How to Describe Where Youre From in English Innovative English
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 Anna 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 Sao Paulo.
Oh! Sal Paulo.
Now the lesson focus. Here’s how to talk
about where you’re from. Ready?
Do you remember how Gustavo explained
where he was from? I’m from Sao Paulo.
First, is a contraction meaning “I am” - I’m.
Next is the word “from”
and last is a place named “Sao Paulo”
Together, it’s I’m from Sao 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 Anna
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 named 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?
Like this quick lesson?
Watch the full version at EnglishClass101.com
to understand the whole
dialogue. While you’re there, learn all
about American culture with our audio
lessons and cultural wordlists. Sign up
for your free lifetime account at
EnglishClass101.com. See you next time!