I Tried New Hobbies for a Week | Slow British English

Help me stop using my phone and turn my attention to something else.

Tone and use: Informal and conversational. Use it to explain that an activity helps reduce phone use.

May not fit: It describes a personal goal, not necessarily a phone addiction or clinical problem.

Scroll through online content for a long time, often consuming upsetting or unhelpful material.

Tone and use: Informal and contemporary. Use it when discussing a habit of prolonged, often negative, scrolling.

May not fit: For neutral browsing, say “scroll through my feed” instead.

Tell you what I think about something after considering or trying it.

Tone and use: Neutral and useful in everyday and work contexts. Use it when promising an opinion or assessment later.

May not fit: For a casual reaction, “tell you what I think” may sound more relaxed.

A blunt self-reminder to calm down or regain control of one’s reaction.

Tone and use: Informal and potentially critical. Use it jokingly with yourself or someone you know well.

May not fit: It can sound dismissive or harsh when said to someone who is distressed.

The point when the outcome of an attempt is finally revealed.

Tone and use: Common, slightly dramatic, and often playful. Use it just before testing, tasting, or checking a result.

May not fit: For serious or sensitive situations, a neutral phrase such as “we’ll see the result now” may be better.

Eat a lot of food, usually for enjoyment.

Tone and use: Very informal and sometimes humorous. Use it casually about yourself or a relaxed meal.

May not fit: It can sound rude or judgmental about another person’s eating.

Certainly; used to show agreement or confidence.

Tone and use: Informal and friendly. Use it to confirm a decision or say you are confident.

May not fit: In formal writing, “certainly” or a direct statement may fit better.

Spend more time on the phone than intended, so other time is taken away.

Tone and use: Conversational and mildly self-critical. Use it to describe time being absorbed by an activity.

May not fit: Use a specific amount of time when making a factual report.

Remain in my memory so I can remember it later.

Tone and use: Informal and vivid. Use it when explaining how repetition or note-taking helps you remember.

May not fit: In formal learning advice, “stay in my memory” is more neutral.

Choose one item from a set of possibilities.

Tone and use: Everyday and conversational. Use it when selecting from several visible or available choices.

May not fit: When a formal decision process is involved, “select” may be more appropriate.

This attempt achieved its goal or worked well.

Tone and use: Neutral and positive. Use it to evaluate an activity after trying it.

May not fit: Explain the goal or evidence if the reason for calling it successful is not clear.

Strongly suggest that someone read or try the book.

Tone and use: Warm and direct. Use it when offering a sincere personal recommendation.

May not fit: Make clear it is your opinion, especially if you have a commercial relationship or limited experience.