How to Speak American English

Common American Phrases

Use "restroom/bathroom" instead of "toilet/lavatory/loo."

Use "elevator" instead of "lift."

Use "trunk" instead of "boot."

Use "freeway" instead of "motorway."

Use "sweater" instead of "jumper."

Use “pants” instead of “trousers.”

Use "vest" instead of "waistcoat" (the shirt worn under clothing is often called an undershirt).

Use "sneakers" or “tennis shoes” instead of "trainers."

Use "diaper" instead of "nappy."

Use "vacation" instead of "holiday" (holidays tend to mean national bank holidays only or the holiday season around Christmas).

Use "bag of chips" instead of "packet of crisps."

Use "gasoline" instead of "petrol," and "gas station" instead of "filling station," or "petrol station."

Use "truck" instead of "lorry."

Common American Idioms

A “cat nap” is a short rest.

A “Hancock” is a person’s signature.

If you’re “barking up the wrong tree,” you’re looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person.

A “far cry” is a big difference between two things.

If you’re giving someone “the benefit of the doubt,” you trust them without proof or evidence.

If you “see eye to eye" with someone, you’re in total agreement.

To “kill two birds with one stone” is to accomplish two things at once.

A “last straw” is the final problem that forces something to happen.

If you have “the best of both worlds,” then you have all of the advantages from two options.

If you’re “hanging out,” it means that you’re relaxing.

“What’s up?” means “what is going on?” or “what do you need?”