Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the importance of being vulnerable with friends and family?
What is the importance of being vulnerable with friends and family?
- It makes social interactions more superficial.
- It allows you to demonstrate superiority.
- It helps to avoid difficult conversations.
- It deepens relationships through open communication. (correct)
What key aspect does Vanessa emphasize when discussing feelings?
What key aspect does Vanessa emphasize when discussing feelings?
- Feelings are best expressed through actions alone.
- It's crucial to overlook hard experiences.
- Talking about negative feelings is important. (correct)
- Only positive feelings should be discussed.
What can you download to help improve your vocabulary regarding feelings?
What can you download to help improve your vocabulary regarding feelings?
- A podcast series on emotional intelligence.
- A paid subscription service.
- A free PDF worksheet with vocabulary. (correct)
- An online course with video lessons.
Why might people avoid discussing their difficult feelings?
Why might people avoid discussing their difficult feelings?
What will Vanessa help you learn to do when someone shares their feelings?
What will Vanessa help you learn to do when someone shares their feelings?
What is a common cultural behavior regarding feelings mentioned by Vanessa?
What is a common cultural behavior regarding feelings mentioned by Vanessa?
What is the primary goal of the lesson Vanessa is presenting?
What is the primary goal of the lesson Vanessa is presenting?
Why does Vanessa consider this lesson relevant to herself?
Why does Vanessa consider this lesson relevant to herself?
What is a common mistake English learners make regarding speaking?
What is a common mistake English learners make regarding speaking?
How can learners create confidence when speaking English?
How can learners create confidence when speaking English?
What is recommended for English learners to do at least once a week?
What is recommended for English learners to do at least once a week?
What does being a perfectionist impact when learning to speak English?
What does being a perfectionist impact when learning to speak English?
What is the purpose of the 'Speak with Me' series mentioned?
What is the purpose of the 'Speak with Me' series mentioned?
What should learners do to prepare for their weekly speaking session?
What should learners do to prepare for their weekly speaking session?
Why is it recommended to forgive oneself after making mistakes?
Why is it recommended to forgive oneself after making mistakes?
What can be inferred about the learning process for speaking English?
What can be inferred about the learning process for speaking English?
What does it mean to 'vent' in the context of discussing feelings?
What does it mean to 'vent' in the context of discussing feelings?
Which phrase indicates a person is feeling lost about their career goals?
Which phrase indicates a person is feeling lost about their career goals?
How might one express gratitude towards a friend after venting?
How might one express gratitude towards a friend after venting?
What does feeling 'in a rut' signify?
What does feeling 'in a rut' signify?
What is a potential response to a friend who seems down?
What is a potential response to a friend who seems down?
What does feeling 'frustrated' typically imply in the context provided?
What does feeling 'frustrated' typically imply in the context provided?
Which statement reflects someone's efforts to regain a sense of normalcy after a disappointment?
Which statement reflects someone's efforts to regain a sense of normalcy after a disappointment?
What does the expression 'a weight lifted' refer to after venting?
What does the expression 'a weight lifted' refer to after venting?
What is a positive way to engage with a friend who is venting?
What is a positive way to engage with a friend who is venting?
What might someone say if they appreciate the space to express difficult feelings?
What might someone say if they appreciate the space to express difficult feelings?
Which expression shows a moment of vulnerability when discussing feelings?
Which expression shows a moment of vulnerability when discussing feelings?
Which expression implies you don't want to speak about what you're feeling?
Which expression implies you don't want to speak about what you're feeling?
What is the role of a good friend when someone is venting?
What is the role of a good friend when someone is venting?
What does feeling 'a bit down' typically indicate?
What does feeling 'a bit down' typically indicate?
What is the first rule mentioned that should be broken to speak fluent English?
What is the first rule mentioned that should be broken to speak fluent English?
Which of the following sentences is more likely to be used in daily conversation?
Which of the following sentences is more likely to be used in daily conversation?
What phrasing is commonly accepted in conversation instead of the subjunctive mood?
What phrasing is commonly accepted in conversation instead of the subjunctive mood?
What does the phrase 'I wouldn't do that if I were you' imply in a conversational context?
What does the phrase 'I wouldn't do that if I were you' imply in a conversational context?
What is suggested about the use of English grammatical rules in conversation?
What is suggested about the use of English grammatical rules in conversation?
What is a common mistake made in the phrase 'there is problems'?
What is a common mistake made in the phrase 'there is problems'?
Which statement best represents the video’s approach to learning English?
Which statement best represents the video’s approach to learning English?
When someone is uncertain about who they are speaking to on the phone, what is the preferred way to ask?
When someone is uncertain about who they are speaking to on the phone, what is the preferred way to ask?
In the context of conversational English, what is indicated about the word 'whom'?
In the context of conversational English, what is indicated about the word 'whom'?
What does the phrase 'to whom am I speaking?' signify in terms of formality?
What does the phrase 'to whom am I speaking?' signify in terms of formality?
What is Vanessa encouraging viewers to do at the end of the lesson?
What is Vanessa encouraging viewers to do at the end of the lesson?
In which context is it acceptable to use 'if I was' instead of 'if I were'?
In which context is it acceptable to use 'if I was' instead of 'if I were'?
What is the purpose of the free PDF worksheet mentioned in the lesson?
What is the purpose of the free PDF worksheet mentioned in the lesson?
What is a common response if you don't recognize a caller?
What is a common response if you don't recognize a caller?
What does the phrase 'That must have been really frustrating' convey in a conversation?
What does the phrase 'That must have been really frustrating' convey in a conversation?
Which of the following phrases is recommended to encourage someone to express their feelings?
Which of the following phrases is recommended to encourage someone to express their feelings?
What is a potential benefit of allowing someone to vent about their feelings?
What is a potential benefit of allowing someone to vent about their feelings?
Why might someone feel uncomfortable discussing negative experiences?
Why might someone feel uncomfortable discussing negative experiences?
What is the purpose of asking, 'What can I do to support you?'
What is the purpose of asking, 'What can I do to support you?'
What effect does expressing appreciation have at the end of a conversation about feelings?
What effect does expressing appreciation have at the end of a conversation about feelings?
In the discussed conversation, what does Dan feel regarding his coworkers?
In the discussed conversation, what does Dan feel regarding his coworkers?
Which phrase emphasizes the importance of processing negative emotions?
Which phrase emphasizes the importance of processing negative emotions?
What might be a negative consequence of 'not bottling it up'?
What might be a negative consequence of 'not bottling it up'?
Why is it significant to check in with someone regarding their emotional state?
Why is it significant to check in with someone regarding their emotional state?
What does Vanessa mean when she tells Dan, 'You might stay mad at your boss and coworkers'?
What does Vanessa mean when she tells Dan, 'You might stay mad at your boss and coworkers'?
What is a key takeaway from the suggested conversation strategies?
What is a key takeaway from the suggested conversation strategies?
What is meant by 'getting it off your chest'?
What is meant by 'getting it off your chest'?
What is the grammatical difference between the words 'boring' and 'bored'?
What is the grammatical difference between the words 'boring' and 'bored'?
What would be an appropriate response to someone looking unengaged?
What would be an appropriate response to someone looking unengaged?
Which sentence uses 'boring' correctly?
Which sentence uses 'boring' correctly?
In the lesson, what mistake was highlighted through Vanessa's initial comment?
In the lesson, what mistake was highlighted through Vanessa's initial comment?
What is the primary aim of the free PDF worksheet mentioned in the lesson?
What is the primary aim of the free PDF worksheet mentioned in the lesson?
What is the primary reason manual labor may not be preferred by some individuals?
What is the primary reason manual labor may not be preferred by some individuals?
How long has Vanessa been teaching online?
How long has Vanessa been teaching online?
What is cited as the number one time-waster in learning English?
What is cited as the number one time-waster in learning English?
What is an ineffective method of learning mentioned in the discussion?
What is an ineffective method of learning mentioned in the discussion?
Which technique is recommended to improve memory retention while learning English?
Which technique is recommended to improve memory retention while learning English?
Why is being a perfectionist considered a roadblock in learning English?
Why is being a perfectionist considered a roadblock in learning English?
What is suggested as a solution for someone who struggles with perfectionism?
What is suggested as a solution for someone who struggles with perfectionism?
What method does Vanessa prefer for enhancing vocabulary retention?
What method does Vanessa prefer for enhancing vocabulary retention?
Which practice is highlighted as essential for effective learning?
Which practice is highlighted as essential for effective learning?
What does Vanessa suggest as the best way to have a conversation in English?
What does Vanessa suggest as the best way to have a conversation in English?
What can writing things down help achieve in learning processes?
What can writing things down help achieve in learning processes?
Why is randomness hindered in the learning process according to the discussion?
Why is randomness hindered in the learning process according to the discussion?
What should be avoided to enhance English learning according to Vanessa?
What should be avoided to enhance English learning according to Vanessa?
How can a learner ensure they do not waste time in their English studies?
How can a learner ensure they do not waste time in their English studies?
What verb tense is simplified in daily conversation from 'I had thought'?
What verb tense is simplified in daily conversation from 'I had thought'?
Which phrase is commonly used in everyday English when asking about transportation?
Which phrase is commonly used in everyday English when asking about transportation?
What is the common misconception regarding ending sentences with prepositions?
What is the common misconception regarding ending sentences with prepositions?
What humor was illustrated in the joke about not ending sentences with a preposition?
What humor was illustrated in the joke about not ending sentences with a preposition?
Which of the following is a common response to 'How's it going?'?
Which of the following is a common response to 'How's it going?'?
What question would best check on someone’s well-being?
What question would best check on someone’s well-being?
What is a suggested way to ask about someone's day?
What is a suggested way to ask about someone's day?
What is implied by the phrase 'I've been good' in response to greetings?
What is implied by the phrase 'I've been good' in response to greetings?
How should one respond to 'What's been going on?' if they have a busy life?
How should one respond to 'What's been going on?' if they have a busy life?
What is a common phrasing for asking someone about their plans?
What is a common phrasing for asking someone about their plans?
What is an alternative way to say 'I need to do some work' that conveys urgency?
What is an alternative way to say 'I need to do some work' that conveys urgency?
What function does asking 'What's new with you?' serve in conversation?
What function does asking 'What's new with you?' serve in conversation?
What is often indicated by a busy summer in conversation?
What is often indicated by a busy summer in conversation?
What weekend activity is Vanessa planning?
What weekend activity is Vanessa planning?
What does Vanessa enjoy doing in her free time?
What does Vanessa enjoy doing in her free time?
Which statement best describes Vanessa's feelings about gardening?
Which statement best describes Vanessa's feelings about gardening?
What is Vanessa's approach to working with her team?
What is Vanessa's approach to working with her team?
What does Vanessa say is her least favorite part of her job?
What does Vanessa say is her least favorite part of her job?
How did Vanessa describe her experience with hiking?
How did Vanessa describe her experience with hiking?
What does Vanessa think about her current job?
What does Vanessa think about her current job?
What does Vanessa plan to do before hanging out with Speaker 2?
What does Vanessa plan to do before hanging out with Speaker 2?
What is a common question asked by children, according to Vanessa?
What is a common question asked by children, according to Vanessa?
What kind of vacation does Vanessa plan to take?
What kind of vacation does Vanessa plan to take?
What does Vanessa often feel when she is outdoors?
What does Vanessa often feel when she is outdoors?
Which task would Vanessa prefer to do?
Which task would Vanessa prefer to do?
What topic does Vanessa express interest in learning about?
What topic does Vanessa express interest in learning about?
How long has Vanessa been making jewelry?
How long has Vanessa been making jewelry?
What does the expression 'I slept like a log' imply?
What does the expression 'I slept like a log' imply?
What does it mean to 'pull an allnighter'?
What does it mean to 'pull an allnighter'?
If someone says 'I didn't catch a wink last night', what are they expressing?
If someone says 'I didn't catch a wink last night', what are they expressing?
What does the phrase 'going to hit the hay' mean?
What does the phrase 'going to hit the hay' mean?
What could be concluded if someone 'tossed and turned' all night?
What could be concluded if someone 'tossed and turned' all night?
What does the phrase 'I was out like a light' imply?
What does the phrase 'I was out like a light' imply?
How does saying 'I'm not going to lose sleep over it' best describe a person's attitude?
How does saying 'I'm not going to lose sleep over it' best describe a person's attitude?
What does it mean if someone says 'it's past my bedtime'?
What does it mean if someone says 'it's past my bedtime'?
When might someone say 'I just crashed'?
When might someone say 'I just crashed'?
In conversation, when might it be inappropriate to share that you didn't sleep well?
In conversation, when might it be inappropriate to share that you didn't sleep well?
What grammatical distinction is emphasized between the words 'boring' and 'bored'?
What grammatical distinction is emphasized between the words 'boring' and 'bored'?
What does saying 'I was so tired after our long hike that I just passed out' convey?
What does saying 'I was so tired after our long hike that I just passed out' convey?
Which of the following is a figurative way to say that someone is going to sleep?
Which of the following is a figurative way to say that someone is going to sleep?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word 'bored'?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word 'bored'?
What reaction would be considered rude when referring to someone's demeanor?
What reaction would be considered rude when referring to someone's demeanor?
Why might someone feel anxious about staying at a friend's house?
Why might someone feel anxious about staying at a friend's house?
In the phrase 'I feel bored,' what does the speaker express?
In the phrase 'I feel bored,' what does the speaker express?
What does it suggest to say someone is 'turning in'?
What does it suggest to say someone is 'turning in'?
How should one respond when noticing someone appears disinterested?
How should one respond when noticing someone appears disinterested?
What does the expression 'I need my beauty sleep' imply?
What does the expression 'I need my beauty sleep' imply?
Which phrase suggests that someone is losing focus because they are tired?
Which phrase suggests that someone is losing focus because they are tired?
What does the expression 'sleep on it' mean?
What does the expression 'sleep on it' mean?
What is indicated by the phrase 'tossed and turned'?
What is indicated by the phrase 'tossed and turned'?
Which phrase would be used as a farewell before someone goes to sleep?
Which phrase would be used as a farewell before someone goes to sleep?
What does 'nodding off' mean?
What does 'nodding off' mean?
What does the term 'nightmare' refer to?
What does the term 'nightmare' refer to?
What is likely being implied when someone says 'time to hit the hay'?
What is likely being implied when someone says 'time to hit the hay'?
When someone says, 'I lost sleep over it', what do they mean?
When someone says, 'I lost sleep over it', what do they mean?
Which phrase is typically associated with ensuring a restful sleep?
Which phrase is typically associated with ensuring a restful sleep?
What does the expression 'pulled an all-nighter' mean?
What does the expression 'pulled an all-nighter' mean?
Which statement accurately reflects someone feeling tired while making plans?
Which statement accurately reflects someone feeling tired while making plans?
How would someone express sudden interest after a strange dream?
How would someone express sudden interest after a strange dream?
Study Notes
Breaking English Grammar Rules
- To Whom Am I Speaking? This formal phrase is rarely used in daily conversation; instead, we use "Who's this?" or "Who am I speaking with?".
- There are a Lot of Problems with This Plan. Though grammatically correct, in spoken English, we usually use "there's" even with plural objects, making it "there's a lot of problems".
- Breaking the Subjunctive Tense Rule In daily conversation, we often use "was" instead of "were" in conditional sentences, as in "If I was from France, I would speak French".
- The Subjunctive I Wouldn't Do That If I Were You This phrase is used as a warning, and both "were" and "was" are equally common.
Tips for Successful English Conversations
- Practice Breaking Rules. In fluent English, breaking certain grammar rules is natural and acceptable.
- Listen to Natural Speech. Pay attention to how native speakers speak and mimic their sentence structures and word choices.
- Utilize Free Worksheets. Download free worksheets from "SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com" to reinforce the concepts and practice your conversational English.
Common English Errors
- "Was" is commonly used in daily conversation, even though the grammatically correct verb tense in some cases is "were"
- Instead of “I had thought”, native speakers often use “I thought”
- Ending sentences with prepositions is a common practice and accepted usage in English, despite a common grammatical rule taught in classrooms
Top 50 Questions and Answers in English (Categories)
- Greetings
- How’s your day going?
- How about yours?
- You been doing okay?
- How you been?
- How’ve you been?
- What’s new with you?
- What’s new in your world?
- What’s been going on?
- How's it going?
- What’s up?
- How's everything/How's everything going?
- Hey, you doing all right?
- Are you doing all right?
- Plans
- What are you up to today?
- Do you want to hang out later?
- You doing anything fun this weekend?
- You got anything fun planned?
- Want to grab lunch later?
- Where you headed?
- What you got going on this weekend?
- What are your plans for dinner?
- Are you going to be around later?
- Have you decided where you’re going on vacation?
- Interests/Hobbies
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- How long have you done that?
- What got you into that?
- You want to try?
- What are you into?
- What’s that like?
- How’d you learn that?
- Have you seen the latest Batman movie?
- Have you read the book Atomic Habits?
- I think I want to learn piano. Can you teach me?
- Around the House
- Can you help me with something?
- Have you seen my jacket?
- Did you check the closet?
- Can you pass me the salt and pepper?
- Did you check the mail today?
- Have you fed the cats yet?
- Is it time for dinner?
- Would you rather fold laundry or put away the dishes?
- Do I have to?
- Will you hit the light?
- Job/Work
- How’s the project going?
- Are you working on anything fun?
- What do you do/What are you studying?
- What’s your dream job?
- I’m looking for a job. Is your company hiring?
- What kind of work experience do you have?
- What’s your favorite part about your job?
- What’s your least favorite part of your job?
- Would you rather do manual labor or have a desk job?
- How long have you worked in education?
Time Wasters When Learning English
- Learning English without a plan
- Learning without a plan can be ineffective. It’s better to have a strategy, such as focusing on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, or conversation skills.
- Memorizing instead of truly learning
- Rote memorization is not as effective as learning in context. It's better to understand how words and phrases function in real-life conversations.
- Not taking notes or using worksheets
- Note-taking helps to solidify learning by engaging different parts of the brain.
- Being a perfectionist
- Perfectionism can prevent progress. It’s okay to make mistakes. Embrace imperfections and focus on making gradual improvements.
- Waiting until English is “good enough” to begin speaking
- Don’t delay speaking. Start practicing with simple conversations, even if you’re unsure about your level.
Learn to Speak Confident English
- Avoid common speaking mistakes
- "Boring" vs. "Bored"
- Boring: describes something or someone that is not interesting.
- Bored: describes a person's feeling of being uninteresting.
- Examples:
- "That movie was boring."
- "I went on a date with him and he was so boring."
- "I feel bored. Let's go do something fun."p
- Incorrect: "You look so boring."
- Correct: "You look so bored."
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores common English grammar rules that are often bent in everyday conversations. Learn about phrases and structures that native speakers commonly use while straying from traditional grammar. Test your knowledge on the acceptable deviations from standard grammar usage.
