This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
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English is a tricky language because there are so many exceptions to the rules when it comes to grammar and syntax. American English can be even harder to learn since there are so many variations in dialect and speech from region to region. If you want to sound American, start by identifying which region you’re trying to replicate in terms of language and speech patterns. Once you’ve settled on an area, try to incorporate the region’s tone, slang, and diction. Keeping a notebook in your pocket and writing down unique idioms and phrases is helpful as well. With enough practice, you’ll sound like a native speaker in no time!
Common American Phrases
Use "restroom/bathroom" instead of "toilet/lavatory/loo."
Use "elevator" instead of "lift."
Use "trunk" instead of "boot."
Use "freeway" instead of "motorway."
Use "sweater" instead of "jumper."
Use “pants” instead of “trousers.”
Use "vest" instead of "waistcoat" (the shirt worn under clothing is often called an undershirt).
Use "sneakers" or “tennis shoes” instead of "trainers."
Use "diaper" instead of "nappy."
Use "vacation" instead of "holiday" (holidays tend to mean national bank holidays only or the holiday season around Christmas).
Use "bag of chips" instead of "packet of crisps."
Use "gasoline" instead of "petrol," and "gas station" instead of "filling station," or "petrol station."
Use "truck" instead of "lorry."
Common American Idioms
A “cat nap” is a short rest.
A “Hancock” is a person’s signature.
If you’re “barking up the wrong tree,” you’re looking in the wrong place or accusing the wrong person.
A “far cry” is a big difference between two things.
If you’re giving someone “the benefit of the doubt,” you trust them without proof or evidence.
If you “see eye to eye" with someone, you’re in total agreement.
To “kill two birds with one stone” is to accomplish two things at once.
A “last straw” is the final problem that forces something to happen.
If you have “the best of both worlds,” then you have all of the advantages from two options.
If you’re “hanging out,” it means that you’re relaxing.
“What’s up?” means “what is going on?” or “what do you need?”
Tip: Watch American news reporters speak for a perfect example of what General American English sounds like. The nickname given to General American English is even “newscaster accent” or “television English.”[4]
Tip: You can truncate and abbreviate words to sound like a trendy West Coast native. Many people there will say “guac” instead of “guacamole” or “Cali” instead of “California.”
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