Sounding native isn't about copying every bit of slang or colloquial comment you hear. It's about sounding natural, and that starts with a few simple habits.

To start with, you should try to use contractions like I'm, don't, and we'd. And not just when you write in English, but also when speaking. I introduce this to English learners as soon as they begin studying English with me. If someone learning the language at a beginner level wants to improve at a steady pace, they'll need to improve their listening skills. That means understanding exactly how most native English speakers actually speak (such as the use of contractions), rather than sounding like they’ve come straight out of a rigid English course textbook.

Learn phrasal verbs like sort out and give up, and pick up a few everyday idioms to use in the right context. That alone will make your speech sound much more relaxed. But a word to the wise: do not overdo the use of your favourite idiom or colloquial expression. That will have the opposite effect of what you want to achieve, making you sound unnatural rather than like a native!

That brings us back to why listening to a broad range of English speakers from various sources is so important. If you want to sound more natural when using English, you have to listen to how the language is actually used. But don't forget to keep your grammar solid. Slang and informal prose layered on top of good grammar sound genuinely fluent; slang layered on top of broken grammar just causes confusion.

Of course, as I'm from the UK, I'll always focus on teaching my students British English. But this doesn't mean I leave out important elements that students interested in learning American English should be introduced to. 

At the end of the day, it's my job to help language learners achieve their specific goals. To be honest, students with a strong desire to sound natural using US English would be much better off using the services of an American tutor. The same goes for students planning to travel or work in the UK: get yourself a British teacher to help you master the subtle cultural and linguistic nuances of British English.

To help you get started, here are five classic British expressions to try out in your next conversation:

I'm knackered – I'm very tired
no worries – that's fine, or you're welcome
give it a go – try it out
sorted – fixed, arranged, or dealt with
fancy a cuppa / a pint? – would you like a cup of tea / a pint of beer, lager or cider

Take the next step with me

English-language students, which of these phrases would you try first? Want to put them into practice effectively? Head over to my Cafetalk profile today, book a trial lesson, and let's work on sounding more natural when using English together!

colloquial comment – a casual, everyday spoken remark used in relaxed conversation
nailing (something) – getting it absolutely right
a word to the wise – a piece of advice or a helpful warning
keep your grammar solid – use correct grammar
at the end of the day – after everything has been considered