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Many English learners spend years studying grammar and vocabulary.
However, when they try to speak, they still hesitate.
They know the words. They may even know the grammar. But they cannot put everything together quickly enough.
Why does this happen?
One important reason is that they are trying to speak one word at a time.
A better approach is to learn and practise chunks of English: groups of words that naturally belong together.
In this lesson, I will show you a simple 10-minute routine that can help you speak English more quickly, smoothly and naturally.
What is the best way to practise English fluency?
One effective way to improve your fluency is to practise useful chunks of language until they become automatic.
A chunk is a group of words that commonly appear together, such as:
I’d like to…
As soon as I…
From time to time
I’m looking forward to…
It depends on the day
What I enjoy most is…
Instead of creating every sentence one word at a time, you can take these ready-made groups of words and combine them.
For example, compare these two ways of speaking:
I … am … looking …forward to … going … for … a … walk.
And:
I’m looking forward to – going for a walk.
You do not have to construct I’m looking forward to every time you speak. You learn it as one useful unit.
Then you only need to add your own idea:
I’m looking forward to the weekend.
I’m looking forward to seeing my friends.
I’m looking forward to going on holiday.
I’m looking forward to starting my new job.
This is how chunks can help your English become more automatic.
What kinds of English chunks can you learn?
Chunks appear in all areas of English. Here are four useful types.
1. Grammar chunks
Grammar chunks give you a ready-made sentence structure.
For example:
I’d like to + verb
I’m looking forward to + -ing
I can’t help + -ing
You should’ve + past participle
2. Vocabulary chunks
Some words naturally appear together. These combinations are often called collocations
For example:
go for a walk
have a shower
make a decision
catch a bus
meet a deadline
solve a problem
Learning the individual word decision is useful.
Learning make a decision is much more useful because you are learning how to use the word when you speak.
3. Frequency chunks
Frequency chunks help you explain how often something happens.
For example:
from time to time
now and then
every once in a while
without fail
on a regular basis
4. Opinion chunks
Opinion chunks give you a natural way to introduce your ideas.
For example:
From my point of view…
The way I see it…
As far as I can tell…
My understanding is that…
These are particularly useful when you want to explain or develop an IELTS answer.
The 10-minute English fluency routine
The routine has two parts:
- Drill practice
- Real speaking practice
You need both.
I often compare this to sport.
Drill practice is like training in the gym. You repeat a movement until it becomes easier.
Real practice is like running an actual race. You use what you have trained in a more natural situation.
Here is the complete routine.
Step 1: Repeat one useful chunk
Choose one chunk and say it aloud several times.
For example:
I’d like to…
Do not rush. Concentrate on saying the complete chunk smoothly.
Try not to pronounce every word with equal stress. Listen to how the words connect and imitate the rhythm.
Step 2: Make a complete phrase
Add your own idea to the chunk.
I’d like to learn Spanish
Repeat the complete sentence several times.
The aim is not to memorise this one sentence forever. The aim is to become comfortable using the pattern.
Step 3: Change one part
Now change one detail.
Change the noun (language):
I’d like to learn Japanese.
Change the verb (learn):
I’d like to speak Japanese.
Change the person:
My sister would like to learn Spanish.
This small change is important.
You are not simply repeating like a parrot. You are training yourself to use the chunk flexibly.
Step 4: Combine two chunks
Once the first chunk feels comfortable, combine it with another one.
For example:
I’d like to + go for a walk
I’m looking forward to + going on holiday
Now say the complete sentences:
I’d like to go for a walk.
I’m looking forward to going on holiday.
Look for combinations that sound natural. Not every chunk will combine well with every other chunk.
Step 5: Create a mini-story
Finally, use several chunks to make a short story.
For example:
I’d like to go for a walk. In fact, I’ve been looking forward to it all morning. By and large, I go for a walk before lunch. However, today I’m going in the afternoon.
The story does not need to be exciting.
It does not even need to be completely true.
The purpose is to connect your chunks and practise continuous speaking.
Should you memorise hundreds of English chunks?
No.
Trying to memorise hundreds of expressions at once will probably leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Start with a small number that are relevant to your life.
Ask yourself:
What situations do I often talk about?
Which phrases would help me in those situations?
Which chunks do I understand but rarely use?
Which expressions could I use in several different conversations?
- Choose perhaps three to five chunks.
- Practise them repeatedly.
- Change them.
- Combine them.
- Use them in your own stories.
- Once they begin to feel automatic, add a few more.
Final thoughts
Fluency does not mean speaking extremely quickly.
It does not mean using complicated vocabulary in every sentence.
Fluency means being able to express your ideas without stopping after every word.
Chunks can help because they give you ready-made building blocks for speaking.
Remember the routine:
- Repeat the chunk.
- Make a phrase.
- Change one part.
- Combine two chunks.
- Create a mini-story.
- Record yourself.
You do not need to practise for hours.
Ten focused minutes every day can be far more useful than a long speaking session that you only do occasionally.
Choose a few chunks.
Make them personal.
Use them again and again.
And gradually, your English will become faster, smoother and more natural.
Download the free vocabulary workbook
Practise the complete method with guided activities for home, work, socialising and hobbies.
FAQs
A chunk is a group of words that frequently appear together and can be learned as one unit. Examples include I’d like to, from time to time, make a decision and as soon as I get home.
Ten minutes a day will not make you fluent immediately. However, regular focused practice can help useful language become easier to remember and use. The key is to speak aloud, repeat the same chunks and use them in your own sentences.
Yes. It is actual useful for all levels. It is particularly useful for B1 and B2 learners who already know a reasonable amount of grammar and vocabulary but still hesitate when speaking.
You need both. Individual words help expand your vocabulary, but chunks show you how words are commonly combined in real speech. Whenever you learn a new word, try to learn one or two useful combinations with it.
Three to five chunks are enough for one focused practice session. It is better to use a small number repeatedly than to read a long list once and forget most of it.
