LESSON NOTES

All About American English with

Alisha & Michael S1 #2
English You Say without Thinking

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
3 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 2
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VOCABULARY

V oc abular y English C lass

a filler word to express that

I know we agree with a speaker's phrase
previous statement

a contracted form of the

I dunno phrase "I do not know" phrase

despite what has been said

anyway before adverb

an expression that is used to

Pshhh disagree or contradict the expression
statement spoken before it

seriously (American) really, sincerely expression

SAMPLE SENTENCES

I'm sorry I forgot to bring you back your This weather is craz y!
coat. I know! I'm freez ing right now!
I know its okay. Just bring it next time.

Have you seen that new historical What do you want for your birthday? / I
movie? / I dunno, but have you seen the dunno.
new action movie that came out?

Why didn't you answer my call, I was I can't believe it's already Friday, anyway
worried! Anyway did you get home what are you plans for the weekend?
safely?

So, anyway, what should we do on He said he'll come, but I have to go now
Friday? anyway.

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Seriously? Oh, that's too bad.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. "I know"

This is a filler often spoken by English speakers when listening to an individual speak. We
often use this phrase to express that we either agree with a speaker's previous statement, or
to show that we are paying attention to what they are saying.

For example, a friend may say "I can't believe how expensive rent is in this neighborhood." A
natural English response to this would be "I know right?" and could be followed by one's
own personal opinion. This phrase is almost always used to inform the speaker that you
understand what they are saying and can on some level symphathiz e with them.

This expression is used very commonly between friends, peers, and superiors but very rarely
used in formal situations.

2 . "Anyway"

This is used to mark a change in the flow of a conversation or a change of topic. Most
English speakers use it when they feel like they are speaking about an insignificant event or
giving details that are not vital for the speaker to understand what they need to say.

For example, "I just ran into Sarah in the library and she looked kind of upset, but anyway
how did your test go?" In this example, the speaker provides information about an event that
just recently took place. However, the provided information has little connection to the
following statement so English speakers use "anyway" to separate the two ideas.

This word can be used among peers or even while speaking with your boss.

3 . "I dunno"

This is a very versatile phrase with many meanings. It is a contracted form of the phrase "I do
not know." The first way it can be used is to literally express that one does not know
something. For example, "I dunno, he was hear earlier and now he's gone." This literally
means "I don't know." in this context.

The second way in which this phrase is used is to shortly and quickly disregard or ignore a
comment made by another individual or by oneself. For example, "I can't believe I failed that

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math test." "I dunno, so what are you doing for summer break?" In this example "I dunno." is
used to disregard the statement about failing a test and move on to discussion about
summer break.

I use this phrase often when someone I'm speaking to mentions something I am not familiar
with or makes me uncomfortable. This phrase is okay to use among friends but should be
avoided during formal situations.

4 . "Pshhh"

This is an expression that is used to disagree or contradict the statement spoken before it. It
can also be used to express mild disbelief "Pssh" is often considered a replacement for
phrases like "Whatever." or "As if." or sometimes even "No."

For example, if someone were to say "Hey, I bet I can run faster than you." then you could say
"Pssh." This means that you disagree with the statement and do not think that they can run
faster than you. Sometimes saying "Pssh" by itself can come off as abrupt or rude, so
normally it is followed with an explanation.

This is a very informal expression so it should only be used amongst close friends. You
would never want to use this with your superiors or your boss.

5. "Ser iously? "

This shares the same meaning with words like "honestly" and "really." However this term can
also be used sarcastically to should disbelief.

For example, "I borrowed your car and wrecked it, sorry." a proper response to this would be
"Seriously? You wrecked my car?" In this context it is simply expressing disbelief about the
speakers actions.

This term can be used among friends, coworkers, or superiors. However, it can be
understood as sarcasm sometimes so it is good to be cautious with usage.

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