There are always other ways of expressing the same idea

I bet you know what I'm trying to convey. Yes, I mean you can try to express the same idea in English with a different way, instead of the way that you may think is the only natural or right way.

For example, you can use 'amazing', 'excellent', 'fantastic', 'terrific', 'well down' or 'good job', instead of 'good' or 'nice'. You can say 'an extremely hot day' instead of 'a sweltering day' if you can't remember the word 'sweltering', which is what you really want to use.

It can be so monotonous, dull or boring to use the same thing all the time - that is to say, you should try to change from time to time when you are writing or speaking. You can use another word, sentence structure, expression or a synonym instead - don't repeat the same one again and again.

The thing (or the problem) is, you are not always so sure if an expression is as natural or acceptable as the one you are familiar with. You may tend to use what is said or used by native English speakers - you may think it's safe to do that.

You have to risk making mistakes, though, because you can't make sure every sentence you made is natural. Chances are, you've been helping create sentences or exprssions that are never used by native speakers - you should try to make sentences that are at least grammatically correct when in doubt.

Be creative or confident - try to express whatever you're trying to say the way that comes to mind.

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Comments

Expector Smith February 20, 2019 8:11

Thanks, Fizzy!
Fizzy February 11, 2019 7:32

i usually used simple wording .. maybe i should change my writing.. Thanks for the tips Expector Smith.
Expector Smith February 11, 2019 6:10

Thanks, andy!
Expector Smith September 16, 2017 0:09

Thank you andy!
Expector Smith September 12, 2017 13:59

Hi Evangelina,

Yes, you are supposed to show some courtesy when you reply to comments on your blog - fortunately, there are plenty of means of sounding polite. In practice, you don't need to start or end each comment with 'thank you' or 'thanks' when you're replying.

It's true that some words are easy to remember while some are so hard to memorize. I wish I could remember all the words I saw:))
Expector Smith September 11, 2017 0:13

@Bob

Great to see your comment. Yes, it may have something to do with vocabulary - we failed to use the exact word and used another one instead.

@Roman

Yes, try to be creative - it may turn out to be the best expression for the situation, you never know:)

@Marshaa

Thanks!
Marshaa September 10, 2017 18:41

Very helpful.
Roman September 10, 2017 18:37

Usefull blog indeed! And exactly like you said sometimes i am not sure if it is correct expression of what i want to say:) And i like that your phrase "you may think it's safe to do that." Safe? It looks like "When i will make mistake in my sentence, i can be killed or at least punished" :) Thank you, Expector Smith! I will try to use more words and ways of expression my thoughts!

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Mr. Bob September 10, 2017 15:28

You are absolutely right Expector. I'm always happy to see people try to improve their vocabulary and including the new words in their writing.
Expector Smith September 10, 2017 13:26

@dara

Thank you for commenting. Yes, you can say that again - try to be creative when learning English.

@bet

Yes, don't be afraid of making mistakes when leaning. You may not sound so natural at first, but your English will improve with more practice.

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