English words native speakers don't use — and what to say instead

Sound more like a native speaker by avoiding these words in casual speech

Did you know there are roughly 1 million words in English? It’s a massive language! But of course, we don’t use all of these words in day-to-day life. In fact, the average native speaker only knows about 42,000 words, and we use approximately 20,000 in casual speech.

So which words do native speakers not use? It depends on the person and the context. Every word has a purpose, but there are a few words rarely used in everyday conversation.

As an English teacher, I often hear my students use these words — and although they’re understandable, replacing them with common synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Important: In this article, we’re talking about English from the United States. Native speakers in other countries may have different conventions.

Seldom

Definition: not often, rarely. “I seldom go to the park.”

Native-level alternatives: rarely, not usually, not often, not that much

Native speakers don’t use the word “seldom” that much in casual speech. Instead, we’ll use words like “rarely” or phrases such as “not that much.”

• I don’t go to the movies that much

• We didn’t eat fish that often when I was a kid

• I don’t usually want to go to the beach

• He rarely rides his bike

Obtain
Definition: get, acquire. “Investing your money is a good way to obtain interest.”

Native-level alternative: get

We don’t say “obtain” very often in casual speech. Instead, try using variations of the verb “to get.”

• Investing your money is a good way to get interest

• I got sushi at the store

• You can get support at the customer service desk

• We should have gotten that information earlier

Must

Definition: required, necessary, recommended. "I must go to work tomorrow." 

Native-level alternative: need to, have to, should

As an ESL teacher, I often hear students say "I must" or "you must" to express something that is necessary or required. This is grammatically correct, but it doesn't sound quite right. Instead, try phrases like "I need to" or "I have to." These options indicate that something is essential. Alternatively, you can also use "should" to describe things that are important or recommended, but not necessarily essential or required. 

• I need to go shopping soon, we don't have much food in the house

• We have to go see that movie!

• You should stop by Grandma's house to say hi
  
  

Cinema

Definition: a theater where movies are played. “I went to the cinema last weekend.”

Native-level alternative: theater, movie theater, movies

This one’s specifically about North American English — especially US English. Unlike in the UK, native speakers in the US rarely say “cinema,” instead opting for “theater,” “movie theater,” or “the movies.”

• We’re gonna go to the movies tonight

• They’re at the theater

• He got lost in the movie theater somehow

Supermarket

Definition: a big store selling food, clothing, household goods, and other items

Native-level alternative: store, grocery store, or a specific store brand name

Supermarket isn’t a completely unused word, but it’s way more common to hear people simply say “the store” or a specific store name. You may also hear “grocery store” in place of “supermarket.”

• I’m gonna grab a few things at the store

• We’re shopping at Target (Walmart, Meijer, Kroger, etc.)

• Can you stop by the grocery store for milk?

Bonus: Phrases we don't use that much

Besides those specific words, there are also some phrases we don't use very often in North American English. Let's explore three examples.

You're welcome

Definition: polite response to someone saying "thank you"

Native-level alternative: yep, sure thing, yeah, mm hmm

First, let's be clear that "you're welcome" is an acceptable phrase in English. But here's the thing: native speakers often replace it with more casual options like "yep," "no problem," or "mm hmm." If you're in a formal setting like a new job, "you're welcome" is appropriate. Otherwise, those casual alternatives sound more native.

Teacher [blank]

Definition: a polite way to address your teacher

Native-level alternative: using a formal address + the teacher's last name

Native English speakers in the US don't typically call their teacher "teacher." For example, non-native speakers might say "teacher John" or "teacher Jenna." In contrast, native speakers often use formal address + the teacher's last name, such as "Mr. Evenson," or "Mrs. Clark." Keep in mind that using last names is more formal, so you'll also hear native speakers use teachers' first names in casual settings (my students call me Hunter).

I'm fine, and you?

Definition: a polite response to "how are you?"

Native-level alternative: Good, you?, not bad, you?

In the US, English speakers often start conversations by saying things like "how are you?" or "how's it going?" These are common phrases that are appropriate in basically any context, from work to hanging out with friends. If you're learning English, you might respond with "I'm fine, and you?" This is an OK phrase, but it sounds a bit too formal. Instead, try options like "Not bad, yourself?" "Good, how about you?" or "Pretty good, you?" (Notice that all these phrases remove the word "and," making them more casual.)