Does your English sound natural? Or do you sound like a textbook when you speak? Today, get 7 tricks to update your English and sound more natural by using real talk instead of textbook talk! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now Speaking natural-sounding English can be difficult when you only work with textbooks. While what your textbook says may be technically correct, some of the phrases might sound outdated or odd to native ears. Can’t find native speakers to practice English with you? Can’t get your English corrected by your native-speaking friends? Get a professional, native English teacher in seconds at italki. For a limited time, italki is offering 10 USD in free English lessons. Click here to get your 10USD in italki credits before this offer runs out! Here are 7 ways your textbook might tell you how to say something, as well as the ways a native English speaker would really say it. Textbook: Hello. Real: Hi!, Hey!, or What’s up? Textbook: Are you having a good day? Real: Having a good day? Textbook: How are you?, How do you do? Real: How’s it going?, How you doin’?, or How’ve you been? Textbook: I’m fine, thanks. Real: Doin’ well., or Not bad. Textbook: What are your hobbies? Real: What do you like to do?, What are you into?, or What do you do for fun? Textbook: I wish to (do something). Real: I wanna (do something), or I’d like to (do something). Textbook: See you. Real: See ya., Take care., or Bye. Do you speak textbook English? Do you know any other differences between what your textbook says and how native English-speakers speak? Let us know in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.