In this English lesson, you’re going to learn common English questions that you can ask when meeting new people.
Memorizing these questions will mean that your conversation will flow. You’re also going to learn the power of asking questions when speaking in English.
Watch the video and then, read below to see all examples and extra tips.
The Power of Asking Questions (Confidence + Copy Language)
Asking questions when you meet someone for the first time is powerful. Here’s why:
- it gives you time to get used to the situation as many English learners are nervous at first
- it helps you improve your listening
- it allows you to steal the language and phrases that the other person uses
The last point is vital:
For example, If you ask someone: where are you from? And they answer: I’m originally from the U.K. but I’ve been living here in Spain for a few years now.
You can take the phrases that they used when you give your answer. For example, I’m originally from Madrid but I’ve been living here in Valencia for 3 years now.
So, the next time you meet someone new and start speaking in English, ask them questions. Here are some of the more common questions – with answers! – so that you feel confident about having a conversation. These are conversational English.
Common English Questions and Answers for Natural Conversational English
Note: be sure to commit these to memory. Not sure how? Do this.
How do you know….?
This is great to find common ground when meeting new people at a party, wedding, or similar events.
- How do you know Paul and Sarah?
- How do you know the bride and groom?
- How do you know Tim?
Common answers to this will be:
- I know them from work
- We met while traveling in 2007
- I’ve known him all my life
What do you do?
This is the most common way to ask someone about their job.
You might also add something extra like:
- So, what do you do?
- What do you do for work?
Common answers will be:
- I’m a teacher
- I work for the local government
When people ask me this question, it’s quite hard to explain. I generally say: I’m an online teacher.
For more job vocabulary, click here.
Where are you from? (+ great follow-up question)
You probably already know this one. It’s something that is taught in most beginner lessons.
But…
… there is a great follow-up question to ask. Look at the following dialogue:
- Person A: Where are from?
- Person B: Spain
- Person A: Whereabouts in Spain?
This is when you want people to be more specific about where they are from; for them to talk about the city or region.
You can also simply ask: whereabouts?
Common answers here:
- near Manchester
- New York City
- A small town in the south of England
From there, you can use the present perfect and saying something like: I’ve been there. Or I’ve never been there. What’s it like?
You can say things like:
- I was there in 2009
- I went traveling there for a couple of weeks
How often do you go back to….?
I love this question:
- How often do you go back to the U.K.?
- How often do you go back to Spain?
Some common answers here:
- I go back every six months
- We go back about once a year
- I haven’t been back for a long time
This is such a good spread (regional)
Okay, this isn’t a question. But… it’s also a good idea to make short statements when at a party or event.
This way, you can continue the conversation. This is similar to engaging in small talk.
This is such a good spread means The food here is great.
From there, you can start having a conversation about food.
Here are more ways to engage in small talk:
Questions and Conversational Phrases about the Weather
People love talking about the weather.
Here are some statements – and statements with question tags! – that you can use:
- It’s gone cold, hasn’t it?
- I don’t think this weather’s going to last
- Do you know if it might rain later?
Want to learn more vocabulary about weather and temperatures? Click here.
This is a great party!
Making statements about the party/wedding/event is also a great way to keep the conversation flowing. For example:
- This is a great party/wedding
- I love this song
Asking questions about hobbies and interests
This can often be quite awkward to ask. I’m not sure why! But don’t let that put you off, here is how to ask about hobbies:
- What do you do in your spare time?
- What are you into?
- Do you play any sports around here?
- Do you have a team in England?
Would you like to grab a coffee sometime?
If you hit it off (connect) and you would like to meet up with this person again, you can ask:
- would you like to grab a coffee sometime?
- would you like to hang out sometime?
If you’re interested in this person romantically, you can ask:
- would you like to go out sometime?
- can I get your number?
For me vocabulary related to romance, click here or watch the video below:
A question that you can use again and again
Asking follow-up questions:
- How do you like….?
- How do you like working for that company?
- How do you like going back to the U.K.?
What to do now?
Thank you for taking this lesson with me.
Here are some other lessons you might be interested in:
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