Speak English With Vanessa

Free PDF Worksheet

Common Confusing Phrases
Dear English Learner,

Get ready to speak confidently! I recommend reading the worksheet out loud and using the
blank space on the last page to answer my challenge question. Click here to watch the original
video. Thanks so much for learning English with me!

Your teacher,
Vanessa

10 Common (and Confusing) American Phrases

I saw [my mom] off: to be with someone up until their point of departure

My mom came to visit me for a week. When it was time to go back home, I took
her to the airport and saw her off.

I was floored: to be incredibly surprised or confused

When we found out we won a free trip to Japan, we were floored!

I found myself: to unexpectedly or unintentionally begin to do or experience something

The music was so good, I found myself tapping my feet and nodding my head to
the beat.

Pull it off: to succeed at achieving or winning something difficult

That class was so hard. I didn’t think I would pass, but I pulled it off–I got an A!

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I’m drawing a blank: to try and fail to get an answer or remember something

I’m trying to remember the name of my kindergarten teacher, but I’m drawing a
blank.

Take a stab at it: to attempt to do something

I took a stab at helping my little sister with her math homework but I couldn’t
figure it out.

X is calling my name: to be tempted by something

I know I shouldn’t eat it, but that seven layer chocolate cake is calling my name.

X has your name written all over it: something really suits someone, a perfect match

Mom, I bought you this sweater. It’s your favorite color and it’s so soft! It has your
name written all over it. I hope you like it!

I can’t help myself: to be unable to resist something

These cookies are so good! I just ate five of them. I can’t help myself!

Talk about…: a very American way of emphasizing something

Did you see that documentary about the richest people in the world? They had
private islands and mansions on every continent. Talk about wealthy!

Bonus Phrase:
I’ll wing it: to attempt something without much practice or preparation

I haven’t prepared a speech for my friend’s wedding. I think I’m just gonna wing
it.

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 ​Vanessa’s Challenge Question

Use the space below to write a few sentences answering this question: What is
something that you pulled off that you’re really proud of?

Sample answer: I have been wanting to write a book for several years, but I was always
scared that it wouldn’t turn out well. I was scared of failure. But finally I decided to give it
a try. It was a lot of work, but with encouragement and support from my friends and
family, I pulled it off! I finished my book this year, and I enjoyed the process so much, I
have already started writing another one.

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