Speak Better English with Harry Speak Better English with Harry | Episode 549
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Aug 20, 2025 Discover the beauty of vague language in English conversations. It's a common way for native speakers to express themselves without being precise, especially when discussing numbers and descriptions. This style often confuses learners since it’s rarely covered in textbooks. By mastering these informal expressions, you can enhance your fluency and sound more natural in everyday interactions. Tune in to understand how to embrace vagueness while maintaining clarity!
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Vague Language Serves A Purpose
- Vague language is a normal, purposeful part of daily English used when exactness isn't needed.
- Harry explains it helps speakers give general ideas without full detail.
Common Vague Nouns In Everyday Speech
- Harry gives examples of vague nouns like thing, stuff, and bit to show everyday use.
- He describes parents telling children to tidy 'all that stuff' and attic boxes full of 'stuff'.
Use Simple Quantifiers For Counts
- Use quantifiers like 'one or two', 'a few', or 'loads of' when you don't know or don't need exact counts.
- Choose low or high-scale words to match the vague amount you want to convey.