Learn English U.S. Culture in 50 Minutes

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Imagine you’re on a plane there someone next to you. What do you say? hi [Alisha] here.

Introducing yourself in English is easy In this lesson,

You’re going to learn how with Gustavo and Henry who meet on a plane the Gustavo’s moving to New York

His family is going to join him later in the month

Henry is in the seat when Gustavo gets on a plane. Let’s watch

Excuse me. Sorry about that

Hi, how do you do? I’m [Gustavo]

Nice to meet you Gustavo. I’m Henry Eddins. I’m sorry

Can [you] say that again please? a bit slowly?

Henry Eddins

That’s it, but please call me hank

Hank, nice to meet you

Now the lesson focus here’s how to introduce yourself. ready?

Do you remember how gustavo introduced himself?

Hi, how do you do? I’m gustavo?

when gustavo introduced himself [he] started with [hi], and then used a set phrase

How do you do?

how do you

This is a polite expression people often use with an introduction

It sounds like a question, but it has no particular meaning, and there’s no expectation the other person will try to answer it

Next he says

I’m Gustavo

The first part of this sentence is a contraction of two words I and am the ‘am’ here functions like an equal sign in [Math]

I’m

The next word in the sentence is a name

gustavo

Together it’s “I’m gustavo”

the structure of the Pattern is

Hi, how do you do? I’m

Plus your name

Now you try imagine your name is John say “hi. How do you do? [I’m] [John]'

Hi, how do you do? I’m John

Now imagine your name is [Aiko] say “hi, how do you do? I’m aiko”

Hi, how do you do? I’m aiko

now use your name

Okay, there are [two] additional things you need to know first. There’s a shortcut for giving your name

Just drop the “I’m” from the final sentence of the self introduction

for example if gustavo just said

Hi, how do you do? gustavo

Henry would have understood it was his name

This would be especially clear if gustavo extended his hand for a handshake while saying this

in very casual situations, you can even drop the hi and

the How do you do all that is left would be your name

the second thing you need to know is you can use I’m

With just the first name or your first name and the last name together

I’m

Henry Eddins

Eddins is Henry’s family name

Using both your first name and your last name is a little more formal

It also gives you less privacy for example

If people know both your first and last name they can find you on the internet more easily

So it may be more common for strange to say just their first name than people meeting in a more friendly [environment]

Next you’ll learn how to tell people to call you by a nickname. Just like Henry did in the scene

But please call me hank

the first word in the sentence is

but

This word is not necessary, but it makes the transition to the rest of the sentence smoother

Henry uses this to introduce a new piece of information and

This information changes something about what he said before

but makes this clear

the next word introduces a polite request

please

‘please’ next is a request to use a certain name call ‘call’

This is the word me

Me last is a common nickname for men named Henry Hank ‘hank’

Please call me hank

The sentence structure is…

Please call me plus your nickname

Now you try imagine your nickname is Matt say, please call me Matt

Please call me matt now imagine your nickname is Lulu say please call me Lulu

Please call me Lulu now use your own nickname say please call me and then use your nickname

Finally when you meet someone for the first, it’s polite to say a set phrase at the end

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you usually both people will say this or something similar to it now you try

Nice to meet you

Imagine you’re on a plane your seatmate wants to know where you’re [from]. What do you say hi, [Alisha] here

There’s no need to worry in this lesson. You’ll [learn] how easy it is to tell somebody where you’re from

Gustavo and Ana are having just this kind of conversation [as] their plane lands in New York City. Let’s watch

excuse me, but is that the statue of Liberty yes, that’s right, [so]

[are] you from New [York] yes? I am and you where are you from I’m from Brazil

Really so are you from Rio? No, I’m not

I’m from São, Paulo. Oh

São Paulo

Now the lesson focus here is how to talk about where you’re from ready?

Do you remember how gustavo explained where he was from I’m from São Paulo

first is a contraction meaning I am

I’m

Next is the word

from and

Last is a place name

São Paulo

Together it’s

I’m from São Paulo

the structure is I’m

from

Plus the place name you can use it with cities,countries or even with regions

Imagine your hometown is Shanghai

What would you say?

I’m from Shanghai now imagine you’re from Egypt. What would you say?

I’m from Egypt

Do you remember how Ana asked gustavo if he was from Rio de Janeiro?

Are you from Rio?

First is the second person singular form of the verb to [be] are

Next is the word you

after this is the word

from and

Last is a city name

Rio

Together [it’s] are you?

[from] Rio

the structure is are

you from

Plus a place name it’s similar to the above expression. I’m from Sao Paulo

Except that the verb to [be] which has been contracted with the word I

to make I’m

Has been moved to the beginning of the sentence and put in the second person along with the subject are

You from Rio

Now imagine you meet someone on the plane ask him or her if he or she is from Los angeles

Are you from Los Angeles?

Now imagine you meet someone with an australian accent ask

Him or her if he or she is from Australia?

Are you from Australia?

Now if you have no idea where someone’s from, you can ask

Where are you from In this case the place name has been removed and [the] sentence starts with?

where

It’s also said with a different intonation

Together it’s

Where are you from?

Imagine you meet someone new but have no idea where they’re from ask them where they’re from

Where are you from?

Imagine you’ve just landed after a long flight [to] America, and you’re almost free but first you need to go through passport control

What will they ask you how should you respond hi Alisha here?

Navigating passport control isn’t as hard as you might think In this lesson,

You’ll learn how Guatavo has just arrived in New York. He’s in line at Passport control. Let’s watch

NEXT!

Passport, please hello here you are

How long will you be staying? for six weeks And where will you be staying? at the four seasons hotel

What’s the purpose of your visit? I’m here on business

Okay, thank you Welcome to the United States

Now the lesson focus here’s what you say to navigate passport control Ready?

Do you remember the first question the immigration officer asked after gustavo gave him his passport?

How long will you be saying?

Immigration officers asked this question to find out about the length of a visitor’s stay

They want to know if a visitor plans to stay for two weeks for example or one month

First is the phrase

how long

Next is the word

‘will’ after this is the word

‘you’ and

and Last is the phrase

be staying

Gustavo responds with a length of time

For six weeks

First is the word

for

Next is the number

six and

Last is the word

weeks

Together it’s

for six weeks

The sentence structure to answer the question how long will you be staying [is]?

four plus

number of days or weeks

Imagine [you’re] going to stay for two weeks

Answer the question how long will you be staying?

for two weeks

Do you remember the second question the immigration officer asked Gustavo in the scene?

And where will you be saying?

This question is identical to the first question except instead of saying

how long

the immigration officer asked

where

The immigration officer is asking to find out which hotel or address a visitor will be staying at

again, it’s

Where will you be staying

in response

gustavo gives the name of his hotel

at the Four Seasons hotel

first is the word at and

After this is the name of the hotel

the Four Seasons Hotel

Together it’s

at the Four Seasons hotel

The sentence structure to answer the question where will you be staying [is]?

Plus your hotel name

Imagine you’ll be staying at the Plaza hotel

answer the question

Where will you be staying?

At the Plaza Hotel, do you remember the third question the immigration officer asked in the scene?

What’s the purpose of your visit?

The immigration officer asks this to understand why Gustavo is visiting?

First is a contraction of what and is

what’s

Next is the word

the

After this is the word

purpose

next is the word ‘of’

Following this is the word

‘your’ and

Last is the word

visit

together its

What’s the purpose of your visit

in response

Gustavo answers

I’m here on business

this starts with the core phrase I’m

i’m Here on

Following this core phrase is the word

business, altogether

[it’s] I’m

here on business

This means that Gustavo is in the country to do [business] and not just [to] sightsee

alternatively he could have said I’m

Here for pleasure

This is the same pattern as the first response the only difference is that on

business

has been taken out and

for pleasure is

used instead

again, that’s I’m

Im Here for pleasure

now you try

Imagine your trip is for sightseeing answer the question

What’s the purpose of your visit?

I’m here for pleasure

Now imagine you are visiting the us on business answer the question. What’s the purpose of your visit?

I’m here on business

You’ve just met someone new and wants to get in touch with them later. How do you do it? Hi Alisha here.

Exchanging contact information in English it’s easy In this lesson,

you’ll learn what you need to make sure you don’t miss out on a new friend

Gustavo meet Ana again while leaving the airport, but they are about to go their separate ways. let’s watch!

Hey, it was nice meeting you same here

By the way, this is my business card. This is my personal email address and this is my phone number. Oh

Thanks, I

I Have a business card [too] here you are my email and my cell phone number are here email me okay?

Thank you. Bye bye Enjoy your stay Bye

Now the lesson focus here’s how to exchange contact information Ready?

Do you remember what Gustavo said when he handed Ana his business card?

This is my business card

When you are giving something to someone you start by saying the phrase

this is

Then say the item my business card

Together it’s

this is my business card The

structure is

this is

Plus the thing you are giving you try

Imagine you’re giving someone a present

What would you say?

This is a present

Now imagine you are giving your address to someone

What would you say is you handed it to them?

This is my address

Do you remember what innocence after gustavo gives her his business card?

I have a business card, [too]

first is the Phrase I

have

next is the phrase a

business card and

Last is the word

[two]

Together it’s

Have a business card [too]. You can use this structure anytime you have [something] that someone else also has I?

have

named the item to

you try

Imagine your friend has a younger brother

What would you say to tell him or her you also have a younger brother?

I have a younger brother, too

Now imagine your friend tells you that he or [she] has allergies and you [have] allergies also

What would you say?

I have allergies, too

later in the conversation [Anna]

Wanted to draw attention to a particular piece of information on her business card in

This case her personal email address and phone number

Do you remember what she said?

My email and my cell phone number are here

First is a phrase for the items. She wanted to draw attention to my email and cell phone number

Next is the phrase are

here together it’s

My email and cell phone number are here

notice [that] the word address

Was dropped from email address this is common in conversation

You can use this structure anytime you want to draw attention to the location of something if there is more than one item

first list the items and then say are

Here if it is just one item you want to draw attention to

first say the item and then say is

here now you try

Imagine you’re looking at a map with your friend and you want to point out the location of the train station. What do you say?

The train Station [is] here. What if you want to point out where restaurants are on my map

What would you say?

Restaurants are here

You’ve arrived at your hotel, and are almost ready to relax after your long trip

But the person at the front desk only speak English

How do you check-in hi Alisha here checking in at a hotel in English is easy in this lesson, you’ll learn how

Gustavo just arrived at his hotel in New York. Let’s watch!

Good evening, sir. Hi. My name is Gustavo Silva. [I] have a reservation

Thank you very much, Mr. Silva could you spell [your] name please?

S-i

L-V-A

thank you, ah

Yes, Mr.. Silva. Here’s your room key

Is there a shop in this hotel?

No, but there’s a small grocery store in the next building And

Is there any Shampoo or conditioner in the room? Yes, sir Thank you Oh

And a wake-up call please of course

What time at 7:00, but what time’s breakfast from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m.. In the

Dining room on the first floor

Now the lesson focus here’s how to check in at a hotel Ready?

Do you remember the first thing Gustavo said to the hotel clerk in the scene after he introduces himself?

I have a reservation

First is the phrase ‘I have’ next is the phrase

a reservation

Together it’s I

have a reservation

Use this expression to indicate that [you’ve] reserved a room in advance

You can also use this phrase in other situations where you made a reservation such as at a restaurant now you try

Imagine you have just come to a restaurant where you’ve made a reservation

What would you say?

I have a reservation

Now imagine you’ve booked a rental car online, and you’re checking in to pick up your car. What would you say?

I have a reservation

Do you remember how gustavo asked if the hotel has a shop is there a shop in this hotel?

First is the phrase is

there and

next is the phrase ‘a

shop’

Last is the phrase

in this hotel

Together it. Is there a shop in this hotel?

This structure allows you to easily ask if something is nearby [or] in a particular location

Start your question with ‘is

there’ and

Then insert something you are looking for

finally add a location now you try

Imagine you’re checking into a hotel and want to know [if] there’s an ATM in the hotel. What would you say?

Is there an ATM in this hotel?

Now imagine you’re in a shopping mall and want to find out if there’s a coffee shop in the mall. What would you say?

Is there a coffee shop in this mall?

Do you remember how Gustavo asks if there is shampoo or conditioner in the room?

Is there any shampoo or conditioner in the room?

First is the phrase ‘is

there any’

Next is the phrase

‘Shampoo or conditioner’ and

Last is the phrase

in the room

Together it’s

there any Shampoo or conditioner in the room?

This phrase structure is very similar to the one we just learned except the word

‘any’ is used to refer to uncountable nouns such as shampoo water or bread

the structure is

is there any

followed by the item and location now you try

Imagine you’re checking into a hotel and you want to know if there is bottled water in the room

What would you say?

Is there any bottled water in the room?

Imagine you’re baking cookies, and you want to know if there’s any milk in the refrigerator

what would you say?

Is there any milk in the refrigerator?

Imagine you’re at a supermarket. You’ve gathered all your items, but now it’s time to check out. How do you do it? Hi

Alisha here buying items at a supermarket in America is easy In this lesson,

You’ll learn how [Gustavo] was buying a few supplies after checking in at the hotel. Let’s watch

Good evening

Evening

Excuse me, but what’s this? It’s the corn dog

Nice, how much is it? It’s one dollar and 37 cents It’s on sale

Okay, I’ll take two

That’ll be 18 dollars and 74 cents

Okay, your change is six cents Thanks, man!

Now the lesson focus here’s how to buy items at a store Ready?

Do you remember how Gustavo asked what something was when he saw it in a case next to the register?

What’s this?

First is a contraction for what is

what’s

Next is the word

this

Together it’s

What’s this?

You can use this phrase in almost any situation to ask about something you aren’t familiar with

Now you try you pick up an item off the shelf at the store ask the sales clerk what it is

What’s this you point to an item on a menu ask the waiter what it is

What’s this?

Do you remember how Gustavo asked about the price of the corndog?

How much is it?

First is the phrase

How much?

Next is a form of the of the verb ‘to be’ “is”

Last is the word it

Together it’s

How much is it?

Use this pattern to ask about the price of any item first say, how much is

then add the item you can either use it or

specify the Item now You try a

Salesman shows you a necklace that you want to buy for your sister. How do you ask the Salesman about the price?

How much is it?

Do you remember how Gustavo asked the shop clerk to give him two corndogs?

I’ll take two

First is the contraction for I and will i’ll

Next is the word take and last is the number [two] together. It’s

i’ll

take two

this is more casual and common way of saying I will buy two

Use this sentence structure to ask for a certain amount of something first say I’ll take

then just add the number or amount you want you try

a man is selling Coca-cola at a baseball game

What would you say to buy three cups?

I’ll take three

You’re ordering ice cream and the server asks you how many scoops you want?

How do you respond if you just want one scoop?

I’ll take one

Imagine you’re going to meet your friend at his office, but before you can talk to him you need to talk to the receptionist

how would you do it? Hi Alisha here checking in with a receptionist in English is easy In this lesson, you’ll learn how

The Gustavo has come to meet his old friend George at his office. Let’s watch

Good morning, welcome to [ALTA] Good morning. I have a 1:00 p.m. appointment with Mr.. Thomas

Your name, please

Silva Just a moment, Mr. Silva

I’m

Very sorry but Mr. Thomas’s meeting is running a little late. Oh

He should be out in a few minutes though Okay, no problem Then, please have a seat over there

i’ll call you when Mr. Thomas is ready to see you Sure

Now the lesson focus here’s how to explain the details of an appointment Ready?

Do you remember the phrase Gustavo and the receptionist used to greet each other at the beginning of the scene?

Good morning

First is the word

Good

Next is the word

‘Morning’ together. It’s

Good morning, you can adapt this structure to use it in several situations

first say ‘good’

Then say the time of day this can be morning afternoon or evening

Now you try Imagine you’re greeting the person taking your breakfast order at a coffee shop

Good morning. Now imagine your greeting business partners at an afternoon meeting

Good afternoon

Do you remember the sentence gustavo used to tell the receptionist about his appointment? [I]?

Have a [1:00] p.m.. Appointment with Mr.. Thomas

first is the Phrase I

have a

Next is the time

1 p.m.. After this is the word

appointment

Next is the word

with and finally you add the name of the person you [are] meeting with

Mr. Thomas

Together it’s ‘I

have by 1 p.m.. Appointment with Mr. Thomas’

You can use this structure to explain the details anytime you have an appointment The structure is ‘I

have a

time

appointment with

person’

now you try

Imagine you have an appointment to see Dr.. Smith at 2:00 p.m.

What would you say to check-in?

I have a 2:00 p.m.. Appointment with Dr.. Smith

now

Imagine you have a 9:00 a.m. meeting with the director of marketing. What would you say to the receptionist when you arrive?

I have a 9 a.m. meeting with the director of marketing

Do you remember what Gustavo said after the receptionist told him that Mr. Thomas was running a little late?

Okay, no problem

First is the word

Okay, next is the phrase

No problem

Together it’s

Okay, no problem This expresses agreement and understanding

now you try

Imagine you ordered chocolate ice cream, but the waiter says they only have vanilla

How would you express that you are okay with vanilla ice cream?

Okay, no problem

Imagine you’re trying to schedule a doctor’s appointment and after you request a nine o’clock appointment

The receptionist offers you a [10:00] a.m.. Appointment instead if you want to accept his offer. What would you say?

Okay, no problem

Imagine you’ve met an old friend whom you are seeing for the first time in a long time

What do you say hi [Alisha] here catching up with old friends in English is easy in this lesson,

you’re going to learn how

Gustavo has come to New York to work with George and they have a lot to catch up on Let’s watch

Mr. Silva sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Thomas is here

George

Gustavo it’s been too long. [I] know I know it’s good to see you again. Here’s a little something from São Paolo

You shouldn’t have thanks and you’re looking well how have you been doing? I’m

good the hotel is pretty nice, and it’s great to be in the states!

That’s great to hear and you? You’re looking well, too

been busy, but doing well let’s catch up at lunch, okay?

And focus here’s how to greet an old friend in English Ready?

Do you remember what George said to greet gustavo right after he arrives? It’s been too long

First is a contraction for it and has its

Next is the word

been and

Last is the phrase

too long

Together it’s

it’s

been too long

You can use this phrase whenever your greeting an old friend or acquaintance you haven’t seen for a [long] time now you try

Imagine you are greeting a member of your family [after] [living] in another country for six months. What would you say?

It’s been too long

Do you remember what Gustavo says after he agrees with George that it’s been too long

It’s good to see you again

First is a contraction for it and is

It’s

Next is the word

Good

After this is the phrase

to see you and

Last is the word

again

Together it’s

It’s good to see you again

You can use this phrase anytime you are meeting someone that you haven’t seen [in] a while now you try

Imagine you’re picking up a friend from the airport who is visiting you how could you greet them?

It’s good to see you again

Now imagine you’re having a second business meeting with a client at work. What would you say to greet them?

It’s good to see you again

Do you remember what question George used to ask Gustavo? How he has been?

How have you been doing?

First is the word

how

Next is the phrase

have you and

Last is the phrase

been doing together it’s

How have you been doing?

This phrase is [used] to ask how someone has been since you last saw each other it’s similar to the phrase

How are you doing, but is asking about someone’s past condition rather than his or her present condition?

now you try

Imagine you run into an old friend at a café. What question could you ask them?

How have you been doing?

Now imagine you are talking to your little brother on the phone

How could you ask him how he’s been since the last time you spoke?

How have you been doing?

Imagine you’re being quizzed on your future plans. How do you respond hi Alisha here

Discussing future plans in English is easy In this lesson,you’ll learn how

Gustavo and George are catching up at a restaurant. Let’s watch1

So Gustavo when will your family be here?

Luiza’s going to bring the kids on Friday and

What are they going to do when they get here?

Luiza’s going to keep writing she also plans on starting a blog about American culture

Sounds interesting How about the kids?

Sofia is going to go to an international school half of the classes will be in Portuguese and the other half in English

She’s young so she’ll learn English easily

Yeah, but Lucas is going to go to a regular high school could be tough for him will he be okay?

We think so he’s been studying English a lot at home, but it will be pretty difficult at the beginning,I think

Now the lesson focused here’s how to discuss future plans Ready?

Do you remember how George asks Gustavo what his family members will do when they arrive to the U.S.?

What are they going to do when they get here?

First is the phrase

What are next is the word they after this is the phrase?

going to do and

Last is the phrase

when they get here

Together [it’s]

What are they going to do when they get here?

This sentence is useful when you [want] to ask about what someone is going [to] do after they come to a place?

for more than one person the structure is

What are they going to do when they get here?

the structure when asking about one person is

What is he or [she] going to do when he or [she] gets here?

now you try

Imagine your friend’s brother is moving to your town. How do you ask about his plans after that?

What is he going to do when he [gets] here?

Now imagine that you want to ask a friend what her sisters are going to do when she says they’re coming over to her house

What are they going to do when they get here?

Do you remember how gustavo explained louise’s future plans?

Louise is going to keep writing

first is a contraction of Louisa and is

Louise’s

Next is the phrase

going to

After this is the word

keep and

Last is the word

writing

Together it’s

Louisa going to keep writing in

Other words, Louisa currently spends her time writing and will continue to do so in the future

the sentence structure [is] a

Person plus is going to keep plus a word ending [in] ing

Now you try your friend Dan has reached the age of retirement, but he is going to continue to work

How would you respond to someone if they asked about Dan’s future plans?

Dan’s going to keep working

Now imagine you are talking to your mother about your brother you tell her that your brother was rejected from another job. He applied for

How would you tell her that he will continue applying?

He’s going to keep applying

Do you remember what else gustavo said about louise’s future plans?

She also plans on starting a blog about American culture

first is the word she

Next is the word also

After this is the phrase plans on and last is the phrase

starting a blog

Together [it’s]

She also plans on starting a blog

you can adapt this sentence when you want to elaborate on a person’s future plans the structure is a

person Plus

also plans on

plus A

word ending in ing

plus additional information

now you try

Imagine you want to tell someone that your friend dan is also going to learn Chinese

Dan also plans on Learning Chinese

Now imagine that your brother is also going to work part-time while he continues to apply to jobs

How would you explain this to your mother?

He also plans on working part-time

Imagine you and your family want to go someplace, but you need to take a bus to get there

Do you know how to buy tickets in English? Hi Alisha here buying tickets in English is easy in this lesson, you’ll learn how

Gustavo’s family has just arrived in America and Gustavo and George have met them at the airport Let’s watch!

Five tickets to times square, please? okay will that be five adults

Ahh…

How young do you have to be to get discounted tickets?

children under ten years old are eligible for child tickets

Children Ten Years or older need adult tickets got it. Sophia. You’re eight years old, right?

right and

Lucas is over ten so

four adults and one child

Okay, four adults and one child to Times Square your total is seventy three dollars and 95 cents

George I’ll pay don’t worry about it. [I] got it everybody welcome to the United States

Now the lesson focus here’s how to buy tickets Ready?

Do you remember what George says to purchase tickets to Times Square?

five tickets to Times Square, please

First is the phrase

five tickets

Next is a phrase that includes a place

to Times Square

last is the word

please

Together it’s

Five tickets to

Times Square, please the structure is

number plus

tickets to plus (destination) please

Now you try Imagine you want two tickets to atlantic City. What would you say to the ticket clerk?

Two tickets to Atlantic City, please

Now imagine you want four tickets to Grand Central Station

What would you say to the ticket clerk?

Four tickets to Grand Central Station, please

Do you remember how George told how many adults and children would need tickets?

Four adults and one child

First is the phrase

Four adults

Next is the word

‘and’ and last is a phrase ‘one child’

Together [it’s]

Four adults and one child

Keep in mind that the age range for children’s tickets varies widely so you might have to ask the ticket clerk to be sure

now you try

Imagine you are buying tickets for yourself [two] adult friends and an infant. What would you say to the ticket clerk?

Three adults and one child

Now imagine you are chaperoning a group of six elementary school students on a trip to the zoo

What would you say to the ticket clerk?

One adult and six children Do you remember how George told Gustavo that he was going to pay for the tickets?

I got it

This is a phrase that is used to tell someone else that you will pay the total bill including their portion

Now you try. You are on a date, and you want to pay for the meal. What do you say when the check comes?

I got it now imagine. You are sharing a cab with a friend and you [want] to offer to pay for the ride

What would you say?

I got it

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