How to Express Yourself in English: Invitations, Advice & More

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Daily English speaking practice

How to express yourself in English through everyday English phrases? Expressing yourself can be difficult if you are a second language learner. In this article, you will learn vocabulary to express yourself in different contexts. You’ll know how to make an invitation, give advice, and talk about past experiences. — All designed to support your English speaking practice.

To help you better practice the language and achieve fluency, all the lessons include:

  • Key vocabulary & phrases
  • Sample conversations
  • Practice exercises
  • Quick tips

This will help you talk about things in your everyday life.


Lesson 1: Making Invitations in English

Making invitations is a super useful skill for social situations. Whether you’re planning a party, a study session, or hanging out with friends, practicing English phrases for invitations is essential. You improve your English speaking competence.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Would you like to…?Make an invitationWould you like to come to my party?
Do you want to…?Informal invitationDo you want to grab lunch tomorrow?
How about…? / What about…?Suggest an ideaHow about going to the beach this weekend?
Let’s…Invite someone to join youLet’s watch a movie tonight.
Sounds good / Sure!Accepting an invitationSure! I’d love to.
I’d love to, but…Polite way to declineI’d love to, but I have to work.
Maybe another time?Suggesting a different timeI can’t today—maybe another time?

Sample Conversation:
A: Would you like to come over for dinner on Saturday?
B: That sounds great! What time?
A: Around 6:30.
B: Perfect. I’ll bring dessert.

Exercises:

  • Complete the invitations:
    • Would you like to ________ this weekend?
    • How about ________ after school?
    • Let’s ________ on Saturday night.
  • Write a short dialogue: Invite a friend to hang out. This exercise help practice vocabulary for expressing yourself in English

Quick Tips:

  • Use “Would you like to…” for polite invitations.
  • Be kind when declining: “I’d love to, but…” shows respect.
  • Suggest alternatives to keep the conversation friendly.

Lesson 2: Everyday English Phrases for Giving Advice in English

Advice is a key skill in communication. Practicing giving advice in English helps you sound natural and supportive in everyday conversations. This section strengthens your English speaking practice by showing how to share suggestions politely.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
You should…Strong suggestionYou should study a little every day.
Why don’t you…Friendly adviceWhy don’t you try watching English videos?
It’s a good idea to…Recommend somethingIt’s a good idea to take notes.
If I were you…Advice from your perspectiveIf I were you, I’d practice speaking more.
Try to… / Try not to…Encourage or discourageTry to read English books.
Make sure to…Remind someoneMake sure to review your vocabulary.
I think you could…Gentle suggestionI think you could join a study group.

Sample Conversation:
A: I want to improve my English speaking. What should I do?
B: You should practice with a friend or record yourself.
A: That’s a good idea. I’m shy, though.
B: Why don’t you start with short sentences? It helps build confidence.

Exercises:

  • Complete the advice sentences:
    • You should ________ if you want to improve.
    • Why don’t you ________ this weekend?
    • It’s a good idea to ________ every day.
  • Write a short paragraph: Advice for learning English.

Quick Tips:

  • Use “should” for clear advice, and “could” for softer suggestions.
  • Be polite and encouraging — advice is more helpful when it’s kind.
  • Practice giving advice about study habits, health, or friendship.

Lesson 3: Expressing Past Experiences in English

Talking about past experiences is a powerful way to connect with others. Practicing past tense English structures builds confidence in storytelling and strengthens your English speaking practice.

Key Grammar: Past Simple Tense

StructureExample Sentence
Subject + past verbI visited Cape Town last year.
Negative formI didn’t enjoy the movie.
Question formDid you go to the concert?

Common past tense verbs: went, saw, ate, met, traveled, studied, played, watched, worked.
Time expressions: yesterday, last week, two days ago, in 2020, when I was a child.

Sample Conversation:
A: What did you do last weekend?
B: I went hiking with my friends. It was amazing!
A: Really? Where did you go?
B: We explored the mountains near Nampula. The view was incredible.

Practice Exercises:

  • Fill in the blanks with the correct past tense verb:
    • I ________ (go) to the market yesterday.
    • She ________ (meet) her best friend in high school.
    • We ________ (watch) a great movie last night.
  • Write a short paragraph: A memorable experience from your past.

To do more English practices visit the Practice Zone

Quick Tips:

  • Use time expressions (yesterday, last week, two days ago) to make stories clear.
  • Add details (who, where, when, what happened) to make your story interesting.
  • Practice telling stories out loud to improve rhythm and fluency.

Lesson 4: Everyday English Phrases for Celebrations and Holidays

Celebrations are social moments where everyday English phrases shine. These expressions help you share joy and connect with others.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Happy birthday!GreetingHappy birthday, Maria!
Congratulations!CelebrationCongratulations on your graduation!
Merry Christmas!Holiday greetingMerry Christmas to you and your family.
Enjoy your holidayWishing wellEnjoy your holiday in Cape Town!
Best wishesGeneral greetingBest wishes for your new job.

Learn here vocabulary for expressing emotions and feelings

Sample Conversation:
A: Happy birthday, Anna!
B: Thank you so much!
A: Congratulations on finishing your exams, too.
B: Thanks, I’m really relieved.

Exercises:

  • Complete the greetings:
    • ________ on your promotion!
    • ________ and a Happy New Year!
  • Write a short dialogue: Congratulate a friend on a big achievement.

Quick Tips:

  • Use celebrations to practice positive language.
  • Pair greetings with smiles or gestures for natural communication.
  • Keep phrases short and cheerful.

Lesson 5: Small Talk Everyday English Phrases

Small talk is essential for building connections. Practicing everyday English phrases for casual conversations strengthens fluency while building confidence for expressing yourself in English.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Nice weather todayCommentNice weather today, isn’t it?
How was your weekend?Casual questionHow was your weekend?
Did you watch…?Shared interestDid you watch the game last night?
That’s interestingResponseThat’s interesting, tell me more.
I agreeShowing supportI agree, it was a great movie.

See here: themed English vocabulary & phrases

Sample Conversation:
A: Nice weather today, isn’t it?
B: Yes, it’s perfect for a walk.
A: How was your weekend?
B: It was great, I went hiking.

Exercises:

  • Fill in the blanks:
    • ________ today, isn’t it?
    • How was your ________?
  • Write a short dialogue: Start a small talk conversation with a classmate.

Quick Tips:

  • Keep small talk light and friendly.
  • Ask open questions to keep the conversation going.
  • Show interest with responses like “That’s interesting” or “I agree.”

Lesson 6: Hotels and Accommodation

Travel often involves hotels. These everyday English phrases help learners check in and communicate with staff politely. So practice them to build vocabulary for expressing yourself in English.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
I have a reservationCheck inI have a reservation under Johnson.
Can I see the room?RequestCan I see the room before booking?
Is breakfast included?Asking detailsIs breakfast included in the price?
I’d like to extend my stayRequestI’d like to extend my stay by two nights.
Can I get extra towels?Service requestCan I get extra towels, please?

Learn here: vocabulary & phrases for ordering food and meals and here: general vocabulary for food and meals

Sample Conversation:
A: Good evening, I have a reservation under Johnson.
B: Welcome! May I see your ID?
A: Sure. Also, is breakfast included?
B: Yes, it’s served from 7 to 10 a.m.

Exercises:

  • Complete the hotel phrases:
    • I’d like to ________ my stay.
    • Can I ________ the room before booking?
  • Write a short dialogue: Check in at a hotel and ask about services.

Quick Tips:

  • Always start politely: “Good morning” or “Good evening.”
  • Use clear requests: “Can I…?” or “I’d like to…”
  • Confirm details like breakfast, Wi‑Fi, or checkout time.

Lesson 7: Public Speaking

Public speaking builds confidence in English speaking practice. These phrases help learners present ideas clearly and professionally.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases:

PhraseUseExample Sentence
Good morning, everyoneOpeningGood morning, everyone, thank you for coming.
Today I’ll talk about…IntroductionToday I’ll talk about climate change.
Let’s begin with…TransitionLet’s begin with the first point.
In conclusion…ClosingIn conclusion, practice makes perfect.
Thank you for listeningEndingThank you for listening to my presentation.

Sample Conversation (Mini Presentation):
Speaker: Good morning, everyone. Today I’ll talk about healthy study habits.
Speaker: Let’s begin with daily practice. It helps build confidence.
Speaker: In conclusion, small steps every day make a big difference.
Speaker: Thank you for listening.

Exercises:

  • Practice a short speech using:
    • Opening → Introduction → Transition → Conclusion → Ending.
  • Write a mini presentation: Introduce yourself and talk about your favorite hobby.

Quick Tips:

  • Memorize key phrases for structure.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • End with gratitude: “Thank you for listening.”

Conclusion

By focusing on English vocabulary for expressing yourself in English,, you’ll gain confidence in making invitations. You’ll also know how to give advice in English, and practice past tense English. These lessons provide practical tools for second-language learners to express themselves naturally in everyday life.

Check here to learn more English vocabulary and here to know about Us.

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By Sabino Manuel

Sabino Manuel a lecturer in English Language.

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