Ready-To-Use Chunks! | Lucas

Practise these chunks regularly to respond faster, speak more naturally and start thinking more in English.

Let me think for a second.

Use this when you need a little time to think before answering. Example: Let me think for a second… I think I'd choose Python.

That’s a good question.

Use this when a question makes you think and you need a moment before answering. Example: That’s a good question. I’ve never really thought about it.

I’m not sure, but I think…

Use this when you have an idea or opinion but you're not completely certain. Example: I’m not sure, but I think the class starts at 10.

I’ve never thought about that before.

Use this when someone asks you about something you haven't considered before. Example: I’ve never thought about that before, but I’d probably work abroad.

How can I put this?

Use this when you know what you want to say but need time to find the right words. Example: How can I put this? The game isn't difficult, but it takes time to learn.

What I mean is…

Use this to explain your idea more clearly or correct a misunderstanding. Example: What I mean is, I enjoy programming, but I don't want to do only that.

Basically…

Use this when you want to explain something in a simple or summarised way. Example: Basically, we have to finish the project by Friday.

It depends.

Use this when your answer changes according to the situation. Example: Do you play every day? — It depends. Usually only when I have free time.

I think that…

Use this to introduce your opinion. Example: I think that AI will change the way we work.

In my opinion…

Use this to clearly introduce your personal view. Example: In my opinion, the second option is better.

From my point of view…

Use this when explaining how you personally see a situation or issue. Example: From my point of view, experience is as important as qualifications.

For me, the main thing is…

Use this to identify what you consider most important. Example: For me, the main thing is enjoying what I do.

I’d say that…

Use this as a natural, slightly softer way to give your opinion or estimate. Example: I’d say that speaking is the hardest part for me.

I’m not a big fan of…

Use this to say naturally that you don't particularly like something. Example: I’m not a big fan of studying grammar from textbooks.

I really enjoy…

Use this to talk about something you like doing very much. Example: I really enjoy watching esports tournaments.

One thing I like about it is…

Use this to mention one specific positive aspect of something. Example: One thing I like about the course is the practical projects.

What about you?

Use this to return a question and invite the other person to share their answer. Example: I usually play at the weekend. What about you?

How about you?

Use this to ask for the other person's answer or experience. Example: I’m studying Engineering. How about you?

Really? Why?

Use this to show interest and encourage someone to explain more. Example: I don't really like that game. — Really? Why?

What do you mean?

Use this when you don't completely understand someone's idea and want clarification. Example: What do you mean? Do you think the project won't work?

Can you tell me more about that?

Use this to encourage someone to give you more information. Example: You said you're working on a new project. Can you tell me more about that?

That makes sense.

Use this to show that you understand someone's explanation or reasoning. Example: I study at night because I'm busy during the day. — That makes sense.

I see what you mean.

Use this to show that you understand someone's point of view. Example: I see what you mean. Working and studying at the same time can be difficult.

Exactly.

Use this when someone has expressed exactly what you think or mean. Example: So you need more practice, not more theory? — Exactly.

I agree with you.

Use this to show that you have the same opinion as someone. Example: I agree with you. Technology changes very quickly.

I’m not sure I agree.

Use this as a polite way to show that you have a different opinion. Example: I’m not sure I agree. I think both options have advantages.

What I’m trying to say is…

Use this when your first explanation wasn't clear and you want to express the idea differently. Example: What I’m trying to say is that I need more practical experience.

Let me say that again.

Use this when you want to repeat or reformulate something more clearly. Example: Let me say that again. I don't dislike the subject; I just find it difficult.

In other words…

Use this to explain the same idea in a different or simpler way. Example: The system isn't scalable. In other words, it won't work well with many users.

I mean…

Use this to clarify, explain or slightly change what you've just said. Example: It's difficult. I mean, it's possible, but it takes a lot of practice.

Actually…

Use this to correct information or introduce something different from what someone might expect. Example: Actually, I don't have class tomorrow.

Sorry, I meant…

Use this when you realise you said the wrong word or information and want to correct it. Example: We have class on Thursday — sorry, I meant Friday.

I don’t know the exact word, but…

Use this to keep speaking when you can't remember or don't know a specific word. Example: I don't know the exact word, but it's a device that controls the temperature.

It’s something like…

Use this when you can't explain something exactly but can describe something similar. Example: It’s something like a small computer that controls the system.

I’m studying Computer Engineering.

Use this to say what degree or subject you're studying at university. Example: I’m studying Computer Engineering at university.

I’m currently working on…

Use this to talk about a project, assignment or task you're working on now. Example: I’m currently working on a programming project.

We’re learning about…

Use this to introduce a subject or topic you're studying at the moment. Example: We’re learning about computer networks this semester.

I have a class on…

Use this to say what subject you have a class about. Example: I have a class on software development this afternoon.

I have an assignment due…

Use this to talk about work that must be submitted by a particular date. Example: I have an assignment due next Monday.

I’m working on a university project.

Use this when you're developing something as part of your university studies. Example: I’m working on a university project with three classmates.

The hardest part is…

Use this to identify the most difficult aspect of something. Example: The hardest part is understanding all the technical concepts.

I’m still getting used to…

Use this when something is becoming more familiar but still feels new or difficult. Example: I’m still getting used to speaking English spontaneously.

I need to improve my knowledge of…

Use this to talk about an area you want or need to understand better. Example: I need to improve my knowledge of databases.

I’m interested in learning more about…

Use this to talk about a subject you'd like to explore or understand better. Example: I’m interested in learning more about cybersecurity.

I’m interested in working with…

Use this to talk about an area, technology or field you'd like to work in. Example: I’m interested in working with artificial intelligence.

I’d like to work for a multinational company.

Use this to describe a future professional goal. Example: I’d like to work for a multinational company after university.

In the future, I’d like to…

Use this to introduce a future ambition or plan. Example: In the future, I’d like to work abroad.

I’m still exploring different areas.

Use this when you haven't chosen one specific field or career path yet. Example: I’m still exploring different areas of Computer Engineering.

One area I’m interested in is…

Use this to introduce a particular professional or academic interest. Example: One area I’m interested in is cybersecurity.

I have some experience with…

Use this when you have already used or worked with something but aren't claiming to be an expert. Example: I have some experience with Python.

I’m familiar with…

Use this when you know or understand something reasonably well. Example: I’m familiar with basic programming concepts.

I’m learning how to…

Use this to describe a skill or process you're currently developing. Example: I’m learning how to build web applications.

This technology is used to…

Use this to explain the purpose or function of a technology. Example: This technology is used to store and process large amounts of data.

The main advantage is…

Use this to introduce the most important benefit of something. Example: The main advantage is that the system is easy to use.

The main problem is…

Use this to identify the most important issue or difficulty. Example: The main problem is that the software requires too much memory.

I usually play…

Use this to talk about games or sports you play regularly. Example: I usually play online multiplayer games.

I’ve been playing it for…

Use this to say how long you've been playing a particular game. Example: I’ve been playing it for about two years.

I play on European servers.

Use this to explain which online servers or region you normally play on. Example: I play on European servers, so I often speak English.

I usually play with…

Use this to say who you normally play games or sports with. Example: I usually play with people from different countries.

I’m really into…

Use this as an informal and natural way to say that you're very interested in something. Example: I’m really into competitive gaming.

I watch a lot of competitive…

Use this to talk about a game or sport you often watch at a professional or competitive level. Example: I watch a lot of competitive Counter-Strike.

My favourite team/player is…

Use this to identify the team or player you like the most. Example: My favourite player is one of the best in the league.

The match was really close.

Use this when both sides had a similar chance of winning and the result was uncertain until the end. Example: The match was really close, but they won in the final round.

We almost won.

Use this when you came very close to winning but didn't. Example: We almost won, but we made a mistake at the end.

I’m trying to improve at…

Use this to talk about a skill you're actively trying to develop. Example: I’m trying to improve at communicating with my team.

It depends on the game.

Use this when your answer is different for different games. Example: Do you prefer playing alone or with a team? — It depends on the game.

I usually…

Use this to talk about something you do regularly. Example: I usually get up at around eight.

Most of the time…

Use this when something happens in the majority of situations, but not always. Example: Most of the time, I have classes in the morning.

During the week…

Use this to talk about your routine from Monday to Friday. Example: During the week, I’m usually busy with university.

At the weekend…

Use this to talk about what happens on Saturday and Sunday. Example: At the weekend, I usually play games and relax.

After class…

Use this to talk about something that happens when a lesson or university class finishes. Example: After class, I usually go home.

When I have some free time…

Use this to introduce what you do when you're not busy with work, study or other responsibilities. Example: When I have some free time, I watch esports.

I tend to…

Use this to describe something you generally or naturally do. Example: I tend to study better at night.

I don’t usually…

Use this to talk about something that isn't a normal part of your routine. Example: I don’t usually study English in the morning.

It depends on the day.

Use this when your routine or answer changes from one day to another. Example: What time do you finish university? — It depends on the day.

Lately, I’ve been…

Use this to talk about something that has been happening frequently in the recent past. Example: Lately, I’ve been watching more videos in English.