How to Become Fluent in English [Live Lesson]

Continue following or understanding something as it progresses.

Tone and use: Neutral and common in study, work, and conversation. Use it for staying current with a class, discussion, news, or pace.

May not fit: For physically walking behind someone, “follow” may be clearer.

Treat something as much more serious or important than it needs to be.

Tone and use: Conversational; often used to reassure someone that a mistake is manageable. Use it when a small problem or error is receiving too much attention.

May not fit: Do not use it to dismiss a problem that genuinely affects someone.

Not especially serious, difficult, or important.

Tone and use: Informal and reassuring. Use it to calm someone about a minor mistake or inconvenience.

May not fit: It can sound dismissive if the other person is upset about something important to them.

Ask someone what suggestion they would offer in a particular situation.

Tone and use: Open, thoughtful, and conversational. Use it to invite suggestions without assuming there is only one answer.

May not fit: If you need a direct instruction, ask specifically what the person recommends doing.

Gradually increase the number of words you know and can use.

Tone and use: Neutral and encouraging. Use “build up” for skills or knowledge that grow through practice over time.

May not fit: Do not confuse it with memorizing a large list once; the phrase suggests gradual development.

Pick a subject you genuinely enjoy or care about.

Tone and use: Warm and encouraging. Use it when recommending that someone learn, read, or speak about an interesting subject.

May not fit: For a formal assignment, the topic may need to meet specific requirements too.

Say the same words just after another speaker says them.

Tone and use: Neutral; often used as an instruction in language practice. Use it when asking a learner to imitate a model sentence or pronunciation.

May not fit: It means copying the spoken words, not repeating an action later.

Look at, visit, or explore something to learn more about it.

Tone and use: Informal and friendly. Use it to recommend a website, book, place, or piece of media.

May not fit: In formal writing, “review” or “visit” may be more precise.

A useful first step or beginning point for a task.

Tone and use: Neutral and helpful. Use it when recommending an accessible first resource or action.

May not fit: It does not necessarily mean the only or best option for every person.

Suitable for your needs, interests, or situation.

Tone and use: Neutral and considerate. Use it when evaluating whether a class, schedule, role, or activity suits someone.

May not fit: It is a general suitability judgment, not a guarantee that something will work perfectly.

To the greatest amount or degree that circumstances allow.

Tone and use: Neutral and flexible. Use it to encourage frequent practice while recognizing that people have limits.

May not fit: It does not mean ignoring rest, safety, or other responsibilities.

Make a sincere effort, even if you may not succeed perfectly.

Tone and use: Encouraging and supportive. Use it to motivate someone to make an effort without demanding perfection.

May not fit: Avoid using it to pressure someone when they need help or a different approach.

In a situation that feels unfamiliar or challenging rather than safe and routine.

Tone and use: Neutral; often used when discussing growth or trying something new. Use it for a manageable challenge that may help you learn or grow.

May not fit: It should not imply that someone must accept an unsafe or overwhelming situation.

For a short period of roughly two minutes.

Tone and use: Informal and approximate. Use it for a brief, casual amount of time; “a couple of minutes” is also common.

May not fit: Use an exact time when precision matters.