LIVE Masterclass: How to speak fluent English in 2024

Be in a similar difficult or challenging situation as other people.

Tone and use: Friendly and reassuring; it emphasizes shared experience. Use it to show that other people face a similar challenge and you are dealing with it together.

May not fit: It is figurative and informal; do not use it to describe a literal boat trip.

Combining separate details or ideas into one complete result.

Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it when separate words, facts, or steps need to form a whole, such as building a complete sentence.

May not fit: For a physical object, name the object or parts if the listener may not know what “that” refers to.

In a positive or promising way at the beginning of something.

Tone and use: Positive and common in everyday speech. Use it for starting a year, project, relationship, or new routine well.

May not fit: It describes a start, not a guarantee that everything will continue successfully.

Continuing regularly, with no day skipped or lost.

Tone and use: Emphatic and motivational. Use it to emphasize consistent daily effort toward a goal.

May not fit: It is an exaggeration in many contexts; avoid implying that rest days are a failure.

Gradually, by completing one stage or action at a time.

Tone and use: Neutral, practical, and encouraging. Use it to describe a process or improvement that happens through manageable stages.

May not fit: It describes the sequence of progress, not necessarily formal instructions.

Using your normal spoken wording and style rather than overly formal or academic language.

Tone and use: Practical and encouraging. Use it when asking someone to write or practise language that sounds like their real voice.

May not fit: It does not mean every spoken habit must be copied into formal writing.

Say a written response aloud so you can hear and practise it.

Tone and use: Neutral instruction. Use it as a speaking warm-up or to check whether a sentence sounds natural.

May not fit: Use “read silently” when the task is not meant to be spoken.

Improve something or move it to a more advanced or challenging stage.

Tone and use: Informal, energetic, and encouraging. Use it when increasing the difficulty or quality of a skill, plan, or performance.

May not fit: In formal writing, “improve it” or “advance to the next level” may fit better.

Make a fresh start, often by changing a habit or approach.

Tone and use: Encouraging and slightly traditional. Use it when someone decides to begin again with a more positive habit or direction.

May not fit: It implies a change in behavior or approach, not just a new calendar page.

Together, alongside one another, or at the same time.

Tone and use: Neutral and broadly useful. Use it for two activities or developments that happen together, such as listening and speaking practice.

May not fit: When describing physical position, check that the objects are actually next to each other.

Without requiring an explanation or asking for a reason.

Tone and use: Direct; often used in policies, promises, or offers. Use it when describing a return or refund that does not require the customer to explain why.

May not fit: Do not assume this phrase guarantees a policy; check the actual terms.

Suitable for my needs, preferences, or situation.

Tone and use: Natural and polite, especially when discussing choices. Use it to explain whether a class, job, schedule, or product suits you.

May not fit: It is about suitability, not whether something physically fits your body unless context makes that clear.