Why does my English sound basic? Even though, I know all the grammar rules.
When it comes to speaking English fluently, I start struggling for words and phrases.
Or, When I watch an English movie, or a web show,
I don't understand all that is said, unless I turn on the subtitles.
If your answer to all these questions is a Big 'YES'.
Let me tell you, You have just clicked the right English lesson.
In today's English lesson, I will teach you 10 English phrases, that you won't learn in any
English textbook. You need to understand one thing. English is not your native language.
And you have learned English through books or in school.
There are many English phrases we use in our conversation, that you won't find in any books.
Books just teach you the grammar rules and sentence structures followed by vocabulary.
The idea of learning from books is to learn the correct grammatical use of the English language.
Now, if you want to sound natural and fluent in English, you will have to take a step forward.
and study the English language, the way it's spoken on the streets, with friends and family.
You must learn natural English expressions. The expressions you will hear native English
speakers use quite often, in their everyday conversation.
This English lesson will teach you 10 such natural English expressions
along with example sentences for daily use in a conversation. Are you ready? Let's Start!
The number one phrase I have for you is.
I heard him, within earshot! Sounds interesting, right? I heard him within earshot!
To hear someone within earshot, means, you are too close to hear what someone said, or does.
It could be a conversation. or you might overhear someone talking.
So, Instead of saying - I heard them talking, you could say - I heard them within earshot.
Isn't it a better way to express yourself in English?
here are some example sentences.
How do you know about that? Well, I heard the boss within
earshot. There is not going to be any salary raise this year!
Next up we have. There are lines we do not cross. There are lines. we do not. cross.
First, let's understand, what does it mean to cross the line. It means - to behave in a way,
that is not socially acceptable. OR. To do something that's beyond your level or authority.
There are lines, we do not cross. means. Not to do something, that is inappropriate.
So, when you ask too many personal questions to people you hardly know,
you cross the line, something that is not socially acceptable.
Here's an example -
Can you check the boss's email account, and see if I am on the list to be fired?
Well well, well! Hold on there! What are you asking me to do? There are lines we do not cross!
Do you wish me to be on that list, too?
Next on the list is. Let's focus on the big picture. Let's focus. on the big, picture.
Now assume, there are many clouds in the sky,
and you focus on just one dark cloud and say, - It might rain today!
The reality is, that there's only one dark cloud in the sky. and most of the sky is clear. So,
just looking at one dark cloud in the sky, and assuming it might rain. would be incorrect.
This expression means - Do not focus, on the smaller details,
but rather look at the total outcome, or benefit of something.
Don't get into finer details, and look on the whole.
Because, finer details don't tell the entire story. They are just a small part, of something.
This expression, is an English metaphor, and means to overreach an idea, or a story.
Let's look at an example.
I think, we paid way too much, for creating our website.
We could have got the job done, in half the cost.
I would disagree with you Ryan on that. Although, we paid a lot more, but, Let's focus on the big
picture here, We have the best website with the latest technology compared to our competitors.
Our customers would have a lovely experience browsing through it.
I hope, now you exactly know how to use this expression,
let's move on to our next phrase. Our next smart phrase is - Can you all give us the room for
a moment? I often use this English phrase, when I want to talk to someone in private.
It basically means, asking everyone in the room to leave to have a private conversation with someone.
So, instead of saying - Can you excuse me? or, leave the room please! Instead, you could
say - Can you all give us the room for a moment? It certainly sounds natural and more advanced.
Let's look at an example!
Boss, we have a problem! The bank just called to inform us that,
our funds have been freezed, and we need to ….
Well well well! Hold on John. Everyone. I apologise.
Can you all give us the room for a moment. please?
Well, It seems, like there's some serious trouble! with the funds. As you heard John sounded a bit
worried and anxious. Aren't these interesting English phrases? Try them in your conversations.
let's look at our next smart phrase -
It's beyond the shadow of a doubt. It's beyond, the shadow. of a doubt.
If you believe something that is beyond the shadow of a doubt,
you are certain that it’s true. It generally used to say you are definite or sure about something.
So Team, what are your thoughts about the new digital marketing idea?
Well boss, It will fetch us good results, it’s beyond the shadow of a doubt,
the best marketing idea.
Next up at number 6, I have -
I am sure you can field, whatever is thrown at you. Pretty long phrase,
but it has an interesting meaning. Imagine you are a part of a soccer team, and your
team has a great goal keeper, anything that’s kicked at him is certainly saved.
Your entire team trusts him in winning the match. Well, this phrase has a similar meaning. It means.
A trusted person who can find solutions to any problems.
In short, they are the troubleshooters
in an organization. They have a solution for every damn problem..
We have a presentation tomorrow and the app is still crashing.
Did you speak to Ryan, I am sure he can field whatever is thrown at him.
I simply love this phrase, Up next at number 7 we have -
Let bygones be bygones.
This phrase means to forget something that happened in the past and move on.
To forgive someone for what they’ve done and make a fresh start.
Here’s an example -
Shall we invite Ryan to the party after all that happened?
Well, you see. Let bygoones be bygones. Add him to the list.
Phrase number 8 - I have to give you the lion’s share of credit.
I am sure it’s easy to understand, when someone gets the largest part, or most of something,
they get the lions share of the credit. It simply means to get the biggest share in something.
When they sold the company, Ryan got the lion’s share of the credit.
It means he got most of the revenue from the investors.
Although, I prepared the deck. Jude took away the lion’s share of the credit,
because he presented it.
Now, this one’s quite interesting - Don’t give me any lip! It surely does not mean -Don’t kiss me!
It means do not argue with me OR Don’t back answer me. Isn’t it an interesting one, well sure it is!
Sometimes, the urge to give a lip is just too strong, it’s better to sit and listen.
The mother was shocked by her Child’s reaction and sternly warned - Not to give her any lip!
And the last expression for the day is - We need to start damage control!
Let’s understand what does damage control mean - It means, to take measures to minimize the damage
to one’s reputation, credibility or public image.
I am sure you might have heard many celebrities or politicians , exercising damage control
after tweeting something nasty. They are just protecting their reputation or public image.
No matter how much damage control he does, the scandal has gone viral
and is trending on all social media platforms.
The company immediately got into damage control mode, after it’s unethical practices went public.
That’s all for today. You’ve learn 10 great English expressions
to sound natural iin English. Let’s quicly revise them .
To hear someone within earshot - To hear clearly
There are lines we do not cross - Avoid sound something inappropriate
Let’s focus on the big picture - To ignore finer details
Can you all give us the room for a moment? - Ask someone to leave the room
It's beyond the shadow of a doubt - Something is perfect
I am sure you can field, whatever is thrown at you - A trusted person
Let bygones be bygones - Forget or forgive someone I have to give you the lion’s share of credit - To
receive the biggest part of something Don’t give me any lip! - Don’t argue with me!
We need to start damage control! - To protect public image
I hope, you found this lesson interesting, and helpful.
Do use these English phrases in your everyday conversations,
to sound natural and fluent in English. I shall see you in the next lesson. Don’t forget to like,
share, subscribe amd click the bell, so that you don’t miss any new lessons.
Keep learning, Keep practicing English. Bye!