The Secret to Speaking English Like a Native

🗣️Function words are smaller words that connect content words in a sentence.

🔊Content words carry the main meaning of a sentence and are usually nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

👂Function words are often reduced or linked together in spoken English, making it sound faster to non-native speakers.

🌍Developing an awareness of function words and their pronunciation will help learners understand native English speakers better.

🎓Active listening and practicing word chunks are key to improving fluency in English.

What are function words?

—Function words are smaller words that connect content words in a sentence. Examples include prepositions, articles, and auxiliary verbs.

What are content words?

—Content words carry the main meaning of a sentence and are usually nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

Why do native English speakers sound fast?

—Native English speakers often reduce or link function words together, making them sound faster to non-native speakers.

How can I improve my spoken English?

—Developing an awareness of function words, active listening, and practicing word chunks will help improve fluency in English.

What is the importance of active listening?

—Active listening allows learners to notice patterns in spoken English and become more familiar with natural and fluent speech.

00:00Many English learners struggle to sound natural and fluent in their speech.

01:57Function words, such as prepositions and auxiliary verbs, connect content words in a sentence but do not carry the main meaning.

04:47Native English speakers often reduce or link function words together, making their speech sound faster.

09:31Developing an awareness of function words and practicing word chunks is essential for improving fluency in English.