It’s true.

Brits say “sorry” more than anyone else. About eight times a day, on average.

If you’re someone who says “sorry” all the time (even when it’s not your fault), you’re not alone.

Apologising can be kind.
It shows empathy and responsibility.

But over-apologising?
That’s a different story.

• It can make you seem unsure of yourself.
• It can make others think you did something wrong — even when you didn’t.
• And over time, it chips away at your confidence.

So here’s one small shift I often share with clients (and that I need to remember!):

Swap “sorry” for thanks when possible.

Instead of: Sorry I’m late”
Try: “Thank you for waiting.”

Instead of: “Sorry for talking so much”
Try: “Thank you for listening.”

Instead of: “I’m sorry I can’t come”
Try: “Thank you for thinking of me. Maybe next time.”

Apologies are powerful, when they’re needed.
But when they’re not, they can hold you back.

Want to sound more confident in English?
Start by noticing your “sorry” habits and try something new.

👉 When was the last time you said “sorry” when you didn’t need to?

I often hear:

• “No problem.”
• “Don’t mention it.”

If I were translating into German, that would be something like “Keine Ursache.”
And honestly?
I’ve never loved that phrase.

It sounds a bit cold. Dismissive, even.
As if the thanks didn’t matter.

Of course, we all have our preferences.
What feels too flat for me might sound totally fine to you.

But if you want to sound warmer in English,
here are a few more positive, human responses you can try:

• You’re (very) welcome.
• My pleasure.
• Any time.
• I’m pleased you like it.
• (Always) happy to help.
• Thank you!
• Just returning the favour.
• I’m sure you’d do the same for me.

💬 How do you usually respond when someone thanks you in English?
Got a favourite phrase?

(Don’t worry. Even native speakers get this wrong.)

The apostrophe has three main jobs in English:

1. To show possession
   Mark’s new job
   My client’s question
2. To show contraction
   I don’t like meat
   She’s not ready yet
3. To make letters or numbers plural
   Mind your p’s and q’s
   There are four 2’s in “2022″.

That last one often surprises people.
(But yes, the apostrophe helps avoid confusion.)

⚠️ And here’s what not to do:
Don’t use an apostrophe to make regular words plural.
apple’s
apples

Tiny mark. Big impact.

💬 Which apostrophe rule do you find confusing?

But they still speak to us.

Recently, I went looking for an English word that matches the German Sehnsucht.

But none of them quite fit.

Longing.
Yearning.
Nostalgia.
Desire.
Homesickness.
Hope.

Sehnsucht is all of these — and none of them.
It’s a tug from the heart.
A craving for something you can’t quite name.
A beautiful ache.

And here’s what I’ve noticed:

Many of my clients feel Sehnsucht when they speak about English.
Not the grammar or the vocabulary.
But what it would mean to express themselves — clearly, confidently, fully.
To say what they really mean.
To belong.

That’s not just about language.
That’s about being seen.

💬 So if you’ve ever felt Sehnsucht when you picture yourself speaking up — 
You’re not alone.
And it’s not silly.

It’s a sign that something in you is ready.

👉 What’s another word in German or other language that English can’t quite capture?

You point to something… but forget what it’s called.

In German, you’d say Dingsbums.

Or maybe Dingsda.
Or Dingens.
Or even Dingskirchen.

These little words are lifesavers when your brain goes blank.

And guess what? English has them too.

Here are just a few:

• thingamajig
• thingamabob
• whatchamacallit
• thingy
• whatsit
• doodah
• whatnot

🗣 “I’ll have to go to the shop and buy a new thingamajig. This one’s broken beyond repair.”

These placeholders are fun, friendly and 100% acceptable — especially when the right word just won’t come.

So next time you’re stuck mid-sentence, try one.
It keeps the conversation moving — and takes the pressure off.

💬 What’s your favourite “Dingsbums” word (in any language)?

Try this one shortcut to see clearly.

If you’re like many of my clients, grammar isn’t your biggest problem.

It’s the overthinking that comes with it.

• “Is this the past simple or present perfect?”
• “Am I using the right preposition?”
• “Is this sentence polite enough?”

Your brain starts spinning… and your sentence disappears.

So here’s one shortcut I often give my clients:

Say it the simple way.
Then clean it up later.

Don’t try to build the perfect sentence in your head before speaking.
Say what you mean — clearly, calmly, simply.
You can always revise if needed.

Because the real goal isn’t perfect grammar.
It’s clear communication.

That’s exactly what we practise in my 1:1 sessions:
Simple habits. Real conversations. Clear progress.
No textbook pressure. No judgement.
Just you, sounding more like you in English.

📬 Curious? Let’s talk. A free call is the first small step.

💬 What grammar rule do you overthink most?