VOCABULARY THAT NATIVE SPEAKERS USE IN ENGLISH

Summary

The video script discusses a common mistake made by English language learners: overusing the word 'very.' The speaker explains that 'very' is a weak word as it doesn't add significant meaning to sentences and can make speech or writing seem less professional, especially in academic essays where space is limited. To improve language skills, the video suggests replacing 'very' with more expressive adjectives, such as 'splendid,' 'terrific,' 'adorable,' or 'exhausted,' to convey more precise emotions. The speaker also shares personal strategies for enhancing pronunciation and offers a course link for further American accent training. The video concludes with a challenge for viewers to practice by replacing 'very' with a single, stronger word in a comment, emphasizing the importance of active learning and engagement.

Takeaways

• 📝 The video discusses a common mistake made by English language learners: overusing the word 'very'.
• 🔍 'Very' is considered a weak word because it magnifies an adjective without adding extra meaning.
• 📚 In writing, especially essays with word limits, using 'very' frequently can waste valuable space.
• 💼 Overuse of 'very' can make speech or writing appear unprofessional due to its simplicity.
• 🆚 The video contrasts two sentences to illustrate the impact of replacing 'very' with stronger adjectives.
• 🇺🇸 Americans often describe clothing layers and weather conditions without using 'very', adding more descriptive words instead.
• 🐶 Provides examples of common phrases that include 'very' and suggests more expressive alternatives.
• 📝 Advises against using 'very' in formal writing or academic essays to maintain a professional tone.
• 🗣️ Suggests focusing on pronunciation and reducing reliance on 'very' to improve speech clarity and accent.
• 📈 Recommends using synonyms and descriptive words to replace 'very' and enhance the expressiveness of language.
• 📝 Encourages viewers to practice by writing comments, replacing 'very' with a single, more descriptive word.

Q & A

What is the common mistake discussed in the video that English language learners often make?

The common mistake discussed is the overuse of the word 'very' when speaking or writing in English.

Why is the word 'very' considered a weak word in English?

The word 'very' is considered weak because it doesn't add any extra meaning but merely magnifies the adjective it's used with, without providing additional information or nuance.

What is the impact of using 'very' frequently in an essay with a word limit?

Using 'very' frequently in an essay can waste valuable space, as it doesn't contribute to the word count effectively, and it can make the writing seem less professional due to the use of simple vocabulary.

How does the video suggest improving the sentence 'I am wearing a lot of layers today because it's very cold outside'?

The video suggests using the word 'freezing' instead of 'very cold' to make the sentence 'I am wearing a lot of layers today because it's freezing outside', which adds more emotional color and is more descriptive.

What are some alternative words to 'very good' suggested in the video?

Some alternatives to 'very good' include 'splendid', 'excellent', 'terrific', 'great', 'brilliant', and 'wonderful'.

How does the video suggest describing a dog instead of saying 'very cute'?

Instead of 'very cute', one could use words like 'adorable', 'admirable', or 'lovely' to describe a dog.

What is the purpose of the American pronunciation course mentioned in the video?

The American pronunciation course is designed to help individuals improve their American accent by focusing on specific sounds and pronunciation techniques.

What are some phrases that can replace 'very tired' according to the video?

Phrases that can replace 'very tired' include 'exhausted', 'sleepy', 'distressed', and 'worn out'.

How does the video suggest enhancing the phrase 'very clean'?

The video suggests using the word 'spotless' instead of 'very clean' to enhance the phrase.

What homework does the video presenter assign to the viewers?

The presenter asks viewers to write a comment with a phrase that includes 'very' plus a word, and then to replace 'very' with a single, stronger word.

What is the benefit of replacing 'very' with stronger adjectives as suggested in the video?

Replacing 'very' with stronger adjectives can improve the quality of speech or writing, making it more expressive and concise, and it can help to convey more thoughts with fewer words.

What is the final advice given by the video presenter to the viewers?

The final advice is to subscribe to the channel, engage with the content by liking the video, and to participate in the intensive class for further learning.