Conversation starters in British English | Learn English with Cambridge

Hello, and welcome back.

Now, have you ever found it difficult to start

a conversation in English in a formal situation?

If so, let me help.

Today I’m going to demonstrate to you guys some real life

bad examples that I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing,

and contrast them with how to do it successfully.

Have a look at this.

Here’s how not to ask someone where they live.

Where’s your house?

Okay, so if you want to start

a conversation with somebody about where they live,

don’t be so direct.

A better example would be, so, have you come far, or…?

Just down the road.

Just down the road?

Yeah.

It’s worth noting

that if you ask a British or a European person,

they’ll probably respond to you in miles or kilometres,

whereas Americans usually respond in minutes and hours.

Hi.

Here’s how not to start a conversation about the weather.

Does the sun make you sweaty?

Okay, if you want

to start a conversation about the weather,

don’t say this.

A much better example

would be… I tell you what, it’s getting hot, isn’t it?

Yeah, it is.

Really hot.

I know.

30 degrees, isn’t it?

Yeah.

And in contrast,

if the weather is bad outside, you could say… Oh,

it’s miserable out there, isn’t it?

I had a really, really good time.

It was amazing.

Here’s now not to ask someone how they know the host.

Do you know someone?

So, if you want to start

a conversation with someone about how they know the host,

this would be a bit weird.

Instead, a better example would be… So, sorry,

how do you know John?

From work.

Oh, from work, is it?

Yeah. Oh, right, nice, okay.

I know him … Just remember that generally,

us Brits are a lot less direct than most other nationalities,

so I would advise you not to translate phrases

from your native tongue into English.

Instead, just use these phrases that I’ve shown you today.

Great to see you guys again.

As ever, don’t forget to like

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as well as subscribe to this channel.

Now, go forth and make conversation.

Good luck!