Well, "restroom" is what's called a "euphemism," which is a softer word used instead of one that may be too direct or unpleasant. Since baths are private, people often prefer to use "rest" to make conversations more comfortable.

Euphemisms are very common, even if you don't realize it. This article will introduce 19 terms you can use when the alternative isn't quite what you want to say.

Cheap >> Inexpensive

"Cheap" often has a negative nuance. In addition to a low price, it can also suggest that something is of low quality. A more positive alternative is "inexpensive."

• This hotel is inexpensive, but it offers good value with an excellent location.

Stingy >> Frugal

Did you know that "cheap" can also describe people? People who are cheap, or "stingy," do not like spending money. Instead, they try to keep as much of it as they can.

However, the adjective "frugal" is a positive way to describe someone who uses their money carefully and thoughtfully.

• Cooking his own meals at home is one way Ken keeps his lifestyle frugal.

The adverb form is "frugally."

• Carol decorated her apartment very frugally, but it still looks great.

Old (people) >> Elderly / Senior Citizen

When talking about people, "old" is generally considered to be rude. To refer to older people, you can say "elderly" or "senior citizen(s)." 

• This is a care home for the elderly.

• I saw him speaking with an elderly woman with a cane.

• My uncle is pretty active for a senior citizen.

Old (things) >> Vintage / Classic

What if you're talking about old objects instead of people? Try using "vintage" or "classic."

• The flea market has a lot of vintage items that are difficult to find anywhere else.

• Lots of classic cars were parked in the large garage.

In some cases, people use these alternatives sarcastically, so be sure to listen to the speaker's tone carefully.

• His closet was full of lots of … vintage clothes.

Used >> Pre-owned / Pre-loved

"Vintage" can be used to describe used items too. However, you can also say "pre-owned" and even "pre-loved," which is more casual. 

• I have a pre-owned car for sale, if you're interested.

• Visit our store to browse lots of pre-loved items looking for a new home!

Weird >> Eccentric / Unique

"Weird" is a very direct way to say "unusual." It doesn't always have a negative nuance, but it doesn't sound especially positive, either.

If you'd like to describe something that is not typical in a positive way, use "eccentric" or even "unique." "Eccentric" is best for people and the things related to them, such as fashion or tastes. "Unique" can be used more generally.

• My neighbor is pretty eccentric. His style and taste in music are very different from anyone else I know.

A

What did you think of the art at the exhibition?

B

It was pretty unique. I've never seen anything like it before.

For even more words you can use to talk about something unusual, have a look at our article 'How Many Different Ways Can You Say "Weird"?'

Rich >> Comfortable / Well-off

"Rich" is not exactly a negative word; having a lot of money is generally a very positive thing! However, calling someone else or even yourself "rich" is very bold since people like to be more vague when discussing money.

Instead, try using the words "comfortable" or "well-off." "Comfortable" isn't exactly the same as "rich," but it does suggest that someone has no worries related to money.

A

Does your job pay you a high salary?

B

Well, let's just say that I'm comfortable.

• He never talks about how much he makes, but it's obvious from his house and clothes that he's well-off. 

Poor >> Low-income / Underprivileged

The opposite of "rich" is "poor," which is definitely not a positive term. It is often switched for "low-income" or "underprivileged."

• The increase of the minimum wage was great news for low-income workers around the country.

• Despite coming from an underprivileged family, he was able to become a big success.

Die >> Pass away

For most people, death is a very uncomfortable topic. Also, the word "die" is quite direct and harsh. It is common to instead use "pass away."

• My grandmother passed away when I was very young.

Small >> Cozy

When talking about spaces, some people think "small" sounds negative — after all, wouldn't you rather have a large room instead of a small one?

Using "cozy," however, makes a small space sound more comfortable and pleasant.

• Jenny's decoration skills turned a tiny room into a very cozy space to relax.

• The local cafe is a cozy place where people in the neighborhood like to gather and talk.

Damage >> Imperfections

When shopping, especially for used items, you will come across many products that have scratches, dents and other kinds of damage. Rather than use these negative words, however, you may see tags mentioning "imperfections."

• Because of the item's imperfections, we can offer you a nice discount.

Plain >> Simple / Understated

Even though "plain" is actually a neutral word, its nuance can include "boring" or "unexciting."

If something is not fancy or detailed, you can instead use "simple" or "understated" to give it a more positive feeling.

• The hotel rooms were simple and clean.

• Ashley has a very understated sense of style. She likes simple, comfortable clothes.

Wrap-up

One of the benefits of having a large vocabulary is that it gives you choices to express yourself; if there is something you'd like to say in a slightly different way, you have several options available to use!

If you found this list helpful, be sure to also read our article on body types, which introduces many polite ways to refer to people of different sizes and shapes: 16 Words for Describing Different Body Types.

And finally, be careful of words that sound negative but actually have a positive meaning!

The post "Old" or "Vintage"? Saying Negative Things in a Positive Way appeared first on Engoo Blog.

This time, we'll cover some different words and expressions you can use instead of "study." You'll surely have an opportunity to use each of them in your daily conversations.

What's the difference between "study" and "learn"?

If you are looking for alternatives for "study," "learn" may be one of the first words you think of. You are probably already familiar with it, but what makes it different than "study"? Let's see what the Oxford Learner's Dictionary has to say:

study [verb]

To spend time learning about a subject by reading, going to school, etc.

Oxford Learner's Dictionary

learn [verb]

To gain knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, from being taught, etc.

Oxford Learner's Dictionary

According to these definitions, "study" is more about the process of gaining knowledge, while "learn" refers to actually getting it — not the steps you take to get it. So don't forget: Just because you study something doesn't automatically mean that you learn it. For example:

• I studied a lot of Russian, but I never learned it.

Something else to remember is that the past tense of "learn" comes in two versions: "learned" and "learnt." The first is common in American English, while the second is mostly used in British English.

• I learned how to play this song on piano last week.

Other words for "study"

Prep

This is a casual, shortened form of the verb "prepare" or the noun "preparation."

• I'm prepping hard for the final exam.

It's also good to know the term "prep school." Prep schools are private schools that prepare students to enter a college or university.

• Is it possible to get into that university without going to a prep school first?

Read up on ~

Unlike the other terms on this list, which are more general, this expression refers to reading in order to gain knowledge about something specific.

• She spent the weekend reading up on famous historical people for her school project.

Brush up on ~

The verb "brush" is used to talk about cleaning or straightening something with, well, a brush (the noun version)! However, the phrasal verb "brush up on," means to improve or raise your skill level.

• Let's brush up on our Spanish before our trip to Mexico.

Learn the ropes

"Learning the ropes" is another way to say "learning how to do a task." It originally refers to sailors, who must learn to control the ropes that operate a ship's sails.

• The first week of training is all about learning the ropes and getting familiar with the process.

You can also "show someone the ropes," which means teaching them how to do something.

• John has been here a little longer than you, so he can show you the ropes.

Cram

The verb "cram" means to forcefully push something into a space. When you must study for a test or assignment that is coming soon, it is like you are trying to push a lot of information into your brain in a short amount of time. This expression is often used with "~ for a test/exam."

• She spent all night cramming for the exam the next morning.

Hit the books

This is a casual expression that means to begin studying seriously.

• I decided to stay home and hit the books instead of going out with my friends.

Self-taught

This is an adjective that refers to learning something by yourself, without help from an instructor.

• He is a self-taught artist.

Know something inside and out

We use this expression to say that someone knows everything about a particular subject.

• If you need help or recommendations, ask Billy; he knows this city inside and out!

There is another expression that is similar: "know something backwards and forwards." This, however, is mostly used to talk about things like movies or books that have been memorized; we don't use it to refer to learning new information.

• I watch this movie every summer, so I know it backwards and forwards.

Wrap-up

"Study" was probably one of the first English words you learned as a student. It's very useful, but there are many more ways of expressing the same idea. The more alternatives you know, the richer and more interesting your English conversations will become. So, study hard and learn them all!

The post 9 Alternative Expressions for "Study" appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Money is definitely one example of this. So let's take a look at some of the slang for money that is used every day in English conversations.

Before we begin, remember that many of the terms introduced below are quite informal and may not be appropriate in professional situations. If you are unsure about when it is OK to use them, book a lesson with an Engoo tutor and ask for clarification.

Cash

There are many ways to spend money, including checks, bank transfers and many kinds of digital payments. The simplest way to pay, however, is with cash: coins and bills.

• Will you be paying by cash or credit card?

Buck(s)

This is a very common alternative for dollars that is often used in everyday conversations. This may be a reference to the skin of deer (also called "bucks"), which used to be used for currency.

• Can I borrow five bucks from you?

Green / Greenbacks

Paper money in the US is colored green, which is the origin of these two slang terms.

• I need to earn some green fast.

• Sorry, I don't accept credit cards — only greenbacks!

Lettuce / Cabbage

These two green, leafy vegetables are also references to the color of dollar bills.

• She earned a lot of lettuce after negotiating a contract with her new client.

• Don spent a lot of cabbage on a brand new sports car.

Moolah

The origin of this casual term for money is unknown. Even so, it is still used very commonly.

• I negotiated a raise, so I'll be earning a bit more moolah than I did before.

Cheddar / Cheese

The previous two words aren't the only food-based nicknames for money. There are actually many more!

It is believed that cheese refers to money because the government provides real cheese to citizens with low incomes and to people who have been affected by natural disasters. 

Over time, money received from government programs also came to be known as "cheese." These days, however, the term's connection to the government has weakened; now it's simply a slang term for money.

• How much cheddar did you spend on that date last night?

• I don't think you've got enough cheese to eat at that fancy restaurant.

Related article: Adjectives That Can Describe Both Taste and Personality

Capital

This term for money is mostly used in the business world.

• My business partners and I are raising more capital to keep our start-up running smoothly.

Dead presidents

This term comes from the presidents pictured on American money, specifically George Washington ($1 bill), Abraham Lincoln ($5 bill), Andrew Jackson ($20 bill) and Ulysses S. Grant ($50 bill).

• Jane doesn't use a bank. Instead, she keeps all of her dead presidents in a safe in her home.

Alexander Hamilton ($10 bill) and Benjamin Franklin ($100 bill) were not presidents, but they still appear on money because of the important roles they played in the early years of the country. In fact, "Benjamins" is a slang term for $100 bills.

• He opened his wallet and took out a stack of Benjamins.

Bread / Dough

In traditional and rural societies, people grow their own food or get it from the animals they raise. In industrial societies, however, we need money to buy it. Perhaps that is why money and food are so closely related in the language.

• I got a second job to earn some more bread.

Dough is the mixture of flour and water used to make bread, but as slang terms, the two words are used in the same way.

• How much dough do you have on you right now?

Bank

This slang term is quite simple to understand since banks are where most people keep their money. It's often pronounced with extra emphasis.

• My friend Jenna is making bank at her new job.

Note that "bank" is used in this way only when speaking about a large amount of money. Therefore, it would sound strange to use it in reference to a low salary, for example.

Ducat (or Ducket)

This word (pronounced like "DUH-ket") actually comes from the gold coins that were used for currency in some European countries.

• If you're not careful, you'll lose a lot of ducats at the casinos in Las Vegas.

Grand

This term specifically refers to one thousand dollars.

• We spent about three grand on our last vacation, but it was worth it.

More casually, people sometimes shorten "grand" to simply "G."

• My friend won 25 Gs in the lottery. He's so lucky!

Note that these words only refer to one thousand dollars; they are not used to count people, objects or anything else.

Cake

Here's one more food-related term. Notice that dough is necessary to make cakes just like it is needed to make bread.

• His Instagram posts are all pictures of him showing off how much cake he has.

Quid

This term is not used in America; instead, it is common in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It's another word for "pound" and is used like Americans use "buck(s)."

• This T-shirt only cost me five quid.

Wrap-up

Money is essential in our modern lives, so it's good to be prepared to speak about it with both standard and non-standard words. Again, be sure that the terms from this article are appropriate for your situation and the people you are speaking with. 

The post Greenbacks and Cheddar Cheese: English Slang for Money appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Thankfully, there are plenty of much more interesting ways to refer to talented people, and we'll introduce you to 10 of them in this article. You may already know a few of them! 

Expert

We'll begin with one of the simpler terms. An expert is someone who knows all about a particular subject. 

• If you need help with this program, ask Ashley — she's an expert.

There is also the noun form "expertise," which refers to skill and knowledge instead of the person who has them. 

• He has a lot of expertise in the field of marketing.

Natural

Someone who is an expert at something has usually studied and worked hard to get their knowledge and skills. On the other hand, a "natural" is someone who was simply born with a special talent. In other words, they do something naturally.

• He can play all of those instruments even though he never took classes. He's a natural.

This has the same meaning as calling someone "gifted." However, "gifted" is an adjective while "natural" (in this case) is a noun.

• He is a really gifted musician.

Genius

You probably already know this word. It's closely related to the name Einstein, which we've discussed in another post on famous names.

• How did you get the answer so quickly? You're a genius!

You can also use it as an adjective. People often say it when they think an idea or suggestion is very good.

• That's genius! Why didn't I think of that?

Wunderkind

This word is specifically for very successful people who are also very young. It's not as common in daily conversations as other terms on this list, but you may read it or hear it on a news program.

• A few tech wunderkinds are responsible for some of the biggest products and services millions of people use today.

Wizard

"Wizards" are characters with magical powers in fantasy stories. If there is someone who is so skilled at something that it seems like they are doing magic, you have the perfect word to describe them.

• Freddie is a coding wizard. Several companies want to hire him.

There is also the term "whiz kid," which basically means "young wizard."

• It may be easy for a whiz kid like you, but the rest of us need to study hard to pass the test!

Related article: Learn British Slang with the Harry Potter Series

Prodigy

Similar to the term above, a "prodigy" is a very talented person who is often also very young. However, it is not as informal as "whiz kid" or many of the other terms on this list; it can be used casually, but it has a slightly more serious and realistic nuance.

• The child prodigy was on the cover of several scientific magazines because of his discoveries.

Ninja

The ninja were spies and assassins active in Japan starting in the 15th century. They have become world famous through pop culture for their incredible physical abilities and cleverness.

Calling someone a "ninja" today suggests that person also has a very high level of skill in some particular area.

• Danica is a math ninja. If you need help, ask her.

Master

A "master" is someone who has reached the highest rank or level of skill. They know everything there is to know about something, can do difficult tasks easily, and are often able to teach people who are less experienced.

• After training around the world, he became a martial arts master that everyone wanted to train with.

This can also be used as a verb, which means "to reach the highest level" or "to get complete control over."

• She was excited to show off the skateboard tricks she mastered during her vacation.

Savant

This term is different from other words on this list because it is used to describe someone with both a high and low level of ability. A "savant" is a person who may have lower-than-average ability in many areas but is extremely skilled at one particular thing.

• Jeff has trouble socializing, and many of his classes are difficult for him, but he's an art savant. Look at his drawings!

Virtuoso

"Virtuoso" is often used to describe someone with a high level of ability at playing a musical instrument, but it can also be used for other things.

• Everyone was excited to see the match between the two chess virtuosos.

You can also use it as an adjective if it is placed before a noun.

• We were all amazed by their virtuoso performance.

Wrap-up

The next time you want to compliment someone on their skill, you have a lot of options to choose from. Add some color and creativity to your conversations by using one of these alternate names for highly skilled people. You just might surprise your English-speaking friends!

The post "Genius!" Fun Names for People with High Skill Levels appeared first on Engoo Blog.

This time, we'll look at words and expressions you can use in place of "easy." Some are adjectives as well, but others are idioms that must be understood figuratively.

As you continue your English study, we hope you will have many chances to use these terms. However, be careful when you use them; because they have an informal tone, they would not be appropriate in professional situations.

Easy-peasy

We'll begin with one of the simplest terms.

Often in English, "nonsense words" are added to make an expression sound more fun or silly. In this case, we add "peasy," which has no meaning by itself.

• I have a small motor on my bicycle, so even riding up big hills is easy-peasy.

Related article: No Dilly-Dallying: Funny (But Useful) English Word Pairs

A walk in the park

For many people, taking a walk in the park on a nice day is very relaxing. That's why this idiom is used to say that a task is not difficult at all.

• This game used to be very challenging for me. But now, finishing it is a walk in the park.

No sweat

Sweat usually results from heat, nervousness or hard work. So "no sweat" expresses that something is not hard or challenging.

A

Can you carry this heavy box?

B

No sweat, Grandpa.

Be careful when using it with nouns; "no sweat" should come after the noun it refers to, not before.

• x It was a no sweat test.
• o The test was no sweat.

It is also used to say that something is not a problem or an inconvenience. In this case, its meaning is close to "It's OK."

A

I'm sorry, but I'm going to be a few minutes late to the meeting.

B

No sweat, I can wait a little longer.

Again, this is quite casual, so it is not recommended in formal situations.

Blindfolded

"Blindfolded" suggests that someone could perform an action even if their eyes were covered. Therefore, it implies that the person has a high level of skill.

• May is amazing at this game. She could probably play blindfolded!

A breeze

Just like taking a walk in the park, feeling a soft breeze on a clear day is refreshing.

Compared to words like "gust" or "blast," which describe strong winds, a breeze is soft and pleasant — like the feeling of something that is easy.

• We had a good map, so finding the hotel from the train station was a breeze.

No problem

This expression is very simple and straightforward. 

• He's a chef at a great restaurant, so cooking delicious meals is no problem for him.

Related article: Essential English Vocabulary for Cooking

It can also be used as a way to accept a request.

A

Can you get some milk on your way here?

B

No problem!

This usage is the same in meaning as "Sure" or "Of course."

A picnic

Another enjoyable activity you can do outdoors is having a picnic. This can also refer to something that is not difficult. It's usually used to compare two different things, like in the example below.

• Yesterday's crossword puzzle was a picnic compared to today's.

Like "a walk in the park," people often use it in a negative sense to say that something is not easy.

• Raising kids is no picnic; it takes a lot of hard work.
• Raising kids is no walk in the park; it takes a lot of hard work.

A cinch

"Cinch" is a noun that means "an easy task."

• I used to struggle to communicate in a foreign language, but now it's a cinch.

A piece of cake

This common idiom means that something is not challenging or stressful.

• I thought the exam would be hard, but it was actually a piece of cake. 

When used as a response, omit the "a."

A

Can you fix this broken table for me?

B

Piece of cake. Can you get my tools?

Child's play

This expression suggests that something is easy enough for even a child to do.

• These trivia questions are child's play. I need something more challenging!

Wrap-up

"Easy" is an important and useful word to know. However, in casual conversations, it is often more fun and more interesting to use alternatives instead. 

So the next time you have a task that you can complete easily, surprise your language partners by using one of the expressions above. Study them all until using each naturally is a breeze!

The post "No Sweat!" 10 Alternatives for "Easy" appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Luckily, there are phrases you can use that sound more positive and productive than simply saying “I don’t know.” Each of the following expressions will be useful in your office or in any other formal situation. 

I’ll look into it.

“Look into” is one of the many phrasal verbs you can make with “look.” It means to research or investigate something, and it’s a great alternative to “I don’t know.”

• I’ll look into it and let you know as soon as I find out.

• Let me look into that and contact you when I know more.

Let me get back to you.

“Getting back” to someone is contacting them again at a later time. With this response, you are giving yourself time to get the answer.

• I'm not sure. Let me get back to you on that. 

• I don't know, but let me get back to you later today.

I’ll find out.

This phrase is quite simple, and it shows that you are taking positive steps to get the information you need.

• That's a good question. I’ll find out and report back by the end of the day.

• I'll find out for you and call you back shortly.

Please give me (time) to ~

Another alternative to “I don’t know” is to simply ask the other person to wait while you find the answer.

• I’m not sure, but please give me a moment to find out.

• Give me an hour and I'll follow up with the answer.

I’m (probably) not the best person to ask.

If a question isn’t related to what you do at work, you can suggest that it would be better to ask someone else. 

• I wish I could help, but I'm not the best person to ask. 

Even if you don't have a full answer, you can share the information you do have.

• I’m probably not the best person to ask, but I think that department is on the fourth floor.

That’s not my area of expertise.

Another choice is to directly say that something is not your speciality. Again, this is best when you can add some information, even if it is incomplete.

• I'm sorry, but that's not my area of expertise and I don't want to give you bad information.

• That's not my area of expertise, but I think this solution should work.

I don’t know, but I know who might/does.

A great way to avoid a simple “I don’t know” is to mention who you think does have the answer. This way, you are still being helpful to the other person.

• I don’t know, but I think Louis might. His office is down the hall.

Alternatively, you can simply mention the other person first.

• Actually, I think Petra would be a better person to ask. I want to make sure you get accurate information.

Adding the follow-up phrase lets the other person know that their question is important and deserves a quality answer.

Wrap-up

Saying that you don't know something doesn't have to be a short and negative end to a conversation. With these phrases, you can professionally ask for time to find the answers, or you can guide the other person to a better source of information. As long as you speak with a smile and a friendly tone of voice, you are communicating effectively and professionally.

The post How to Avoid Saying “I Don’t Know” Directly appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Think over

"Think over" includes the nuance that someone is carefully comparing the positive and negative points of something before making a decision.

• Jane hasn't told us if he's joining the camping trip yet; she's still thinking it over.

Mull over

This is a more informal way of saying "think over." 

• I'll give you some time to mull it over. There's no need for you to decide now.

Contemplate

"Contemplate" implies careful or deep thinking about something. Rather than simple decisions, it's often used when thinking about deep topics or things that cannot be fully understood.

• She looked up at the stars and contemplated the mysteries of outer space.

Ponder

Similar to contemplate, "ponder" implies deep thought. Although it is not a formal word, it has a slightly poetic feeling.

• I get inspired to paint by pondering nature from my favorite spot in the park.

Consider

"Consider" can be used instead of "think about." It is often used in the imperative form.

• Please consider our proposal and contact us when you are ready to continue the negotiations.

It is also used as an alternative to "realize."

• Sarah had an interesting idea that we hadn't considered before.

Reflect (on)

We "reflect" when we think about something in the past.

• Before I go to bed, I like to reflect on what happened during the day and think about what I can do better tomorrow.

Chew on

"Chew" is the verb we use for cutting and grinding food with our teeth in order to swallow it. But when it's used with "on," it's a casual phrasal verb for thinking about something.

• I've been chewing on the advice she gave me yesterday.

• The documentary gave me a lot to chew on.

Ruminate (on)

"Ruminating" is thinking about something over and over again.

• The president ruminated on the possible effects of his decision.

Reckon

This word is common in the southern states of the US as well as in countries where British English is spoken. It's used when someone has reached a conclusion or opinion after thinking about a situation.

• If we take my truck, I reckon we can get there in about an hour and 15 minutes.

• I think we should accept their proposal. What do you reckon?

Related article: How Are UK and US Communication Styles Different?

Weigh

Imagine two choices on opposite sides of a scale. When you think about the good points and bad points of each, you can say that you are "weighing" the choices.

• It didn't take much time for us to weigh the options; the decision was easy.

Deliberate (over)

As a verb, we use "deliberate" to refer to a careful process of thought or discussion in order to reach a decision.

• The members of the jury deliberated all afternoon, discussing different details of the court case.

• It's hard for me to make decisions quickly; I need to deliberate over everything before I can make a choice!

Meditate (on)

Meditation is generally thought of as a spiritual activity of calming and focusing the mind. But even when it is not related to religion or mindfulness, you can use it as a synonym for deep thought.

• I encourage everyone to meditate on the events of the past week. What can we learn from our experience?

Dwell on

"Dwell" is a verb that means "to live or stay" in a place. As a phrasal verb with "on," it means to keep thinking (or talking) about something. This is usually used for topics that are negative or unpleasant. 

• It's important to learn from our mistakes, but dwelling on them is unhealthy.

Entertain

You "entertain" something when you give it attention or thought.

• The boss didn't immediately agree to our suggestion, but he said he will at least entertain it.

Turn something over in one's mind

This expression means giving serious thought to something, usually over a long period of time.

• John turned the business proposal over in his mind during his flight home.

Wrap-up

There is more than one way of thinking about things; sometimes the action is quick, but in other situations, more time is needed. Additionally, are the thoughts about something logical and real or about something large and abstract?

Depending on the specific situation, some words and expressions may be a better fit than others. Try using alternatives for "think" with a tutor or your English-speaking friends and you will gradually learn the natural ways each is used.

The post Using Your Head: 15 Different Ways to Say "Think" appeared first on Engoo Blog.

To help you make the right choice for your situation, this article will introduce several phrases separated into five different categories. So whether you're texting, writing a Valentine's Day card or telling someone in person, you'll find something to help you express your feelings to the special person in your life. 

(But if you want, you can also just skip to the samples at the end!)

1. Tell them you love them

There's nothing wrong with saying "I love you." It's short and sweet. However, if you want something different, here are some ideas:

“I fall in love with you again every day.”

This means that your feelings of love are new and refreshed each day you're with your partner. Here are some similar expressions: 

• “I fall more deeply in love with you every day.”
• “I fall in love with you every single day.”

You'll find this classic expression of love in many songs, from Frank Sinatra to Ed Sheeran.

“I adore you.”

"Adore" means to love deeply. Some people find this phrase sweeter and more special than simply "I love you."

“I heart you.”

"I heart you" is a less serious way to express love. You can find this one in pop songs.

As you can probably guess, the popularity of texting and emojis ("I ❤️ You") created this cute alternative to “I love you.”

2. Tell them how much they mean to you

Here are some simple and effective ways to tell someone how much they mean to you. 

“You mean the world to me.”

The world is a big place, so if someone "means the world" to you, that means they are very important in your life. Here are some similar alternatives:

• "You mean everything to me."
• "You're my everything."
• “When you’re with me, I have everything that I need.”

“I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

It's natural to feel lucky when you meet someone truly special, and it’s nice to tell them that. If you want more options, you can use "thankful" or "grateful" instead of "lucky." For example:

• "I'm so thankful you came into my life."
• "You don’t know how grateful I am to have you in my life."
• "You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me."

3. Tell them why you love them

A nice way to express your love is by telling your partner what you love about them. 

“I love your eyes.”

You can replace "eyes" with basically anything you love about your partner: their smile, their sense of humor, etc.

You can also be creative and use phrases like these:

• "I love the sound of your laughter.”
• "I love the way you look at me."
• "I love the gentle way you hold my hand."

“I love how you are so caring.”

There's probably a lot of things you like about your partner's personality. Tell them about these things by using the structures "I love how you are so ..." or "I love how ... you are." For example:

• "I love how you are always so cheerful, even on bad days."
• "I love how beautiful you look even when you’re doing the simplest things."
• "I love how supportive you are."

4. Tell them how they make you feel

When you're with someone you love, life in general seems better, doesn’t it? Here’s how you can express those feelings to your partner.

“I love being with you.”

You most likely enjoy spending time with your partner. Here are some ways to say that.

• "I love being with you."
• "I love spending time with you."
• "I enjoy every moment we're together."

“You always make me feel special.”

You can tell your partner how they make you feel with phrases like this. For variety, here are some more examples: 

• "You make me feel alive."
• "You make me feel warm and fuzzy inside."*
• "I feel loved when I'm with you."
• "When I'm with you, I feel safe."
• "I've never felt so comfortable with anyone."

*"Warm and fuzzy" is a very casual expression describing a very positive and comfortable feeling.

“You make me feel like a million bucks.”

You can add color to your words with some comparisons. "Feeling like a million bucks" means feeling great. Here are some other examples:

• "When I'm with you, I feel like I'm in a dream."
• "When I'm with you, I feel like I'm floating on clouds."
• "When I'm with you, I feel like I could do anything."

5. Show Appreciation

When you're with the right person, they usually have a positive effect on you. So here are some phrases to help you express your thanks!

“My life is so much better with you by my side.”

Phrases like this tell your partner how much they’ve made your life better. Here are some other possibilities:

• “Everything’s better with you by my side.”
• “You have brought so much joy to my life.”

“You make me a better person.”

If you feel like your partner has helped you grow into a better person, this is the phrase for you. Here are some related phrases:

• “You bring out my better side.”
• “You really know how to bring out the best in me.”
• “I love the way I am when I’m with you.”

“Thanks for always being there for me.”

Finally, don't forget about saying a simple "thanks" for all the little things your partner does for you.

• "Thanks for making me laugh when I'm down."
• "Thanks for always listening to me rant."

Bonus: Be funny

Don’t forget that you can always use humor to lighten up your message if you think your partner might like that. Here are some ideas to get you started.

“Thanks for being my partner-in-crime.”

Two people are "partners in crime" when they break the law together. However, this term is more often used in humorous ways.

So even if you don't actually commit a crime with your significant other, you can lovingly refer to them this way.

“You’re just like bacon — you make everything better!”

You can switch out “bacon” for something else that you like, like in the examples below.

• "You're like hot chocolate — sweet and always warming me up."
• "You're just like my favorite song — I can listen to you all day."

“You’re the peanut butter to my jelly.”

This is a fun way to say that the two of you are a perfect match. There are many versions of this saying:

• "You're the butter to my bread."
• "You're the maple syrup to my pancakes."

Some people also use this with famous characters in movies and TV shows. For example, “You’re the Ross to my Rachel” is a reference to the TV show, Friends.

Related article: More Than 'Friends': Recommended TV for English Learners 

Sample Messages

Here are some sample messages using the phrases above. Remember, if you ever need anyone to check your writing, our tutors are here to help you 24/7!

Text messages

#1

Thanks for making me feel loved and special, today and every day. Can't wait to see you tonight! xoxo

#2

Morning, gorgeous! Just wanted to remind you that you're like hot chocolate — always warming me up and making me feel like home.

Card messages

#1

Dearest [partner's name],

Thanks for always being there for me, hugging me when I'm down, and putting up with me when I'm stressed out. No matter what mood I'm in, you always have a way of making me feel like a million bucks.

But you haven't just made me a happier person. You've also made me a better one — gentler, calmer and more tolerant.

Every day, I wake up feeling so lucky that you're in my life!

All my love,

[Name]

#2

Hi Pumpkin,

I don't usually say things like this, but I wanted to let you know how much I love being your partner-in-crime.

I enjoy every moment we spend together, whether we're baking or jogging or just watching TV.

Even when the cookies we bake don't turn out great, or it starts raining halfway through a run, I feel grateful for the happy adventure my life has become since you appeared.

Love,

[Name]

Related article: 7 Alternatives for "Love" to Use on Valentine's Day 

The post How to Say "I Love You" in English and Actually Mean It [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

If you have English-speaking friends or watch English TV and movies, you've probably heard this expression before. 

Even though it may sound like a question, most of the time, it's simply an informal greeting between friends. 

However, there are times when it's not just a greeting; sometimes it's a real question that needs an answer.

This article will explain the two main ways this expression is used and introduce different responses you can use when someone says it to you. You'll be more prepared to use it yourself in your English conversations. Let's start!

Meanings

Before we talk about responding to it, let's first take a closer look at what it means.

As we mentioned in the introduction, "What's up" is often a greeting between friends; it's just like saying "Hi" or "Hey." The expression "How're you doing?" is used in the same way.

Because this use is not an actual question, most people will not expect an "answer." In fact, in text messages, sometimes you won't see a question mark after it.

• What's up, everyone!

However, there are times when it actually is a question and not a greeting. If something unusual or surprising has happened, people may use this expression when they need information.

• I heard you and Jay had an argument. What's up?

• What's up? I heard a strange sound coming from your room.

• You've been coming into work late every day this week. What's up?

Note that this usage is also quite casual and should only be used with people you have a close relationship with.

Responding to "What's up?"

Now that we know what it means, what can you say in response to "What's up"? There are several common ways.

If your conversation partner is greeting you, you can respond by simply saying it back to them — just like saying "Hi."

A

What's up?

B

What's up! How've you been?

If it seems like your partner is asking a question and expecting an answer, there are lots of ways to respond quickly. You can use the following expressions depending on your situation. We've arranged them according to how good the situation is, from best to worst.

Never better. / (I'm doing) Great.

Use these expressions when you're feeling very good.

I'm OK/fine/good.

This is a neutral response that can be either positive or negative. Depending on the tone of your voice and your facial expression, they can mean that you are actually fine or that something is bothering you.

Same ol' same ol'.

This is short for "the same old thing." It means that nothing has changed since your last meeting. It's the most neutral response on this list.

So-so.

This is a common casual expression for saying that something is not great but also not bad. However, it's usually used when something is wrong or when there is a problem.

People often make a specific gesture with their hands when saying this:

Under the weather.

Use this expression specifically when you are feeling sick.

Generally, it's for light illnesses such as colds, not for serious diseases or for injuries.

Related article: English Phrases to Say When Someone is Sick

I've been better. / Not great. / Not so good.

Because these responses usually come before an explanation of a problem, it's best to only use them if you have a close relationship with your conversation partner.

If you don't know the other person well, they may feel that you are "oversharing," which is a slang term meaning to give too much personal information about yourself.

Alternatives to "What's up?"

There are several expressions that you can use that have a similar meaning to "What's up?"

• What's going on?
• What's happening?
• What's the deal?
• What's going down?
• What's crackin'/poppin'?
• Whaddup?

Note that the first two can be used in most casual situations, while the others are very informal slang and should only be used among friends.

Wrap-up

Before you can enjoy a conversation, you first must begin one! Often, casual chats will start with this short, friendly greeting.

It should be easy to understand from the situation if your partner is asking an actual question about how you're doing. Use this article as a guide and you'll have a variety of ways to respond, no matter which way your partner is using it.

And don't forget: You can also use these expressions to start a conversation yourself!

The post "What's Up?": How to Use It and Respond to It appeared first on Engoo Blog.

For example, if you use it to explain to a coworker why you can’t take their call or attend a meeting, it can sound rude and even a bit unprofessional.

If you want a safer option, listed below are 10 English expressions that will communicate the same idea in a much better way.

I’m tied up.

Think of each task you need to work on as a rope. Each time you take on a new task, another rope is tied around you until you’re all “tied up” and not free to work on anything else.

• I’m all tied up with this project. Try asking Janet for help.
• Sorry I was unable to return your call today. I was tied up in meetings all day.

I’m preoccupied.

Imagine someone knocking on your office door while you’re having a meeting. Or imagine getting a call while you’re driving to work. In either case, you can say you're “preoccupied” because you are already (“pre-”) occupied (busy doing something).

• Sorry, I’m a little preoccupied at the moment. Can I call you back later?
• No worries about the late reply. I understand you’re preoccupied with more urgent matters at the moment.

I have a lot on my plate.

If your plate is full, there’s no room for you to put more food on it. In terms of work (and even daily life), this means you can’t accept any more tasks.

• I’d love to help, but I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.
• That’s a nice idea, but our team already has so much on our plate, I don’t think we’ll be able to work on it until at least next year.

I don't have the bandwidth.

“Bandwidth” is a technical term that has become a popular way to talk about the time and energy needed for work. However, it's mostly used in negative sentences.

• I wish I could take care of this now, but I don't have the bandwidth at the moment. Sorry!
• I don't have the bandwidth to handle that right now. You could try asking me about it again next month.

I’m juggling a lot right now.

“Juggling” takes a lot of energy and focus to do right. After all, you don't want to make a mistake and drop anything! This idea also applies to handling a lot of tasks at the same time.

• I’d love to help, but I’m juggling two jobs while also taking care of my newborn son. Sorry!
• I can make some time for lessons with my tutor even though I'm juggling a lot of stuff at the moment.

I’m spread (pretty) thin.

If you only have a little butter to spread on a piece of toast, it will become a very thin layer of butter. So if you’re “spread thin,” it means you’re spreading your limited time and energy among a lot of tasks.

• I’m afraid I can’t take on another commitment this semester. I’ve already spread myself too thin with two part-time jobs and extra classes.
• I realize that your team's resources are spread thin at the moment, but please do keep this initiative in mind.

Related article: Essential English Vocabulary for Cooking

I'm up to my ears. 

Think of a pile of work documents that is stacked from the floor all the way up to your ears! 

• It feels like I’m always up to my ears in paperwork. I need a break!
• We’ll be up to our ears in work before the holiday season.

You can use this expression for many situations. For example, you can be up to your ears in laundry (if you haven’t washed your clothes in a while) or debt (if there is a lot of money you need to pay off). 

I’m buried in work.

Imagine you’re buried in piles and piles of work and you can’t escape.

• Two of our team members are out sick, so we’re really buried in work this week.
• There’s no way I can take a vacation right now. I’m buried in deadlines.

People also say “I’m drowning (in work)” or “I’m snowed under (with work).”

I’m swamped.

It’s easy to get stuck in a swamp — or even sink into one! Similarly, if you’re “swamped” with work, it's like you have so much that you cannot move.

• We’re launching our marketing campaign this week, so I'm really swamped. But starting on Sunday, I'll be quite free.
• It’s my first day back at work, so I’m swamped. Can I get back to you on this next week?

Things are really hectic.

“Hectic” means that there are a lot of things going on that are difficult to organize or control.

• My schedule is quite hectic these days, but let’s catch up next time you’re here.
• I realize things are really hectic for you this time of year, but I must remind you that your payments are weeks overdue.

Keep in mind that you can’t say “I’m hectic.” “Hectic” describes a schedule, your life and things in your life. It can also describe periods of time (“It’s been a hectic day” or “This week has been hectic”). However, it is not used to describe people.

Wrap-up

Even if you have very little time for new tasks, you can still let others know in a polite way. The phrases we’ve introduced here may seem quite casual, but they are all common in professional situations. However, it is still a good idea to be careful using them with your boss or others with a higher position than your own.

Once you can use these phrases well, the following article will help you learn ways to simply say “No” in informal situations: "No way, José!" Other Ways to Say "No"

The post 10 Ways to Say You’re Busy Without Being Rude [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.