But what if you want to do more than agree? Sometimes you want to let the listener know that you've had a similar experience or that you understand their feelings. 

This time, we'll take a look at 10 common expressions you can use to make a stronger connection with your conversation partner.

"I feel the same way."

This expression is a simple and direct way to express agreement and make a connection.

Nina

I love Mexico! The people are so friendly!

Arisa

I feel the same way.

Arisa also had positive experiences in Mexico, so her feelings are very similar to Nina's.

Donnie

I hope this movie wins an award. It was great!

Nathan

Yeah, I feel the same way.

Nathan agrees with Donnie that the movie deserves an award.

"I know how you feel."

This phrase is often used to offer emotional support to someone who's sad or angry. It implies that you've had similar feelings before, as in the example below:

James

I don't know why my son doesn't talk to me.

Jim

I know how you feel. My daughter also didn't like talking to me when she was a teenager.

Many parents probably experience something similar to this, so it's easy for Jim to tell James that he knows how he feels.

Related article: How to Tell Someone You Support Them in English

"I know what you mean."

This phrase isn't literal; instead of simply saying that you understand what someone is saying, it means you understand why they feel a certain way.

Alice

I love going to the beach at sunset.

Bo

I know what you mean. It's so relaxing.

"I can relate to that."

"Relate" is a verb that means "to be connected or linked." However, it can also mean "to identify with or feel sympathy for."

With this phrase, you're saying that you understand the other person's experience or situation even though you may not have been through something exactly like it yourself.

Jenny

Raising my two little boys is so tiring. They have so much energy!

Maxine

I can relate to that. I teach young children and it's hard to get them to calm down.

"Agreed!"

This is a strong way to agree with someone. It's often used as a response to positive statements.

Ling

A great cup of coffee in the morning is the best way to start the day.

José

Agreed!

"Tell me about it!"

With this phrase, you aren't actually asking the other person to tell you about something. Instead, it's a very casual way to say that you agree with or completely understand what your conversation partner is saying.

However, this is mostly used when agreeing about something bad or unpleasant, like in the following examples:

Liam

This map is really confusing. 

Sarah

Tell me about it! We should ask someone for directions.

Kenji

That presentation was really boring.

Kyle

Tell me about it. I almost fell asleep a few times.

This phrase was originally used sarcastically; if someone told you something you already knew, replying with "Tell me about it" was a way to say that they didn't need to tell you about it.

These days, however, it has lost its sarcastic quality and is simply a way to express agreement.

"I know, right?"

This is a strong and casual way to agree with someone. "I know" shows agreement, while "right?" is used just like "Isn't it?"

Barry

Gio's has the best pizza in the city.

Jill

I know, right? It's delicious!

This phrase is often used when the speaker is surprised to hear something. For example, in the dialogue above, Jill may be used to hearing people talk about a different pizza restaurant. So when Barry mentions Gio's instead, she's surprised and happy that someone else feels the same way she does. 

However, it can also be used to agree with something unpleasant.

John

It's always a little sad when the summertime ends.

Aya

I know, right? But at least it's not so hot.

On the internet and in text messages, you may see people write "IKR" or "ikr" as a shortened version of this phrase.

"I get you."

"I get you" is a casual way to show that you understand someone's feelings.

Sam

I hate when people use their phones in movie theaters.

Sean

I get you. It's so distracting.

You can make this expression stronger by adding adverbs like "completely" or "totally."

Sean

I totally get you. It's so distracting.

"I hear you."

This is another common, casual phrase. Instead of just "I'm listening to you," it means "I hear what you're saying and I completely understand."

This is often used by companies and brands to respond to customer complaints.

Thank you for all of your feedback. We want you to know that we hear you and we'll be making changes to our product based on your suggestions.

"I'm with you (on that)."

This is one more casual way to show that you share your conversation partner's feelings.

Charles

I love watching horror movies around Halloween.

Macy

I'm with you on that! Which are your favorites?

Wrap-up

To review, here are all 10 expressions again:

1. I feel the same way.
2. I know how you feel.
3. I know what you mean.
4. I can relate (to that).
5. Agreed!
6. Tell me about it!
7. I know, right?
8. I hear you.
9. I get you.
10. I'm with you (on that).

Expressions 1-4 are standard, while expressions 5-10 can be quite informal. Try them out in your next English conversation and you'll definitely form a deeper connection with whomever you're talking to!

The post 10 Expressions to Connect With Your Conversation Partner [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

People often make special sounds (“Uh-huh” or “Mm-hmm”) or use particular words (“Interesting!”) to do this. This is called “backchanneling,” and it’s a very important part of communication.

Unfortunately, English learners often use only one form of backchanneling. But if you overuse the same ones, such as "Uh-huh," it might sound like you're not interested in the conversation  — or maybe like you're not listening at all! 

Look at this example:

Lisa: So I went to a pizza restaurant today...
Alejandro: Uh-huh.
Lisa: ...and I ordered a cheese pizza...
Alejandro: Uh-huh.
Lisa: ...but they took an hour to make it!
Alejandro: Uh-huh.

Lisa is complaining, but Alejandro's repeated use of “Uh-huh” makes him sound like he doesn’t really care. 

To help you avoid situations like this, let's learn some other useful English phrases that can make our responses sound more natural!

Phrases to Show You’re Interested

The following reactions show that you're not just listening, but also that you're really interested in what your partner is saying:

• Interesting!
• Nice!
• Cool!
• Wow! 
• Oh yeah?

All of these have a similar meaning, but "wow" has the strongest nuance of being impressed.

Also, keep in mind that “nice” here doesn’t mean “kind.” Instead, it means “Cool!” or “Well done!” For example, if someone says they passed a test, you could reply with “Nice!”

Here’s how you can use them:

A

I went to a Japanese hair salon today.

B

Cool! / Nice!

A

In addition to doing my hair, they also gave me a head massage!

B

Wow!

Use "Oh yeah?" as a casual way to show you're interested and that you want to hear more.

A

I'm on vacation from next week.

B

Oh yeah?

A

Yeah. I'm traveling to Spain to visit friends.

Phrases to Show You Approve

Here are some common English phrases to show you approve of something your conversation partner said or did:

• That makes sense.
• Good call. / Good thinking.

Saying “That makes sense” tells the speaker that you agree with their reasons for doing something.

The “call” in “Good call” means “decision.” So saying “Good call” means “Good decision” or “I think you did the right thing.”

For example:

A

We forgot an order today, so one of our customers had to wait an hour for her pizza! I felt bad, so I didn't charge her.

B

Good call.

A

Even though we lost a bit of money, I thought it would be better to keep the customer happy.

B

Yeah, that makes sense.

Phrases to Show You Agree

If you want to show that you agree with your conversation partner, you can use the following:

• I agree. 
• I think so, too.
• That’s true.
• That’s a good point.

“I agree” and “I think so, too” are the most basic ways to agree with someone. If you want to emphasize how much you think someone is right, you can say, “I totally agree.”

“That’s true” and “That’s a good point” also show agreement, but there is less emphasis on your personal feelings and more on what is objective.

Phrases to Show You Sympathize

When someone is sharing bad news, it's especially important to respond in the right way. Here are some casual phrases you can use:

• Oh no!
• Oh my god/goodness!
• That sucks.

Keep in mind that “Oh my god” and “Oh my goodness” can be used for both positive and negative situations.

See how these expressions are used in this dialogue:

A

The pizza I ordered took an hour to arrive.

B

Oh no! / That sucks! / Oh my god!

And here are some phrases you can use in more serious situations:

• I’m sorry about that.
• I’m really sorry to hear that. / I’m so sorry to hear that.

For example:

A

My cat died last night.

B

Oh no. I'm sorry to hear that!

Phrases to Show You’re Doubtful

Showing doubt is another way to respond to your conversation partner. Try these reactions:

• Really? / Wait, really
• Are you sure?

A

The hair stylist gave me a head massage!

B

Wait, really?

A

Yeah! I think it's normal for Japanese hair salons.

Wrap-up

Remember that using "Uh-huh" is fine, but with these expressions, you can add some variety to your responses. Also, you'll be prepared when someone uses them to respond to what you say. Try them out in your next conversation. 

If you're looking for even more tips on being a good chat partner, check out this article next: How to Be a Better Listener in Your English Conversations

The post 18 Ways to Respond in a Conversation Besides "Uh-Huh" appeared first on Engoo Blog.