Go Natural English Podcast | Listening & Speaking Lessons

Latest Episodes:

Are You Learning English Backwards? Learn Conversation then Grammar Aug 25, 2015

Show notes

Have you ever had a teacher say to you, "Put the book down and listen to me?" While books are good and necessary for learning, there comes a time when exposure to the conversational tone of the language is absolutely necessary. Even though English is spoken in countries around the world, different countries and even different regions within countries tend to have a variety of accents and phrases that may not always make sense outside of their respective communities.

Traditionally we have been taught that learning rigid grammar rules (along with their exceptions) is the proper way to learn a language. In this episode Gabby explains that maybe a better way to learn is to actually listen to people speak, and pay attention to how they use certain words and phrases. Once you hear the spoken word, it might be easier to study the grammatical structures behind the words and their meanings.

If you want to learn English faster and better while improving your conversational skills, visit gonaturalenglish.com and use the resources that Gabby provides to help you with your fluency. Good luck in your English language studies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtb3J8rSnKE

Episode transcript below:

Hey, Hey! How's it going?

What's up?

Welcome to Go Natural English.

I have a quick English learning tip for you.

What I'd like to request, with all sincerity and respect, is that you stop trying to memorize grammar rules.

Don't try to go from learning grammar rules to conversation.

I want you to do this backwards.

Do it a little different than the traditional classroom learning English way that is not working.

So, we're going to flip things around.

I want you to start with English conversation.

I want you to listen carefully to the way that people are trying to express themselves in English, and notice the grammar that they're using in specific situations, and then copy that and use it in the same situation.

For example, if you notice people are talking about their experience, they're probably using the present perfect – "I have worked", "I have traveled", "I have blah, blah, blah, blah, blah."

So, you notice – ooh, I need to use – I've heard "I have" in the present perfect, you use that structure to talk about experience.

So, I need to use that to talk about my experiences instead of trying to go from your textbook memorizing every single tense and then trying to apply it when you speak English without even hearing it.

That way seems backwards to me.

So, what I suggest for you is a natural way of learning.

Listen first – try to understand the patterns, and then use it yourself.

You're just copying what you already heard and it's so much better.

I've learned Portuguese this way.

This is how I am able to express myself fluently in other languages and I recommend it for you too.

So, if you're interested in learning more about how to learn the Go Natural English way then come to gonaturalenglish.com and I'd love to share a free eBook with you and I'd love to invite you to join the premium Go Natural English course.

It has tons more tips, materials, support, and practice for you to get fluent fast.

I hope to see you there.

Bye for now.

The post Are You Learning English Backwards? Learn Conversation then Grammar appeared first on Go Natural English.

How NOT to Learn English Fluently – Stop Comparing to Your Native Language Aug 21, 2015

Show notes

Are you fortunate enough to be able to pick up foreign languages? Not everybody is, so, consider yourself lucky if you are. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is to try and provide a literal word-for-word translation. If you've ever watched a foreign film with English subtitles, you have probably had a good laugh at some of the translations. In fact, I'd bet on it.

When it comes to learning a new language, it takes time, but you have to get to the point where you are not translating in your head from one language to another. You get to that point where you simply understand what is being said without the intermediate translation. This is what you should be striving for in your quest for mastery of the English language.

In this English tip, Gabby explains that process and the reason why it is so important. Don't get frustrated and give up. Push yourself to improve your English comprehension. Visit gonaturalenglish.com for more tips and support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9TyrwW3-Qc

Episode transcript below:

Hey there! What's up?

I have a quick English tip for you to help you improve your fluency like a native speaker of English.

So, I know it's really tempting to compare English, or to translate English to your native language, and it's true that the more languages you know the faster you can learn a new language because you've acquired all those language-learning skills.

However, I want to encourage you to stop comparing, and stop translating English to your native language.

Why? Because what you should do instead is to directly connect meaning with English words.

So, instead of hearing English, and then translating, and then getting the meaning from your native language translation, I want you to hear English, and get meaning directly.

That will cut down on a lot of time and effort in trying to process everything that you hear or read.

So, I want you to stop comparing because things are different and you really cannot directly translate a lot of English into your native language.

Especially idioms and slang are totally different.

It's kind of funny actually when you see bad translations because you know someone just tried to directly translate and it didn't quite work out the way they thought.

So, try to associate directly meaning and English.

If you like the natural way of learning language come back to gonaturalenglish.com and I'd love to show you the premium course to help you get fluent, and better, and faster.

Thanks for watching and I'll talk to you again soon.

Bye for now.

The post How NOT to Learn English Fluently – Stop Comparing to Your Native Language appeared first on Go Natural English.

3 Biggest Mistakes Often Made When Talking About Yourself in English Aug 19, 2015

Show notes

Have you ever had to interview for a job where you were asked to talk about yourself? Many people find this awkward because they are uncomfortable boasting about themselves. The key is to be able to speak confidently about your abilities and how you can contribute value to the new company, without making claims that are not quite true.

You don't want to exaggerate your skills but you do want to explain them strongly and accurately. Most people undersell themselves because they feel that their accomplishments are not that impressive. If you really want the new job, you have to be able to impress your new boss with the projects and contributions that you can successfully complete, thereby adding value to the new company.

In this English language tip Gabby discusses that very issue and provides useful advice on how to handle those types of situations. For further advice and support, be sure to visit gonaturalenglish.com and think about subscribing to the premium course to improve your English language fluency. Hope to see you there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aspxZv8NaxE

Episode transcript below:

Hey there! How's it going?

Welcome to Go Natural English.

I am so excited about this English tip today because it can not only help English language learners but it could help native English speakers as well.

What I'd like to talk about are three big mistakes that people make when talking about themselves in English.

So, number one is they talk – they say something about themselves without actually showing it.

So, if someone is like, "Oh yes, I am the greatest guitar player in the world", but they never really say any examples – they never talk about maybe they took lessons or they played in a concert or any examples of being a great guitar player.

This is just a silly example but I really like it when people show instead of tell, right?

So, that's really important.

I hope that's clear.

If not, ask me a question, leave it in a comment.

Number two is talking too much about yourself without considering your audience.

So, let's say I am talking to my new boss, right?

My new – let's say I'm getting a job as an English teacher at a language school and I have a new boss and I want to talk about myself so that my new boss is really impressed.

Well, I'm not going to tell my boss about how I am the Salsa dance champion of the world.

I mean, maybe if my boss was interested in Salsa dance – and I'm not the Salsa dance champion of the world, by the way, that's just an example – in my dreams, maybe.

But, yes, I need to consider what my boss would find interesting or important, and so, that's just an example but when you're talking to different people, look at the situation, the conversation from their point of view and what they might find interesting or beneficial about knowing about you.

And my number one mistake – the number one mistake that I find a lot of people make, especially women, so, if you're a woman, be sure to listen up, is being too quiet, too humble and not talking about yourself, your accomplishments, and your positive traits.

So, be sure to share of yourself because other people should know about how awesome you are.

Each and every one of you is awesome and has unique traits that can make the world a better place.

So, don't keep them to yourself because that's the real mistake.

I hope that you enjoyed this quick English tip and if you'd like to learn more with me, you can come to gonaturalenglish.com.

I hope to see you back there.

Bye for now.

The post 3 Biggest Mistakes Often Made When Talking About Yourself in English appeared first on

Learn English like a Native – How to respond to "Guess what?" Aug 17, 2015

Show notes

Guess what? This is your lucky day. In this English tip Gabby explains how to handle a conversation when somebody says, "Guess what?" This is one of those English sayings that can be either an exclamation or a question.

When you hear "Guess what?" what is your first thought? Do you wonder what you're supposed to say because you really have no idea what the context is, and so your answers could be many and varied. Some people might just throw out random answers like "42" or "the sky is falling." Of course, the person saying "Guess what" is eager for you to respond with "What?" because they can't wait to tell you the news they have. Often the conversation goes something like "Guess what?" "What?" I passed the driving test and got my license."

English tips like this will help you to understand native English speakers when they use phrases that should not be taken literally. When people say "Guess what?" they are not really expecting you to guess anything – just to ask "what?" Be sure to visit gonaturalenglish.com and Go Natural English on YouTube for more helpful tips, advice and support for your English learning experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mgHiS_KLPE

Episode transcript below:

Hey guys! What's up?

How's it going?

Guess what!

Today we're going to talk about how to respond to "Guess what"!

Don't worry if you didn't know what to say then – we're going to answer that question.

We're going to answer how to answer that question, actually.

So, when someone says, "Guess what!" what are they trying to tell you?

They're trying to get your attention.

They're trying to make you feel excited.

So, if your English-speaking friend says, "Guess what!" how do you respond?

Well, you need to respond by saying, "What?"

And use that kind of intonation, that stress – "What?" like you're actually interested and you want to hear what they have to say.

Otherwise, if you say, "what, "what" – it sounds like you're not interested.

So, put some oomph, some feeling into it. Let's say it – "What?"

Okay, great. So, next time someone asks you, "Guess what!" say "what?" and then wait for them to tell you what they want to tell you so badly.

I'm sure it'll be interesting.

This is a very common expression and you're not going to see it in a traditional textbook or in a normal English class.

This is the kind of tip that I love to share on the Go Natural English channel on YouTube, and on the podcasts, and iTunes, and on Stitcher, and also through the premium course at gonaturalenglish.com.

So, if you want to learn more about how to be like a native English speaker, come visit me.

I'd love to give you a free eBook and to show you all about the premium course.

Alright, thanks so much and I'll talk to you soon.

Bye for now.

The post Learn English like a Native – How to respond to "Guess what?" appeared first on Go Natural English.

1 English Vocabulary Word You Need when Searching for an Apartment Aug 14, 2015

Show notes

When I read a book, or watch podcasts on my computer, I want to be cozy. What I mean by that is I want to be snugly warm and comfortable. Most of the time when you hear the word "cozy", it will have a positive, encouraging meaning.

There are times when you should be just a little bit cautious when you hear that word. In this English tip, Gabby offers advice on what is really being said when the word "cozy" is used. A great example is when you are hunting for an apartment of condominium. The description might read, "Cozy studio apartment that is move-in ready." Specifically when searching for apartments, houses, or condos, the word "cozy" can mean that the place is warm and inviting, but it can be small.

This is just one area where a positive word can have a slightly less-than-positive meaning. Grasping the idioms and slang usage of English words and phrases can greatly enhance your ability to deal with situations in English-speaking countries. Do not be afraid of idiomatic language usage – embrace it, and become more native-like in your speaking and understanding of the English language.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbpGy60nb8g

Episode transcript below:

Hey! What's up?

Welcome back to Go Natural English.

I have a quick English tip for you today that will really help you if you're searching for an apartment in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States.

The word is "cozy."

"Cozy" is supposed to be a really positive word like, "Oh, I have my sweatpants on and I'm drinking a cup of hot chocolate, and I feel so cozy – so nice and warm and comfortable.

But if you see the word "cozy" on an apartment add, it could be good or it could be bad.

"Cozy" typically means a place that is pleasant, warm, and small.

So, a lot of apartments in big cities, especially in the United States like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, especially on the east coast in New England, Boston for example use the word "cozy" because they want to tell you that it's not a very big space, but it's nice.

They want to use a positive word to describe the space.

So, this also an interesting trick for if you want to describe a small space in a positive way.

"It's just so cozy. Who cares if it's small? It's such a nice little space."

So it's a really good word to use for describing a place, or for describing how you feel.

Maybe on a cold winter's day when you have blankets on around you, and you're just feeling so cozy.

You don't want to leave your house.

So, I hope this was helpful for you.

If you'd like to learn more about idiomatic use of English and how to reach a fluent native-like level in English, then come back to gonaturalenglish.com.

It's what I'm here to help you do, to learn English in a natural way, the way that I believe you can become fluent best and fastest.

So, I hope to see you over there – gonaturalenglish.com.

Bye for now.

The post 1 English Vocabulary Word You Need when Searching for an Apartment appeared first on Go Natural English.

Do you Have to Speak Fluent English to Make American Friends? Aug 12, 2015

Show notes

What is the hardest thing about making new friends? Is it the culture? Is it the language barrier? Is it the fear of making a mistake and appearing foolish? The hardest thing is often that first step and taking a chance. In my experience traveling around the world, most people are feeling the same as you. They want to meet you, and speak with you, because they want to learn about other cultures and countries and they also want to practice their language skills.

The next time you have the opportunity to meet a new individual, and a potential new friend, don't be afraid to make the first move and say, "Hello, my name is _______, how are you today?" You might be surprised at how ready people are to engage in conversation and meet new people as well.

While on your English language journey, be sure to visit gonaturalenglish.com and grab your free eBook, introduce yourself to your American English teacher, Gabby, and strike up a conversation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7E1VqhSkxg

Episode transcript below:

Hey There! Welcome to Go Natural English.

How are you doing?

In this English tip, I'd like to talk about the topic of making friends with Americans.

Is it difficult to make friends in the United States or with Americans abroad?

A lot of English learners really want to make English-speaking friends, especially American English-speaking friends if this is the dialect or the culture that you want to know more about but how do we do it, how do you make American friends, and is it difficult?

Well, I would say the answer is it just depends how you think about it and how you behave.

So, yes, it can be very difficult if you are a very shy person or a very doubtful, or timid, or fearful person.

So, in order to make it easy on you to make great American friendships and to connect with native speakers, you have to change your mindset and you have to change your behavior.

So, think about how can you be a more positive person.

Always think positively.

It's easy to make American friends.

I have a lot of interesting things to talk about, and I have fun with new people I meet.

These are the kinds of thoughts that you should be thinking if you want to make American friends.

Now maybe, maybe it might be difficult because there might be cultural differences so how do you make American friends, or where do you make American friends?

Of course, a lot of people make friends in the workplace.

Now, I'm talking about adult English learners, right?

So, if you're in school or in a university, you're lucky because it's easy to make friends with your classmates, but if you're not in a class or you're not working, or you don't work with native English-speakers, then how do you make friends?

Well, if you live in an English-speaking country then the best way to make friends is to get involved with an activity – a sport, a club, or maybe a religious institution where you are repeating the activity at least once a week so that you see the same people over and over and that way you can establish a connection with those people using English.

Now, if you don't live in an English-speaking country, then use the Internet.

Use social media or even a language exchange site to meet native speakers, and that way you can also meet repeatedly because a friendship is built over time.

You have to build trust – get to know each other and build rapport.

So, a friendship doesn't happen from just one meeting – usually.

Usually it takes time so just remember to – as we say – put yourself out there, which means that you need to take action, be proactive.

You need to be the person to say "hello, how are you", "my name is Gabby", "I love to learn English", I love to travel", I love to listen to music",

Speak Fluent English and Make Your English Telephone Conversations Better in 2 Minutes Aug 10, 2015

Show notes

Speaking on the telephone or on Skype in a foreign language has to be one of the most terrifying things you can do. Speaking to someone who keeps quiet and does not say anything makes you feel even unsure of yourself. You begin to wonder if you've said something wrong, or are not being understood.

If a non-native English speaker is speaking with you in English, try to make them feel at ease. Give them positive feedback as they speak (without interrupting them). You should use comments such as "yes, I see" or "I know what you mean", or even just "uh huh" to let them know that you are listening and understanding what they are saying to you. It makes the conversation flow better, and makes both of you feel better.

Tips like this one can be found at gonaturalenglish.com where you can also learn how to improve your English language grammar and spelling skills as well as speaking and listening. Gabby Wallace is there to support you along your English language journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwcPOSHuD7w

Episode transcript below:

Hey There! What's up? How's it going?

I have a quick English tip for you that will help you to make your telephone conversations, or Skype conversations, whatever you use to call people up these days.

It will make them even better – one big mistake to avoid – so, if you want to know, keep watching.

Now, I had an experience where I was talking on Skype with a friend of mine – actually, now she's a friend but I guess you could say when I called her, it was the first time that we spoke so I didn't really know her at all, and when we were talking on Skype, I experienced this weird feeling because every time that I said something she was kind of silent.

Actually, she was silent.

She didn't say anything so I had to again say something more, or ask a question to see if she would respond but her silence made me realize that in American English telephone conversations, we're always making some noise or small comments to show that we're listening, that we're interested, and that we're really engaged in the conversation.

So, without even using any new words, it's important to use these phrases like "uh huh", "yes", "I see", "Okay."

These kind of phrases make a huge difference and they'll make your partner, or the person you're speaking with feel like you're really interested and part of the conversation.

Now, I am not sure about this silence in other cultures or other languages, but I think in American English we don't like silence.

So, try to be aware and observe how your conversation partners are feeling that silence or if they're not feeling that silence.

It's all about observing and learning from your surroundings and that's the natural way.

So, if you'd like to learn more about how to learn English the Go Natural English way, come back to gonaturalenglish.com, where you can find out about the premium course and I'd like to give you a free eBook just for visiting.

Thanks so much for watching and I hope to see you soon.

Bye for now!

The post Speak Fluent English and Make Your English Telephone Conversations Better in 2 Minutes appeared first on Go Natural English.

Natural: How to Say T in English Pronunciation like a Native Speaker Aug 07, 2015

Show notes

As you have probably discovered, unlike many languages where the letters or sounds are pronounced as they are written, English is not like that. So often, English letters, sounds, and words are not pronounced as you would think they would be.

In this tip, Gabby explains how the "T" sound can be made in different ways, especially in American English. Sometimes it is pronounced as a "D" as in the word "city" but in other examples it is pronounced as a "ch" sound. We see this in words like "nature" and Adventure." It is extremely important in English to learn how these words are pronounced because if you merely read them as they appear, it might not be understandable to a native English speaker.

Go Natural English is a really great tool for learning to speak and understand American English in a natural way. Unlike the way languages are taught in textbooks, most people speak using a lot of idioms and phrases that cannot be translated literally. They just will not make sense. Immerse yourself in the English language and experience it like it was meant to be – naturally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwmTnYQjK1w

Episode transcript below:

Hey there! How's it going?

In this English tip episode, I have a question from Lamine.

Lamine is a Go Natural English audience member, and Lamine wants to know, "why do we pronounce 'natural' with a [ch] sound?"

Didn't you say that a "T" between two vowels makes a "D" sound?

Lamine, that's a great question.

So, let's talk pronunciation.

Yes, sometimes when you have a "D" (sic) between two vowels like "city" you have a "D" sound instead of a "T" sound.

However, there are plenty of exceptions.

As always, with English, there are exceptions.

So, words like "nature", "adventure", "future" are all exceptions to that rule of vowel-T-vowel.

So, these are words that instead of saying "t" we say "ch" especially in American English.

So, one more time – "nature" or "natural" like Go Natural English, "adventure" and future."

So, that is how you really pronounce a "T" in those example words.

Now, of course the "T" can be pronounced in many different ways in English.

What I recommend is to have a lot of exposure to English.

You can do this in many different ways.

You can find some materials like music, or perhaps news, or stories in audio format in English and listen to English every day, especially when you have some time where your ears are free.

A great way to do this is with podcasts.

Go Natural English is also a podcast which you can download for free on iTunes for ios and on Stitcher for your Android device.

That way when you're in the gym or when you're on the train or the bus or maybe when you're doing something at home like cooking or cleaning or whatever you have to do, you can listen with your ears while you do other things with your eyes, with your activities.

You can make English a part of your life that way, and that is the way to really become comfortable with the different sounds of English.

There are many different sounds, many different ways to say the same letter, and so it's important to have as much English in your life as possible.

I invite you to visit me at gonaturalenglish.com where I'd like to give you a free eBook that will help you more with your English fluency.

Also on the website you can find out about the Go Natural English premium course that's available for you to learn more natural fluent English, the way that Americans have conversation in daily life.

This is not your traditional English class but I'd like you to come over to the site and learn more about it there.

Now, I'll talk to you real soon in another English tip here on YouTube, but in the meantime why don't you come over and join the conversation with us on facebook.

English Idiom – Rob talks about Losing my Mind! Aug 05, 2015

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what somebody meant when they said to you, "I must be losing my mind?" You probably thought that is impossible because while a brain is a real thing, a mind is not. This is one of those rich idioms that adds flavor and color to the English language.

As Gabby and Rob explain in this English episode, the expression is normally used after someone seems to have forgotten something they had just done or seen. Most commonly it is heard when someone can't find their keys, as they're trying to run out the door. They will say, "I must be losing my mind, I was just holding my keys and only put them down for a second. Where did I put them?" Gabby and Rob explain that it is a similar phrase to "I must be going crazy."

If you want to sound more native-like and fluent in English, be sure to add colorful phrases like this to your conversation, but make sure you are using them correctly. More tips and advice like this can be found at gonaturalenglish.com where your American English teacher, Gabby Wallace is always ready to help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPV5n5PGIXo

Episode Transcript below:

Hello! Welcome to Go Natural English.

I am so excited to be here with my friend, Rob.

Rob, how are you doing?

All is well, Gabby Wallace, I'm excited to be here with you and all of your audience.

So, Rob is an English teacher and his students have asked him some interesting questions.

One of those questions – was about - what was it- my mind – I'm losing ...

Yes ...?

... something?.. I don't know – what was it?

Yes, the question was, "what does 'losing my mind' mean?"

Oh, that's a great idiom.

Yeah.

So, it's pretty common, right ...

Yeah ...

... to use "losing my mind?"

... Yeah.

She lost her mind or ...

You must have lost your ever-loving mind.

That's a good twist on it.

Yeah, the question was, "What does losing my mind mean?"

Maybe – you're a little bit better at this than I am ...

Oh, Please.

... but my explanation was, "basically, OK, if you forgot something or you can't focus on whatever you're trying to focus on, or if you're trying to do some work, or you're trying to find something like, "I just had my keys – I just saw my keys – what am I doing? I must be losing my mind. My keys were just right here " and I don't know where they are now but they're in your pocket the whole time.

I have to be losing my mind but you have so much on your mind, you can't focus.

So ...

Is it similar do you think to the idiom, "I must be going crazy"?

Yeah.

I might use it at the same time like, "I lost my keys. I can't find them anywhere. I must be going crazy."

It's in the same neighborhood.

Mmmm.

Cool.

That's great.

It's in the same neighborhood.

Yeah, I must be going crazy.

Another idiom, "It's in the same neighborhood."

It's very similar.

Uh huh ...

Exactly.

... awesome.

Well, thanks for sharing that idiom with us.

Oh, well, thank you.

Super helpful.

It's great.

So, if you'd like to learn more idioms, more natural American English, then come visit me at gonaturalenglish.com.

You can come get a free eBook and you can check out the premium course.

Indeed.

Alright.

Thanks guys for watching.

Take care.

See you there.

Photo Credit: ClkerFreeVectorImages

The post English Idiom – Rob talks about Losing my Mind! appeared first on Go Natural English.

To Know OF – Phrasal Verb Explained in American English – Learn to Speak like a Native Aug 03, 2015

Show notes

If you know of Go Natural English, then you are undoubtedly familiar with your American English teacher, Gabby Wallace. Knowing of something or somebody means that you are familiar with a certain place, object, or person.

You could hear phrases like, "I know of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt although I've never personally been there, but I have ready many books about it." You might also hear someone say, "I know of your theories, but I've never actually put them into practice."

English is a great language to use when communicating because it is rich with expressive idioms and phrases. Don't forget to take every opportunity to visit gonaturalenglish.com for helpful tips and ideas on how to improve your English conversational skills. Be sure to check out the premium course for more advanced support and practice with English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNKox_1r5fs

Episode transcript below:

Hey there! What's up?

How are you doing, lovely English learner?

I want to share an awesome English tip with you that I notice a lot of people having some trouble with.

So, the difference between "To Know" and "To Know Of" – To know of, that little word "of" makes a big difference.

So, I see people confusing these two a lot,

So, if you're not sure what the difference is, then listen on and watch on.

So, "To Know" of course, is to have knowledge of something right?

"I know my address."

"I know my friends very well."

"I know how to learn a language."

"To know of" is usually used with a person.

Now, I said, "I know my friends well."

That means that I'm familiar with their characters and the way they behave, but if I say, "I know of" plus a person – for example "I know of" – who was I just looking at yesterday – there was a comedian, Chelsea something.

Let's say "I know" – let me use someone I actually remember the name for ... "I know of Jimmy Fallon, but I don't know Jimmy Fallon."

"To know" someone means you actually have met them – you know them personally, right?

"To know of someone means that you've heard their name – you may be familiar with what they do or who they are, but you're not close friends with them.

So, a native speaker will use these two phrases in different ways, right?

"To know of" a person is to have heard their name.

"To know" a person is to be very familiar and to have met the person – to be familiar with them, to know them on a personal basis.

Alright, so that's the difference, and that's why it sounds funny when I hear people saying, "Oh yeah, I know Jimmy Fallon", right?

No, you know of Jimmy Fallon, right?

So, it's a small little word, but it can just help you to sound a little bit more fluent and native-like, alright?

We also use "To Know of" with places, right?

So, "I know of Mongolia, but I've never been there."

If I've been there, I would probably say, "Oh yeah, I know Mongolia really well", right?

Because I'm familiar with that place – I've been there.

Actually I personally haven't been there so, I would say, "I know of Mongolia and its beautiful places."

I think there's a beautiful Lake Baikal there.

Anyway, if you're from Mongolia, please leave your comment.

Tell me about what I should know about Mongolia.

I'm getting way off topic, but I want you to know the difference between "To Know" and "To Know of."

So, I hope this was helpful.

I hope that you will watch English lessons with Go Natural English on gonaturalenglish.com.

We have the premium course and then we have the quick English tips so, two different ways that you can learn together with me.

Alright, thanks so much for watching and I'll talk to you again soon.

Bye for now.

Photo Credits: geralt

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