English Tips
Discover techniques to improve your English and speak like a native
Learning English is an exciting and challenging journey. Initially, we focus on understanding and mastering the basics. However, as we progress, we realize the importance of sounding more natural and fluent. In this regard, it’s essential to integrate English into your daily routine. Undoubtedly, one of the most effective ways to accelerate this process is to observe how locals speak on TV shows and movies. To speak like a native, you should observe and repeat commonly spoken expressions whenever you can so that they become part of your vocabulary. Remember that imitation is how a child learns, and this is also true for adults.
Differences Between Basic and Native English
First and foremost, it’s interesting to note that basic English refers to fundamental language knowledge, focusing on simple vocabulary, basic grammatical structures, and limited communication skills. It’s typically learned as a second language but can involve difficulties in fluency and understanding cultural and contextual nuances.
On the other hand, native English is mastered by native speakers from childhood, with complete proficiency in oral and written expression, including an intuitive understanding of slang, idiomatic expressions, and forms of informal communication. Native speakers tend to have greater fluency, linguistic adaptability, and comprehension of regional and contextual variations of the English language.
To improve your conversational skills, here are some examples of phrases that can be replaced with more commonly used American expressions.
1. Common Everyday Phrases
Basic English:
- “I am tired.”
- “She is very happy.”
- “I don’t know.”
- “This is very good.”
Native English:
- “I’m beat.”
- “She’s on cloud nine.”
- “I have no clue.”
- “This is awesome.”
2. Expressions in Restaurants
Basic English:
- “Can I have the menu, please?”
- “I would like to order a coffee.”
- “The food is delicious.”
- “Check, please.”
Native English:
- “Can I see the menu?”
- “I’ll have a coffee.”
- “This food is amazing!”
- “Could we get the bill?”
3. Everyday Phrases
Basic English:
- “It’s my fault.”
- “You are correct.”
- “Please wait a moment.”
- “I am not sure.”
Native English:
- “My bad.”
- “You’re right.”
- “Hold on a sec.”
- “I’m not sure.”
4. Slang and Regional Expressions
Basic English:
- “Hello, how are you?” (Olá, como você está?)
- “Goodbye.” (Adeus.)
- “I am going to sleep.” (Vou dormir.)
- “I am very busy.” (Estou muito ocupado.)
Native English:
- “Hey, what’s up?” (Oi, como vai?)
- “Catch you later.” (Te vejo mais tarde.)
- “I’m hitting the sack.” (Vou para a cama.)
- “I’m swamped.” (Estou atolado.)
Tips to Speak English Like a Native
- Read Out Loud: Set a daily goal to read out loud for ten minutes. This improves fluency and clarity in speech.
- Use Transition Words: Avoid “uh” and “hmm.” Instead, use “also,” “for example,” and “however” to sound more fluent.
- Watch Movies and TV: Pay attention to the connections between phrases and take notes.
- Use Slang: Incorporate expressions like “my bad” and “I’m beat” to sound more natural.
How to Use Movies to Learn English and Speak Like a Native
Watching movies and TV shows in English is an excellent way to improve your language skills. It’s not just about watching but paying attention to the expressions used and how the characters interact. Use English subtitles to aid comprehension and note new words and expressions to incorporate into your vocabulary.
Integrate English Into Your Routine
- Change Your Phone’s Language: Set your phone to English to get more accustomed to the language.
- Talk to Yourself: Speak English in front of a mirror to improve confidence and fluency.
- Listen to Music and Podcasts: This helps with listening comprehension and pronunciation.
- Make Friends with Foreigners: Practicing with native speakers accelerates learning.
In summary, choosing the right words and phrases, along with observing native speakers, is essential for becoming fluent. Certainly, adopting these practices will help you master English and speak like a true native. Although it may seem repetitive, remember that continuous practice and exposure to the language are crucial for improving your linguistic skills.
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