DAILY CONVERSATION – QUICK ENGLISH PRACTICE

Part 1: Greetings and Social Check-ins (1, 2, 7, 17, 18)

In English, greetings are often less about gathering information and more about “checking the vibe.”

“What’s up?” → “Nothing much, you?”
- The Logic: This is not usually a literal question about what is happening above you. It means “What is new in your life?” “Nothing much” is the standard, polite way to say things are normal.
“How’s it going?” → “Pretty good!”
- The Logic: A casual version of “How are you?” Notice that we use “good” (adjective) even though grammatically it could be “well.” In casual speech, “Pretty good” is the go-to answer.
“Long time no see!” → “I missed you!”
- The Logic: This is a fixed expression used when you haven’t seen someone for weeks or months. It’s a warm, enthusiastic way to reconnect.
“What are you doing?” → “Just chilling.”
- The Logic: “Chilling” is one of the most important slang words in English. It means relaxing, doing nothing in particular, or hanging out.

These phrases help you communicate how you feel physically or emotionally.

“I’m hungry.” → “Let’s grab a bite.”
- The Logic: “Grab a bite” is an idiom meaning to go get a quick meal or snack. It sounds much more natural than saying, “Let us go to a restaurant to consume food.”
“Did you eat?” → “Not yet!”
- The Logic: In many cultures, this is a way of showing care. If the answer is “not yet,” it’s often an invitation to eat together.
“Are you okay?” → “Yeah, just tired.”
- The Logic: The word “just” is used here to minimize the concern. It implies, “I’m fine, don’t worry, there is no big problem—only tiredness.”
“I’m so bored!” → “Let’s go out!”
- The Logic: Use “so” to add emphasis. The response “Let’s” (Let us) is the standard way to suggest a joint activity.

These are “action” phrases used when you are moving around or looking for things.

“Where are you?” → “Almost there!”
- The Logic: If you are running late or traveling to meet someone, “Almost there” means you are very close (perhaps 2–5 minutes away).
“I can’t find my keys!” → “Check the table!”
- The Logic: When someone is frustrated, we use the Imperative Mood (Command). “Check the table” is a direct, helpful instruction.
“Hurry up!” → “I’m coming!”
- The Logic: In English, even if you are still putting on your shoes, you say “I’m coming” to signal that you have started the process of moving toward the other person.

How to ask for help and give it.

“Can you help me?” → “Of course!”
- The Logic: “Of course” is stronger and friendlier than just saying “Yes.”
“Can I borrow this?” → “Sure, go ahead!”
- The Logic: “Go ahead” is a vital phrase. It means “You have my permission to do that.”
“Can you hear me?” → “Loud and clear!”
- The Logic: This is a common phrase used on phone calls or video chats. It means the connection is perfect.

The list includes some “Natural English” gems that don’t always translate literally:

“Guess what?” (Phrase 5): Used to introduce exciting or surprising news.
“Like a baby” (Phrase 20): To sleep “like a baby” means to sleep very deeply and peacefully.
“Half past six” (Phrase 9): This is the traditional way to say 6:30. “Half past” = 30 minutes after the hour.
“Loud and clear” (Phrase 24): As mentioned, it means no audio issues.

To make this lesson stick, try to match the mood to the phrase.

Exercise: Pick 3 phrases from the list and imagine a specific person you would say them to today.
Example: If I see my roommate looking tired, I’ll use #6: “Are you okay?”