The meaning of the question “How have you been”

Native English speakers often replace “how are you?” with “how have you been?”. They do this when asking how someone’s life has been going in general since a point in time (usually when you last spoke to each other). This question acknowledges that it’s been a long time since you last spoke and you need to catch up.  It means “how has life been for you since we last spoke?” instead of “how are you right now?”

When should you use this question? 

We use “how have you been?” when a lot of time has passed since we last saw or spoke to someone.  We cannot ask this if we saw the person yesterday or even a few days ago.  The inferred meaning is that “we need to catch up! Tell me what is going on in your life.”. This makes the question inappropriate to ask someone who we see regularly.

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In...

What is a Native Speaker of English

These days, the ‘definition’ of a Native Speaker is debatable. Is it someone who was born in an English-speaking country? Or a country where English is an official language? Or maybe they acquired it during their childhood? Whatever may be the case, the good news is that English can be spoken in many different ways by diverse people in various places! Speaking like a Native Speaker, however, can have many benefits such as being able to understand a variety of accents (this will improve your Listening skills too!), increasing your confidence, and opening up your world to new possibilities as you discover new culture and experiences as a Native-level speaker.

 Why Learn to Speak English Like a Native Speaker?

But! If you do wish to sound like a “Native Speaker,” then you need to understand that it comes with A LOT of hard work.

Moreover, I have identified THREE main things you need in order to be...

Preeti Lamba

Are you a non-native English learner aspiring for native-like fluency? If the answer is yes, here are some suggestions that can get you closer to your goal.

Before we begin, I would like to point out that native English speakers from around the world do not sound the same, there are many regional variations. However, today we will focus on commonalities as opposed to differences.

Popular phrases to Sound Like a Native Speaker

Let us start with the ‘Magic Words’ that will help you sound polite. 

• Please - when you are making a request.

Compare – ‘Wait / ‘Please wait’ 

• Thank you - to express your gratitude for something given to you (a gift, compliment, etc.) or service is done for you. 

You also use this expression to accept or refuse an offer.

Now how would you respond and accept someone’s thanks:

You are welcome / My pleasure / Please don’t mention it/ Anytime / No worries / That’s...