Everyone sometimes gets a blank look or forgets a word. The problem is what happens next. Many learners stop, say "Sorry, my English is bad," or repeat the same sentence louder and faster. In this episode: • When they don't understand you • Talking around a missing word • Asking for the word and fixing yourself • Scene one: in the kitchen • Scene two: at the hardware store • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Let me put it another way — I'll say it differently (neutral) What I mean is... — here is a clearer version (neutral) Sorry, that came out wrong — my words didn't match my idea (casual) Not the big pot, the SMALL pot — stress the word that matters It's spelled W-H-I-S-K — spell the word (letter names are in Episode 181) Like the thing you beat eggs with — give an example Does that make sense? — do you understand me? (neutral) You know what I mean? — do you follow me? (casual) It's a kind of... — say its group: "It's a kind of tool for nails." (a hammer) It's the person who... — for people: "It's the person who fixes sinks." (a plumber) the thingy (THING-ee) — a thing you can't name (casual) What's the word for...? — "What's the word for the rack where dishes dry?" (neutral) What do you call...? — "What do you call the little brush for nails?" (neutral) Is that the right word? — invite correction (neutral) It's on the tip of my tongue — I almost remember it (casual) I mean... — "See you Tuesday, I mean Thursday." Sorry, I meant... — "Sorry, I meant the blue one." Let me rephrase that — I'll say it in a better way (polite) Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.