In today’s interconnected world, mastering English flow phrases is an essential skill for intermediate ESL learners. Incorporating these natural expressions is crucial for confident, stress-free communication, helping you move beyond basic vocabulary and sound more like a native speaker. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from key vocabulary to advanced strategies.
Whether you’re in a job interview or socializing with friends, using English flow phrases gives you greater control over your conversations. If you want to see a great example of these phrases in a natural conversation, we recommend watching the video below.
Key Vocabulary for English Flow Phrases
Before diving into the phrases themselves, let’s review some key terminology. Understanding these concepts is the first step to mastering English flow phrases.
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Flow phrases: Words or expressions that help connect ideas smoothly.
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Transitions: Words that help move from one topic to another naturally.
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Filler words: Words like “um” or “like” used when thinking.
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Discourse markers: Words like “well,” “so,” or “anyway” that signal intention.
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Active listening: Showing you’re engaged through verbal cues.
15 Essential English Flow Phrases for Smooth Transitions
Here are 15 of the most common English flow phrases you can start using today to make your conversations sound more natural and connected.
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“Speaking of which…” (Use this to connect a new topic to something just mentioned)
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“That reminds me…” (Perfect for sharing a thought triggered by the conversation)
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“The thing is…” (Great for introducing an important point or explanation)
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“By the way…” (Used to introduce a new but related topic)
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“On a related note…” (A slightly more formal way to transition to a connected topic)
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“This brings me to my next point…” (Useful in more formal discussions)
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“Come to think of it…” (Shows you just had a relevant thought)
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“Shifting gears a bit…” (Clearly signals a change to a different topic)
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“To build on that idea…” (Shows you’re expanding on something just said)
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“Getting back to what we were discussing…” (Helps return to a previous topic)
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“Moving on to…” (A clear and direct way to signal a transition)
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“While we’re on the subject…” (Keeps the conversation in the same area)
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“I see what you mean…” (Shows understanding and creates a bridge for your own point)
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“That makes sense…” (Acknowledges the logic of the other person’s point)
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“I couldn’t agree more…” (Expresses strong agreement before adding your thoughts)
How to Use English Flow Phrases: A Step-by-Step Guide
Incorporating these phrases requires practice. Follow these steps to make them a natural part of your speech.
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Step 1: Listen for Opportunities: Pay attention to natural pauses in conversation. When a topic is winding down, it’s the perfect moment for a transition.
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Step 2: Choose the Right Phrase: Select a phrase that fits the context. Use “That reminds me…” for a personal story, but use “On a related note…” in a business meeting.
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Step 3: Practice Natural Delivery: Focus on intonation. Record yourself saying these phrases to ensure they sound relaxed and not robotic.
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Step 4: Use Body Language: Pair your verbal cues with a slight head tilt or hand gesture. This makes your use of English flow phrases even more effective.
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Step 5: Don’t Overuse Them: Balance is key. Aim to use a flow phrase every few minutes, not in every sentence, to enhance the conversation rather than dominate it.
Example Conversation Using English Flow Phrases
Here is a quick practice dialogue. Notice how the speakers use English flow phrases (in bold) to connect their ideas smoothly.
Person A: “I’m planning to take a cooking class next month. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make pasta from scratch.”
Person B: “That sounds fun! Speaking of which, have you been to that new Italian restaurant downtown?”
Person A: “Not yet, but I’ve heard great things about it. The thing is, it’s always so crowded.”
Person B: “I understand. That reminds me, my friend said they take reservations now.”
Person A: “Oh, that’s good to know! By the way, did you watch that cooking competition show last night?”
Our Recommended Learning Tools
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Conclusion: Start Using Flow Phrases Today
Mastering English flow phrases is a journey, but it’s one of the most effective ways to boost your fluency and confidence. By starting with the 15 phrases in this guide and following the step-by-step practice, you’ll be well on your way to navigating conversations with the ease of a native speaker.
Ready to become a pro with English flow phrases? Start by choosing just three expressions from our list and challenge yourself to use them this week.
