Language is deeply influenced by social situations. The words you use with friends differ from those you’d use with a professor or business client. This is the essence of sociolinguistics — understanding how context shapes language use.

In casual conversations, contractions, idioms, and slang feel natural: “I’m gonna go now,” or “That movie was awesome!” In formal settings, these expressions may sound unprofessional. Instead, you might say: “I will leave now,” or “The film was excellent.”

Mastering this skill improves not only your speaking but also your cultural competence. It shows that you understand the nuances of English communication beyond grammar.

Tip: Watch both professional presentations and casual vlogs to absorb natural context switching.