Add some spice to your speaking!

Hello there!

I was thinking of more alternatives to the dreaded "of course" and the overused word "actually". So, some colleagues and I came up with the following for your information and edification:

"Of course" alternatives [neutral]

• Absolutely!
• Certainly!
• Definitely!
• Sure!
• Naturally!
• Indeed!

"Of course" alternatives [informal - use with extreme care! The way you say it - your INTONATION is critical!]

• And how!
• Too right!
• Right on!
• You bet!
• Bet your life!
• Bet your bottom dollar!

Any reaction / comments? Are you prepared to take (calculated) risks to impress the examiner?

Right then, now alternatives, in no particular order to the rather boring word "actually' when you want to emphasise what YOU consider to be the case / true / real or whatever. Again, use these words wisely, appropriately and impress that examiner with:

• In fact,
• As a matter of fact,
• In truth,
• In all honesty,
• To tell you the truth,
• Honestly / Truly / Frankly speaking,
• If truth be told,
• Not to beat about the bush,
• Between you, me and the doorpost,
• As Shakespeare said, (+ ANY quotation from the incomparable Bard of Avon - for argument's sake in this case, let us go with: "tell truth and shame the devil")

Have fun with words and start to see how rich the English language truly is and how poorly we mine its riches!

I am not condescending to you, dear students, I am looking at language with you as I would with an Advanced class, not just an Intermediate level IELTS preparation group - are you up for the challenge or is it all getting too much? This is the final weekend 'together', after the course you will become immersed in the big world outside and the build-up to your IELTS encounter. Yes, we shall keep the weblog going, but don't leave it till after the course to catch my attention. I have other priorities and they want me to start another intensive IELTS course at the British Council the week after I finish with you...

"The road to hell is paved with good _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ s" (what?)

Standing by to hear from you (probably the ladies, as the guys seem to have gone off the boil...)

Tony

your IELTS Torturer

Comments / New posts expected!