Learners know how it feels to have more to say than you know the words for! Here are three English phrases to help you boost your conversation skills—and buy you some time to think about what to say next.
Let’s get talking!
I think…
*We think* you should keep this phrase handy: Using I think gives you a little more time to think about what you want to say before launching into it. For example, instead of saying That’s great, you can say, I think that’s great. There are three reasons you might want to use I think:
1️⃣ It gives you some time to plan what to say next. This is especially useful for new learners working on their speaking skills!
2️⃣ It also can be used as a parenthetical phrase as you plan how to say your next idea, as in You don’t have to be a language teacher, I think, to see the importance of learning a second language.
3️⃣ It allows you to introduce your opinion indirectly. For example, you can say I think we should get pizza tonight instead of We should get pizza tonight—which could sound like you are making a demand. Your statement will sound more like a suggestion than a command, and you’ll be able to make your desire known politely. 🍕
I was wondering…
If you need to ask a question, the phrase I was wondering makes your question less direct and possibly less invasive, while also buying some time for you to decide how to word your question. For example, you can say I was wondering—would you be able to drive me to the mechanic to pick up my car?
You can also take a breath after saying I was wondering to let your listener know a question is coming. This is a way you can “hold the floor”: You extend your turn in the conversation so you can take your time stating your question. It’s a clue to the listener that you have more to say… and you’re about to say it!
Another useful function of this phrase is to ask a question indirectly, in case you want to gently find out if the listener has the answer. For example, if you say I was wondering what’s for lunch, you might not necessarily be asking for a concrete, accurate answer from the listener. They are free to say I don’t know or to agree with you by saying I was wondering, too without any embarrassment or expectation that they should have the information.
I’d like…
You can use I’d like or I would like to make a request. Saying that you would like something instead of simply want or need is a polite and indirect way to introduce a request. Typically in the United States, we place our orders in a restaurant or café with this phrase. For example, you might say I’d like the salmon dish instead of the more direct version, Bring me the salmon dish or I want the salmon dish. In addition to sounding polite, using I’d like buys you that precious time to decide which delicious dish you want to order! 🍽️
This phrase also introduces your intentions or plans politely. If you say I’d like to go to the movies, you’re stating your desire without being too forceful: Others are free to offer their preferences, and the door is open for more discussion and compromise!
Make English as easy as possible
These phrases can make your journey learning English more enjoyable and help boost your confidence. There are lots of ways to hack English grammar!
