A big part of learning a language is memorization, but who has time to memorize a whole dictionary!? Learning a few ready-to-use phrases is a great way to build your vocabulary with expressions you’ll actually use in real conversations.
So, what should you memorize first?
Start by asking yourself:
🤔 What situations come up where you need to use English?
🤔 Is it small talk with a coworker? Answering a question in class? Speaking up in a work meeting? Ordering a coffee on vacation?
Now think:
🧠 What phrases would help you start those conversations more easily?
🧠 What would help you respond with confidence to keep the conversation going?
🧠 Where do you tend to freeze up? Could a ready-to-use phrase help you for next time?
Going from memorized phrases to fluency.
Fluency isn’t about being perfect or being fast. It’s about being prepared. That means knowing what to say in the moments you need English.
And that’s why these types of phrases are a great place to begin.
They show up all the time in conversations, so once you get comfortable using them, they’ll be with you for life.
It’s not about learning every English expression in the universe (I’m from the U.S. and I don’t know them all either! 😅).
It’s about making your future conversations easier and more fun to join.
Now, for the phrases themselves. I’ve got you covered!
For Spanish speakers – this one covers useful expressions for daily conversations and work.
For everyone – you’ll also find a great list of useful phrases that guide you through a casual chat, from start to finish, in this one.
And here’s another tip: If your list grows to over 50 expressions and you’re not using most of them 🫣… it’s time to cut down your list.
Try the Keep or Toss method I explain in this blog post to help you focus on the phrases you actually want to use.
And finally, be patient.
It takes time to learn these expressions so that they come out naturally in conversations. But the more you use them as you converse, the faster they’ll come to you each time.
Choose one phrase. Try it a few times this week. When that starts to feel easy, it’s time to add a new one. That’s how they become your ready-to-use expressions. 🫶
Start memorizing the phrases that’ll make your conversations smoother!
Which one are you going to try first? Let me know!
And if you want more chances to use these phrases in real conversations, come try Voice Message Speaking Practice, your weekly audio message conversation time.
P.S. Know an English learner who wants to sound more natural? Forward this blog post and practice your favorite expressions together! 🎉
