Learn English quickly with podcast | English learning Conversation | Episode 1

Summary

In this lesson from EnglishPod, hosts Marco and Erica introduce everyday English phrases that help in common, sometimes embarrassing, situations. They focus on situations like forgetting someone's name, using phrases such as 'in a bit of a hurry,' 'contact details,' and 'slipped my mind.' Through real-life dialogue examples and fluency-building tips, listeners learn how to sound more natural and fluent in casual conversations. Key takeaways include useful expressions for being in a hurry, forgetting details, and how to ask for contact information in both personal and professional contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The phrase 'in a bit of a hurry' means you're in a rush or have little time. Example: 'I'm in a bit of a hurry, so I will talk to you later.'
• 😀 'Contact details' refer to essential information like name, phone number, and email address that allows people to reach you.
• 😀 'Slipped my mind' is a phrase used when you forget something accidentally. Example: 'I forgot your birthday, it completely slipped my mind.'
• 😀 The phrase 'around here' refers to something nearby or close by. Example: 'Is there a bank around here?'
• 😀 The phrase 'terrible with' is used to express difficulty or incompetence in something, such as numbers, directions, or faces. Example: 'I'm terrible with numbers.'
• 😀 In casual conversation, 'How's it going?' is a common greeting, and it sounds more natural than asking 'How are you?'
• 😀 It's normal to forget someone's name, and you can use phrases like 'Your name has just slipped my mind' to handle the situation politely.
• 😀 Asking for a business card is a good strategy if you forget someone's name, as it often contains their contact details and full name.
• 😀 The phrase 'around the corner' means something is very close, like a place or a location just a short distance away. Example: 'The restaurant is right around the corner.'
• 😀 When trying to remember someone, phrases like 'I used to live around there' can refer to a nearby location, indicating familiarity without precise details.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'in a bit of a hurry' mean?

'In a bit of a hurry' means that someone is moving quickly or doesn't have much time. It's used when you need to hurry or are in a rush.

What are 'contact details'?

Contact details refer to the information needed to contact someone, such as their phone number, email address, or other communication information. It's typically found on a business card.

What does the expression 'slipped my mind' mean?

'Slipped my mind' means that you forgot something. It’s often used when you forget something unintentionally or accidentally.

Why did Nick forget Anna’s name?

Nick forgot Anna's name because it had 'slipped his mind.' This happens when a person forgets something, like a name, often due to being distracted or busy.

How did Anna respond when Nick forgot her name?

Anna responded kindly by saying, 'Don’t worry about it, it happens to me all the time. I’m terrible with names too.' She reassured Nick that forgetting names is a common mistake.

What phrase did Marco suggest using when you forget someone's name?

Marco suggested using a business card or asking the person to write down their email address, as this often includes their full name, which can help you remember it.

What are some other phrases that are similar to 'around here'?

'Around here' can be similar to 'around the corner' or 'close to here.' These phrases are used to describe something that is nearby or in the vicinity.

How do the hosts recommend improving fluency in English?

The hosts recommend using casual and natural phrases, such as 'How's it going?' instead of 'How are you?' to sound more native. This helps with sounding more fluent and comfortable in everyday conversations.

What did Erica mean by saying, 'I'm terrible with names'?

Erica was admitting that she has difficulty remembering people's names, which is why she empathized with Nick when he forgot Anna's name.

What did Marco do when he forgot a family member’s name at a reunion?

Marco asked one of his cousins for help when he forgot his uncle’s name. He didn’t know what to call him, so he ended up just calling him 'Uncle' until he could remember.