A-1 International English School Blog
New posts every Saturday and Wednesday
Real English. Real Conversation.
Every Saturday, I share practical English conversation tips, natural American expressions, and advice to help you speak confidently and fluently. Whether you’re a professional, a traveler, or simply looking to improve your everyday English, this blog is designed for you.
Every Wednesday, enjoy a light mid-week read with my bonus series, “English Through Antiques.” Each post features one vintage item from my online store, Tanuki Treasures, and teaches useful English words, phrases, or idioms inspired by it — a fun way to learn real English through culture, history, and conversation.
If you enjoy the content and find it valuable, your support helps A-1 International English School continue providing high-quality learning resources. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference and helps our small business grow.
Thank you sincerely for your support!
— John Haines
Everyday Small Talk: How Americans Really Do It
Small talk is more than just polite conversation — it’s how Americans build connection, trust, and comfort in daily life. In this post, you’ll learn the real topics people use, how to respond naturally, and practical ways to sound confident and friendly in any casual conversation.
🎃 Bonus Blog: Spooky Halloween Idioms You Can Use All Year
Learn eight Halloween-inspired idioms like “skeleton in the closet” and “ghost town” that you can use every day. These spooky expressions will make your English sound more colorful and natural — all year long.
Think in English: 3 Easy Daily Habits
Want to stop translating and start thinking in English? 💭 In this week’s post, you’ll learn three simple daily habits that train your brain to stay in English mode. These easy techniques — naming what you see, talking to yourself, and switching small parts of your routine to English — will help you speak more naturally and confidently every day.
Carpe Diem — Seizing the Day at 60
Turning 60 this December has inspired me to slow down and focus on what truly matters—living in Japan, sharing my love of antiques, and helping others succeed in English. Life is short, and I’ve learned that “someday” isn’t a plan—carpe diem is.
🦅 Bonus Blog: Why So Many People Struggle with English—and Why It Matters
Millions of students around the world study English for years but still struggle to speak confidently. Why is English so hard—and what’s the secret to finally communicating freely?
Travel English Made Simple: At the Airport
Getting ready to travel? ✈️ Mastering English for airport situations can make your trip smoother and less stressful. In this week’s post, we’ll explore useful phrases for check-in, security, and boarding — so you can feel confident from the moment you step into the airport until you take your seat on the plane.
English Mistakes Even Advanced Learners Make in Conversation
Even advanced English learners make small mistakes that can make their speech sound less natural. In this post, we’ll look at common errors in spoken English—like using the wrong prepositions or forgetting articles—and explain how native speakers really say things. A few small changes can make your English sound smoother and more confident!
The Secret to Sounding Polite in English
Discover how small changes in your words can make your English sound friendlier, more natural, and perfectly polite.
Have you ever worried that your English sounds too direct or even a little rude? You’re not alone. Politeness in English often depends on how we soften our language — using modal phrases like could, would, and might to make requests sound gentle and respectful. In this post, you’ll learn simple ways to make your English sound more polite and natural in any situation, from the office to everyday life.
10 American Expressions You’ll Hear at Work (and What They Really Mean)
Have you ever heard a strange phrase in an American workplace meeting and thought, “What does that even mean?” You’re not alone. Office English is full of idioms and expressions that don’t always match their literal words. In this post, we’ll break down 10 of the most common American workplace expressions so you can understand—and even use—them with confidence.
How to Keep a Conversation Alive in English
💬 Have you ever been in the middle of an English conversation and suddenly didn’t know what to say next? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Keeping a conversation alive is a skill, and like any skill, it can be practiced. In this post, I’ll share simple techniques you can use right away—like asking follow-up questions, showing interest with active listening, and using natural expressions—to make your conversations flow smoothly and feel more natural.
By the end, you’ll have practical tools to avoid awkward silences and build confidence every time you speak English.
Phrasal Verb Spotlight: “Look Up” & “Look Into”
These two common phrasal verbs—“look up” and “look into”—sound similar but mean very different things. Learn how to use each correctly and confidently.
Everyday Small Talk: 7 Warm Phrases That Open Conversations
Starting conversations in English doesn’t have to feel awkward. In this post, you’ll learn seven warm, natural phrases that make small talk easy and help you connect with people confidently.
Overcoming Common Grammar Mistakes in Conversation
“Even advanced English learners make small grammar mistakes that can affect their conversations. From subject–verb agreement to confusing much and many, these common errors are easy to fix once you know how. Learn five simple tips to make your spoken English clearer, more natural, and more confident.”
Why a Real Human English Coach is Better Than an AI
“AI tools can answer questions, but they can’t replace the experience, feedback, and encouragement of a real human English coach. Discover why personalized lessons, cultural insights, and real conversation practice make all the difference in learning English.”
Stop Saying “I’m Fine” – 5 Better Ways to Answer “How Are You?”
When someone asks, “How are you?” do you automatically say:
“I’m fine, thank you. And you?”
That’s polite—but it sounds like something from an English textbook. In real American conversation, we say it differently.
Here are 5 better, more natural answers that will help you sound more confident and fluent.
How to Sound More Natural in English: Idioms & Expressions
If you’ve ever wondered why native English speakers seem to talk so quickly—and sometimes, what they’re saying doesn’t even make sense—you’re not alone! A big part of sounding natural in English is knowing how to use idioms and expressions. These common phrases don’t always mean what they say literally, but they add color and fluency to everyday conversation.
British vs. American English: Key Differences You Should Know
English is a global language, but did you know there’s more than one version of it?
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most important differences you should know—especially if you’re studying English or planning to travel, work, or communicate with people from English-speaking countries.
10 Business English Phrases You Need for Work
In the modern workplace, effective communication is essential for success. Whether you're attending meetings, writing emails, or negotiating with clients, using the right phrases can help you sound professional and confident. Here are ten essential Business English phrases that you need for work.
How to Think in English Instead of Translating
One of the biggest challenges for English learners is thinking in English instead of translating from their native language. When you translate, your speech becomes slower, and it’s harder to have natural conversations. However, training yourself to think in English can make you more fluent and confident. Here’s how you can do it!
Top 10 Must-Know Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Conversations
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of natural English communication. Native speakers use them daily, and understanding them will make your conversations sound more fluent and natural. Here are ten must-know phrasal verbs that you can use in everyday conversations: