Learn Which Words to Use to Sound Natural
When speaking English (or any other language), you want to use the right words not to be misunderstood or to say anything rude or embarrassing.
Even though we are not talking about pronunciation here, using the wrong word when you are speaking can make you sound less “American.” On top of this, some words are also usually said with a specific intonation or body language.
The best way to pick this up would be to observe American English speakers closely. For example, there is a lot that you can learn from how Will Smith (a popular American actor) talks:
If you want to sound natural when you speak American English, knowing the right words to use is just as important as saying them correctly.
Below are some more specific examples of which words to use if you are trying to speak American English.
American Slang
A lot of English learners have a problem understanding very informal conversations among young people because they are full of slang words and expressions.
We cannot include all the slang words that exist in the US, but you can start your own list with these words:
to bail/to ditch — to cancel plans with someone
to slay — to do very well
tea — gossip
wack — boring
juiced — very excited (to do something)
swag — coolness
zonked — very tired
hyped — very excited
hit someone up — contact someone
vanilla — ordinary/boring
“Have” and “Get”
American speakers often use “have” when they are talking about possessions. Here is how it works with negative sentences and questions:
I don’t have a car.
Do you have a car?
In addition, the past participle (third form of the verb, used in perfect tenses) of the verb “get” is “gotten” in American English. Here are a few examples:
He’s gotten himself a new car.
He’s gotten taller.
American English also uses “have got” for emphasis:
You’ve got to see this!
You’ve just got to read this book, it’s so good.
American Informal Contractions
These informal contractions have become very popular lately thanks to music, movies and TV programs.
There are a lot of teachers who will tell you not to use these types of words during class or when you are writing in general. But you would use them when you are speaking to friends, texting, writing on social media or in other informal interactions.
Here are some common examples:
gonna — going to
I’m gonna go now. — I’m going to go now.
wanna — want to
We don’t wanna go. — We don’t want to go.
gotta — got to/have to
I gotta go. — I have to go.
kinda — kind of
That’s kinda funny. — That’s kind of (a little) funny.
sorta — sort of
I sorta like it here. — I sort of like it here. (I like it here but not too much)