Everyday English: Using Vague Language Naturally

When learning English, precision is often the goal. In exams, reports, and business writing, you must be clear and exact. But everyday conversation is different. Native speakers often use vague language in daily conversations.

Vague language is useful because it helps you improve speaking skills, sound natural, avoid being too formal, and understand native speakers better. Knowing when and how to use it will make you more fluent and confident.

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Harry is a native English teacher with over 10 years of experience both online and in face-to-face lessons. With his extensive experience in business, he specialises in Business English lessons but happily teaches ESL students with any English learning needs.

In this lesson, we’re going to look at vague language in English. You will learn what it is, why people use it, and how you can use it naturally in your own speaking. Native speakers rely on vague expressions every day, not because they lack vocabulary, but because vague language helps them sound more relaxed and conversational.

By understanding and using vague language, you will not only follow conversations more easily but also avoid sounding too formal. These phrases are small but powerful tools that help you connect with people in real life.

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vague nouns

Definition: general words used when the exact object or detail is not given.

Words: thing, stuff, bit/bits

Examples:

There’s something in her eye. (thing = an object you cannot name)

We need to clear out all the old stuff in the garage. (stuff = general objects)

Small bits of glass were on the floor. (bits = small pieces)

A bit fell off the old chair. (bit = a piece or part)

quantifiers

Definition: words to talk about quantity without being exact.

Words: one or two, a few, a couple, a lot of, plenty of, loads of, a bit of

Examples:

I saw one or two friends at the party. (one or two = a very small number)

She bought a few books yesterday. (a few = some, but not many)

We’ll meet in a couple of days. (a couple = two, or a small number)

There were a lot of people at the concert. (a lot of = many)

We have plenty of time before the train leaves. (plenty of = more than enough)

They’ve got loads of homework this week. (loads of = very many, informal)

There’s a bit of milk left in the fridge. (a bit of = a small amount)

Everyday English: Using Vague Language Naturally

vague numbers

Definition: expressions for approximate amounts, ages, or times.

Words: around, about, more or less, there or thereabouts, fifty or so

Examples:

He’s around 50 years old. (around = approximately)

We arrived at about six o’clock. (about = roughly)

The work is finished, more or less. (more or less = almost complete)

The team has 20 players, there or thereabouts. (there or thereabouts = nearly that number)

There were fifty or so people at the wedding. (fifty or so = about fifty)

suffix -ish

Definition: added to numbers, times, or colours to mean “approximately”.

Words: forty-ish, seven-ish, bluish, reddish, greenish, cold-ish

Examples:

He looks forty-ish. (forty-ish = around forty years old)

I’ll be there at seven-ish. (seven-ish = around seven o’clock)

The walls are bluish. (bluish = slightly blue)

Her hair is reddish. (reddish = a little red in colour)

He bought a greenish jacket. (greenish = slightly green)

It feels cold-ish today. (cold-ish = somewhat cold)

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generalisers

Definition: words that make a statement less precise.

Words: sort of, kind of, you know, you know what I mean

Examples:

He’s sort of nervous about the exam. (sort of = partly, not completely)

The film was kind of boring. (kind of = partly, not strongly)

It was difficult, you know. (you know = expecting the listener to understand)

He’s clever but lazy, you know what I mean? (you know what I mean = checking understanding)

Everyday English: Using Vague Language Naturally

list completers

Definition: phrases used to finish off a list or idea without giving all the details.

Words: and so on, and stuff, or something like that

Examples:

We need bread, fruit, milk, and so on. (and so on = continuing the list)

We talked about work and stuff. (and stuff = other similar things)

She could be a teacher or something like that. (or something like that = another similar option)

Why use vague language in English?

to sound natural and less formal
to be polite and not too direct
to cover details you don’t know
to keep conversation relaxed

Vague language in English is a normal part of everyday speaking. By practising these words and expressions, you will improve your speaking skills, sound more fluent, and understand native speakers more easily.

Thank you for reading. If you would like to learn more and practise with a teacher, contact us at www.englishlessonviaskype.com

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