Episode 60: Why Americans Talk to Strangers

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here. By the way, this is Episode 60 of English, please. If you’re new to the show, welcome! There are 59 more episodes waiting for you wherever you listen. And if you’re enjoying the show, the best thing you can do is follow it. [00:01:00] That helps more people find us!

Before we get started, a quick note if you would like some extra practice. After you listen, you can subscribe to the free newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. Sign up and you’ll receive a free sample lesson by email, plus English practice tips and activities with each new episode.

Okay, let’s go!

Have you ever experienced something like this? You are waiting in line at a coffee shop and you don’t know anyone around you. The person next to you says, “Can you believe how long this line is?” and smiles. They’re not angry, and they’re not looking for a real answer. They’re just talking to you.

If this has ever felt strange or confusing, you are not alone. And once you understand why Americans do [00:02:00] this, it will never feel strange again.

In many countries, talking to a stranger without a clear reason feels unusual, or even a little suspicious. But in the United States, it’s completely normal. Americans talk to strangers all the time—in elevators, in waiting rooms, at the gym, and in line at the grocery store. If you don’t understand why, it can feel confusing or even fake.

So let’s talk about why it happens, and then I’ll give you some real phrases so you can understand it, and even participate.

The first thing to understand is that small talk with strangers is not about getting information, and it is not about starting a friendship. It’s kind of a social glue, a way of saying, “I see you. I am [00:03:00] friendly. This moment is pleasant.” Think of it like a small gift. The other person is not asking for anything back. They’re just making the space feel a little bit warmer.

The second thing to understand is that Americans are often uncomfortable with silence in shared social situations—waiting in line, riding an elevator, sitting in a waiting room. These moments can feel awkward if no one says anything, and a small comment breaks that tension and makes everyone feel more at ease. This is especially common in smaller cities and towns, but even in a busy place like New York City, you’ll hear it every single day.

Now if you want to get better at hearing and understanding exactly this kind of natural, everyday English, the kind that happens in real [00:04:00] life and not in textbooks, I made something for you. It’s called the English Listening Accelerator, and it’s a workbook with audio and 10 lessons, and each one focuses on a different part of natural spoken English. You can try a free sample lesson at comullen.com/listen. That’s C-O-M-U-L-L-E-N dot com slash listen. And the full workbook is just $7.

So what does this small talk actually sound like? Here are some phrases you will hear Americans say to strangers.

“Can you believe this weather?” This is one of the most classic small talk openers. The weather is a safe topic because everyone experiences it, and it doesn’t require a personal answer. A simple “I know, right?” [00:05:00] or even just a smile and a nod is all you need.

“That’s a great bag. Where did you get it?” A small friendly compliment to a stranger is very common in the U.S., among both men and women. It’s not flirting and it’s not strange. It’s really just a friendly gesture. A good response is something like, “Oh, thank you. I got it online.” Simple and warm, and you don’t need to say anything more than that

“Have a good one.” You’ll hear this constantly from cashiers, doormen, people passing you on the street, taxi drivers. It means “Have a good day,” “Have a good night,” or “Have a good weekend,” and the right response is just “You too,” or “Thanks, you as well.”

“Staying warm out there?” or “Can you believe how hot it is?” These are [00:06:00] seasonal variations of the weather opener, and they work in the same way. The person is not really asking about your temperature, they are just making a small human connection.

And one more situation. If someone holds an elevator door for you, a simple “Thank you” with a smile is enough. You might also hear “Which floor? which is practical, but always said warmly.

Now, one thing worth knowing is that in many other cultures, not responding to a stranger is perfectly normal. It does not mean you are rude. It just means you are minding your own business, which is completely acceptable.

In the U.S. though, not responding at all with no eye contact, no smile, nothing, can feel quite cold to the person who spoke. You don’t need to have a conversation, but a small smile, a nod, or a brief [00:07:00] word, goes a long way.

A short, warm response is all that’s expected.

So the next time a stranger says something to you out of nowhere, you don’t need to feel suspicious or confused. They’re not trying to sell you something, and they’re not being fake. They’re just doing what Americans do, which is filling the space with a little warmth. And now you have the language to understand and to respond.

If you want help hearing more of that natural everyday English, the English Listening Accelerator is waiting for you at comullen.com/listen.

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks as always for your support.

See you soon!

Episode 59: Why Americans Avoid Saying No

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I'm your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I've always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you're listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here! Before we get started, a quick note if you want extra practice after you listen, you can subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. Sign up, and you'll receive a free sample lesson by email, [00:01:00] plus English practice tips and activities with each new episode.

Have you ever made plans with an American friend and then waited for a response that never came? Or maybe someone told you, "We should definitely get together soon," and then you never heard from them again? If this has happened to you, you are not alone. And here is something important to understand: it was not meant to be rude.

It's a very common pattern in American communication. Americans often avoid saying "no" directly. In many cultures, a clear "no" is honest and respectful. It saves time, and it tells the other person exactly where things stand. But in the United States, saying "no" directly can feel uncomfortable. It can feel too cold. [00:02:00] So instead, Americans use softer language. They use phrases that sound positive, but actually mean "no." Or "maybe." Or "I'm not sure."

Let me give you some examples. If someone invites you to a party and an American says, "Oh, that sounds fun, I'll try to make it" —that's probably a "no," or at least a very weak "maybe." "I will try" often means "I probably won't, but I don't want to disappoint you right now."

Another very common one: "Let's catch up soon." This phrase is friendly and it sounds like a plan, but it usually is not a plan. It's more like a warm goodbye. It means "I like you, and I'm open to seeing you, but I'm not actually scheduling anything with you."

And one more: [00:03:00] "I'll let you know." This can mean many different things depending on the situation. Sometimes it's genuine, but often, especially when someone says it without following up, it means "no."

So why do Americans communicate this way? There are a few reasons.

First, there is a strong cultural value around being positive and friendly. Americans are often taught from a young age to be encouraging, to avoid conflict, and to keep the mood light. Saying "no" directly can feel like a rejection. Making the message softer feels kinder.

Second, there is something called "saving face." This is a concept, or idea, that exists in many cultures, including the United States. [00:04:00] "Saving face" means protecting someone's feelings. If you say no directly, the other person might feel embarrassed or hurt. A softer answer lets both people feel comfortable, even if the message is not completely clear.

Knowing all of this is useful for a couple of reasons. The first reason is practical. When you're speaking English with Americans, you can listen for these soft phrases and understand what they really mean. You will feel less confused when a plan quietly disappears.

The second reason is social. You don't have to speak this way yourself, but understanding it can help you feel less hurt or surprised when it happens. It's not personal. It's just a different communication style.

If you want to get better at exactly this, hearing what English speakers [00:05:00] mean and not just the words they use, I made something for you. It's called the English Listening Accelerator. It's a workbook with 10 lessons, and each one focuses on different part, and each one focuses on a different part of natural spoken English. You can try a free lesson at co mullen.com/listen, and the full workbook is just $7.

Of course not all Americans communicate this way and not in every situation. Close friends are often more direct with each other. In a work situation being clear is more important, but in everyday social situations, the soft "no" is very common.

Here's one last phrase to know: "That's not really my thing." This is actually one of the most direct ways Americans say no to something in a [00:06:00] polite way. It is gentle but clear. It's a useful phrase to know, and even a phrase that you can use, and I guarantee you'll hear it in films or television.

So the next time someone says, "Let's definitely do that sometime," and nothing happens, you'll know what it means. And, you'll know your English is improving, because you understood the message underneath the words.

If you want help hearing more of those messages, the English listening Accelerator is waiting for you at comullen.com/listen. Again, I'm Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let's continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere [00:07:00] thanks as always for your support.

See you soon!

Episode 58: What to Do When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here.

Before we get started, a quick note: if you want extra practice after you listen, you can subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter. Sign up and you’ll receive a free sample lesson by [00:01:00] email, plus English practice tips and activities with each new episode!

In this episode, I want to talk about something that happens to almost every language learner at some point. You are in a conversation with a native English speaker. Things are going fine, and then suddenly you don’t understand what the person said. Maybe they spoke too fast. Maybe they used an expression you didn’t know. Maybe they didn’t finish their sentence clearly. Whatever the reason, you’re lost, and you freeze.

This is one of the most uncomfortable moments in language learning, and I know this because I study languages, too, and it happens to me sometimes. You nod your head, you smile, and you hope the conversation moves on, but deep down, you know you missed something [00:02:00] important.

The good news is that this is completely normal and there are real strategies you can use when it happens.

The first strategy is simple: ask for repetition. This sounds obvious, but many learners are afraid to do it. They worry it will seem rude or make them look less fluent. But the truth is, asking someone to repeat themselves is completely normal. Native speakers do it all the time. You can say something like, “Sorry, could you say that again?” or simply “Sorry?” with a rising tone. That one word is enough. It’s polite, it’s natural, and no one will think any less of you for using it.

The second strategy is to ask for clarification. This is slightly different from asking for repetition. [00:03:00] Clarification means you heard the words, but you didn’t understand the meaning. In this case, you can say “Sorry, what did you mean by that?” Or “I’m not sure I understood. Can you explain?” These phrases show that you are engaged in the conversation, and most people are happy to explain.

The third strategy is to use what you did understand. Even if you missed part of a sentence, you probably caught some words. Use them. You can say, “So you’re saying that...” and then repeat back what you understood. It shows the other person what you heard and gives them a chance to correct you, if necessary.

The fourth strategy is to be honest. Sometimes, the simplest thing to say is “I’m sorry, my English is still improving. Could you speak a [00:04:00] little more slowly?” Most people will respond with kindness, and they will appreciate your honesty. And a slower speaker is much easier to understand.

Now, here is something important to remember: the reason native English is so hard to understand is often not about vocabulary. It’s about how the words sound together. Native speakers connect words, drop sounds, and speak in a rhythm. “What are you going to do?” becomes “What are you gonna do?” “I don’t know” becomes “I dunno.” These are not mistakes. This is real natural spoken English, and this is exactly why training your ear matters so much. The more you listen to natural spoken English, the more familiar these patterns become.

Over time, your brain starts [00:05:00] to recognize them automatically. Speaking of training your ear, the English Listening Accelerator was designed for exactly this. It is a complete workbook with 10 lessons, audio, exercises, and a full answer key. Each lesson focuses on a different aspect of natural, spoken English. You can try a free sample lesson at comullen.com/listen. That’s c-o-m-u-l-l-e-n.com/listen. And if you want the full workbook, it’s just $7!

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks as always for your support.

See you [00:06:00] soon!

Episode 57: Why Is Tipping in the USA So Complicated?

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here! Before we start, a quick note: I have a free newsletter and I send it only when a new episode comes out. No spam ever. The link is in the show notes.

Now, let’s talk about something that confuses almost every person who visits the [00:01:00] United States for the first time. And honestly, it confuses plenty of Americans too.

Tipping.

Imagine you’re standing at the counter of a coffee shop here in New York. You pay for your coffee, and then a touch screen rotates toward you. It shows three options: 18%, 20%, 25%. The person behind the counter is watching. You have about three seconds to make a decision. If you know that feeling—a little awkward, a little stressful, and maybe a little ridiculous— then you already understand what we’re talking about today.

In this episode, we’re going to talk about why tipping culture exists in the United States, how it got so out of control, and what you actually need to know if you visit or live here. I don’t make these rules, [00:02:00] but I can help you understand them!

Tipping in the U.S. has an interesting history and it’s a little surprising. The idea of giving a small extra payment for service actually came from Europe in the 1800s. Wealthy Americans who traveled abroad saw it and brought it back home.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, restaurant and hotel owners realized something: if customers were expected to tip, the owners could pay workers less. And that’s exactly what happened.

Here’s something important to understand about the United States. Each state can make its own laws about wages. So, in many states, workers who receive tips have a lower minimum wage than other workers. Oh, “minimum wage” [00:03:00] is the lowest amount an employer is legally allowed to pay. In some states, that minimum wage is only $2.13 an hour. The expectation is that tips will cover the rest.

So tipping in the United States isn’t just about saying “good job” or “thank you.” It’s part of how workers get paid. That’s the key thing to understand and it changes how the whole system feels.

For a long time, tipping was fairly simple. You tipped your server at a restaurant, maybe your taxi driver, a hotel porter. 15% was standard, and that was it.

Then came technology, and, specifically, the payment tablet. Suddenly every business had a screen that asks you to tip. [00:04:00] Coffee shops. Bakeries. Fast food counters. Juice bars. The screen rotates toward you during a purchase, and there’s a moment—about three seconds— when you must make a decision while the employee is watching you.

And 15%? That’s not even the starting option anymore. The buttons often begin at 18%, with 20% or 25% as the other choices. To tip nothing, you sometimes have to press a small button that says “custom tip amount” or “no tip,” which feels a little uncomfortable.

Americans talk about this constantly. There’s even a phrase for it: “tip fatigue.” That’s the exhaustion of being asked to tip everywhere for everything.

Quick pause. If you want to [00:05:00] practice with real life American English like this, the kind of language you’ll actually use when you travel or work, I created something called the English Listening Accelerator. It’s a workbook with 10 audio lessons covering everyday situations: ordering food, making, small talk, shopping, and more. Each lesson has a transcript, vocabulary, and practice exercises, all at natural speed. You can download a free sample chapter at comullen.com/listen. That’s C-O-M-U-L-L-E-N.com/listen. The link is also in the show notes.

Okay, so what do you do about tipping? Here’s a practical guide.

At a sit-down restaurant, meaning a restaurant where a server comes to your table and takes care of you throughout the meal, tipping really isn’t optional. [00:06:00] It’s expected, and 20% is now the standard. 18% is acceptable for average service, and more than 20% if the service was excellent. This is the situation where the tip really does matter for the server’s income.

At a counter or coffee shop where you order at the register and pick up your own drink, tipping is truly optional. Most people tip a dollar or two. Some people don’t tip at all, and that’s okay. Don’t let the screen pressure you.

For food delivery, whether by app or by telephone, 15 to 20% is typical, and the delivery person usually depends on it. For taxis and ride shares like Uber, 15% is common. The app will usually ask you after the ride.

For [00:07:00] hotel housekeeping, this one surprises many visitors. It’s normal to leave a small amount each day, around $1 to $3 for the person who cleans your room. Most people leave it on the nightstand with a small note, so it’s clear the money is meant for them.

So is tipping culture in the US a little strange? Yes, very. It’s a strange system that is far from perfect, and most Americans would agree. There are real conversations happening here about whether restaurants should simply pay workers a fair wage and remove tipping. Some already have, but for now, the system is built around tipping. What I hope you take away is this: when an American server brings you the check, and there’s a blank line at the bottom, they aren’t being greedy. They’re counting on it. And now you know why.

If you want more [00:08:00] structured listening practice, the English listening Accelerator is waiting for you at comullen.com/listen, and you can try a free sample before you decide anything.

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English.

Sincere thanks as always for your support.

See you soon!

Episode 56: Valentine’s Day in the United States

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here. Valentine’s Day was last week, and New York City always does something special with it. Flower vendors were on many street corners, restaurants were booked days in advance, and red hearts were in many shop windows. It made me think [00:01:00] Valentine’s Day in the United States is actually a fascinating cultural moment, and I wanted to share it with you while it’s still fresh.

As in most places around the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th in the United States. But what does it really mean here, and why do Americans take it so seriously? Today, we’re going to explore the holiday, where it comes from, how Americans celebrate it, and what it tells us about American culture.

Let’s start with a little history. Valentine’s Day has roots going back hundreds of years to Europe. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, though historians are not completely sure which Saint Valentine, because there were several. What we do know is that by the Middle Ages, February 14th had become associated with love [00:02:00] and romance in England and France. The idea spread over time and eventually came to the United States, where it became one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year.

And “shopping” is exactly the right word. Americans spend an enormous amount of money on Valentine’s Day. In fact, billions of dollars every year. The most popular gifts are flowers, especially red roses, boxes of chocolate, greeting cards, and jewelry. Restaurants are often fully booked days in advance. Couples want to celebrate with a special dinner, so they plan ahead. It’s very big business.

But Valentine’s Day in the United States is not just for romantic couples. That’s something that surprises many people from other countries. In American [00:03:00] schools, children exchange Valentine’s cards with the entire class, not just with one special person. It’s meant to be inclusive, so no child feels left out. Children often bring small cards, sometimes with candy attached, for each of their classmates. This tradition starts when children are very young and continues through elementary school.

Adults also celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends and family, and not just romantic partners. In recent years, the idea of “Galentine’s Day” has become very popular. The name is a combination of “gal,” which is an informal word for a female friend, and “Valentine,” and this gives us “Galentine’s Day.” It’s celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day, [00:04:00] and it’s a time when women celebrate their female friendships. It started as a joke on a television show, but it’s become a real tradition that many people now enjoy.

So what does Valentine’s Day tell us about American culture?First, Americans are generally comfortable expressing emotion openly, saying”I love you,” giving gifts, and celebrating relationships are things that are not seen as embarrassing or private. They’re encouraged! Second, Americans love a holiday, especially when there is shopping. Flower shops, candy companies, greeting card companies, and restaurants all benefit a lot from February 14th.

Of course, some people criticize this saying the holiday has become too focused on money and has lost its meaning. [00:05:00] But others don’t mind at all because they enjoy having a reason to celebrate.

And if you’re single on Valentine’s Day? In the United States, that’s okay, too. Many people treat it as just another day, or they celebrate with friends. There’s even a growing tradition of watching movies, ordering food for delivery, and simply enjoying your own company on February 14th. The holiday has become flexible enough to include everyone in some way.

One last thing, and this connects directly to what I do here on English, please. Learning about holidays like Valentine’s Day, is a great way to understand the culture behind the language, and that makes your English conversations richer and more natural.

Speaking of natural English, I wanted to announce that I recently started a YouTube channel, where I share short, practical English lessons, my [00:06:00] latest video covers six more adverbs that English speakers use every day. It goes well with this podcast, and you can find the link in the show notes. I hope you’ll check it out!

And if you want more organized listening practice, the English Listening Accelerator is a complete workbook with 10 lessons, audio exercises, and a full answer key. You can try a free sample lesson at comullen.com/listen. That’s C-O-M-U-L-L-E-N dot com slash listen.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks as always for your support.

See you [00:07:00] soon! 

Episode 55: 10 Adverbs English Speakers Use Every Day

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Today, I want to talk about something that will make your English sound more natural and fluent: adverbs. I know adverbs don’t sound very interesting, but the ones we’re covering today are different, and you’ll hear them all the time in conversation. These adverbs are the ones native [00:01:00] speakers use constantly in everyday conversation. These are the words that make English feel real and natural.

Before we start, a quick reminder: I send a free newsletter with each new episode. I send it only when new episodes come out. That’s all, no spam. The link is in the show notes.

Okay, let’s go!

The first adverb is “actually,” and this one is everywhere in English. We use it in a few different ways.

First, we use “actually” to correct something or to clarify the truth. For example, “I thought the meeting was at 2:00, but actually it’s at 3:00 “or “She’s not from California. She’s actually from Florida.” We’re correcting a misunderstanding or giving the real [00:02:00] information.

But we also use “actually” in a softer way, almost like we’re being polite while disagreeing. “Actually, I think you should try a different approach” or “Actually, I’m not sure that’s the best idea.” It’s a gentle way to push back without sounding too direct.

And interestingly, sometimes people say “actually” just to emphasize what they’re saying, even when there’s no correction happening. “That movie was actually really good” or “I actually enjoyed the conference.”

In these cases actually adds just a little bit of surprise or emphasis. It’s like saying, “You know what? I really did enjoy it.” As you can see, “actually” is a versatile adverb. You’ll hear it constantly, and you can use it to [00:03:00] correct, to politely disagree, or just to add a little emphasis.

Next up: “basically.” This is one of my favorite adverbs because it’s so useful for summarizing or simplifying something. When you say “basically” you are giving the simple version like this: “Basically, the plan is to launch in March” or “Basically, we need more time.”

You are cutting through the details and getting to the main point. People use this all the time in conversation, especially when explaining something complicated: “So, basically the computer stopped working, and we lost everything.” You’re giving the short version, the essential idea.

And sometimes we use “basically” almost like a verbal pause while we’re thinking: “It’s basically, [00:04:00] well, it’s a combination.” It’s filler, but it’s natural filler. It shows your thinking and trying to simplify as you go.

One thing to watch out for though: don’t overuse “basically.” If you say it too much, it can sound like you’re trying to make everything simpler. If you use it naturally, it’s a great way to summarize and keep things clear.

Now let’s talk about “definitely.” This is how we show strong agreement or certainty. If someone asks you a question, and you want to say “yes” with confidence, you say “Definitely.” Or, “I’m definitely going to the party.” “We should definitely have dinner soon.”

It means for sure, absolutely, or without a doubt. People love this word because it’s enthusiastic and clear. If you [00:05:00] just say “yes” all the time, it can feel a little flat. But “definitely” shows you’re excited or committed.

Here’s a common way we use it:

“Do you want to grab coffee sometime?”

“Definitely. Let me know when you’re free.”

It’s friendly, positive, and very natural.

You can also use definitely to emphasize a negative. “I am definitely not going to do that again.” “That’s definitely not what I meant.” It works both ways: As a strong “yes” or as a strong “no.”

Next up: “Exactly.” This is a useful adverb that shows precision or strong agreement.

First, we use “exactly” to talk about something precise or specific. “The meeting starts at exactly 3:00.” [00:06:00] “This costs exactly $50.” “That’s exactly what I needed.”

You are emphasizing that something is precise, not just close, but we also use “exactly” to show strong agreement and this is very common in conversation.

“So, you think we should wait?”

“Exactly.”

Or: “That’s exactly right.” “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” When you say “exactly” in response to someone you’re saying “Yes, you understand perfectly. That’s precisely what I mean.” It’s enthusiastic and clear, and people use it all the time to show they’re on the same page. Oh, “on the same page” means you both understand and agree with each other.

You can also use “exactly” for emphasis in questions. [00:07:00] “What exactly are you trying to say?” “Where exactly did you put it?” In this way, it adds a little intensity or even frustration since you’re asking for precision because you are confused or even annoyed.

“Exactly” can show precision agreement, or emphasis, depending on the context.

Next, “obviously.” This one means “clearly” or “of course,” and we use it when something seems clear or certain.

For example, “Obviously, we need to finish this before the deadline” or “She’s obviously very talented.” It’s a way of saying this should be clear to everyone.

But here’s something to be careful about. “Obviously” can sometimes sound a little condescending or rude. For [00:08:00] example, if you say “Obviously you should have checked your email” it can feel like you’re saying, “How did you not know this? It’s so obvious!”

So, tone matters a lot with “obviously.” Used in a neutral or friendly way, it’s fine, but if you use it in a frustrated or sarcastic tone, it can sound rude.

People do use “obviously” a lot in casual speech though, especially when talking to friends:

“Are you coming to the party?”

“Obviously!”

That’s enthusiastic and friendly, like “Of course I am!” Just be mindful of how it might sound and more formal or tense situations.

Let’s move on to “honestly.” This is a natural way to introduce an opinion or share something truthful. When you say “honestly,” you are signaling that you are about to be direct [00:09:00] or sincere.

For example, “Honestly, I don’t think this is working” or “Honestly, I’m a little nervous.” It’s like saying, “I’m gonna tell you the truth.” We use this often in everyday conversation, especially when giving feedback or sharing feelings.

“How was the movie?”

“Honestly, I didn’t like it.”

It softens the statement a little bit, but it also shows you’re being genuine. You can use “honestly” to emphasize surprise or frustration. “Honestly, I can’t believe he said that.” “Honestly, this has been a long week.”

It’s very conversational, but don’t overuse it. Or it can sound like you’re always making a big statement about something.

Alright, we’ve covered six adverbs so far: actually, basically, definitely, exactly, [00:10:00] obviously, and honestly. Now, if you are enjoying this and you want to practice even more with real life conversations and vocabulary, I created something called the English Listening Accelerator. It’s a workbook with 10 audio lessons covering everyday situations like ordering food, making small talk, and shopping. Each lesson has a full transcript, vocabulary and practice exercises. And the best part? All the audio is at natural speed, so you’re training your ear to understand real English, not slow textbook English.

If you want to check it out, there’s a link in the show notes. You can download a free sample chapter to see if it’s right for you. And if you’re not ready for that, the newsletter is a great place to start. I share similar, practical examples there for free.

Okay, let’s keep going!

Next up, “probably.” This is [00:11:00] how we talk about likelihood or possibility. When you’re not 100% sure about something, but you think it’s likely, you say, “probably.”

“I’ll probably go to the gym tomorrow.” “She’s probably running late.” It’s softer than “definitely” because it leaves room for doubt. English speakers use “probably” all the time in everyday conversation, because we like to avoid sounding too certain about things that aren’t guaranteed.

“Are you coming to dinner?”

“Probably. I just need to check my schedule.”

It’s polite, casual, and realistic.

You can also use probably with negatives: “I probably won’t go to the party.” “That’s probably not a good idea.” It is a gentle way to say no or express doubt without being too direct.

Now let’s talk about “seriously.” [00:12:00] This one has a few different uses and they all show up in conversation.

First, seriously can mean “in a serious way” or “not joking.” “Seriously, I need your help with this.” “Are you seriously telling me you forgot?” It’s used to emphasize that you mean what you’re saying.

But we also use seriously as a reaction, like expressing disbelief or frustration.

“Seriously? He said that?” or “Seriously, this is the third time this week.” It’s almost like saying “I can’t believe this” or “Are you kidding me?”

And then, there’s the standalone use:

“You won the lottery?”

“Seriously.”

That means “Yes. Really. I’m not joking.”

“Seriously” depends on the tone. It can show emphasis, [00:13:00] disbelief, frustration, or confirmation.

Next, “totally.” This is a common way to show complete agreement or emphasis when you want to say “completely” or “absolutely,” you can say “totally.”

“I totally agree with you.” “That’s totally true.” “I totally forgot about the meeting.”

It’s enthusiastic and informal. English speakers love using “totally” in casual conversation because it sounds friendly and natural.

It’s upbeat and very conversational. Just know that it’s pretty casual. You probably wouldn’t use it in a formal situation or with people you don’t know.

The last adverb is “apparently.” We use this to talk about information we’ve heard from someone else, but we’re not completely sure about when you say “apparently” you are [00:14:00] reporting something, but you’re also indicating that you’re not the original source.

For example, “Apparently, the meeting got canceled.” “She’s apparently moving to Seattle.” It’s like saying “this is what I heard” or “according to someone else.”

We use apparently a lot in conversation, especially when sharing news or gossip. “Apparently, they’re opening a new location downtown.” “Apparently, he’s been working here for 10 years.” It shows that you’re passing along information without claiming to know all the details.

And sometimes “apparently” can have a slightly sarcastic or doubtful tone. “ Apparently, I’m supposed to do all this work by tomorrow.” That suggests you’re a little annoyed or skeptical.

Most of the time “apparently” [00:15:00] is neutral. It’s just a way to share something you’ve heard.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a review or share it with someone who’s learning English. It really helps. And if you want more practice like this, check out the English listening Accelerator in the show notes.

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere, thanks for your support and for listening.

See you soon!

Episode 54: How to Sound More Natural in English Conversations

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work, or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

This week I received an email from a listener who’s been learning English for several years. She told me she speaks pretty well, but she still feels like she sounds too formal or robotic sometimes. She asked me, “How can I sound more natural?” It’s a great question, and it’s [00:01:00] something that a lot of intermediate learners struggle with. So today I want to share some practical tips for sounding more natural in English conversations.

Okay, let’s go!

First, let’s talk about contractions. In casual spoken English, we shorten words all the time. Instead of “I am going to the store,” we say “I’m going to the store” or even “I’m gonna go to the store.’ Instead of “do not,” we say “don’t.’ Instead of “I would like,” we say “I’d like.”

If you always use the long forms like “I am,” “do not,” “would not,” you’ll sound too formal, like you’re reading from a textbook. Native speakers almost never say “I am” in a normal conversation. Practice using the short forms when you speak, [00:02:00] even if it feels strange at first. Also, when you start using contractions yourself, you’ll find it easier to understand them when you hear spoken English, as well.

Second, occasionally use small filler words when you’re thinking. When native speakers talk, we don’t speak in perfect sentences. We use words like “um,” “uh,” and “you know” while we’re thinking about what to say next. “ For example, I was, um, thinking about going to the park, you know, if the weather’s nice.”

You don’t want to use too many filler words because that can sound bad, but using them a little bit makes you sound a little more human and less like a robot.

Third, pay attention to which words you emphasize when you speak in English. We stress certain words in a sentence and say them louder or with more energy. [00:03:00] For example, in the sentence “I didn’t say you were wrong,” the meaning changes depending on which word you stress.

“I didn’t say you were wrong,” with emphasis on “I.” That means someone else said it, not me.

“I didn’t say you were wrong,” with the emphasis on “say.” That means I suggested it or implied it, but I didn’t actually say the words directly.

“I didn’t say you were wrong,” emphasis on “you.” This means I said a different person was wrong, not you.

If you speak with the same tone for every word, everything will sound flat, and it’s harder for people to understand what you mean. Practice changing your tone. Make your voice higher At the end of questions, emphasize important words, and use pauses for effect.

Fourth, learn the [00:04:00] phrases that native speakers actually use in everyday conversations. Instead of saying “I’m very busy,” try “I’m really busy” or “I’ve got a lot going on.” Instead of “I understand,” try “I get it” or “That makes sense.” These small changes make you sound much more natural.

But here’s the important part: don’t try to learn hundreds of phrases all at once. Just focus on the ones you hear often in movies, podcasts, or real conversations. If you hear something many times, it’s probably useful.

Fifth (and this is maybe the most important tip), relax. One of the biggest reasons people sound unnatural is because they’re thinking too much about grammar while they’re speaking. This makes you stop and start, correct yourself, and you lose your natural [00:05:00] flow. It’s okay to make mistakes. Native speakers make mistakes, too. We say “um,” we restart sentences, we forget words sometimes. The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to communicate and be understood.

If you want to practice natural conversation with structured lessons, the English Listening Accelerator has 10 lessons about real life situations, like small talk with colleagues, ordering food, talking about hobbies. Each lesson includes practice where you can repeat the audio to improve how you sound. There’s a free sample at comullen.com/listen if you want to try it.

Sounding natural in English takes time and practice, but the good news is the more you listen to and talk with native speakers, the more natural you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to copy the way people speak in movies, [00:06:00] podcasts, or conversations. That’s actually one of the best ways to learn.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks as always for your support, and for listening.

See you soon!

Episode 53: Inside a U.S. Pharmacy

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes and clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here. It’s been one of those weeks where I’ve been running errands constantly. I’ve been picking up packages, buying groceries, and doing all the small tasks that fill up your days. It made me think about how much time we spend shopping.

When I was [00:01:00] walking down the street in my neighborhood, I passed one of the many CVS pharmacies we have here in New York. CVS and Walgreens are two of the biggest pharmacy chains in the country, and you’ll find them on nearly every corner in most cities. As I walked past, I realized something: if you’ve never been to the United States, you might not understand what these pharmacies actually are. So today I want to talk about pharmacies in the U.S., and why they’re so different from what you might expect.

When you hear the word “pharmacy,” you probably think of a place where you buy medicine. You go in, pick up your prescription, maybe purchase some aspirin or bandages, and leave. In most countries, that’s exactly what a pharmacy is. It’s a small shop focused on health and medical [00:02:00] products.

But in the United States, pharmacies are much, much more than that.

Let me describe what you’ll find in a typical pharmacy in the United States. Yes, there’s a pharmacy counter in the back where you pick up prescription medicines. But the rest of the store? It’s like a small supermarket mixed with a department store.

You can buy food, including snacks, drinks, ice cream, soup, and even frozen meals. You can buy greeting cards for birthdays and holidays. You can buy cosmetics and beauty products like makeup, shampoo, skincare, and nail polish. You can buy cleaning supplies, light bulbs, brooms, batteries, phone chargers, beer and toys. During certain seasons, you’ll even find Halloween decorations, [00:03:00] Christmas lights, or Valentine’s Day chocolates.

Most pharmacies even have a photo center where you can print pictures from your phone. They also usually have a small section with fresh milk, yogurt, bread, and eggs, it’s honestly a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re just trying to buy medicine for a cold!

So why are pharmacies in the U.S. like this?

First, convenience. Many people in the U.S. like the idea of one stop shopping. Instead of going to multiple stores, you can pick up your prescription purchase milk, and buy a birthday card, all in one place. It saves time, especially in a culture where people are always busy.

Second, competition. Pharmacies compete with each other and with other stores. By selling so many [00:04:00] different products, they can keep customers coming back even when they don’t need to purchase medicine.

Third, shopping culture in general in the United States usually means bigger stores with more variety. This is true for grocery stores, department stores, and yes, pharmacies too.

Now, here are a few things that are surprising in a U.S. pharmacy for people who don’t live here. The pharmacy counter is usually at the back of the store. You have to walk through all the other products to get there, and this is intentional because the stores want you to buy something else while you’re there. Many pharmacies are open 24 hours, or at least have very long hours. You can pick up medicine at midnight if you need to! Some pharmacies even have drive through windows where you can pick up your [00:05:00] prescription without leaving your car, and that’s very American.

And here’s something that surprises many visitors: you don’t need a prescription to enter the pharmacy section. In many countries, you need to show a prescription just to go into a pharmacy. In the U.S. the store section is completely open to everyone. You only need a prescription to actually buy certain medicines at the counter.

If you’re interested in practicing more English related to shopping and everyday situations, Lesson 7 in my English Listening Accelerator is all about shopping. There’s a free sample at comullen.com/listen if you want to check it out!

Pharmacies in the U.S. can feel strange if you’re not used to them. They’re loud, bright, full of products, and much bigger than necessary for just buying medicine. But they’re an interesting part [00:06:00] of culture and everyday life in the United States.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks, as always, for listening.

See you soon!