AEE 2656: Why Not Be More Spontaneous in English?

A

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 26:56 why not be more spontaneous in English?

B

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts. Listen, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe

C

are you someone who is up for anything? In today's episode? Learn the true meaning of the phrase why not? And find out how to use use it to be open to spontaneous things in your life.

B

Have you ever met someone whose English wasn't perfect, but they sounded incredibly fluent? That's because fluency isn't about perfection. It's about flow. It's about expressing ideas clearly, responding naturally, and staying engaged in the conversation and generally feeling connected. If you're ready to move beyond accuracy and into true fluency, start by finding your current level. Take our free 2 minute fluency quiz today. Go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore that's allearsenglish.com Fluten C Y S C O R E.

C

Hey Michelle, should we record three more episodes today? What do you think?

A

Yeah, why not? Let's do it.

C

We record a lot of pods this podcast, so why not?

A

Michelle, why not? Whether it's three, if it's six, that's at this point, what's the difference, right?

C

Yeah, we just love all our single. We love being behind the mic here chatting with each other. So Michelle, what are we getting into on the episode today?

A

So today we are going to talk about what people mean when they say why not? Right. So that's what I said to you when you said should we record three more episodes today? And I said why not? Which seems a little bit like I didn't mean yes, did I mean no? Because when we say why not here, Lindsay, is it the typical way of asking like, like, does it mean what we think of why not to mean?

C

It depends on the context. It can, it can mean it can be a totally genuine yes. It can also be like, are you crazy?

A

I.

C

It can be sarcastic. It can be a lot of things in my opinion. What do you think, Michelle?

A

Yeah, I mean, but I think typically in a textbook, you, you know, our listeners has, have probably heard why not? And they think of, oh, can we do this? No. Why not? Right. Asking why something can't be done. Right. So that's kind of, I would say, like the trad. Always. So we're teaching you that. Why not? Can actually be pretty versatile and fun. Yeah.

C

Kind of playful. Is that what you mean by fun?

A

Yeah, pretty playful. It's just not necessarily what you always see in your textbook. So, guys, we are giving you the real English over here and just a different way that you can use this. Because, Lindsay, you. When I told you what this episode was going to be about, you said, oh, I say this a lot.

C

I do. I feel like I do.

A

Yeah.

C

In everyday life. So this is a place where your textbooks may have led you astray. Right. Or may have given you the very literal. Literal definition.

D

Right.

C

But we're going to show you how it comes out in culture and society and real life. Right? Real life English here.

A

Yeah. We're going to talk about why it's so natural and why it can really be great for connection. And even past this episode, we could continue talking about this for a different context. But let's give it a start today. And, guys, make sure that you hit the follow button so that you never miss anything from Aller's English. We are here. How many episodes do we do a week, Lindsay?

C

We do five episodes a week. And guys, don't forget, we're Also over on YouTube if you want to watch this episode instead of listen to it. If you're more of a YouTube person, you could go over to YouTube and type in All Ears English podcast and hit subscribe. Or if you're an audio person, which is what I am, I'm more of an audio person. Hit follow right there on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Right?

A

Yeah, why not? Why not? Just.

C

Why not, guys?

A

Okay, so, yeah, why not? One of the ways that it can be used is in a. In a certain way at a certain time, it can basically mean an enthusiastic yes.

C

It's.

A

It's kind of like saying, well, why wouldn't we? Or there's no reason not to, or of course we should. Right. It's that same kind of sentiment, don't you think?

C

Yeah. And we can do a different episode another day on why wouldn't we? Why wouldn't you? I hear people using that construction a lot. But that could come another day. So sometimes it's used when someone is suggesting something a little different, maybe. Right. Where it's a little out of the box. So you're saying, sure, I'm up for it. I'm up for anything. Right, Right. It could also just be something basic, neutral Just a thing. Okay.

A

Yeah, yeah. So let's. Let's show our listeners how this might sound with a couple little mini role plays. Yeah.

C

So should we stop for ice cream before we head back?

A

Why not?

C

I've been eating so much ice cream lately. Michelle, did I tell you I did an ice cream making class?

A

No. Oh, my gosh.

C

We did this ice cream making class at a local creamery, and it was really fun. They showed us how to, you know, how to make the mix, what goes into it. And then you could put your own toppings in. So you load up your own ice cream with toppings. But the problem is they. You left this glass with, like, I think eight, like, eight quarts or 10 quarts each of ice cream.

A

Oh, my goodness.

C

We have so much ice cream in our freezer. Like, we. And we can't. There's no way we can eat it all.

A

Oh, my gosh. Wait. Okay, I have to hear more, but I'll hear more another time. Of course. More, More. But I. I'm curious. Is it all the same flavor?

C

Yeah. So they had theme night. So the night that we went to was chocolate night. Oh, well, that's other.

A

That's perfect for you.

C

Yeah. Most of the more popular nights are vanilla nights. I don't know why, but they are.

A

We don't get that. Yeah.

C

So. Yeah, so. So it was chocolate, chocolate base, and then you could make your own kind of flavor with all the toppings they give you to put into your own ice cream. So I just loaded mine up Ben and Jerry style. Michelle. I mean, I just looked it up.

A

I want to hear what's everything?

C

Reese's Pieces. There's Oreo, there's cookie dough, white chocolate chips. I mean, really good stuff. Yeah.

A

Oh, my gosh. So we're so. Were they like, oh, you a court. I know. I wish you could. So I feel like they probably said, oh, and you can add this. And maybe you said maybe. You said to your partner, why not? Should we add this? Why not? Right.

C

Well, that's how I felt. I mean, they were sitting right in front of me. Why. Why wouldn't I add all those toppings in there?

A

That's how I am. I. I am always. Even at a salad bar. Just put a little more. Why not? Let's just.

C

That's a great use of why not.

A

Right?

C

It's like, it's. Your attitude is, let's indulge. Like, let's just. Right. I have available at my disposal there's this cup of peanut butter cups or whatever in Your case, like really good cheese. And you're going to put it on your salad bar, Right? You're going to put on the salad at the salad bar.

A

Yeah, yeah, exactly. Exactly. So I love that one. All right, here's another one. Although we could just talk about ice

C

cream the whole time. Okay.

A

Should we just wear jeans to the party? Why not?

C

I mean, they didn't say anything about a dress code. Yeah, that's where I would default to as well. Would you consider inviting Kayla?

A

Oh, why not? She's super friendly. Yeah.

C

So it shows a sense of openness. Openness to trying something new, something different.

A

Right. But you can also use it to report something that happened or even something that you think for yourself. So let's explain a little more. So here's an example. At first, I really didn't want to go out. I was already in my pajamas and so tired. But then I thought, why not live a little? It ended up being a blast.

C

Yes, yes. Yeah. It's rare to get out of pajamas and go out, but if it truly is.

A

So. So this is about, you know, a story that I'm telling about what was going in my mind. Lindsay, do you hear people saying that a lot? Live a little.

C

Live a little.

D

For sure.

C

It's a good one. It's a good one. That's a bonus phrase for today. Just encouraging yourself or encouraging someone else to carpe diem, as they say, take advantage of life.

A

Yes, exactly. Or what's another example?

C

I didn't think he liked me, but then he asked me to go out to the movies. I thought, why not? He's a nice guy and we have so much fun together.

A

Yeah, right.

C

So you're. You're essentially rehashing your own inner thinking here, right?

A

Yeah, it's really interesting here. Yeah.

C

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A

I think it's casual. It's kind of cool sounding. And also, yeah, it shows that openness to being maybe a little spontaneous. Maybe, you know, oh, I am getting out of my pajamas and into my clothes to go to this party.

C

Openness. Yes.

A

And I, I think it's, I think when people hear that, it's, it's endearing and makes you likable because it shows that, okay, this person is not stuck in their ways. I mean, we did an episode just on episode 2650 about, you know, flat out no's. Right. And this is more, you know, we're talking more about the yeses here. Why not? Why not? Right?

B

Yes.

C

I love it. It does show. It shows that the person's fun and that they, maybe you want to get to know them because they do fun things in life. They're open to things. Right, right.

A

Right. Let's do a couple other things that you might hear. So one is might as well.

C

And this is usually saying, you should do something for some reason. You should do something for some reason. Let's show our listeners in a role play here. Hey, want to grab dinner before the show?

A

Might as well. There are great restaurants around the theater.

C

So you're kind of saying, like, it would be convenient to do that because there are so many good restaurants here as opposed to waiting till you get home and then there's nothing in the fridge.

A

Right. Yeah. Or if we just wait until, you know, just to get snacks at the theater and then there's, you know, we're just sitting, eating M M's for dinner.

C

Right, right. And then you feel awful. Yeah, totally. Or let's do it now. Let's do it is just when someone asks you if you want to do something and you're all in. Right. This is more typical or traditional. But it's also casual, too. Yeah, it's kind of casual. I think.

A

I think so, too. Should we pick up some takeout on the way home?

C

Let's do it. I really want to try that new sushi place. Okay.

A

Yeah. So, yeah, these just are all ways to say, yes, I'm open. You know, I'm not set. Nothing is set in stone. Let's try this. So I. I really like these. And especially, why not? I. I have noticed myself using it more like I, I. I realize that I use it now since I planned this episode.

C

Okay. I use it a lot.

A

Yeah.

C

Interesting. I mean, I think one of the key points here is I know that our listeners really want to become more spontaneous in their language, but a big part of that is mentality. Right. And these phrases help you to be spontaneous, mentally speaking, like, open to anything, which language might flow from there. You know, if you have that attitude, maybe your language also comes out spontaneously. So there you go. Interesting.

A

It's true. Yeah. All right. Should we do a role play?

C

Yes. Here we are friends, and we're at the beach. So what better time to be spontaneous, right?

A

Yes.

C

All right.

A

Okay. Here we go. Should we set up shop here?

C

Yeah, let's do it. This is a great spot.

A

Oh, that guy is selling lemonade. Want some?

C

Why not? Nothing better on a hot day. Oh, look at those people playing volleyball. Should we ask to join?

A

Oh, might as well. I love playing volleyball.

C

Yeah, it can be contagious, too, when, you know, you're in the company of someone who is very much.

A

They're, like, up for anything.

C

Up for anything. I was gonna say a yes person, but that means something totally different, doesn't it, Michelle? I mean, something completely different. We could do that in a different episode. Yes. Up for anything is a much better way. Then you also take on that attitude a little bit.

A

Yeah, yeah. You're. You kind of encourage each other. Then you're influenced by. I mean, of course, we don't want to be influenced for negative things like that that goes into peer pressure and. Right, yeah. That's different here. We're talking about fun, light things.

C

Yeah, yeah.

A

Like adding extra white chocolate chips to your ice cream.

C

Yeah, we're not talking about, like, robbing a store here, guys. Please don't do that.

A

Oh, gosh. Let's do it. No, no, not like that. Okay. So I said, should we set up shop here? So, Lindsay, that's an interesting bonus for today. What does that mean to set up shop?

C

And I could see our listeners might have gotten confused because someone over there is selling lemonade. So are you actually talking about you're gonna set up a lemonade stand, too, or what?

A

I'm talking about where we're gonna put our towels, where we're gonna put our stuff down. Maybe get an umbrella.

C

Yeah. So that's actually, I didn't catch that the first time, but it's really interesting. You're not, you're not selling anything. You're not setting up a shop. Okay. But you are setting up your station, like, here, like your home, your area for the day.

A

Yeah, Your home. Because that's always what you do when you get to the beach, right? You gotta, you gotta pick your spot. You gotta put all your junk down.

C

Yes, yes, totally. It's like camping is similar. You gotta make sure you're in the right spot, the right amount of shade, the right amount of sun, all this stuff.

A

Should we go over here or should we. Or there's just too many here? Yeah, yeah.

C

There's always kind of a little, like, debate back and forth. It's like, it's just the beach.

A

Just.

C

Yeah, put your stuff down.

A

Just sit down. But yeah, I said, should we set up shop here? And you said, let's do it. This is a great spot.

C

And then you said, oh, that guy is selling lemonade. Want some? And you. And I said, why not?

A

Right.

C

And that means, yes, I want some.

A

Why.

C

Why wouldn't I have lemonade? And there's no reason not to.

A

Exactly. And then you said, oh, look at those people playing volleyball. Should we ask to join? And I said, might as well. I love playing volleyball, so it's convenient. It's right over here. I enjoy playing volleyball. Might as well.

C

Might as well. All right, good. So we are gonna have a good day at the beach here because we're clearly up for anything, Michelle. I mean.

A

Yeah, exactly. We're gonna have fun.

C

Yeah. Guys, go over to 2643 of Allers English. The warning signs were there. How to relate over early indications of a problem. Kind of the polar opposite feeling of today's episode, Right? Yeah. Very interesting to get the whole, you know, range of skills. In English, Michelle, what's our takeaway today?

A

Yeah, takeaway is that that I think that openness is kind of contagious. And this is just such a more unique way of just saying, yeah, sure.

C

Yes.

A

It's, it's playful, it's open. And, you know, sometimes maybe you think, oh, I don't. Oh, I, I typically don't do this. Or I, I. But all right, why not? Right. And, and, and it can be fun. And then that's sometimes what leads to the best experiences. Yeah.

C

It's kind of a chance to be a new version of yourself in a way.

A

Yeah.

C

Right. These, these phrases give you that way to find a new version of yourself, even if it's just for a day because you're around someone who is that way. Or you try it on for size and see if it fits right. And attitude in life. Interesting.

A

Yeah, exactly. All right, well, I'm glad we talked about this today. Should we jump off the mic?

C

Why not? Michelle, why not jump off? You set me up. You set me up.

A

I said you up. I set you up.

C

All right, well, I'll see you in the next one, Michelle. Take care.

A

All right. Bye, Lindsay.

C

Bye.

B

Thanks for listening.

C

To all ears. English.

B

Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

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