Разговорный английский для жизни. Идиомы, устойчивые выражения и фразы для повседневного общения

Word Power

1. get to know – узнавать кого-то лучше

I want to get to know my new classmates.

Я хочу лучше узнать своих новых одноклассников.

It takes time to get to know people.

Нужно время, чтобы узнать людей.

2. have in common – иметь что-то общее

We have a lot in common.

У нас много общего.

Do we have anything in common?

У нас есть что-то общее?

3. make a good impression – произвести хорошее впечатление

She wants to make a good impression.

Она хочет произвести хорошее впечатление.

It is important to make a good impression at work.

Важно произвести хорошее впечатление на работе.

4. start a conversation – начать разговор

He tried to start a conversation.

Он попытался начать разговор.

It is not easy to start a conversation with strangers.

Нелегко начать разговор с незнакомыми людьми.

Reading Text

Anna started a new job last Monday. She was nervous because she did not know anyone in the office. On her first day, she wanted to make a good impression. She smiled and said hello to everyone.

At lunch, Anna decided to start a conversation with her colleague Mark. At first, it was difficult, but she asked simple questions about his hobbies and weekend plans. Soon they found that they had a lot in common. They both liked traveling and watching movies.

Anna felt more relaxed. She understood that it takes time to get to know new people. You cannot become friends in one day. But if you try to start a conversation and make a good impression, it becomes easier.

By the end of the week, Anna already felt comfortable in the team. She was happy because she started to get to know her colleagues better.

Check Your Understanding

Why was Anna nervous on her first day?

Who did Anna talk to at lunch?

Why did Anna feel more relaxed after lunch?

Why is it important to make a good impression?

What do you usually do to start a conversation with a new person?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

It is important to ______ at a new job.

a) have in common

b) make a good impression

c) get to know

We both love music. We ______ a lot ______.

a) get to know

b) have / in common

c) start / conversation

He tried to ______ with his new neighbor.

a) start a conversation

b) make a good impression

c) have in common

It takes time to ______ new colleagues.

a) have in common

b) start a conversation

c) get to know

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I want to ______ my new classmates better.

It is not easy to ______ with strangers.

We both enjoy sports. We ______ a lot ______.

She smiled to ______ at the interview.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

When I meet new people, I try to start a conversation by ______.

I usually make a good impression when I ______.

I feel comfortable when I have something in common, for example ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

She was nervous because she did not know anyone in the office.

She talked to her colleague Mark.

She felt more relaxed because they had a lot in common.

Because it helps build good relationships and trust.

Sample answer: I ask simple questions about hobbies or work.

Exercise 1

b

b

a

c

Exercise 2

get to know

start a conversation

have / in common

make a good impression

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…asking about hobbies or work.

…smile and listen carefully.

…we both like traveling or sports.

Word Power

1. be interested in – интересоваться чем-то

I am interested in photography.

Я интересуюсь фотографией.

She is interested in learning Spanish.

Она интересуется изучением испанского.

2. grow up – вырасти

I grew up in a small town.

Я вырос в маленьком городе.

He grew up near the sea.

Он вырос рядом с морем.

3. be proud of – гордиться чем-то

She is proud of her work.

Она гордится своей работой.

I am proud of my progress.

Я горжусь своим прогрессом.

4. spend time – проводить время

I like to spend time with my family.

Мне нравится проводить время с семьёй.

He spends time reading every evening.

Он проводит время за чтением каждый вечер.

Reading Text

David is introducing himself to a new group. He says that he grew up in a small city near the mountains. He liked nature when he was a child, and he often spent time outside with his friends.

Now David works in marketing. He is interested in digital media and communication. He enjoys creative projects and teamwork. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family or go hiking.

David is proud of his career progress. Two years ago, he started as an assistant. Today, he manages his own projects. He believes that hard work is important.

When David talks about himself, he speaks clearly and honestly. He does not try to impress people too much. He simply shares where he grew up, what he is interested in, and what he is proud of. This helps others understand him better and feel comfortable in conversation.

Check Your Understanding

Where did David grow up?

What is David interested in?

Why is David proud of himself?

Why does David speak clearly and honestly about himself?

What do you usually say when you talk about yourself?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I ______ in a big city.

a) am interested

b) grew up

c) am proud

She is ______ learning new languages.

a) proud of

b) interested in

c) grew up

He likes to ______ with his friends on weekends.

a) spend time

b) grow up

c) be proud of

She is ______ her achievements.

a) interested in

b) proud of

c) grew up

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I ______ in a small town near the capital.

I am ______ music and art.

I like to ______ with my family in the evening.

She is ______ her results at work.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I grew up in ______.

I am interested in ______ because ______.

I am proud of ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

He grew up in a small city near the mountains.

He is interested in digital media and communication.

He is proud of his career progress and managing his own projects.

Because it helps others understand him and feel comfortable.

Sample answer: I talk about where I grew up, my hobbies, and my work.

Exercise 1

b

b

a

b

Exercise 2

grew up

interested in

spend time

proud of

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…a small town near the sea.

…psychology because I like understanding people.

…my education and personal growth.

Word Power

1. wake up – просыпаться

I wake up at 7 a.m. every day.

Я просыпаюсь в 7 утра каждый день.

She woke up late this morning.

Она проснулась поздно сегодня утром.

2. get ready – собираться (в школу, на работу)

I get ready for work at 8 a.m.

Я собираюсь на работу в 8 утра.

He needs 20 minutes to get ready.

Ему нужно 20 минут, чтобы собраться.

3. on time – вовремя

I always arrive on time.

Я всегда прихожу вовремя.

The meeting started on time.

Встреча началась вовремя.

4. go to bed – ложиться спать

I go to bed at 11 p.m.

Я ложусь спать в 11 вечера.

She went to bed early yesterday.

Она легла спать рано вчера.

Reading Text

Maria works in an office in the city center. On weekdays, she wakes up at 6:30 a.m. She does not like to wake up early, but she needs time to prepare for the day.

After she wakes up, she takes a shower and gets ready for work. She drinks coffee and checks her messages. At 7:30 a.m., she leaves home. She likes to arrive on time because it helps her feel calm and organized.

Maria works until 5 p.m. In the evening, she cooks dinner and relaxes. Sometimes she watches a series or reads a book. She tries not to go to bed too late because she wants to wake up easily the next day.

On weekends, her routine is different. She does not wake up early and does not worry about being on time. But during the week, her daily routine helps her stay productive and balanced.

Check Your Understanding

What time does Maria wake up on weekdays?

Why does Maria like to arrive on time?

Why does she try not to go to bed too late?

How is her weekend routine different?

What is your daily routine in the morning?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I usually ______ at 6 a.m.

a) go to bed

b) wake up

c) get ready

She needs 30 minutes to ______ for work.

a) wake up

b) get ready

c) go to bed

He is always ______ for meetings.

a) on time

b) wake up

c) go to bed

I ______ at 10 p.m. on weekdays.

a) wake up

b) get ready

c) go to bed

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I usually ______ at 7 a.m.

I ______ for work after breakfast.

It is important to arrive ______.

I try to ______ before midnight.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I wake up at ______ because ______.

I feel stressed when I am not ______.

I usually go to bed after ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

She wakes up at 6:30 a.m.

Because it helps her feel calm and organized.

Because she wants to wake up easily the next day.

She does not wake up early and does not worry about being on time.

Sample answer: I wake up at 7 a.m., have coffee, and get ready for work.

Exercise 1

b

b

a

c

Exercise 2

wake up

get ready

on time

go to bed

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…6:30 a.m. because I start work early.

…on time.

…watching a series or reading.

Word Power

1. apply for – подавать заявку на (работу, курс)

She wants to apply for a new job.

Она хочет подать заявку на новую работу.

I applied for an online course.

Я подал заявку на онлайн-курс.

2. deal with – иметь дело с, решать (проблему)

I deal with customer emails every day.

Я каждый день работаю с письмами клиентов.

She deals with difficult situations calmly.

Она спокойно справляется со сложными ситуациями.

3. take responsibility for – брать ответственность за

He takes responsibility for his mistakes.

Он берет ответственность за свои ошибки.

She takes responsibility for the project.

Она берет ответственность за проект.

4. improve skills – улучшать навыки

I want to improve my skills in English.

Я хочу улучшить свои навыки английского.

He is improving his technical skills.

Он улучшает свои технические навыки.

Reading Text

Kevin works full-time and studies in the evening. Two years ago, he decided to improve his skills and grow professionally. He applied for a business course at a local college. It was not easy to combine work and study, but he was motivated.

At work, Kevin deals with clients and solves daily problems. Sometimes he has to deal with difficult situations, but he stays calm. His manager says that Kevin takes responsibility for his tasks and always finishes them on time.

In the evening, Kevin attends online classes. He wants to improve his skills in management and communication. He believes that education helps him feel more confident.

Kevin is tired sometimes, but he does not regret his decision. He knows that when you apply for new opportunities and take responsibility for your growth, you can build a better future.

Check Your Understanding

Why did Kevin apply for a business course?

What does Kevin deal with at work?

Why does his manager respect him?

Why is it sometimes difficult for Kevin?

Do you think it is a good idea to work and study at the same time? Why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

She decided to ______ a new job.

a) deal with

b) apply for

c) improve skills

He needs to ______ customer complaints.

a) take responsibility for

b) apply for

c) deal with

I want to ______ my language skills.

a) improve

b) apply for

c) deal with

She always ______ her mistakes.

a) applies for

b) takes responsibility for

c) improves skills

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I want to ______ a new position at work.

He has to ______ many problems every day.

She wants to ______ her professional skills.

Good leaders ______ their decisions.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I want to apply for ______ because ______.

At work or school, I often deal with ______.

I take responsibility for ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

He applied for the course to improve his skills and grow professionally.

He deals with clients and daily problems.

Because he takes responsibility for his tasks and finishes them on time.

Because it is not easy to combine full-time work and study.

Sample answer: Yes, because it helps you improve skills and grow professionally.

Exercise 1

b

c

a

b

Exercise 2

apply for

deal with

improve

take responsibility for

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…a management course because I want to grow in my career.

…deadlines and emails.

…my tasks and personal development.

Word Power

1. get along (with) – ладить, хорошо общаться

I get along well with my sister.

Я хорошо лажу со своей сестрой.

Do you get along with your colleagues?

Ты ладишь со своими коллегами?

2. be there for someone – быть рядом, поддерживать

My parents are always there for me.

Мои родители всегда рядом и поддерживают меня.

A true friend is there for you in difficult times.

Настоящий друг рядом в трудные времена.

3. have a lot on your plate (idiom) – иметь много дел, быть занятым

I can’t meet today. I have a lot on my plate.

Я не могу встретиться сегодня. У меня много дел.

She has a lot on her plate at work.

У неё много дел на работе.

4. see eye to eye (idiom) – сходиться во мнениях

We don’t always see eye to eye.

Мы не всегда сходимся во мнениях.

They see eye to eye on most issues.

Они сходятся во мнениях по большинству вопросов.

Reading Text

Olga is very close to her family. She gets along well with her parents and her younger brother. They do not always see eye to eye, but they respect each other’s opinions.

Olga works full-time, and sometimes she has a lot on her plate. When she feels stressed, her family is always there for her. They listen to her and give advice. Olga also tries to be there for her friends when they need help.

Her best friend Anna lives in another city. Even when they are busy and have a lot on their plate, they call each other every week. They talk about work, relationships, and plans for the future.

Olga believes that it is important to get along with people and try to see eye to eye. Life is easier when you know that someone is always there for you.

Check Your Understanding

Who does Olga get along well with?

What does she do when she has a lot on her plate?

Why are family and friends important for Olga?

Why is it not a problem that they do not always see eye to eye?

Do you usually see eye to eye with your family and friends? Why or why not?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

I really ______ with my older brother.

a) have a lot on my plate

b) get along

c) see eye to eye

She can’t go out tonight. She ______.

a) is there for you

b) sees eye to eye

c) has a lot on her plate

Good friends are always ______ you.

a) there for

b) get along

c) have on their plate

We don’t always ______, but we respect each other.

a) get along

b) see eye to eye

c) have a lot on our plate

Exercise 2 – Fill in the Gaps

I usually ______ well with my classmates.

My best friend is always ______ me.

This week I ______ at work.

We don’t always ______, but we try to understand each other.

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Finish the sentences with your own ideas.

I get along well with ______ because ______.

When I have a lot on my plate, I ______.

I don’t always see eye to eye with ______ about ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (sample answers)

She gets along well with her parents and her younger brother.

She talks to her family because they are there for her.

Because they support her and listen to her.

Because they respect each other’s opinions.

Sample answer: Yes, because we communicate openly and respect each other.

Exercise 1

b

c

a

b

Exercise 2

get along

there for

have a lot on my plate

see eye to eye

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

…my sister because we trust each other.

…make a list and ask for help.

…my parents about career choices.

Word Power

1. take up – начать заниматься (новым хобби)

She decided to take up yoga.

Она решила начать заниматься йогой.

I want to take up photography.

Я хочу начать заниматься фотографией.

2. wind down – расслабляться после работы

I watch TV to wind down in the evening.

Я смотрю телевизор, чтобы расслабиться вечером.

He listens to music to wind down after work.

Он слушает музыку, чтобы расслабиться после работы.

3. be into – увлекаться чем-то (разговорное)

I am really into cooking.

Я очень увлекаюсь кулинарией.

She is into fitness and healthy food.

Она увлекается фитнесом и здоровым питанием.

4. kill time (idiom) – убивать время

I read a book to kill time.

Я читаю книгу, чтобы убить время.

He played games to kill time at the airport.

Он играл в игры, чтобы убить время в аэропорту.

Reading Text

Daniel works in finance, and his job can be stressful. In his free time, he tries to relax and enjoy his hobbies. Last year, he decided to take up painting. At first, it was difficult, but now he really enjoys it.

Daniel is also into running. He runs three times a week to stay healthy. After a long day at work, he listens to music to wind down. It helps him clear his mind.

Sometimes Daniel has to wait for meetings or travel for work. During this time, he reads articles or watches short videos to kill time. He believes it is better to do something useful than just scroll on his phone.

For Daniel, hobbies are not just entertainment. They help him grow, stay active, and wind down after busy days.

Check Your Understanding

What hobby did Daniel take up last year?

How often does he go running?

Why does he listen to music in the evening?

Why does Daniel prefer reading or watching videos to kill time?

What do you like to do in your free time and why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

She decided to ______ dancing.