**10 Practical Writing Tips to Make Your English Sound More Natural**
You don’t need advanced grammar or a huge vocabulary to sound natural in English. Small changes in your word choice, sentence structure, and tone can make a big difference.
Here are 10 practical tips you can start using today in your emails, messages, and essays to sound more natural and confident.
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## 1. Use common, simple words
Native speakers often use simple, everyday words – not long, complicated ones.
**Less natural:**
> I desire to **receive** further information regarding the event.
**More natural:**
> I’d like to **get** more information about the event.
Try using:
– help (instead of *assist*)
– get (instead of *obtain/receive* in many cases)
– need (instead of *require*)
– use (instead of *utilize*)
Simple words are not “childish” – they are clear and natural.
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## 2. Use contractions in informal writing
In everyday English, we often use contractions (short forms).
**Examples:**
– I am → **I’m**
– do not → **don’t**
– cannot → **can’t**
– it is → **it’s**
**Too formal / stiff:**
> I do not think it is a good idea.
**More natural:**
> I don’t think it’s a good idea.
Use contractions in:
– emails to colleagues you know
– messages and chats
– blog posts and social media
For very formal reports or academic essays, you can avoid contractions.
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## 3. Avoid translating directly from your language
Direct translation often creates unnatural sentences.
Instead, ask yourself: **“How would an English speaker say this?”**
**Less natural (translated feeling):**
> I very much thank you in advance for your kindly response.
**More natural:**
> Thanks in advance for your reply.
If a sentence feels long or strange, try to say it in a simpler way, even if the structure is different from your language.
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## 4. Use common phrases (collocations)
Some words naturally “go together” in English. Using these combinations makes your English sound more native‑like.
**Examples of natural collocations:**
– **make** a mistake (not *do* a mistake)
– **do** homework (not *make* homework)
– **take** a break
– **catch** a cold
– **have** a meeting
**Less natural:**
> I did a mistake in the email.
**Natural:**
> I **made** a mistake in the email.
When you learn new vocabulary, try to learn the common phrases it appears in, not just the single word.
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## 5. Keep sentences short and clear
Long sentences can sound unnatural or confusing, especially if you’re unsure about grammar.
**Very long:**
> I wanted to let you know that I will not be able to attend the meeting tomorrow because I have another appointment that I cannot cancel, so I hope you can understand my situation.
**More natural:**
> I just wanted to let you know I can’t attend the meeting tomorrow.
>
> I have another appointment I can’t cancel. I hope you understand.
Short sentences are easier to read and sound more confident.
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## 6. Use “softeners” to sound polite
Native speakers often use softening phrases so they don’t sound too direct.
Useful softeners:
– **a bit** (It’s a bit late.)
– **a little** (I’m a little busy right now.)
– **kind of / sort of** (I’m kind of tired.)
– **maybe / perhaps** (Maybe we could try another day.)
– **I think / I feel** (I think it might be better to…)
**Very direct:**
> Your idea is not good.
**More natural / polite:**
> I don’t think this idea will work very well.
>
> Maybe we could try another option.
This is especially important in emails and at work.
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## 7. Use natural opening and closing phrases in emails
Instead of always using the same very formal lines, you can choose more natural options depending on the situation.
**Common openings:**
– I hope you’re doing well.
– Thanks for your email.
– Thanks for getting back to me.
– It was great to hear from you.
**Common closings:**
– Best,
– Best regards,
– Thanks,
– Talk soon,
**Very stiff:**
> Dear Sir,
>
> I am writing this email to inform you that…
**More natural (to someone you know):**
> Hi Sarah,
>
> Thanks for your email. I just wanted to let you know that…
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## 8. Use “really” and “quite” instead of “very very”
Learners sometimes repeat “very” to sound stronger.
**Less natural:**
> It is very very important.
**More natural:**
> It is **really** important.
> It is **quite** important.
Other options:
– absolutely (absolutely necessary)
– extremely (extremely difficult)
– pretty (pretty good – informal)
Don’t overuse these, but they can make your English sound more natural.
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## 9. Read and listen to real English regularly
The best way to sound natural is to **notice how native speakers actually speak and write**.
You can:
– read short news articles or blog posts
– watch YouTube videos with subtitles
– read emails or messages from native speakers (if you receive them)
While you read or listen, pay attention to:
– common phrases and collocations
– how sentences start and end
– which words they use for polite requests or disagreement
You don’t need to copy everything – just pick expressions you like and use them yourself.
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## 10. Reuse your own “favorite sentences”
You don’t need to create every sentence from zero.
Create a small **personal phrase bank** with sentences you use often, for example:
– “I just wanted to let you know…”
– “Sorry for the late reply.”
– “Could you please send me…?”
– “Let me know if you have any questions.”
Save them in your notes or a document. When you write, you can:
– copy one and adjust it slightly
– change a few words to fit the situation
Over time, these “favorite sentences” will help your English sound more natural and fluent.
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## How to practise these tips
To make these tips part of your real English, try this simple routine:
1. **Write** a short email or message (real or practice).
2. **Check it** using this list:
– Did I use simple, common words?
– Did I use contractions where appropriate?
– Are my sentences clear and not too long?
– Did I sound polite and natural for the situation?
3. **Improve** 2–3 sentences using the tips above.
If you repeat this regularly, your English will slowly sound more natural – not because you know thousands of words, but because you use the right ones in the right way.