Sometimes a small change can make a big difference. Here are 5 little things you can do to sound drastically more fluent in English in no time.

Tip 1: Always contract!

Even being able to use correctly a variety of grammar structures and a rather broad vocabulary, you may find yourself speaking like a robot if you always fully pronounce all the little words, such as HAVE/HAS, AM/ARE/IS, HAD/WOULD etc.  Let's see some examples.

Human speaking: I've seen this film before, it's brilliant!

Robot speaking: Yes, I have seen it too and I have found it interesting.

Human speaking: There're some chinese restaurants in the city, but they aren't very popular.

Robot speaking: Well, I love chinese, I would like to go some day.

How to fix it? Start contracting!



It saves time, it makes you sound more fluent AND it’s easier! What’s not to like?

You may ask if you can contract in a more formal context, for example in a business meeting? Well, you can contract evrywhere. There're only 3 situations when it isn't recommended to contract. 

1. When you emphasize something.

I am really enjoyng the film.

2. In short answers.

Yes, I am.

3. In formal writing.

Tip 2: I think so/ I hope so

Remember that language isn’t just about giving information. When you speak to someone, you’re also using language to create social connections - to show that you listen and understand them and that you like them (or to show that you don’t understand them and that you don’t like them. That happens). So showing agreement is an important part of conversation. These two simple phrases can be used to show agreement and make stronger social connections. Just do it right.



Watch out, though. In the longer sentences you don't need to use SO.

Tip 3: Kind of.../ sort of...

These phrases don’t really have any meaning at all. They’re fillers. But they are widely used by native speakers of English. They help when you can't describe something precisely, but can think of something similar. Another good thing about kind of and sort of is that they give you time to put your thoughts together and prepare the next sentence in your mind. 

Such phrases are really useful for situations that are kind of abstract and sort of hard to explain. When you use them, you’re inviting the listener to use their imagination a little.

Tip 4: You know...

Another filler that makes you sound better. It is as usefull as the kind of/sort of expressions, because when you’re speaking, sometimes you just need a little time to think - to process what you’re talking about. If you need to stop in the middle of your thought, don't let it hang in the air, add you know. It’s good to make some sort of sound to let people know that you’re just thinking and that you’re going to finish that sentence. It also makes the listener feel a part of what you’re saying.

Also, you can try using you know in the end of the sentences, to make your listener feel more involved.

Tip 5: Avoid repeating verbs (words you use to describe actions)

Instead of repeating a verb (or a verb phrase), you can replace it with the auxiliary verb (don't worry, if you don't remember what those are, you're going to see them in the examples below).

Use a similar technique, answering questions:

- Are you watching TV?

- Yes, I am (not Yes, I'm watching).

- Have you got my email?

- Yes, I have (not, Yes I have got it).

That's it! You're ready to sound more fluent in English! Come back for more useful tips when you're done with these ones.