focus. As a result, several key decisions were made without enough information, which means that the launch itself was built on unstable foundations.
With that in mind, I think the lesson is clear. That is why I am recommending we build more buffer time into the next cycle. It follows that if we do that, the outcomes will be significantly better. Follow my rhythm. Of course, the brief changed three times in the final week. Because of this, the team lost focus. As a result, several key decisions were made without enough information, which means that the launch itself was built on unstable foundations.
With that in mind, I think the lesson is clear. That is why I am recommending we build more buffer time into the next cycle. It follows that if we do that, the outcomes will be significantly better. Let's practice two more cause and result sequences.
Shadow this first one. Listen. Why did the event go so well? Try it. Why did the event go so well? Listen. A few reasons. The team prepared thoroughly.
As a result, there were no lastminute surprises.
Furthermore, everyone knew their role, which means that things ran smoothly. No wonder the feedback was so positive.
Let's hear it. A few reasons. The team prepared thoroughly. As a result, there were no lastminut surprises.
Furthermore, everyone knew their role, which means that things ran smoothly.
No wonder the feedback was so positive.
Now shadow this second sequence.
Listen.
What went wrong with the launch?
Speak it. What went wrong with the launch?
Listen. The product was not tested properly before release.
Because of this, several early users experienced problems.
As a result, trust in the brand took a hit.
which means that we now have to work twice as hard to rebuild confidence.
With that in mind, our entire focus this quarter is on quality rather than speed.
That is why we have slowed the next release down.
Now you the product was not tested properly before release.
Because of this, several early users experienced problems.
As a result, trust in the brand took a hit, which means that we now have to work twice as hard to rebuild confidence.
With that in mind, our entire focus this quarter is on quality rather than speed.
That is why we have slowed the next release down.
Now the 13th and final family connectors for concluding and summarizing.
These are the connectors that signal you are drawing together everything you have said into a final clear thought.
All in all.
All in all is perhaps the most natural and most widely used summary connector in everyday English.
It introduces a balanced overall assessment.
Listen, all in all, I think it has been a really positive quarter. Not without its challenges, but the direction is right.
Try it out loud.
All in all, I think it has been a really positive quarter.
Not without its challenges, but the direction is right. Now, at the end of the day, at the end of the day is one of the most characteristically native concluding phrases in everyday English.
It strips away the complexity and identifies what really matters.
Listen, at the end of the day, what matters most is whether the people involved feel good about the outcome.
Shadow it. At the end of the day, what matters most is whether the people involved feel good about the outcome.
Now, the bottom line is the bottom line is introduces the most essential and irreducible conclusion, the thing that cannot be argued with.
Listen, the bottom line is we need more resources to do this properly.
There is no other way to say it. Let's hear it. The bottom line is we need more resources to do this properly.
There is no other way to say it. Now, when all is said and done, when all is said and done is used to introduce a final assessment that considers everything that has happened.
Listen. When all is said and done, I think we made the best decisions we could with the information we had.
Speak it naturally.
When all is said and done, I think we made the best decisions we could with the information we had.
Now, on balance.
On balance is used when you are weighing up positives and negatives and arriving at a considered overall verdict.
Listen. On balance, I think the positives outweigh the negatives.
It was not a smooth process, but the result was worth it. Now you on balance I think the positives outweigh the negatives. It was not a smooth process but the result was worth it. Now taking everything into account taking everything into account signals a comprehensive and considered summary.
Listen. Taking everything into account.
This has been one of the most challenging but also most rewarding projects I have worked on.
Shadow it smoothly.
Taking everything into account, this has been one of the most challenging but also most rewarding projects I have worked on.
Now, all things considered, all things considered is slightly more formal but equally natural. It signals a measured and fair summary.
Listen. All things considered, I think the team did exceptionally well given the circumstances.
Try it. All things considered, I think the team did exceptionally well given the circumstances.
Now to sum up. To sum up is clean and direct and signals that you are about to give a brief and final summary.
Listen to sum up. The plan is solid. The team is ready and the timing is right.
Let the words flow. To sum up, the plan is solid. The team is ready and the timing is right. Let's practice a full concluding connector sequence.
Shadow every line.
Listen.
What is your overall assessment of the year?
Speak it.
What is your overall assessment of the year?
Listen, that is a big question.
All in all, I think it has been a year of real growth, even if it did not always feel that way in the moment.
When all is said and done, we made progress on the things that mattered most. On balance, the difficult decisions paid off.
Taking everything into account, I am proud of what we built together.
The bottom line is we are in a better position now than we were 12 months ago.
At the end of the day, that is what counts.
All things considered, I would not change very much. To sum up, it was hard.
It was worth it. And we are ready for what comes next.
Follow my rhythm.
That is a big question.
All in all, I think it has been a year of real growth. Even if it did not always feel that way in the moment, when all is said and done, we made progress on the things that mattered most.
On balance, the difficult decisions paid off.
Taking everything into account, I am proud of what we built together.
The bottom line is we are in a better position now than we were 12 months ago.
At the end of the day, that is what counts.
All things considered, I would not change very much. To sum up, it was hard. It was worth it. And we are ready for what comes next.
Let's practice two more concluding connector sequences.
Shadow this first one. Listen.
What is your overall view of the decision to move cities?
Try it. What is your overall view of the decision to move cities?
Listen.
All in all, I have no regrets.
On balance, the quality of life here is significantly better. Having said that, the first 6 months were harder than I expected.
Even so, taking everything into account, I would make the same decision again.
At the end of the day, the things I was looking for are here.
To sum up, scary at first, worth it completely.
Let's hear it. All in all, I have no regrets.
On balance, the quality of life here is significantly better. Having said that, the first six months were harder than I expected.
Even so, taking everything into account, I would make the same decision again.
At the end of the day, the things I was looking for are here.
To sum up, scary at first, worth it completely.
Now shadow this second sequence. Listen.
How would you describe this year for the company?
Speak it. How would you describe this year for the company?
Listen.
The bottom line is we grew not without difficulty.
Not without moments where we were genuinely between a rock and a hard place.
But when all is said and done, we are in a stronger position than we were.
All things considered, the team rose to every challenge.
On balance, I am proud of what we built.
Taking everything into account, this was a year that will matter.
Now you, the bottom line is we grew. Not without difficulty.
Not without moments where we were genuinely between a rock and a hard place. But when all is said and done, we are in a stronger position than we were.
All things considered, the team rose to every challenge.
On balance, I am proud of what we built.
Taking everything into account, this was a year that will matter.
Now, let's bring everything together.
All three parts, phrases, idioms, and connectors flowing naturally in real conversations the way they do when a native speaker is comfortable and present in the language.
This is the full picture. Shadow every single line with your real voice and full presence. First extended mixed conversation. Two colleagues discussing a project that has been challenging.
Listen.
Morning. How are things looking with the Henderson project?
Try it. Morning. How are things looking with the Henderson project?
Listen. To be honest, it is a bit up in the air still. The goalpost kept moving last month and we went back to square one twice.
Shadow it. To be honest, it is a bit up in the air still. The goalpost kept moving last month and we went back to square one twice.
Listen. That sounds exhausting. How is the team holding up? Let's hear it. That sounds exhausting. How is the team holding up? Listen, honestly, some people were burning the candle at both ends for a while, but we cleared the air last week, which helped. On top of that, we finally got everyone on the same page about the direction. Speak it naturally.
Honestly, some people were burning the candle at both ends for a while, but we cleared the air last week, which helped.
On top of that, we finally got everyone on the same page about the direction.
Listen, so things are improving now. You so things are improving.
Listen, I would say yes, we are on the right track now. Having said that, we are cutting it close on the timeline.
The thing is the brief only became clear recently. That is why we lost so much time early on.
shadow it smoothly. I would say yes, we are on the right track now. Having said that, we are cutting it close on the timeline. The thing is the brief only became clear recently. That is why we lost so much time early on. Listen, is there anything you need from my side?
Try it. Is there anything you need from my side?
Listen, if you ask me, the most useful thing right now would be to touch base with the client and buy some time on the final deadline. Not only that, but it would help if we could get a clearer signoff process in place. Because of this uncertainty, things keep stalling at the last minute. Let the words flow.
If you ask me, the most useful thing right now would be to touch base with the client and buy some time on the final deadline. Not only that, but it would help if we could get a clearer signoff process in place. Because of this uncertainty, things keep stalling at the last minute.
Listen. Understood. I will reach out today. What is your overall read on the outcome?
Speak it. Understood. I will reach out today. What is your overall read on the outcome?
Listen, on balance, I am cautiously optimistic. The team has hit the ground running since the reset. All things considered, I think we are going to get there. At the end of the day, the work is solid. We just need a bit more time.
Follow my rhythm. On balance, I am cautiously optimistic. The team has hit the ground running since the reset. All things considered, I think we are going to get there. At the end of the day, the work is solid. We just need a bit more time.
Listen. Okay, let's touch base again on Thursday.
Now you Okay, let's touch base again on Thursday.
Listen. Perfect. And listen, all in all, I just want to say the support from your side has made a real difference. To sum up, we are in a good place. Just a bit tired.
Finish the scene. Perfect. And listen, all in all, I just want to say the support from your side has made a real difference. To sum up, we are in a good place. Just a bit tired. Second extended mixed conversation. Two friends catching up after a difficult few months. Listen.
How have you been? I feel like we have not properly talked in ages. Try it. How have you been? I feel like we have not properly talked in ages.
Listen.
Honestly, I have been a bit under the weather on top of everything else. I bit off more than I could chew this year.
And I am only now starting to come up for air. Shadow it.
Honestly, I have been a bit under the weather on top of everything else. I bit off more than I could chew this year and I am only now starting to come up for air. Listen, I had a feeling. I read between the lines of a few of your messages and thought something was going on. Let's hear it. I had a feeling. I read between the lines of a few of your messages and thought something was going on. Listen, you know me too well. The thing is I kept telling myself I was fine. Having said that, by October I was genuinely at the end of my rope. Speak it with feeling. You know me too well.
The thing is I kept telling myself I was fine. Having said that, by October I was genuinely at the end of my rope. Listen what happened. Now you what happened?
Listen.
Work mostly in over my head with a project that I probably should not have taken on. To make matters worse, a few personal things came up at the same time. That is why everything felt so heavy.
Shadow it smoothly.
Work mostly in over my head with a project that I probably should not have taken on. To make matters worse, a few personal things came up at the same time. That is why everything felt so heavy. Listen. I am really sorry. Are things better now? Try it.
I am really sorry. Are things better now? Listen, in the long run, yes. At the end of the day, going through that taught me something about what matters.
The way I see it, I needed to put my foot down on my own limits. And sooner or later, that lesson was coming. Let the words flow. in the long run. Yes. At the end of the day, going through that taught me something about what matters.
The way I see it, I needed to put my foot down on my own limits. And sooner or later, that lesson was coming.
Listen. And now speak it. And now listen. Now I am getting back on the right track. Not only that, but I actually feel more clear about what I want than I did before. On balance, I think it was worth it. Even so, I would not want to repeat it. Follow my rhythm.
Now, I am getting back on the right track. Not only that, but I actually feel more clear about what I want than I did before. On balance, I think it was worth it. Even so, I would not want to repeat it. Listen, I get it completely.
I am so glad you are okay. Now you get it completely. I am so glad you are okay. Listen, thank you. Honestly, it means a lot.
Come to think of it, I should have talked to you sooner. All things considered, you are one of the people who would have helped me get the ball rolling on sorting it out. Finish the thought.
Thank you. Honestly, it means a lot.
Come to think of it, I should have talked to you sooner. All things considered, you are one of the people who would have helped me get the ball rolling on sorting it out. Listen, anytime. Seriously, try it anytime. Seriously, listen.
I know and I will not leave it so long next time. That is a promise.
Wrap it up. I know and I will not leave it so long next time. That is a promise.
Third extended mixed conversation.
Someone sharing a significant decision with a friend. Listen. I wanted to tell you something.
I have decided to take the plunge and go freelance.
Speak it. I wanted to tell you something. I have decided to take the plunge and go freelance.
Listen.
No way. Seriously, that is such a big step. What made you decide now?
React with surprise.
No way. Seriously, that is such a big step. What made you decide now?
Listen, it has been a long time coming.
If you ask me, I have been in the same boat as a lot of people who feel they have outgrown their current situation.
The way I see it, it was now or never.
Shadow it. It has been a long time coming. If you ask me, I have been in the same boat as a lot of people who feel they have outgrown their current situation.
The way I see it, it was now or never.
Listen.
And the practicalities.
Let's hear it. and the practicalities.
Listen, it is not that straightforward to be honest. There are a lot of things up in the air still. On top of that, it is hard to say exactly how long it will take to get the business to where I want it. Speak it naturally.
It is not that straightforward to be honest. There are a lot of things up in the air still. On top of that, it is hard to say exactly how long it will take to get the business to where I want it. Listen, what does your gut tell you?
Now, you what does your gut tell you?
Listen, my feeling is that I am on the right track. I have been doing the groundwork for a while. I am not cutting corners on the preparation.
What really matters is that I am doing this for the right reasons.
Shadow it smoothly.
My feeling is that I am on the right track. I have been doing the groundwork for a while. I am not cutting corners on the preparation.
What really matters is that I am doing this for the right reasons.
Listen. Are you scared? Try it. Are you scared?
Listen, that is a tricky one. To some extent, yes. Having said that, I have never felt more clear about a decision in my life. Then again, there are moments at 2 in the morning when I wonder what on earth I am doing.
Let the words flow.
That is a tricky one. To some extent, yes. Having said that, I have never felt more clear about a decision in my life.
Then again, there are moments at 2 in the morning when I wonder what on earth I am doing.
Listen, that sounds completely normal.
Speak it. That sounds completely normal.
Listen, I know the bottom line is I have to give it a shot. In the long run, I will regret it more if I do not try than if I try and it takes longer than I hoped. Taking everything into account, this is the right time.
Follow my rhythm. I know the bottom line is I have to give it a shot. In the long run, I will regret it more if I do not try than if I try and it takes longer than I hoped. Taking everything into account, this is the right time. Listen, I think you are absolutely on the right track and you are not in this alone.
Now you I think you are absolutely on the right track and you are not in this alone.
Listen that means everything honestly all in all I feel good about it terrified and good. Shadow it warmly.
That means everything honestly.
All in all, I feel good about it.
Terrified and good. Listen, the best decisions usually feel like that. Try it. The best decisions usually feel like that. Listen.
I think you are right. When all is said and done, the only thing I would tell my younger self is to take the plunge sooner.
Bring it home.
I think you are right. When all is said and done, the only thing I would tell my younger self is to take the plunge sooner. Those three conversations used all three parts of today's session naturally and warmly. Phrases and idioms and connectors woven together the way they are in real English. Not listed, built.
Now, let's do the complete phrase reference run. Every key item from today's session, shadow each one with full voice. This is your consolidation.
Giving opinion phrases. Listen. If you ask me, follow along. If you ask me, as far as I am concerned, speak it. As far as I am concerned, personally I think try it. Personally, I think from my point of view now you from my point of view. My feeling is let's hear it. My feeling is the way I see it.
Shadow it. The way I see it, I would say speak it softly. I would say clarifying phrases. Listen. What I mean is, try it.
What I mean is to put it another way.
Now you to put it another way. Just to clarify. Shadow it. Just to clarify.
What I am trying to say is let's hear it. What I am trying to say is in other words speak it in other words let me rephrase that. Try it. Let me rephrase that. Does that make sense? Now you does that make sense? Emphasis phrases.
Listen. The thing is shadow it. The thing is what really matters is speak it. What really matters is above all let's hear it above all the point I am making is try it. The point I am making is the fact is now you the fact is if nothing else shadow it. If nothing else, more than anything, speak it. More than anything, hedging phrases. Listen. It depends. Try it. It depends. It is hard to say. Shadow it. It is hard to say.
That is a tricky one. Let's hear it.
That is a tricky one. It is not that straightforward.
Now you it is not that straightforward to some extent. Speak it to some extent.
Up to a point. Try it. Up to a point. It varies. Shadow it. It varies. Progress idioms. Listen. On the right track.
Let's hear it. On the right track. Back to square one. Now you back to square one. In the same boat, speak it in the same boat. Get the ball rolling. Try it.
Get the ball rolling. Move the goalposts. Shadow it. Move the goalposts.
Touch base. Let's hear it. Touch base up in the air. Now you up in the air. Gain ground. Speak it. Gain ground. Effort idioms. Listen. Give it a shot. Try it.
Give it a shot. Hit the ground running.
Shadow it. Hit the ground running. Cut corners. Let's hear it. Cut corners. Go the extra mile. Now you go the extra mile. Pull your weight. Speak it. Pull your weight. Put your foot down. Try it.
Put your foot down. Take the plunge.
Shadow it. Take the plunge. Mean business. Let's hear it. Mean business.
Difficulty idioms. Listen. Under the weather. Now you under the weather. In over your head. Speak it in. Over your head. Bite off more than you can chew.
Try it. Bite off more than you can chew.
Between a rock and a hard place. Shadow it. Between a rock and a hard place. At the end of your rope. Let's hear it. At the end of your rope. Burn the candle at both ends. Now you burn the candle at both ends. Time idioms. Listen. In the long run, speak it. In the long run, sooner or later, try it. Sooner or later. Ahead of schedule. Shadow it.
Ahead of schedule. Right on time. Let's hear it. Right on time. At the last minute. Now you at the last minute. In no time. Speak it in no time. Buy some time. Try it. Buy some time. In due course. Shadow it. In due course.
Relationship idioms. Listen. On the same page. Let's hear it. On the same page.
See eye to eye. Now you see eye to eye.
Rub someone up the wrong way. Speak it.
Rub someone up the wrong way. Break the ice. Try it. Break the ice. Clear the air. Shadow it. Clear the air. Read between the lines. Let's hear it. Read between the lines. Get on like a house on fire. Now you get on like a house on fire. Adding connectors. Listen. On top of that, speak it. on top of that. Not only that, try it. Not only that, what is more? Shadow it. What is more besides? Let's hear it. Besides, furthermore, now you furthermore. In addition, speak it. In addition to make matters worse, try it. To make matters worse, come to think of it, shadow it. Come to think of it, contrasting connectors. Listen, even so, let's hear it. Even so, having said that, now you having said that, then again, speak it then again. At the same time. Try it. At the same time. On the other hand. Shadow it. On the other hand. That said. Let's hear it. That said. Nevertheless.
Now you. Nevertheless.
All the same. Speak it. All the same.
Cause and result connectors. Listen.
As a result, try it. As a result, that is why. Shadow it. That is why with that in mind, let's hear it with that in mind. It follows that. Now you It follows that because of this. Speak it. Because of this, which means that try it. Which means that and so shadow it and so no wonder.
Let's hear it. No wonder concluding connectors listen all in all.
Now you all in all at the end of the day speak it at the end of the day. The bottom line is try it. The bottom line is when all is said and done, shadow it.
When all is said and done, on balance, let's hear it. On balance, taking everything into account. Now you taking everything into account. All things considered, speak it. All things considered to sum up. Try it. To sum up, you have just shadowed every item from today's complete session. 13 families, phrases, idioms, connectors, all of it consolidated in one run. Now, your closing affirmation.
Shadow every line with full voice and genuine feeling. This is about you and your English. Listen. I have the phrases I need to express my opinion with confidence and clarity. Try it. I have the phrases I need to express my opinion with confidence and clarity. Listen.
When I need to clarify something, I know exactly how to restate it in a way that lands. Speak it softly. When I need to clarify something, I know exactly how to restate it in a way that lands. Listen.
I know how to emphasize what matters most and how to acknowledge complexity with honesty. Shadow it. I know how to emphasize what matters most and how to acknowledge complexity with honesty.
Listen. I have the idioms to talk about progress and effort and difficulty and time and the people in my life. Let's hear it. I have the idioms to talk about progress and effort and difficulty and time and the people in my life. Listen.
My ideas are connected. They flow. They build on each other the way they do in natural English. Now you My ideas are connected. They flow. They build on each other the way they do in natural English. Listen. My English is not a list of words. It is a living language that belongs to me. Finish strong. My English is not a list of words. It is a living language that belongs to me. Take a breath and hold that. Now, your 7-day practice plan. Day one. Choose three opinion phrases and use them in real conversations today. If you ask me the way I see it, my feeling is just those three. Every time you have an opinion today, find a way to introduce it with one of these phrases instead of just saying I think. Day two, focus on clarifying.
Use what I mean is and to put it another way at least once each in a real conversation.
Notice how clearly your ideas land when you take the time to restate them. Day three. Practice the idioms for how things are going. Use on the right track or in the same boat or up in the air in a real context. These idioms are so common in workplace English that you will almost certainly have an opportunity today. Day four. Focus on connectors for adding and contrasting.
Use on top of that to add an idea and having said that to introduce a qualification.
Use both in the same conversation if you can. Day five. Use the difficulty idioms in a real moment. If someone asks how you are and you are having a tough day, try in over my head or burning the candle at both ends instead of just saying tired.
Notice how much more real the conversation becomes. Day six, practice the concluding connectors. At the end of the day, the bottom line is all in all, use at least one of these to close a thought or wrap up a conversation today.
And day seven, return to this session and shadow all three extended conversations again from beginning to end. Notice how much more natural every phrase and idiom and connector feels than it did on day one. That difference is real learning. That difference is you. You have completed the natural English phrases, idioms, and connectors session.
What you just did is not small.
13 families of language.
Phrases that shape how your opinions, clarifications, and emphases are received.
idioms that carry the weight of progress and effort and difficulty and time and human connection and connectors that transform your spoken English from a list of ideas into something that flows and builds and sounds like real thought.
All of it practiced in real sentences, in real conversations, shadowed until it started to feel natural.
Not all of it will feel immediately available.
Some of it will surface in a conversation tomorrow.
Some of it will appear in 3 weeks in a moment you were not expecting.
And some of it will quietly become part of how you speak for the rest of your life.
That is how language works. It does not arrive all at once. It accumulates phrase by phrase, idiom by idiom, connector by connector until one day you are speaking and you are not thinking about the words at all. You are just thinking about the conversation and the words are simply there.
That day is closer than it feels. and today's session moved you towards it.
Keep practicing. Keep showing up. Use one phrase today, one idiom tomorrow, one connector the day after. That is all it takes.
I will see you in the next lesson.
Take care of yourself and remember your English is alive. It is connected and it is genuinely yours.
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