So you signed up to learn English with online conversation classes, took time to check the tutor profiles, found a good teacher, and began your first lesson with great enthusiasm. But then you got nervous and struggled to express what you wanted to convey. Or maybe you had a frustrating experience trying to get the conversation flowing. Perhaps you’re wondering how to be confident while speaking English.
There are plenty of people in your shoes, so to help you overcome this stumbling block we’ve summarized the expressions that are most often used in online English conversation lessons. If you practice saying these aloud repeatedly, they should begin to flow easily from your mouth in real conversation. You can memorize these and start using them straight away. Additionally, you can also prepare any of your own phrases and questions that you would like to ask your tutor, and practice these before the lesson.
1. If you don’t understand something
What does ___ mean?
If you come across a word or phrase that you don’t understand, check with your teacher using this expression. If you would prefer to use a different phrase that feels more comfortable to you, try this question:
What would be another way to say that?
If you can’t hear what the instructor is saying, try using this expression:
Please say that again slowly.
2. When you get stuck and wish to move on with the lesson
Please type that into the chat box.
If you can’t hear what your tutor is saying after they’ve repeated it several times, ask them to write it in the chat box and use the automatic translation function. Chat exchanges will be recorded for you to review, so try to make the most of them.
Please correct me every time I make a mistake.
Even if you have this noted on your profile, your tutor may forget. If you need to remind them, you can do so with this expression.
Please type any corrections you have for me into the chat box.
If you want your tutor to write any corrections in the chat box so that they’re recorded, use this expression.
I would like to work on the lessons from the course I am enrolled in.
If the tutor is not aware that you are enrolled in a course, use this phrase to tell them.
Please help me choose a topic.
If you don’t know what to practice, use this phrase to find a topic with your tutor.
This is what I would like to work on for my next lesson.
If you want to request corrections on your essay or speech, or if you have an article you want to read, send it to the instructor in advance and add this sentence to make it easier for the instructor to prepare.
3. When you want to enhance your learning
Please give me advice on ways to improve my English.
Use this phrase to ask your tutor for help in identifying gaps in your knowledge. You’ll then have more focus for improving your level of English.
What should I work on until my next lesson?
To get the most out of Cambly’s online English conversation resources, practice English not only during the lesson, but also during non-lesson hours. Ask your teacher how to practice effectively.
Improve your English today
The phrases introduced here are all simple. To increase your bank of English phrases to use in conversation, start memorizing now and then use them as soon as you can in the lesson. Sign up for your first Cambly lesson or arrange your next tutoring session today!
