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[Mastering Native English Expressions for Discussing Your City]-[AEE Episode 10: How to Express Yourself Like a Native]

All Ears English Podcast · B1 · 2013-11-20

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📋 Summary

Introduction

In this episode of the All Ears English podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan discuss how to speak more naturally when talking about the city you live in. Emphasizing the philosophy of "connection, not perfection," they introduce three essential English expressions that help non-native speakers sound more like locals when describing their experiences and local lifestyle.

1. "Rich Experience"

The first expression highlighted is having a "rich experience." Lindsay clarifies that this does not refer to wealth in terms of "dollars and cents" or "hundred dollar bills." Instead, it describes an experience that is "full, meaningful," and "robust." Michelle recounts her time at a wedding in India as a classic example of a rich experience, while Lindsay shares her memory of a local "chili festival" in Denver, where amateurs and professionals competed, providing a deep dive into the local culture.

2. "I've been meaning to..."

This phrase is a common way for native speakers to express an intention to do something that they haven't gotten around to yet. The hosts explain that this is a great way to talk about local attractions you want to visit, such as the "Met" (Metropolitan Museum) or the "MoMA" (Museum of Modern Art) in New York. The phrase is versatile; it can be used for things you have never done, like visiting a specific art exhibit, or for activities you want to do more of, such as Lindsay’s goal to "hike more 14ers" in Colorado. It signals a desire to engage with your environment while acknowledging a busy schedule.

3. "To get to [a place/event]"

The final expression focuses on the verb "get." The hosts explain that "to get to" something means to "arrive" or to find a way to "physically move yourself" to a location. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing the logistics of city life. For example, Lindsay shares her experience with transportation in Denver, explaining that while it is "hard for me to get to a place across the city" compared to the walkability of Boston, she often uses scooters to "get to" her destination. This expression also carries a nuance of making an effort or "making the time and space" in your life to participate in an event.

Conclusion

By combining these phrases—for example, saying "I've been meaning to get to that museum because I want a rich experience"—learners can construct complex, natural sentences that sound authentic. The hosts encourage listeners to practice these expressions to better connect with their surroundings and ultimately "fall in love" with the city they are living in.

🎯Key Sentences

1
How to express yourself like a native English speaker.
2
Do you ever feel like your English is good but not quite where you want it to be?
3
If that sounds familiar, our B2 English fluency course was designed for you.
4
That's amazing.
5
What prompted that sort of change?
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📝Key Phrases

1
rich experience
2
I've been meaning to
3
get to a place
4
fall in love with
5
caught me off guard
Expand All

📖 Transcript

This is an All Ears English podcast, episode 10.
How to express yourself like a native English speaker.
Welcome to the All Ears English podcast where you'll finally get real native English conversation and fluency for business and life.
We believe in connection, not perfection when it comes to learning English.
Now, here are your hosts.
Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Boston and New York City, USA.

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