Speak like a native speaker: Phrases to get a conversation started (N°1)

Alternative ways to avoid the humdrum of repeating the same basic expressions

- Let's get in on the act = Let's have a hand in = Let's take an interest in = Let's be a party to = Let's partake in = Let's associate with

- Let's get our act together = Let's shape up = Let's make a fresh start = Let's turn over a new leaf

- Let's get off the ground = Let's get started = Let's get weaving = Let's kick off = Let's hit the trail = Let's rock and roll

- How are you? = How are you doing? = How is life treating you? How is it going = What's happening? = What's new?  = What's up?

- I'm alright, thanks for asking = I'm doing fine = I'm doing okay

- Is everything going your way? Yes, everything is going my way.

- Well, everything is fine, I can't complain

- Good to see you again. Likewise / The same here

- What's your name? My name is Paul / I'm Paul.

- Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you too

- Where are you from? / Where do you come from?

- I'm from Atlanta, Georgia / I come from Salem, Oregon

- My folks still live there = My kinfolks still live there = My family still lives there = My tribe still lives there

I go back to visit them every now and again.

- And you? = And yourself? = What about you? = How about you? = What's going on with you? = And how are you doing?

Where do you hail from? = Where do you originate from? = Where have you been born in? = Where did you grow up in?

- I hail from Atlanta, Georgia = I originate from Atlanta, Georgia = I have been born in Salem, Oregon = I grew up in Salem, Oregon

- Nice to see you again = It's great to see you again = So good to catch up = I've missed you = It's always a pleasure to see you again

- It's been too long = It's been a long time = Long time, no see = It's been ages = It's been a while = It's been forever = Nice to see you after so long = It's been way too long = Great to cross paths again

- Indeed = Absolutely = Undeniably = Very much so = Surely

- How have you been? I've been fine. And you? How have you been doing? I have been doing fine, as well

- What a surprise to see you here = It's always a pleasure to see you

- I was just thinking about you = I'm so glad we reconnected = I can't believe it's been so long. 

- Time flies, doesn't it? Yes it does!

- How is the family doing? = How is the family? The family is doing great / The family is great

What's the meaning of 'next of kin'? My next of kin = My closest relatives are a person's closest living relatives: like your spouse, your children, your siblings (brothers and sisters), your parents.

What's the meaning of 'kith and kin'? My kith and kin = My loved ones are friends and family

- They are all fine = They are all doing fine

- How are you keeping? I'm keeping alright

- I'm on top form = I'm in top form = I'm full of beans = I'm full of zest = I'm zesty = I'm energetic = I'm perky = I'm high-spirited

- How is work? = How is work going? = How is it working there?

- The job is good, although I still aspire to a better position within the company after many years of seniority

- I work hard = I work my fingers to bone each and every day = I keep at it = I put my shoulder to the wheel = I put my back into it