Common English Phrases Quiz

Phrases to Remove

• "I will do it": Replace with "Will do" for a more natural and fluent response.
• "How is it going?" : Consider using "How are you doing?" for professional situations or practice pronouncing "how's it going" correctly.
• "Where's the toilet?": This is too direct and may sound rude. Use "Where's the restroom?" in public locations. In someone's home, ask "Where is the bathroom?"
• "The movie is bored": The correct sentence structure would be "The movie is boring." "Bored" describes a feeling while "boring" describes something that is not interesting.
• "I went to home": The correct sentence structure is "I went home."
• "She goes to the work at 9 a.m.": The correct sentence structure is "She goes to work at 9 a.m." Omit "the" before routine nouns like "work," "home," "school," and "church."
• "Let's make a rest": Replace with "Let's take a break."
• "Every morning I walk with my dog": Say "Every morning I walk my dog" instead. "Walk with" implies companionship, while "walk" indicates responsibility.

Words to Remove

• "Try": This word lacks commitment. Use "will" or "commit to," which convey a stronger sense of determination.
• "Advices": The word "advice" is always singular. Drop the "s" to make it grammatically correct.
• "Wrong": Use "incorrect" or "isn't correct." "Wrong" can be harsh and disempowering.
• "Can't": Add "yet" at the end to create a sense of potential.
• "Recommend me": The correct structure is "recommend something to someone."
• "I don't know": Avoid making general statements with "I don't know." Instead, express confidence: "I know I can" or "I'm confident I can."
• "Gonna": This is slang and can sound unprofessional if used incorrectly. Use "going to" instead.

Avoid using "Gonna"

• "Gonna" is informal and unprofessional.
• Use "going to" instead.

Avoid using "Shall"

• "Shall" is outdated in most contexts.
• Use "will" for future actions.
• "Shall" is only used in specific situations, for example, when suggesting leaving a place.

Avoid using "Good" alone

• "Good" is too vague.
• Expand your answer by providing at least one specific point.
• Example: "It was good, we learned a new method for organizing our files."

Avoid using "Interesting" alone

• "Interesting" is vague and can be positive or negative.
• Use specific adjectives to express positive or negative feelings.
• Use "entertaining", "enjoyable", or "delightful" for positive experiences.
• Use "dull", "boring" or "lifeless" for negative experiences.

Avoid using "Really"

• "Really" is overused.
• Use one-word alternatives like "exhausted", "swamped", "amazing", or "exciting" instead.

Avoid using "Persons"

• "Persons" is only used in legal, official, or governmental contexts.
• Use "person" for singular and "people" for plural in everyday context.

Avoid Asking "Can You Correct My English"

• It is awkward and unnatural to ask people outside of formal English learning contexts.
• People are not obligated to correct your English.
• Focus on having a conversation instead.

Avoid Asking "How Do You Call This In English"

• This phrase is grammatically incorrect.
• Use correct alternatives:
  • "How do you say this in English?"
  • "What's the word I'm looking for?"
  • "What is this called in English?"

Avoid Asking “Can I Practice Speaking with You”

• This is awkward and can be perceived as rude.
• It is not a natural conversational topic outside of formal learning environments.
• Use small talk and general conversations instead.

Avoid Saying "I Don’t Understand"

• This is too direct.
• Use alternatives like:
  • "Would you mind speaking a little slower?"
  • "Do you mind rephrasing that?"
  • "Can you explain that in a simpler way?"

Avoid Apologizing For English Mistakes

• Apologizing for your English can be awkward and shift the conversation focus away from the topic.
• People are more interested in your ideas than perfect grammar.

Avoid Asking Native Speakers "How Old Are You"

• It’s considered impolite in North American culture.
• Use indirect questions to inquire about someone's age.

Avoid Asking Native Speakers "What Religion Are You"

• It's generally considered inappropriate in North American culture.
• Use indirect questions to learn about someone’s culture and beliefs.

Avoid Saying "You Look Tired

• It can be perceived as insensitive.
• Use indirect approaches like:
  • "How did you sleep last night?"
  • "Hope you're having a great day so far."
  • "Is everything okay?" (For close acquaintances)

Avoid Asking Native Speakers "Why Aren’t You Married"

• Marital status is considered personal information.
• Use indirect questions to learn more about a person's life.

Avoid Asking Native Speakers "Why Don’t You Have Kids"

• It's considered too personal.
• Use indirect questions to learn about someone's hobbies, goals, or interests.

Avoid Using “Should" and "Shouldn't" When Giving Advice

• These words are direct and can sound bossy.
• Use softer language like "Have you considered...?" or "Perhaps you could..." for gentle suggestions.

Avoid Saying "I Don’t Like That"

• This is a direct rejection.
• Use positive alternatives to express your preferences.
• Instead of saying you don't like something, focus on stating your own preference.
• Example: "That's great that you love mountain climbing, I prefer reading."