Avoid These English Phrases!

“Frankly speaking”

“Had better”

“Where are you from?”

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One problem with English is that a phrase might be grammatically correct, but the use of it is not common, and so it should be avoided. The following three phrases are not “wrong,” but we want you to know that they are not often used by native speakers of English.

“Frankly speaking” – This phrase conveys a message that says, “I’m going to disagree with you and tell you what I really think,” and it sounds a bit rude. It’s more common to start with “Well” or “Actually” (stretch out the word) and then say what you think. For example:

Anne: We need the results by Friday.
Hiro: Well…I don’t think we’re going to be able to finish by Friday.

“Had better” – Unless you are talking to your child, you shouldn’t use this phrase. It is too strong to use when telling someone something he or she should do. Instead, say “I think you should…” or “Why don’t you….”

“Where are you from?” – Although this is not an incorrect sentence, it is not always appropriate to ask someone this. Some people who look like they are from another country might have grown up here. Some people are offended when you ask this question. The following conversation does not end on a positive note:

Tom: Where are you from?
Saki: Palo Alto.
Tom (Thinking she’s Japanese): Where are you originally from?
Saki (Annoyed): I’m originally from Palo Alto.

Instead of asking, "Where are you from?", you should ask, "Where did you grow up?"

Tom: Where did you grow up?
Saki: Palo Alto.

It’s not often that you are told to take words out of your vocabulary, but you will make a better impression if you don’t use the above phrases!

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