English for Everyday Life: Real Situations You Need to Master in an English-Speaking Country

 



You’ve studied English in school.
You’ve learned vocabulary and grammar.
But now, you’ve moved—or are planning to move—to an English-speaking country.

What do you really need to say and understand to live daily life with confidence?

As a TESOL-certified English tutor with over 11 years of experience, I can role-play the most common situations speaking English that works in real life—not just in textbooks.

This post covers practical situations you’ll face in daily life, and how personalized lessons can prepare you for them.

 1. Renting a Home or Apartment

You might need to:

  • Ask about the rent: “How much is the monthly rent?”

  • Understand lease terms: “Is heat and water included?”

  • Report a problem: “There’s a leak under the sink.”

  • Talk to a landlord or property manager

Key vocabulary: lease, utilities, security deposit, furnished, landlord, maintenance

 2. Going to the Doctor or Pharmacy

You may need to:

  • Describe symptoms: “I’ve had a cough for three days.”

  • Understand instructions: “Take this medicine twice a day with food.”

  • Ask for help: “Can I speak to someone who speaks my language?”

Key vocabulary: prescription, symptoms, appointment, pharmacist, allergic

 3. Giving Directions to a Taxi Driver or Ride-Share

You should be able to:

  • Say where you're going: “Please take me to 123 King Street.”

  • Give specific directions: “Turn right at the next light.”

  • Ask questions: “How much will the ride cost?”

Key vocabulary: intersection, block, destination, fare, meter

 4. Shopping for Food and Clothes

You might want to:

  • Ask for help: “Where can I find rice?”

  • Talk to a cashier: “Can I pay by card?”

  • Return an item: “I’d like to return this. I have the receipt.”

Key vocabulary: receipt, refund, sale, aisle, cashier, size, checkout

 5. Talking to Teachers or School Staff (for Parents)

You may need to:

  • Ask about your child’s progress: “How is my son doing in class?”

  • Understand forms: “What is this permission slip for?”

  • Attend parent-teacher meetings

Key vocabulary: report card, homework, parent-teacher conference, attendance

 6. Making Phone Calls or Appointments

This can be stressful in a second language!

Practice:

  • Making an appointment: “I’d like to schedule a haircut.”

  • Leaving a voicemail: “Hi, this is Jennifer. I’m calling about my prescription…”

  • Asking questions: “Do you have any openings this week?”

Key vocabulary: schedule, reschedule, confirm, availability, extension

 7. Visiting the Bank or Using Public Services

Common situations:

  • Opening a bank account

  • Asking for a statement

  • Talking to someone at city hall or immigration

Key vocabulary: deposit, withdrawal, identification, balance, fee, application

 Personalized Lessons for Real-Life English

All of these situations use basic English—but you still need to feel confident speaking, listening, and understanding in real time.

That’s where I come in.

In my personalized lessons, we practice:

  • Real conversations you’ll actually use

  • Listening to natural English (not slow textbook recordings)

  • Learning the words and phrases that matter most to you

  • Cultural tips to avoid misunderstandings

Whether you're renting your first apartment, visiting the doctor, or speaking to your child’s teacher, I can help you say what you need—clearly and confidently.

 Ready to Speak English for Real Life?

Book a personalized lesson with me now

Visit my website here.

 About the Author:

Jennifer S. is a TESOL-certified English tutor with a Master’s degree and over 11 years of teaching experience.  She is helping adult learners master the English they need for everyday life, tests, and career success.

Save 30% off trial lesson with this coupon link.






Location: Ontario, Canada

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