Anyway, what were you saying? Anyway, I should get going. I didn’t really want to go, but I went anyway. It was expensive, but I bought it anyway. Anyway is one of those very common conversational words that can do a few different jobs. Sometimes we use it to return to the main topic. Sometimes we use it to move …
1092 – How to Use “Deal” in Everyday Conversation
“I’ll cook if you wash the dishes.” “Deal.” “Thanks for helping me.” “No big deal.” “Here’s the deal – we only have two hours to finish this.” “What’s the big deal?” “I got a really good deal on this laptop.” Deal is a very common word in everyday English, and we use it in several different ways. Sometimes it means …
1091 – How to Use “Fair” and “Fair Enough”
That’s fair. That’s not fair. Fair enough. To be fair, he did warn us. Give her a fair chance. Let’s split it fairly. Fair is a common word in everyday English, but we use it in several different ways. Sometimes it means reasonable or acceptable. Sometimes it means treating people equally. And sometimes we use expressions like fair enough and …
1090 – Six Everyday Ways to Use “Way”
I stopped at the store on the way home. By the way, did you call John? Either way, we need to decide today. No way! You won the tickets? This jacket is way too big. Way is a simple word, but it shows up in a lot of very natural everyday phrases. And in many of these expressions, the word …
1089 – How to Use “No Wonder” Naturally
No wonder you’re tired—you only slept four hours. No wonder the room is cold. The window is open. She practices every day, so it’s no wonder she’s improving. Well, no wonder! No wonder is a very common conversational phrase in everyday English, and we use it when new information explains something that seemed surprising, confusing, or unexpected before. Have you …
1088 – What Does “Mean” Really Mean?
What do you mean? I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ve been meaning to call you. You mean a lot to me , but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. This lesson is meant to help you speak English better. Mean is a small word, but we use it in a surprising number of everyday situations. We use …
1086 – How to Use “That Makes Sense” Naturally
Does that make sense? That makes sense. I’m trying to make sense of this. It makes sense to leave early. Financially, it makes sense. Sense is one of those words that appears in a lot of very natural everyday expressions, especially when we’re talking about whether an idea is clear, logical, or reasonable. Have you ever been confused by the …
1085 – What’s the Point? How to Use “Point” in Conversation
Good point. You have a point. That’s the point. That’s not the point. What’s your point? My point is… What’s the point of arguing? Point is a really common word in everyday conversational English, especially when we’re explaining ideas, agreeing with someone, disagreeing with someone, or trying to get to the main idea of a conversation. Have you been confused …
1084 – How to Use “Mind” Naturally
Do you mind if I sit here? Would you mind closing the window? I don’t mind. Never mind. Keep that in mind. It slipped my mind. Mind is one of those small words that appears in a lot of everyday expressions, and the meaning changes depending on the situation. Sometimes it means that something bothers you. Sometimes it refers to …
1083 – See, Watch, or Look? How to Use Them in Real Life
I saw Lisa at the station. We watched a movie last night. Look at this photo. Look, I understand what you’re saying. See, watch, and look are all connected to using our eyes, so it’s easy to mix them up. But there are some important differences. Sometimes something simply comes into view. Sometimes we choose to pay attention to something …