Speak With Vanessa on Skype: Testimonial from Vera

Relax or do something without rushing or putting pressure on yourself.

Tone and use: Friendly, casual, and reassuring. Use it to suggest a calm pace or a restful day.

May not fit: It can sound like you are minimizing a serious problem; match it to the situation.

Say that a considerable amount of time has passed since an event or last meeting.

Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it before a past-time clause: “It’s been a long time since we talked.”

May not fit: Keep the verb after since in the appropriate past form.

Manage everyday communication using the English ability you currently have.

Tone and use: Informal and modest; suggests basic but workable ability. Use get by with + a language or skill when you can manage, even if you are not fully fluent.

May not fit: It does not mean you are highly proficient; for stronger ability, describe what you can do specifically.

Continue trying instead of quitting when something is difficult.

Tone and use: Encouraging and direct. Use it to motivate someone who is facing a challenge or slow progress.

May not fit: It may feel dismissive if someone needs rest or a change of approach; acknowledge that first.

Encourage someone to begin and make a sincere effort.

Tone and use: Supportive and reassuring. Use it when inviting someone to attempt an activity without demanding perfection.

May not fit: Best describes effort, not a guaranteed outcome.

Value the ongoing process rather than focusing only on the final goal.

Tone and use: Positive and motivational. Use it to encourage someone to appreciate gradual learning or progress.

May not fit: It does not mean ignoring real obstacles; it shifts attention toward progress along the way.

To the greatest extent that circumstances allow.

Tone and use: Common and flexible. Use it after an action to describe doing that action frequently or extensively within limits.

May not fit: It does not mean literally without any limit; context sets what is possible.

Gradually, one stage or action at a time.

Tone and use: Neutral and reassuring. Use it to describe a gradual process or explain a manageable sequence.

May not fit: If a precise order matters, list the actual steps instead of relying on this general phrase.

Requires considerable bravery or willingness to face discomfort.

Tone and use: Informal and strongly supportive; guts is casual. Use it to recognize someone for doing something intimidating.

May not fit: Guts is informal; use “takes courage” in more formal contexts.

A normal or expected element of how something develops or gets done.

Tone and use: Neutral and reassuring. Use it to frame mistakes or challenges as one stage of learning or completing a task.

May not fit: It does not mean every difficulty should be accepted without addressing it.

Use events from your personal life as the subject of a writing task.

Tone and use: Neutral and practical. Use it to suggest that someone draw on familiar, personally meaningful examples.

May not fit: Protect private details when writing for a public audience.

Continue doing something well or maintaining a helpful effort.

Tone and use: Warm, informal encouragement. Use it to praise ongoing effort or progress.

May not fit: It refers to continuing an action; specify what someone should continue if context is unclear.