😎 10 WORDS WE NATIVES OFTEN USE BUT LEARNERS RARELY DO 😨
Ages ago I created a list of rarely-used words I try to drum into my students since these words are actually rather common among natives. So study and use these gems to make your English that little bit more natural 😊
1) WHATSOEVER (at all - making a negation stronger)
- You're asking what time the lesson finishes? I have no idea whatsoever!
2) PATHETIC (miserably inadequate)
- Your dog ate your homework? That is a pathetic excuse, John! You really do lead a pathetic existence!
3) DEAD (meaning very)
- You're dead right actually! Yeah, it's dead hot outside so I'm going to stay in and watch Dom 2.
4) SETBACK/MISHAP (makes the "problem" softer although it might be big)
- Our business has faced a few setbacks this summer i.e. we're bankrupt.
- Yes, there was a slight mishap when i opened the milk - It's all over the floor.
5) DECENT(socially acceptable or good)
- John is a decent enough guy. Not only did he do a decent amount of work today but he also did the decent thing and apologized for killing my hamster.
6) ON TOP OF THAT (informal: moreover/besides)
- We can't have shashlik tomorrow because the weather's going to be terrible. On top of that, the car doesn't work. So it's grechka at home instead.
7) VAGUE (unclear)
- Your request was rather vague: you want what done with your hamster in the blender? Some words are rather vague in meaning like: I love you. Like or real love? I'm confused!
8) VERSATILE (having many uses)
- The word Bollocks is actually the most versatile word in the English language. My shoes are actually quite versatile: I can wear them, eat out of them, throw them at someone.
9) RUSTY (when metal goes brown but we can use this to mean: out of practice)
- I haven't been to Germany in ages so i can sadly say that my German is a bit (somewhat) rusty.
10) SOMEWHAT (= slightly. Often used to be subtle or sarcastic)
- Yeah, i found the film Titanic somewhat dull. And the entrance ticket was somewhat expensive!
