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Use a simple notebook method to record new English expressions with the sentence and context that help you remember them.
In this second tip from her series on speaking natural English, Vanessa recommends writing new expressions in a notebook. Her key advice is to write each expression in a complete sentence rather than recording an isolated word. A full sentence preserves the context: it shows how the expression was used and makes it easier to remember how to use it later. The source of the expression can vary; Vanessa mentions hearing it, seeing it in a movie, or finding it in a newspaper.
Learners can organize the notebook into categories by topic or word type if that is helpful. Vanessa also makes clear that elaborate organization is optional: learners who prefer a simple approach can just write the expression down. The main goal is to connect the words heard with their written form. This gives the learner more than one way to notice and practise the expression.
Vanessa emphasizes combining English skills. Writing, listening, reading, and speaking can support one another when a learner encounters new language. Listening alone is useful, but listening and then writing the expression in a sentence adds a second action and helps the learner spend extra time noticing it. Even if the learner never returns to review the notebook, writing the expression out can still be a helpful exercise.
The practical steps are simple: notice a new expression, write down the complete sentence where it appeared, and keep enough context to understand it. If desired, sort notes into categories. Then try using the expression in a sentence of your own. The video’s advice is especially useful for learners who collect vocabulary but struggle to remember how words fit into real speech. It shifts note-taking from memorizing a word list to recording useful language in context. Vanessa closes by pointing learners to a free PDF with all six tips and asks them to use the method while continuing to practise natural English.
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Introducing the goal of speaking more naturally
Hi, I’m Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa dot com. How can you and start speaking more naturally? Let’s talk about it.
Try it: Name one way you can make your spoken English sound more natural.
Phrase cheat sheet
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
Introducing the goal of speaking more naturally · expression
Speak in a way that feels less stiff or overly formal and more like natural conversation.
Tone and use: Informal and slightly humorous. Use it when contrasting natural speech with language that sounds too much like written material.
May not fit: Do not use it to suggest that formal or textbook language is always wrong; the goal is to fit the situation.
Example“Practise short conversations so you stop sounding like a textbook.”
Writing new expressions in a notebook with their sentence context · expression
Record useful phrases in a notebook so you can keep and review them.
Tone and use: Direct and instructional. Use this study strategy when you notice a phrase you want to remember.
May not fit: Do not copy a phrase without enough surrounding language to understand how it was used.
Example“I write new expressions in my notebook after class.”
Writing new expressions in a notebook with their sentence context · expression
As part of a full sentence, not as a disconnected word or phrase.
Tone and use: Neutral and instructional. Use it when explaining how to record or present a word in context.
May not fit: For a dictionary headword or label, a single word may be appropriate; for usage notes, a full sentence helps.
Example“Write “I ran into an old friend” in a complete sentence.”
Writing new expressions in a notebook with their sentence context · expression
Surrounding information that helps explain how a word or expression is being used.
Tone and use: Neutral and explanatory. Use it when discussing clues from a sentence or situation that help clarify meaning.
May not fit: If giving a short definition, “know what the word means” may be simpler.
Example“The dialogue gives you context for the word “charge.””
Choosing a notebook organization style and connecting language skills · expression
Organized to a greater degree than usual; here it means arranging notes into categories.
Tone and use: Casual and conversational. Use it when describing an optional extra level of organization.
May not fit: In formal writing, “particularly well organized” may be more polished.
Example“I keep separate folders to stay extra organized.”
Choosing a notebook organization style and connecting language skills · phrasal verb
Record information in writing so you can remember or refer to it later.
Tone and use: Everyday and practical. Use it for quickly recording a note, reminder, or useful expression.
May not fit: For a formal record, name the document or recording method more specifically.
Example“That address is important—write it down.”
Choosing a notebook organization style and connecting language skills · expression
Practise several language abilities—such as writing, listening, reading, and speaking—together.
Tone and use: Instructional and encouraging. Use it when describing a balanced approach to language learning.
May not fit: If naming one skill only, refer to that specific skill rather than “all the different” ones.
Example“Try to use all the different English skills when you study a short article.”
Adding writing to listening practice and reviewing new expressions · phrasal verb
Read something again, often to review or check it.
Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it when talking about rereading notes, a draft, or information.
May not fit: If you mean carefully correct errors, “proofread them” is more specific.
Example“I’ll read over my notes before the meeting.”
Adding writing to listening practice and reviewing new expressions · expression
Spend a little longer than usual on something, often to give it more attention.
Tone and use: Conversational and practical. Use it to suggest allowing a bit more time for a task or detail.
May not fit: For a deadline or schedule, give a precise amount of time when possible.
Example“Take a little bit of extra time to check the address.”
Summarizing the second tip and sharing the free learning guide · phrasal verb
Take a look at or explore the PDF document.
Tone and use: Friendly and informal. Use “check out” to recommend that someone look at a resource or place.
May not fit: For formal instructions, say “review” or “open” the document.
Example“Check out the PDF for the complete list of examples.”
Summarizing the second tip and sharing the free learning guide · expression
Begin using spoken language that sounds more fluent and appropriate to everyday conversation.
Tone and use: Encouraging and instructional. Use it when talking about developing more natural speech over time.
May not fit: Avoid implying there is only one correct accent or speaking style.
Example“Listening to short interviews can help you start speaking more naturally.”
Knowledge check
Use it in a sentence · “in a complete sentence”