Speak English Like a Native: 3 Must-Know Phrases 🗣️

Advanced Level | February 19, 2026

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

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You don’t need to sound like a movie star to sound natural. What you do need is the kind of language native speakers use when they’re trying to be clear, friendly, and a little bit human. That’s why learning a few “high-frequency” phrases can instantly upgrade your English.

Think about this: many advanced learners speak with perfect grammar… but they still sound stiff. Why? Because they speak like a textbook. Native speakers don’t always speak “perfectly”—they speak efficiently. Today, you’ll learn three must-know phrases that make you sound more natural in meetings, emails, and everyday conversation. If your goal is to speak English like a native, start by mastering phrases like these and using them in real situations.

Phrase 1: “It depends.”

Native speakers use It depends when the honest answer is “yes and no,” or when you need more information before you commit. It sounds calm and professional—without sounding unsure. Try it when someone asks about timelines, pricing, or decisions that have multiple factors.

Examples

• “Can we finish by Friday?” → “It depends—do we get the client feedback by Wednesday?”
• “Should we launch now?” → “It depends on the final QA results.”

Phrase 2: “That makes sense.”

This phrase is a secret weapon for sounding supportive and collaborative. That makes sense tells the other person, “I understand you,” even if you don’t fully agree yet. It’s perfect for meetings because it keeps the conversation smooth and respectful.

Examples

• “We might need to delay the release.” → “That makes sense. What’s the biggest risk right now?”
• “I’m worried about the budget.” → “That makes sense—let’s review the numbers together.”

Phrase 3: “To be honest…”

To be honest is a natural way to share a real opinion without sounding harsh. It softens your message and signals sincerity. Use it when you want to be direct, but still friendly—especially when giving feedback.

Examples

• “Do you like the proposal?” → “To be honest, the structure is strong, but the intro needs more energy.”
• “Are you confident about the plan?” → “To be honest, I’m not fully convinced yet—can we test it first?”

How to Practice to Speak English Like a Native

Pick one phrase today and use it three times—out loud. Say it in your next meeting, write it in a short email, or practice it in a role-play with your tutor. The goal isn’t to memorize 50 phrases. The goal is to own a few phrases that make you sound natural and confident.

If you want to level up even faster, record yourself saying each example sentence. Then listen back and check: do you sound calm, clear, and natural? If not, repeat it until you do. (Yes, it’s mildly annoying. That’s why it works.)

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Vocabulary List

1. stiff (adjective) — unnatural or too formal in a way that feels uncomfortable.
   Example: His English was correct, but it sounded stiff in casual conversation.
2. upgrade (verb) — to improve something to a higher level.
   Example: Learning a few native phrases can upgrade your speaking instantly.
3. high-frequency (adjective) — used very often in real life.
   Example: “That makes sense” is a high-frequency phrase in meetings.
4. commit (verb) — to agree to do something or make a decision.
   Example: I can’t commit to Friday until we confirm the client’s schedule.
5. factor (noun) — something that influences an outcome.
   Example: Budget is a major factor in our decision.
6. collaborative (adjective) — working together in a helpful, team-focused way.
   Example: She used a collaborative tone to keep the discussion positive.
7. respectful (adjective) — showing consideration for other people.
   Example: He disagreed in a respectful way, so the meeting stayed calm.
8. sincerity (noun) — honesty and real feeling.
   Example: People trusted her because she spoke with sincerity.
9. feedback (noun) — opinions or comments meant to help improve something.
   Example: The manager gave clear feedback on the presentation.
10. role-play (noun/verb) — to practice a situation by acting it out.
    Example: We did a short role-play to practice small talk before meetings.

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5 Questions About the Article

1. Why can advanced learners still sound “stiff” in English?
2. When is “It depends” useful in professional communication?
3. What does “That makes sense” communicate to the listener?
4. Why does “To be honest” help when giving feedback?
5. What is one recommended way to practice these phrases?

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5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

1. What’s a situation at work where you could use “It depends” today?
2. When do you need to sound supportive—even if you disagree?
3. What’s the difference between being honest and being rude in English?
4. Which phrase feels most natural for you right now, and why?
5. What other “must-know” phrases do you hear often in your workplace?

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