You've spent years studying grammar. You know how to conjugate verbs and pass exams. But when you open your mouth to speak with a colleague or a client, you feel like a robot.
“I am fine, thank you. And you?”
It's the classic “textbook trap.” You're technically correct, but you don't sound like you. You sound like a recording from a 1995 English CD.
In my years of one-on-one coaching, I’ve seen this time and again with Taiwanese professionals. You have the knowledge; you just lack the Authentic English spoken (natural spoken English phrases) that bridge the gap between “knowing English” and “using English.”
Here are 15 phrases that will immediately make you sound more natural, confident, and professional.
Social Starters
How's it going?
Instead of: “How are you?”
While “How are you?” is perfectly fine, “How’s it going?” is the bread and butter of modern English. It’s slightly more relaxed and much more common in a workplace setting.
- When to use it: When greeting a coworker in the hallway or starting a Zoom call.
No complaints.
Instead of: “I am fine, thank you.”
“I am fine” often sounds a bit short or even slightly cold. “Can't complain” shows a positive, easy-going attitude. It implies that life is good and you are ready to get to work.
- When to use it: I'm doing well, thank you. And you?“
3. Catch up
Instead of: “Meet and talk.”
If you want to see how a friend is doing or talk to a colleague about their weekend, use “catch up.” It sounds warm and personal.
- Example: “Let's Catch up ”over coffee later this week."
Navigating the Workplace
4. I’m busy.
Instead of: “I have a lot on my plate.”
“I'm busy” can sometimes sound like you're brushing someone off. “I'm tied up” suggests you are currently committed to something else, which feels more professional and less personal.
- Example: “I'm a bit bound Can we chat at 3:00 PM right now?”
5. On my plate
Instead of: “I have a lot to do.”
This is a great idiom for the office. It visualizes your workload. It's a very common piece of Authentic English spoken.
- Example: “I have a lot on my plate this month with the new project launch.”
6. Get the ball rolling
Instead of: “To start the project/task.”
Native speakers love sports metaphors. This one simply means to begin a process. It sounds proactive and energetic.
- Example: “Let's get the ball rolling by scheduling the first brainstorming session.”
7. Reach out to
Instead of: “Contact”
“Contact” sounds very formal, like a legal document. “Reach out” is much friendlier and is the standard in modern corporate emails and Slack messages.
- Example: “I'll contact the marketing team to get those files.”
8. Call it a day.
Instead of: “Stop working.”
When you've finished your tasks and it's time to go home, this is the phrase to use. It's a satisfying way to end a meeting or a workday.
- Example: “We've made great progress. Let's Call it a day.”
Showing You “Get It”
Got it / I get it.
Instead of: “I understand.”
“I understand” can sometimes sound like you are talking to a teacher. “Got it” is quick, efficient, and shows you are following the conversation perfectly.
- Example: “Oh, I Got it ”Now, you want the report in PDF format, not Excel."
I'm on board.
Instead of: “I agree with your plan.”
This shows enthusiasm and commitment. It means you are part of the team and support the idea.
- Example: “That sounds like a solid strategy. I'm on board!“
11. Sleep on it.
Instead of: “Think about it for a day.”
I need some time to think about it.
- Example: “That's a big decision. Why don't you sleep on it And please let me know tomorrow?”
Piece of cake.
Instead of: “It's very easy.”
Piece of cake.
- Example: “simple process! easy.”
Clarification and Uncertainty
13. I’m not sure / Beats me.
Instead of: “I don't know.”
“I don't know” can sometimes sound a bit blunt or lazy. “I'm not sure” is more professional. “Beats me” is great for casual conversations with teammates.
- Example: “When is the deadline? I don't know., I'll have to check the calendar.”
14. What do you think?
Instead of: “What do you think?”
“Reckon” is very common in British, Australian, and some US contexts. It's a slightly softer way to ask for an opinion.
- When to use it: Would you like to share your thoughts on this?.
Hang on a sec.
Instead of: “Hold on a second, please.”
In a fast-paced conversation, “Wait a moment, please” is too long and formal. “Hang on a sec” is the natural way to ask someone to pause.
- Example: “Hold on a sec, Okay, I need to grab my notebook.”
How to Start Using These Today
moving from textbook English to Authentic English spoken doesn't happen overnight. If you try to use all 15 at once, you might feel overwhelmed. Here is a step-by-step plan:
- Choose Two: How's it going? Got it.“
- Use Them Daily: Use these two phrases every single time you have the chance for one week.
- Listen: Notice when native speakers (or even your more fluent coworkers) use these phrases. Hearing them in context will help you understand the “vibe” of the phrase.
- Don't Fear Mistakes: If you use a phrase slightly incorrectly, Don't worry. People care more about your message than your perfect execution.
Why Textbooks Fail You
Textbooks are designed to teach you the Rules. But conversation is about connection.
When you use “How's it going?” instead of “How are you?”, you're sending a signal. You're saying, “I'm comfortable in this language. I'm a peer, not just a student.”
This shift in mindset is exactly what we focus on at IMC English. My one-on-one lessons are designed to be a “safe space.” There is no judgment here. We take the English you already know and polish it until it feels natural.
📘 Key Vocabulary Glossary
| Term | Meaning | Example Sentence | Chinese instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| How's it going? | What's up? | “Hey Lisa! How's it going?” | Better than “How are you?” as a natural greeting, commonly used in offices or everyday life. |
| Can't complain | Life is good! | “How's work? Can't complain, busy as usual!” | Here are a few options to sound more relaxed and positive than “I'm fine” when asked how you're doing: * "Things are going pretty well, thanks for asking!" * "Can't complain! How about you?" * "Doing great, thanks! I've been busy with [mention something brief and positive]." * "All good here, thanks! Hope you are too." * "I'm doing really well, actually. How are things on your end?" |
| Catch up | To catch up with someone | “Let's catch up over coffee this weekend.” | Not just a simple "meeting," but with a feeling of care and catching up, suitable for meeting friends or colleagues to chat about recent events. |
| Tied up | Currently busy or occupied with something else | “Sorry, I'm tied up right now. Can I call you back?” | I'm currently handling a few things right now. |
| On my plate | The tasks or responsibilities you currently have | “I have a lot on my plate this quarter with the new project.” | A very common office term refers to workload as "things on your plate." It's very idiomatic. |
| Get the ball rolling | To initiate a process or project | “Let's get the ball rolling by scheduling the first meeting.” | Using a sports game as a metaphor for "getting the ball rolling" to signify starting something sounds positive and action-oriented. |
| Contact | Reach out to | “I'll reach out to the marketing team for those files.” | “Contact” sounds very formal, like a legal document, while ”reach out” is friendlier and is standard modern workplace usage. |
| Let's call it a day. | To stop working for the day | “We've made great progress. Let's call it a day.” | The perfect way to say “call it a day” after finishing work, much more natural than "stop working." |
| Got it | I understand what you mean | “Ah, I see! You want the PDF version, not Excel.” | Quicker and more to the point than “I understand,” showing you're completely in sync with the other person. |
| I'm on board | I agree with the plan and support it enthusiastically. | “That sounds like a solid strategy. I'm on board!” | More than just agreeing, you're willing to participate and support. This conveys a stronger sense of teamwork than “I agree.” |
| Sleep on it | To take time before making a decision | “That's a big decision. Why don't you sleep on it?” | Not really sleeping, but "taking time to think things through before making a decision." This is a very colloquial usage. |
| Easy peasy | Very easy to do | “Updating the website? Don’t worry, it’s a piece of cake.” | A piece of cake |
| I don't know. | I dunno | “When's the deadline? I have no idea, I'll have to check.” | “I don't know” can sometimes sound too direct. Using “Beats me” is more casual and suitable for chatting with colleagues. |
| What do you think? | What's your take? | “The new design looks good, what do you think?” | What are your thoughts on this? |
| Hold on a sec | Hold up | “Hold on a second, I need to grab my notebook.” | Just a sec. |
If you find yourself hesitating or giving short, “safe” answers because you're afraid of sounding wrong, Contact me. We can work together to build your confidence and help you master the Authentic English spoken You need to succeed in your career.
You've done the hard work of learning the language. Now, let's make it yours.
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