Happy English Podcast (Natural American English)

A lot of my students tell me that starting a conversation is easy, compared to ending one. Sometimes ending a conversation can feel a little awkward. You’re ready to leave or stop talking, but you don’t want to suddenly say, “Okay, bye!” So what can you say instead? Today, we’re going to look at three natural ways to end a conversation politely: I should get going, I won’t keep you, and I’ll let you get back to it.

The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads
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Sometimes you need someone to wait - but simply saying “Wait!” can sound a little strong. The good news is, there are several easy, natural ways to ask someone to wait in everyday conversation. Have you been wondering what you can say instead of just “Wait”? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at three natural ways to ask someone to wait: hang on a second, give me a minute, and just a sec.

The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

📘 Get fre...

At first, I didn’t like it. At first, I thought he was joking. It was difficult at first, but I got used to it. 

At first is a very useful phrase when we talk about the beginning of a situation and then show that something changed later. Have you been wondering how to use at first naturally? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you can use at first in everyday English.


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Helping people speak English better since 2014
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Have you ever been there? Do you ever cook? If you ever need help, call me. Best pizza ever! I hardly ever watch TV. 

Ever is a small word, but it shows up in a lot of everyday conversations. And depending on the sentence, it can add ideas like at any time, at any point, or even stronger emphasis. Have you been wondering how to use ever naturally? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you can use ever in everyday English.


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We’ll figure it out somehow.  Somehow, I lost my keys again. Somehow, he always knows. 

Somehow is a very useful word in everyday English because we use it when we don’t know exactly how something happened, or when we believe something can happen even if we don’t know the exact way. Have you been wondering how to use somehow naturally? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you can use somehow in everyday English.
English.


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I’ll probably stay home tonight. He’s probably busy. Probably not. You should probably call her. 
Probably is a very common word in everyday English, and we use it when we think something is likely, but we’re not completely certain. But probably can also help make advice and opinions sound softer and more natural. Have you been wondering how to use probably naturally? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use probably in everyday English.


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Leave now. Otherwise, you’ll miss the train. Wear a jacket. Otherwise, you’ll be cold. The room was a little small, but otherwise the hotel was great. Unless I hear otherwise, I’ll see you Friday. 

Otherwise is a very useful word because it can connect ideas in two different ways. Sometimes it means if not, and sometimes it means apart from that. Have you been wondering how to use otherwise naturally? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you can use otherwise in everyday English.


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Really? Not really. I really like it. Do you really think so? I don’t really know. 

Really is one of those extremely common words in everyday English that does a lot more than simply mean very. We use it to show surprise, interest, doubt, strong feeling, and sometimes to soften what we say. Have you been wondering how to use really naturally in conversation? If so, you’re in luck-because today, we’re going to look at how you can use really in everyday English.


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Apparently, they’re moving. Apparently, the restaurant closed last month. He’s not coming, apparently. Apparently not. 

Apparently is a very useful word in everyday English because it lets us share information that we learned, heard, or have reason to believe, without saying that we know it for certain. Have you been wondering how to use apparently naturally? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use apparently in everyday English.


The Happy English Podcast
Helping people speak English better since 2014
Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads

I don’t like it at all. Did you sleep at all? Does that bother you at all? Are you hungry at all? Not at all.

At all is one of those small expressions that can be easy to overlook, but it adds an important feeling to a sentence. We often use it in negative sentences and questions to mean something like even a little, in any way, or to any degree. Have you been wondering how to use at all naturally? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use...

So far, so good. How’s the trip going so far? I’ve watched three episodes so far. So far, we haven’t had any problems. That’s the best one so far. 

So far is a very common expression in everyday English, and we use it when we talk about what has happened up to the present point. Sometimes we’re talking about progress, sometimes results, and sometimes comparing what has happened until now. Have you been wondering how to use so far naturally? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you...

We’re already here, so we might as well go inside. It’s raining, so we might as well stay home. If you’re making coffee, you might as well make me one too. 

Might as well is one of those common conversational phrases that can be difficult to translate word for word, but once you understand the feeling behind it, it becomes much easier to use. We use might as well when there isn’t a strong reason not to do something, so doing it seems reasonable. Have you been wondering how to use might as well naturally...

What are you up to? What have you been up to lately? It’s up to you. That’s not up to me. Up to 50 people can attend. 

Up to is another one of those common conversational phrases that looks simple, but has a number of different meanings depending on the situation. Do you often use up to in your daily English conversations? Have you been wondering about the different ways we use up to? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you can use up to naturally in everyday...

Exactly! That’s exactly what I mean. What exactly happened? Where exactly are we meeting? Not exactly. 

Exactly is a very common word in everyday English, and we use it in several useful ways. Sometimes it shows strong agreement. Sometimes it makes a question more precise. Sometimes it means something is completely correct. And not exactly is a very natural way to soften a correction. Have you wondered about the different ways we use exactly? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how you can use exactly naturally in everyday English...

Whatever you want. Whatever works. Whatever happens, call me. I’ll eat whatever you’re having. Whatever! 

Whatever is one of those words that can sound friendly, relaxed, flexible, or even annoyed depending on how you use it. Sometimes it means “anything is okay.” Sometimes it means “it doesn’t matter which one.” Sometimes it introduces the idea that the result won’t change. And sometimes, with the right tone, Whatever! can mean, “I’m done arguing about this.” Have you wondered about the different ways we use whatever? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at ho...

I’m supposed to meet her at six. You’re not supposed to park here. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow. I was supposed to call you yesterday. What am I supposed to do?

Supposed to is one of those expressions you hear all the time in everyday English, and we use it for several different situations. We can talk about plans and expectations, rules, things people say are true, and even things that were planned but never happened. Have you wondered about the different ways we use supposed to? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re goin...

Does it matter? I think it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we finish on time. That really matters to me. No matter what, I’ll be there. 

Matter - it's a simple word that reminds me of my high school physics class. But in everyday conversation, we use matter in a number of different ways. Sometimes it means something is important. Sometimes it means something is not important. And sometimes we use set phrases like what matters is... and no matter what... to talk about priorities and determination. Have you been wondered about the different ways we us...

In this English lesson podcast, Michael welcomes a special guest - Lindsay McMahon from All Ears English. We are going to talk about what it means to be “warm,” in English. You know, being inviting, being someone other people want to talk to, supporting people, and making them feel heard. 

And we are going to show you how to use the following three phrases in your daily English conversations: “How’s everything on your end?” “I know what you mean.” “Tell me more about that.” 


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Helping people speak English better since 2014
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Go Right. That’s right. We’re meeting at seven, right? All right, let’s go. I’ll do it right away. I need it right now. 

Right is a very common word in everyday English, and in conversation, it does a lot more than talk about direction. We use it to show that we understand, to confirm information, to ask for agreement, to say okay, and to talk about something happening immediately. Have you wondered about the different ways we use right in conversation? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at how y...

You know, I keep putting off cleaning the garage. They called off the game because of the rain. I’ll drop you off at the station. What time does your flight take off? My alarm went off at five. 

Off is one of those little words that shows up in a lot of phrasal verbs, and the meaning can change quite a bit depending on the verb. Have you been confused by expressions like put off, call off, drop off, take off, and go off? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at...

It’ll take at least an hour. At least nobody was hurt. You could at least say thank you. At least I tried. 

At least is a very common expression in everyday English, and we use it in several different ways. Sometimes it means the minimum amount. Sometimes it helps us look at the positive side of a bad situation. And sometimes we use at least to tell someone, hey! You could have done something! Have you ever wondered how you an use at least? If so, you’re in luck - because today, we’re going to look at...

1095 – How to Use “Pretty” in Everyday English

It’s pretty good. I’m pretty sure. That was pretty expensive. We’re pretty busy today. That’s pretty much it. 

Pretty is a very common word in everyday English, and I’m not talking about pretty meaning beautiful. In conversation, pretty often means something like fairly, quite, or rather, and we use it all the time to soften or adjust how strong an adjective sounds. Have you wondered about expressions like pretty good, pretty sure, or pretty much? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how...

The thing is, I’m busy tomorrow. Here’s the thing... That’s the thing. The funny thing is, I actually liked it. The good thing is, nobody was hurt. One thing I like about this neighborhood is how quiet it is. 

The word Thing is pretty basic word, but in daily English conversation, we use it in a lot of useful ways that go far beyond simply talking about an object. We use this word in phrases like the thing is, here’s the thing, that’s the thing, and, funny thing! So for today's English lesson podcast, we...

Anyway, what were you saying? Anyway, I should get going. I didn’t really want to go, but I went anyway. It was expensive, but I bought it anyway. 
Anyway is one of those very common conversational words that can do a few different jobs. Sometimes we use it to return to the main topic. Sometimes we use it to move a conversation forward or bring it to an end. And sometimes we use it to mean that something happened despite a reason for it not to happen. Have you ever wondered about the different ways we use anyway? If...

That’s fair. That’s not fair. Fair enough. To be fair, he did warn us. Give her a fair chance. Let’s split it fairly. 
Fair is a common word in everyday English, but we use it in several different ways. Sometimes it means reasonable or acceptable. Sometimes it means treating people equally. And sometimes we use expressions like fair enough and to be fair to react to what someone says or add balance to a conversation. Have you been confused by these different uses of fair? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at ho...

That’s fair. That’s not fair. Fair enough. To be fair, he did warn us. Give her a fair chance. Let’s split it fairly. 

Fair is a common word in everyday English, but we use it in several different ways. Sometimes it means reasonable or acceptable. Sometimes it means treating people equally. And sometimes we use expressions like fair enough and to be fair to react to what someone says or add balance to a conversation. Have you been confused by these different uses of fair? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look...

I stopped at the store on the way home. By the way, did you call John? Either way, we need to decide today. No way! You won the tickets? This jacket is way too big. 

Way is a simple word, but it shows up in a lot of very natural everyday phrases. And in many of these expressions, the word way has very little to do with a road or direction. Have you been confused by expressions like by the way, either way, no way, and way too...? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going t...

No wonder you’re tired—you only slept four hours. No wonder the room is cold. The window is open. She practices every day, so it’s no wonder she’s improving. Well, no wonder! 

No wonder is a very common conversational phrase in everyday English, and we use it when new information explains something that seemed surprising, confusing, or unexpected before. Have you wondered... how to use no wonder? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use no wonder naturally in everyday English.


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What do you mean? I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ve been meaning to call you. You mean a lot to me , but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. This lesson is meant to help you speak English better.

Mean is a small word, but we use it in a surprising number of everyday situations. We use it to ask for clarification, explain our intentions, talk about purpose, and even tell someone how important they are to us. Have you ever been confused by all these different uses of mean? If so, you’re in lu...

I found out that the store is closing. I can’t figure out how this app works. We ran out of coffee. Everything worked out in the end. It turned out to be a great restaurant. 

Phrasal verbs with out show up everywhere in everyday English, and the meaning of out changes depending on the verb. Have you been confused by expressions like find out, figure out, run out of, work out, and turn out? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at five useful phrasal verbs with out that you can use in ev...

Does that make sense? That makes sense. I’m trying to make sense of this. It makes sense to do that. Financially, it makes sense. 

Sense is one of those words that appears in a lot of very natural everyday expressions, especially when we’re talking about whether an idea is clear, logical, or reasonable. Have you ever been confused by the different ways we use make sense? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use make sense naturally in everyday English.


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Good point. You have a point. That’s the point. That’s not the point. What’s your point? My point is... What’s the point of arguing? 

Point is a really common word in everyday conversational English, especially when we’re explaining ideas, agreeing with someone, disagreeing with someone, or trying to get to the main idea of a conversation. Have you been confused by all these different uses of point? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how you can use point naturally in everyday English.



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Do you mind if I sit here? Would you mind closing the window? I don’t mind. Never mind. Keep that in mind. It slipped my mind. 
Mind is one of those small words that appears in a lot of everyday expressions, and the meaning changes depending on the situation. Sometimes it means that something bothers you. Sometimes it refers to your thoughts or memory. And sometimes we use it to make a polite request. Have you been confused by the different ways we use mind? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re going to look at how yo...

I saw Lisa at the station. We watched a movie last night. Look at this photo. Look, I understand what you’re saying. 

See, watch, and look are all connected to using our eyes, so it’s easy to mix them up. But there are some important differences. Sometimes something simply comes into view. Sometimes we choose to pay attention to something for a period of time. And sometimes we use look without talking about our eyes at all.

Have you been confused by see, watch, and look? If so, you’re in luck—because today, we’re goi...

"Do you like living in New York?" "It depends." "Should I buy a new laptop?" "Well...it depends." "Is English difficult?" "That depends."

"It depends" is one of those little English expressions that we use all the time in everyday English. But did you know that the phrase, "It depends" has a number of different meanings and uses? Most of the time, "it depends" means,  "there isn't one simple answer." In other words, the answer changes depending on the situation.

Today, we're going to look at how you can really use "it depends" in everyday conversation.

Can you bring me a coffee? I'm only taking one suitcase. What should I bring? Don't forget to take your umbrella. Bring your laptop. Take this to the office.

Bring and take seem like simple words, but they're easy to mix up. You've probably learned that bring means "move something toward the speaker" and take means "move something away from the speaker." That's a helpful place to start, but in real conversations we usually aren't thinking about grammar rules. Instead, we picture the situation. So today, we're going to look at how you can naturally use bring and...

I heard a strange noise. Listen to this song. Can you hear me? Are you listening to me?

Hear and listen. These words are both connected to sound and ears, so it's easy to mix them up. But there’s an important difference. Hearing usually happens naturally. A sound reaches your ears, even when you’re not trying. Listening is active. You choose to pay attention to the sound. 

Have you been confused by hear and listen? If so, you're in luck - because today, we’re going to look at the different ways you can use hea...

Come back. Call back. Pay back. Give back. Get back. Write back.

What do all of these expressions have in common? Well, of course, they all use the word back. But here's the interesting thing. In many of these phrasal verbs, back gives us the idea of returning - returning to a place, returning a phone call, returning money, returning something to someone, or returning a message. And these aren't unusual expressions that you'll only find in a textbook. They're expressions that we all use every day. 

So today, we're going to look at five  phrasal ve...

Go ahead. Go ahead and start without me. You go ahead. I'll catch up. Go right ahead. Go ahead, I'm listening.

Go ahead. Two simple words that you'll hear all the time in everyday American English. Sometimes we use it to give someone permission. Sometimes it means start or continue. Sometimes we use it to tell someone to go before us. And depending on your tone of voice, "Go ahead" can even sound like a challenge. So today, we're going to look at what "go ahead" really means and how you can use it in everyday conversation.
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Come on, let's go. Oh, come on! Come on, you can do it. Come on in. Come on over.

Come on. Two simple words, right? But depending on the situation and your tone of voice, those two little words can mean hurry up, I don't believe you, you can do it, enter, visit me, or even... that's ridiculous. It's one of those expressions you'll hear all the time in movies, TV shows, and everyday American conversation. So today, we’re going to look at the different ways you can use “come on” in everyday English.



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