Choose expressions Americans are likely to use in that situation.
PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT · NATURAL LANGUAGE
Natural American English
Speak in a way that sounds clear, natural and appropriate to the real situation — not merely grammatically correct.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Correct English and natural English are not always the same thing.
A phrase can be grammatically correct and still sound too formal, too literal or slightly out of place. Natural American English depends on tone, rhythm, relationship and context.
Reduce stiffness and make responses easier to follow.
Understand what the words imply socially, not only literally.
Know when language sounds friendly, professional, casual or too direct.
IN PRACTICE
Small changes can make English sound much more credible.
These are short examples of the kind of distinction we work on. The complete practice stays inside lessons and programs.
Textbook-like
I very much like this idea.More natural
I really like this idea.
Too formal
I wish to ask you a question.More natural
Can I ask you something?
Literal closing
I must leave now.More natural
I should get going.
Want your English to sound more natural?
Bring your real conversations into the lesson and work on the language, rhythm and tone that fit them.