Improving Vocabulary Usage

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Questions and Answers

What alternative phrase can be used instead of saying 'you're wrong' to communicate more effectively?

You got it wrong

You're mistaken

That’s not right

Actually, it starts at 4:00 p.m. (correct)

Why should 'can't' be modified to 'can't yet'?

It simplifies the statement

It shows confidence

It conveys future possibility (correct)

It eliminates weakness

What is the grammatical issue with the phrase 'recommend me'?

It follows an incorrect structure (correct)

It lacks a direct object

It uses informal language

It is not a complete sentence

Why is saying 'I don't know' considered disempowering in certain contexts?

It may lack confidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended way to express uncertainty while maintaining confidence?

I will improve my skills Signup and view all the answers

How should 'gonna' be used in speech to sound more professional?

Interchangeably with 'going to' Signup and view all the answers

Why is modifying statements to sound more empowering recommended?

It improves professional image Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of adding the word 'yet' to statements?

It implies ongoing effort Signup and view all the answers

What type of language is often perceived as unprofessional in formal settings?

Slang Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of frequently using 'I don't know'?

It undermines self-confidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct alternative to the phrase 'I will do it'?

Will do Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases is considered slightly rude?

Where's the toilet? Signup and view all the answers

What should you say instead of 'The movie is bored'?

The movie is boring Signup and view all the answers

What is a more appropriate way to ask for directions in a public place?

Where is the restroom? Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence structure is correct when referring to returning home?

I went home Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to respond when asked how you're doing?

How are you doing? Signup and view all the answers

Which option reflects the correct understanding of the adjective 'bored'?

It reflects a feeling Signup and view all the answers

When discussing someone's home, which phrase is correct?

I went to John's home Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase should be used for professional settings instead of 'How is it going' if pronunciation is not correct?

How are you doing? Signup and view all the answers

Which speaking practice could help improve pronunciation of 'how's it going'?

Repeating after native speakers Signup and view all the answers

What expression should you use instead of 'I will do it Jennifer'?

Will do, Jennifer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with using 'how is it going' in conversation?

Its pronunciation may be incorrect Signup and view all the answers

When correcting the sentence 'I went to home', what would you say?

Say it without too Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is preferable when discussing someone's routine visit to a location?

She goes to university in the mornings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to express gratitude to a teacher?

Thanks teacher for helping me. Signup and view all the answers

Which verb is commonly used to describe taking a short rest from an activity?

Take a break Signup and view all the answers

Why should the word 'try' be removed from vocabulary?

It lacks commitment and sounds weak. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase illustrates the potential misuse of an article with routine nouns?

He goes to the work every day. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the word 'advice' is true?

Advice is always singular. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred expression of walking with someone for responsibility?

I walk my kids to school. Signup and view all the answers

How should one express that an answer is incorrect without using the word 'wrong'?

That answer isn't correct. Signup and view all the answers

Which alternative is more appropriate than using 'make a break'?

Let's have a break. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate way to express intention instead of saying 'I will try to improve my speaking skills'?

I will improve my speaking skills. Signup and view all the answers

When referring to multiple suggestions given, which phrase is the best?

Those are great pieces of advice. Signup and view all the answers

What should be omitted when referring to home as a routine location?

The Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase correctly conveys companionship without implying responsibility?

I go for a walk with my husband. Signup and view all the answers

What should you say instead of 'I shall go to the party'?

I will go to the party. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is more appropriate to ask a native speaker about the meaning of a word?

What is this called in English? Signup and view all the answers

Why is the phrase 'I don't understand' considered too direct?

It makes the speaker feel awkward. Signup and view all the answers

What is a better alternative to using the word 'good'?

It was pleasant. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an appropriate substitute for 'really'?

Moderately Signup and view all the answers

What can you say instead of 'persons' in everyday conversation?

People Signup and view all the answers

What is a softer way to suggest someone consider talking to their boss?

Have you considered talking to your boss? Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid asking someone 'how old are you' in North America?

It may be seen as rude. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a polite way to comment on someone looking tired?

Hope you're having a good day! Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to start a conversation if you don't know what to say?

Make a general statement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a better way to express not liking something at a social gathering?

That's not my thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate way to inquire about someone's children?

Do you have kids? Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase should be avoided when requesting help with language?

Can you correct my English? Signup and view all the answers

Which adjective could replace 'interesting' in a positive context?

Engaging Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Removing Words & Phrases from Your Vocabulary

Replace "I will do it" with "Will do".
Replace "How is it going" with "How are you doing" or use the correct pronunciation "How's it going".
Replace "Where's the toilet" with "Where's the restroom" in public places or "Where's the bathroom" in a home.
Replace "The movie is bored" with "The movie is boring".
Replace "I went to home" with "I went home".
Replace "She goes to the work at 9am" with "She goes to work at 9am".
Replace "Let's make a rest" with "Let's take a break".
Replace "Every morning I walk with my dog" with "Every morning I walk my dog" or "Every morning I take my dog for a walk".
Replace "Thanks you teacher for help me" with "Thanks teacher for helping me" or "Thank you teacher for your help".
Replace "Try" with "Will" or "I'm committed to".
Replace "Advices" with "Advice".
Replace "Wrong" with "Incorrect" or "Isn't correct" or "Actually".
Replace "Can't" with "Can't yet" or "I'm committed to".
Replace "Recommend me" with "Recommend something to someone".
Replace "I don't know" with "I'm confident I can" or "I know I can" or "I will".
Replace "Gonna" with "Going to". ### Avoid Using "Gonna"
"Gonna" is informal, use “going to” instead
If you use “gonna” in a text message, keep it informal

Avoid Using “Shall”

“Shall” is used in a few situations:
- Asking to leave an event/meal
  - “Shall we go?”
- Agreeing to leave an event/meal
  - “We shall”
Avoid using “shall” if you are unfamiliar with its usage
Use “will” for future actions

Avoid Using "Good" alone

“Good” is a basic response, add specific information
Use "good" in a sentence with a specific point

Avoid Using “Interesting”

“Interesting” can have positive or negative connotations
Use descriptive words with clear connotations, for example:
- Positive words: entertaining, engaging, enjoyable, delightful
- Negative words: dull, boring, tedious, lifeless

Avoid Using “Really”

“Really” is overused
Replace “really” with a more descriptive word, for example:
- “Really tired” could be “exhausted"
- “Really busy” could be “swamped”
- “Really good” could be “amazing”, “entertaining”, or “exciting”

Avoid Using “Persons”

“Persons” is used in formal or legal contexts only
Use “person” for the singular form and “people” for plural form
Use “people” in everyday communication (business, academic)

Avoid Asking “Can You Correct My English?”

It is unnatural to ask native speakers to correct your English
Focus on conversation topics, not grammar
Focus on building relationships instead of seeking English correction
The speaker will indicate if they do not understand you
Use small talk phrases to keep the conversation going
Ask the person questions, which changes the focus from you to them

Avoid Asking “How Do You Call This In English?”

It is grammatically incorrect
Use grammatically correct phrases such as:
- “How do you say this in English?”
- “What’s the word I’m looking for?”
- “How is this called in English?”

Avoid Asking “Can I Practice Speaking With You?”

It is awkward and rude, especially outside an English learning environment
Focus on talking with people, not on getting a free English lesson
Use small talk phrases to start a casual conversation:
- “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
- “I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend.”
- “Are there any good restaurants near here?”
- “What did you think of the conference?”

Avoid Saying “I Don’t Understand”

It is too direct and may embarrass the speaker
Use softer phrases such as:
- “Could you speak a little slower?”
- “Would you mind rephrasing that?”
- “Can you explain that in a simpler way?”
- "I don't quite understand. Can you give me an example?”
- “I don't quite understand. Can you say that again?”

Avoid Apologizing For Your English

It may seem awkward or shift the focus to a topic the other speaker doesn’t want to discuss
The speaker will indicate if they don’t understand you, if this happens, address the issue
Do not apologize for your English

Avoid Asking “How Old Are You?”

It is considered rude in North American culture
Ask indirect questions such as:
- “Tell me about yourself." -“How old is your daughter/sister/mom?”
- “When did you graduate?”
- “How long have you been working here?”

Avoid Asking “What Religion Are You?”

It is considered inappropriate to discuss a person’s religious beliefs
Ask indirect questions such as:
- “Tell me more about your culture and traditions.”
- “What holidays are celebrated in your culture?”

Avoid Saying “You Look Tired”

This can be considered critical and implies the person looks bad or unattractive
Use softer alternatives, such as:
- “How did you sleep last night?”
- “Hope you’re having a great day/week so far.”
- “Is everything okay?” (for close relationships)

Avoid Asking “Why Aren't You Married?”

It is considered too personal and judgmental in North American culture
Ask indirect questions about personal life, such as:
- “How do you spend your free time?”
- “What did you do last weekend?”
- “Tell me about your family.”
- “Have you thought about getting married?” (for close relationships)

Avoid Asking “Why Don’t You Have Kids?”

It is too personal and judgmental in North American culture
You can ask if someone has kids (not in job interviews)
Ask indirect questions on personal life, such as:
- “What hobbies do you have?”
- “What goals/causes are important to you?”
- "How do you see yourself in five years?”

Avoid Using “Should” and “Shouldn’t”

These are direct and may sound like orders
Use softer language:
- “Have you considered…”
- “Perhaps you could…”
- “What do you think about…”

Avoid Saying “I Don’t Like That.”

This is direct and might be seen as rude
Use softer phrases such as:
- “That’s great that you love mountain climbing. I prefer reading."
- “That’s so kind of you to offer, but I’ll pass.”
- “I’ll pass, I’m not hungry.”

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Description

This quiz focuses on enhancing your vocabulary by providing alternatives to common phrases and words. Learn how to express yourself more clearly and effectively by replacing redundant or incorrect expressions. Test your knowledge on proper expressions in various contexts.