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Summary
Lucy explains 16 common phrases that native English speakers rarely actually use in real life, despite them being taught in textbooks, and shows what to say instead.
Key vocabulary
textbook Englishnative speakerspolite waysound naturalterm of endearmentadjectiveverbformalinformalcharity
Grammar notes
Present tense with 'have got' versus 'must' — Native speakers prefer "have got to" or "have to" over "must" for obligation in everyday speech. Example: "Sorry, I've got to go" instead of "I must go now."
Gerund form (-ing) for activities — When talking about sports or leisure activities in general, use the -ing form instead of the infinitive. Example: "I'm going swimming tomorrow" rather than "I'm going to swim tomorrow."
Object pronouns with verbs of enjoyment — Verbs like "enjoy" and "like" require a direct object; you cannot say "enjoy a lot" or "like a lot" alone. Example: "I enjoy it a lot" or "I like it a lot."
Adjective versus verb confusion: 'concentrated' — 'Concentrated' as an adjective (like "concentrated orange juice") is not used for people studying; use 'focused' instead. Example: "I'm focused on my studies" rather than "I'm concentrated on my studies."
About this video
This video tackles a frustration many learners face: the gap between textbook English and what native speakers actually say. Lucy runs through 16 phrases—from "My name is" and "I would like a coffee" to "I'm concentrated" and "goodbye"—that sound unnatural or overly formal in everyday conversation. A standout moment is when she explains phone introductions: you say "I'm Lucy" in person, but "It's Lucy" on the phone. The lesson includes practical alternatives like using "do a sport" instead of "practice a sport," and "I've got to go" instead of "I must go."
This is excellent shadowing material because Lucy speaks at a conversational pace with clear British pronunciation, frequently pausing to explain and repeat key phrases. Her delivery feels natural without being rushed, making it easy to follow and mimic. The lesson structure itself—with quizzes and concrete examples throughout—keeps engagement high.
This video suits B1 learners who want to move beyond textbook English toward more authentic, fluent speech. Learners will pick up not just vocabulary and grammar patterns, but the cultural awareness that native speakers don't always choose the "most correct" phrase—they choose what sounds natural. Shadowing here builds confidence in real-world conversation and trains ear to natural stress and intonation patterns.
Idioms & expressions
I've got to go — a natural, informal way to say you must leave right now; more common in British English than "I must go."
I'm off — to say you are leaving, often used with a gesture like slapping your thighs and standing up; very British.
Pop to the loo — to quickly go to the toilet; "loo" is a common British English word for bathroom, and "pop" means to go quickly.
Kick the bucket — an informal and disrespectful slang term for dying; used only in humorous or very specific contexts.
Bear in mind — to remember or keep something in your thoughts for future reference. Example: "it's just one to bear in mind."
Grab a coffee — a casual, friendly way to invite someone to have coffee together; more natural than "I would like a coffee."
No problem — a friendly response to "thank you" that sounds more natural and less formal than "You're welcome."
