Giving Advice
1. You should + verb
💬 Meaning: A polite, direct suggestion.
✅ You should get more rest.
💡 Use when you feel confident your advice is helpful or necessary.
2. You’d be better off + -ing
💬 Meaning: Suggests a better or smarter option.
✅ You’d be better off saving that money instead of spending it.
💡 Slightly stronger than “you should.”
3. Your best bet would be to + verb
💬 Meaning: The best possible choice or strategy.
✅ Your best bet would be to talk to your manager directly.
💡 Used when giving advice with confidence.
4. You might want to + verb
💬 Meaning: A very gentle suggestion, less forceful than “you should.”
✅ You might want to double-check your answers before submitting.
💡 Use this to sound polite or less pushy.
5. Make sure you (don’t) + verb
💬 Meaning: A warning or a reminder.
✅ Make sure you lock the door before leaving.
✅ Make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
6. If I were you, I would + verb
💬 Meaning: Empathetic advice. You imagine yourself in the other person’s situation.
✅ If I were you, I’d take a few days off.
💡 Use this to sound thoughtful and supportive.
✨ More Useful Patterns for Giving Advice:
7. Why don’t you + verb?
✅ Why don’t you try calling him again?
💡 Casual and friendly.
8. Have you thought about + -ing?
✅ Have you thought about applying for a different job?
💡 Good for introducing new ideas.
9. It might be a good idea to + verb
✅ It might be a good idea to back up your files.
💡 Very soft and polite.
10. You could always + verb
✅ You could always ask someone for help.
💡 Suggests an alternative or backup plan.
✅ 3. More Examples of Each Pattern
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| You should + verb | You should take it easy for a few days. |
| You’d be better off + -ing | You’d be better off not arguing with them. |
| Your best bet would be to + verb | Your best bet would be to book tickets early. |
| You might want to + verb | You might want to check the weather before leaving. |
| Make sure you (don’t) + verb | Make sure you don't forget your passport. |
| If I were you, I would + verb | If I were you, I’d apologize first. |
| Why don’t you + verb? | Why don’t you ask your teacher for help? |
| Have you thought about + -ing? | Have you thought about moving closer to work? |
| It might be a good idea to + verb | It might be a good idea to leave earlier. |
| You could always + verb | You could always stay the night if it’s too late. |
✅ Natural and Polite in Real Conversations
| Pattern | Politeness Level | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| You should + verb | Neutral → Polite | Very common and direct, but still polite if said gently. |
| You’d be better off + -ing | Slightly stronger | Polite but can sound judgmental if tone isn’t soft. |
| Your best bet would be to + verb | Neutral | Polite and confident; good for advice in tricky situations. |
| You might want to + verb | Very polite | Super gentle and common; sounds caring or indirect. |
| Make sure you (don’t) + verb | Polite, but firm | Often used when giving reminders or safety advice. |
| If I were you, I would + verb | Empathetic and polite | Very natural, shows you're trying to help thoughtfully. |
| Why don’t you + verb? | Casual and friendly | Common in conversation among friends or peers. |
| Have you thought about + -ing? | Very polite and soft | Good for offering suggestions without pressure. |
| It might be a good idea to + verb | Very polite and neutral | Good in professional or sensitive situations. |
| You could always + verb | Polite and casual | Often used to give a relaxed option or idea. |
⚠️ A few tips to keep them natural:
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Tone and body language matter: “You should...” can sound pushy if you say it with a strict tone. But if your voice is soft and friendly, it’s fine.
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Context: Some of these work better with friends, while others are better in a professional or formal context.
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Don’t overuse “you should” with strangers or coworkers—it can sometimes sound like you’re telling them what to do.
✅ Real conversation examples
💬 With a friend:
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You might want to bring a jacket—it's getting cold.
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Why don’t you take a break for a while?
-
You could always call her tomorrow instead.
💬 In a professional setting:
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Have you thought about restructuring the timeline?
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It might be a good idea to schedule a follow-up meeting.
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Your best bet would be to speak to the team lead first.
More Examples:
🔹 1. You should + verb
👉 Neutral and direct; polite if your tone is gentle.
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You should get some rest—you look exhausted.
-
You should try calling her again later.
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You should speak to your manager about this.
-
You should really back up your files more often.
🔹 2. You’d be better off + -ing
👉 Stronger advice, sounds like you’re sure it’s the better option.
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You’d be better off waiting until tomorrow.
-
You’d be better off saving that money instead of spending it.
-
You’d be better off taking the train—it’s faster.
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You’d be better off not getting involved in that argument.
🔹 3. Your best bet would be to + verb
👉 Polite and confident suggestion, often for problem-solving.
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Your best bet would be to talk to a lawyer first.
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Your best bet would be to take the early flight.
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Your best bet would be to contact customer support.
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Your best bet would be to apply as soon as possible.
🔹 4. You might want to + verb
👉 Very polite and soft; good for friendly or cautious advice.
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You might want to double-check that email before sending it.
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You might want to bring an umbrella—it looks like rain.
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You might want to ask someone for help.
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You might want to rethink that decision.
🔹 5. Make sure you (don’t) + verb
👉 Firm and helpful reminder, often used for instructions or care.
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Make sure you lock the door before you leave.
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Make sure you drink plenty of water today.
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Make sure you don’t forget your passport.
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Make sure you keep a copy of that receipt.
🔹 6. If I were you, I would + verb
👉 Polite, empathetic, and soft way to give advice.
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If I were you, I would just tell her how you feel.
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If I were you, I’d start preparing for the interview now.
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If I were you, I wouldn’t waste time arguing.
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If I were you, I’d take that opportunity.
🔹 7. Why don’t you + verb?
👉 Casual and friendly suggestion; can sound spontaneous.
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Why don’t you take a break?
-
Why don’t you ask your teacher for help?
-
Why don’t you stay for dinner?
-
Why don’t you call him and explain?
🔹 8. Have you thought about + -ing?
👉 Very polite, great for suggesting without pressure.
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Have you thought about working from home more often?
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Have you thought about updating your resume?
-
Have you thought about joining a language exchange?
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Have you thought about asking for a second opinion?
🔹 9. It might be a good idea to + verb
👉 Very soft and diplomatic; often used in professional English.
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It might be a good idea to reschedule the meeting.
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It might be a good idea to bring this up in the next call.
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It might be a good idea to save a backup.
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It might be a good idea to talk to someone you trust.
🔹 10. You could always + verb
👉 Casual and relaxed; often suggests a “backup” or flexible option.
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You could always order takeout if you're too tired to cook.
-
You could always ask your neighbor for help.
-
You could always come back tomorrow.
-
You could always switch to a different plan later.
50 examples by TalkAI
Setting: A local coffee shop where a group of classmates has gathered a year after finishing school. The atmosphere is casual and filled with excitement as they reconnect.
Dialogue 1:
Alice: Hi! It’s so good to see you again!
Bob: Hello, Alice! How have you been?
Alice: I've been alright. Just trying to figure out what to do next.
Bob: You should definitely take some time to travel. It could give you a fresh perspective!
Dialogue 2:
Cathy: Hello there! It feels like ages since we last met!
Dave: How’s it going, Cathy?
Cathy: Pretty well! Just started a new job.
Dave: That’s awesome! You might want to ask for a mentor to help you settle in.
Dialogue 3:
Eva: How are you, Dave?
Dave: I’m good, thanks! Just trying to balance work and life.
Eva: I hear you. You could always set a strict schedule to manage your time better.
Dialogue 4:
Frank: What’s new, everyone?
Alice: Not much, just missed you all!
Frank: Well, if I were you, I would start attending some workshops to meet new people.
Dialogue 5:
Cathy: What’s up, Frank?
Frank: Just trying to figure out this whole adulting thing.
Cathy: You’d be better off creating a budget. It can really help with finances.
Dialogue 6:
Bob: How’s everything going with you, Eva?
Eva: It's good, but I feel lost sometimes.
Bob: Have you thought about taking a short course to enhance your skills?
Dialogue 7:
Alice: What have you been up to, Cathy?
Cathy: I’ve been volunteering a lot lately.
Alice: That’s great! Make sure you don’t overcommit yourself, though. It’s important to have some downtime.
Dialogue 8:
Dave: What’s happening, everyone?
Frank: Not much, just catching up!
Dave: You might want to consider starting a group project to keep in touch regularly.
Dialogue 9:
Eva: Hi, Frank! How’s it going?
Frank: Good! Just trying to find my passion.
Eva: You should explore different hobbies. It might lead you to something you love!
Dialogue 10:
Cathy: What’s going on with you, Bob?
Bob: Just finished a big project at work.
Cathy: Why don’t you take a mini-vacation to celebrate your accomplishment?
Dialogue 11:
Alice: How have you been, Dave?
Dave: I’m doing well, just busy with life.
Alice: It might be a good idea to take breaks regularly to recharge.
Dialogue 12:
Bob: Hello, everyone! What’s new?
Eva: Not much, just trying to find a new job.
Bob: You could always update your resume and start networking on LinkedIn!
Dialogue 13:
Cathy: Hi, Alice! How are you?
Alice: I’m good! Just trying to figure out my next steps.
Cathy: You should reach out to some old professors for guidance!
Dialogue 14:
Frank: How’s it going, Cathy?
Cathy: It’s going well! Just started a new fitness routine.
Frank: That sounds awesome! Make sure you don’t push yourself too hard at the beginning.
Dialogue 15:
Eva: What’s up, Bob?
Bob: Not much! Just trying to stay healthy.
Eva: You might want to consider meal prepping for the week to save time.
Dialogue 16:
Alice: What’s happening, Frank?
Frank: Just trying to figure out my career path.
Alice: Have you thought about doing some informational interviews with professionals in your field?
Dialogue 17:
Cathy: How are you doing, Eva?
Eva: I’m good, just a bit overwhelmed with everything.
Cathy: You’d be better off breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable pieces.
Dialogue 18:
Bob: Hi, everyone! How have you been?
Cathy: Pretty good! Just busy with work.
Bob: You should try to find a good work-life balance. It’s crucial!
Dialogue 19:
Frank: Hello there! What’s new with you, Alice?
Alice: Just enjoying some time off before I start job hunting.
Frank: You could always take this time to learn new skills online!
Dialogue 20:
Eva: How’s everything, Bob?
Bob: It’s good! Just trying to make new friends in the city.
Eva: You might want to join local clubs or groups that interest you!
Dialogue 21:
Cathy: What’s up, Frank?
Frank: Not much, just reflecting on the past year.
Cathy: If I were you, I would write down your thoughts. It can be therapeutic.
Dialogue 22:
Alice: Hi, Cathy! How’s it going?
Cathy: It’s going well! Just trying to stay focused on my goals.
Alice: It might be a good idea to write a list of your goals to keep track.
Dialogue 23:
Bob: What’s going on, Eva?
Eva: Just trying to figure out my next move.
Bob: Why don’t you consider internships? They’re great for gaining experience.
Dialogue 24:
Cathy: How have you been, Dave?
Dave: Pretty busy with work, but it’s manageable.
Cathy: You should prioritize your tasks to make it easier on yourself!
Dialogue 25:
Frank: Hi, Alice! What’s new?
Alice: Not much, just enjoying some downtime.
Frank: You could always volunteer your time. It’s a great way to meet people.
Dialogue 26:
Eva: How’s everything going with you, Bob?
Bob: Good! Just working on my side projects.
Eva: Make sure you don’t get burned out. Take breaks when needed!
Dialogue 27:
Cathy: What’s up, Frank?
Frank: Just trying to find my footing in this new job.
Cathy: You might want to ask for feedback regularly. It can help you improve!
Dialogue 28:
Alice: How are you, Eva?
Eva: I’m doing well! Just busy with life.
Alice: Why don’t you set aside some time for self-care? It’s important!
Dialogue 29:
Bob: What’s happening, Cathy?
Cathy: Not much, just trying to explore new hobbies.
Bob: You should try out a class! It’s a fun way to learn something new.
Dialogue 30:
Frank: Hi there, Alice! How have you been?
Alice: I’ve been alright. Just figuring things out.
Frank: You’d be better off reaching out to your network for opportunities.
Dialogue 31:
Eva: How’s it going, Bob?
Bob: Pretty good! Just focused on my health.
Eva: It might be a good idea to track your meals. It can help you stay on track!
Dialogue 32:
Cathy: What’s new with you, Frank?
Frank: Just trying to keep up with everything!
Cathy: Have you thought about using productivity apps to help you stay organized?
Dialogue 33:
Alice: What’s going on, Eva?
Eva: Not much. Just trying to settle into my new job.
Alice: You could always find a mentor at work to guide you through!
Dialogue 34:
Bob: Hi, Cathy! How are you?
Cathy: Good! Just trying to make time for my passions.
Bob: You should schedule regular time for them. It keeps you motivated!
Dialogue 35:
Frank: How have you been, Alice?
Alice: I’m doing well! Just busy with life decisions.
Frank: You might want to create a pros and cons list for your options.
Dialogue 36:
Eva: What’s going on, Bob?
Bob: Just trying to save up for a trip.
Eva: You could always set up a savings plan to help reach your goal!
Dialogue 37:
Cathy: Hi, Frank! How’s everything?
Frank: It’s going well! Just trying to stay productive.
Cathy: You should consider setting daily goals to keep yourself on track.
Dialogue 38:
Alice: What’s up, Eva?
Eva: Not much! Just working on my personal projects.
Alice: Why don’t you share them online? You might find some support!
Dialogue 39:
Bob: How’s it going, Cathy?
Cathy: It’s good! Just focusing on my health.
Bob: Make sure you don’t skip meals. It’s important to fuel your body!
Dialogue 40:
Frank: What’s new with you, Alice?
Alice: I’m exploring career options.
Frank: You should definitely reach out to alumni in your desired field for insights.
Dialogue 41:
Eva: Hi, Bob! How have you been?
Bob: I’m doing great! Just busy with work.
Eva: You might want to consider delegating some tasks if possible.
Dialogue 42:
Cathy: What’s happening, Frank?
Frank: Not much, just trying to find a balance.
Cathy: If I were you, I would schedule some “me time” each week.
Dialogue 43:
Alice: How’s everything going, Eva?
Eva: Good! Just trying to stay on top of things.
Alice: You should consider using a planner to keep everything organized!
Dialogue 44:
Bob: What’s up, Cathy?
Cathy: Not much! Just working on my fitness goals.
Bob: You could always join a class for motivation!
Dialogue 45:
Frank: Hi, Alice! How’s it going?
Alice: I’m good! Just trying to figure out my next steps.
Frank: You should take some time to reflect on what truly makes you happy.
Dialogue 46:
Eva: How have you been, Bob?
Bob: Pretty well! Just busy with life.
Eva: Make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself amidst all the chaos.
Dialogue 47:
Cathy: What’s going on, Frank?
Frank: Just trying to stay productive!
Cathy: You might want to set small, achievable goals to keep your motivation up.
Dialogue 48:
Alice: Hi, Eva! What’s new with you?
Eva: I’m trying to focus on my career.
Alice: You should consider reaching out to industry professionals for advice.
Dialogue 49:
Bob: How’s everything, Cathy?
Cathy: Good! Just trying to maintain a work-life balance.
Bob: You’d be better off scheduling breaks throughout your day to recharge.
Dialogue 50:
Frank: What’s up, everyone?
Alice: Not much! Just enjoying the catch-up.
Frank: You could always plan regular reunions to keep this connection alive!
The classmates enjoyed their time together, sharing stories and advice, reflecting on how much they had grown over the past year.
50 examples by ChatGPT
The story is set during a school reunion picnic in the park.
1.
Sarah: Hi! Long time no see!
Jake: Hello there! Wow, you haven’t changed a bit.
Sarah: How’s everything?
Jake: Busy, but good. You should definitely take some time off if you feel burned out—it helped me a lot.
2.
Liam: Hey, what’s up?
Maya: Not much! Just trying to figure out what to do next in life.
Liam: How have you been?
Maya: A bit confused. If I were you, I would try different internships to see what you like.
3.
Olivia: Hello! So nice to see you again.
Noah: Hi! How’s it going?
Olivia: Pretty well. Just moved to another city.
Noah: Oh, nice! You might want to explore some meetups to make new friends there.
4.
Emma: What’s going on?
Ava: Hey! I’ve just started working at a startup.
Emma: How exciting!
Ava: Yeah, but it's stressful. Make sure you don’t overwork yourself in your first year.
5.
Ethan: Hey, what’s happening?
Sophia: Hello there! I’ve been studying for my master’s.
Ethan: Sounds intense.
Sophia: It is. Your best bet would be to stay organized from the beginning.
6.
Lucas: Hello!
Chloe: Hi! How have you been?
Lucas: Pretty good. Been thinking of switching careers.
Chloe: Have you thought about talking to a career coach?
7.
Jackson: Hey, what’s new?
Amelia: Hi! I’ve been learning to code.
Jackson: That’s cool!
Amelia: Yeah, but tough. You could always join an online coding bootcamp.
8.
Harper: Hi! How are you?
Logan: I’m great! Just started traveling a bit.
Harper: That’s awesome.
Logan: You’d be better off planning everything in advance—makes the trips smoother.
9.
Ella: Hello! How’s everything?
Mason: Pretty hectic. I’ve been freelancing.
Ella: That must be challenging.
Mason: It is. You should create a schedule to stay productive.
10.
Aiden: What have you been up to?
Lily: Working part-time and studying online.
Aiden: That’s a lot!
Lily: Yeah. Make sure you don’t take on too much at once.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
Grace: What’s going on?
Henry: Hey, I just moved back home.
Grace: Oh really?
Henry: Yeah. You could always look for remote work while you're settling in.
12.
Aria: Hi! Long time no see!
Leo: Hello there! How are you doing?
Aria: I’ve been okay.
Leo: If I were you, I would take more time to relax during the week.
13.
Zoe: Hey! What’s up?
James: Not much. Just figuring out life.
Zoe: I hear that.
James: You might want to write down your goals—it really helps.
14.
Nora: Hello!
Benjamin: Hi! How’s it going?
Nora: All right. I’m trying to get in shape.
Benjamin: Make sure you don’t skip stretching. It prevents injuries.
15.
Stella: What’s happening?
Daniel: Not much! How have you been?
Stella: Pretty good. Thinking of starting a blog.
Daniel: Your best bet would be to post regularly to grow your audience.
16.
Mila: Hey!
Matthew: Hello! What have you been up to?
Mila: I’ve been volunteering lately.
Matthew: Nice! You could always turn that into a full-time thing if you love it.
17.
Victoria: How’s everything?
Sebastian: Great! Just got promoted.
Victoria: That’s awesome.
Sebastian: Thanks! You should speak up more in meetings—it helped me a lot.
18.
Luna: Hi!
Elijah: Hey, how are you?
Luna: I’m good. I’m taking a break from social media.
Elijah: Why don’t you use a timer if you don’t want to quit completely?
19.
Riley: What’s new?
Jack: Not much. Just got a dog!
Riley: Aww!
Jack: You’d be better off training it early. Puppies learn fast.
20.
Hazel: Hello there!
Carter: Hi! How’s it going?
Hazel: Pretty chill. Just got into photography.
Carter: Have you thought about selling your photos online?
21.
Layla: Hey!
Wyatt: What’s going on?
Layla: Just moved in with roommates.
Wyatt: You should set some house rules early on—it avoids conflicts.
22.
Penelope: Hi! How have you been?
Owen: Good, just got back from a road trip.
Penelope: That sounds fun!
Owen: Yeah, but tiring. You might want to plan rest days in between.
23.
Ellie: What have you been up to?
Julian: Trying to learn Spanish.
Ellie: Oh, cool!
Julian: Make sure you don’t skip speaking practice—it’s the most important part.
24.
Addison: Hello!
Levi: Hey! What’s new with you?
Addison: I’ve started meal prepping.
Levi: You could always make a weekly menu—it saves time.
25.
Hannah: Hi! How’s everything?
David: Good! Just started investing.
Hannah: That’s smart.
David: If I were you, I would start small and learn as you go.
26.
Scarlett: What’s up?
Gabriel: Hey! Been working two jobs lately.
Scarlett: Wow, that’s tough.
Gabriel: Yeah. You should prioritize sleep—it really helps your energy.
27.
Paisley: Hello there!
Jayden: Hi! How are you?
Paisley: Doing okay. Still living with my parents.
Jayden: Why don’t you try saving a little each month for your own place?
28.
Aubrey: What’s happening?
Anthony: Not much. I’m trying to quit smoking.
Aubrey: That’s a big step.
Anthony: You might want to find a support group—it helps.
29.
Savannah: Hello!
Isaac: Hey! How have you been?
Savannah: Just started an art course.
Isaac: You’d be better off practicing every day, even for a few minutes.
30.
Brooklyn: What’s new?
Dylan: Got a cat last month!
Brooklyn: That’s adorable.
Dylan: Yeah. Make sure you don’t forget vet checkups—they’re important.
31.
Bella: Hi!
Nathan: Hello! How’s it going?
Bella: Busy with work.
Nathan: You could always take a day off to recharge. It works wonders.
32.
Claire: What’s up?
Caleb: Just learning how to cook.
Claire: That’s great!
Caleb: Your best bet would be to start with simple recipes.
33.
Skylar: Hey, how are you?
Thomas: Doing good. Trying to cut down on screen time.
Skylar: Smart move.
Thomas: Why don’t you try reading before bed instead?
34.
Lucy: Hello!
Eli: Hey! What have you been up to?
Lucy: I’m learning guitar.
Eli: You should record yourself—it helps you improve faster.
35.
Peyton: How’s it going?
Hunter: Pretty well. I’ve been writing poetry.
Peyton: That’s beautiful.
Hunter: If I were you, I would share it online. You never know who might connect with it.
36.
Caroline: Hi!
Christian: Hello there! How have you been?
Caroline: Good! Just got a new job.
Christian: You could always ask a mentor for tips when you're starting out.
37.
Everly: What’s going on?
Landon: Nothing much. Just started journaling.
Everly: That’s a nice habit.
Landon: Make sure you don’t skip days—it becomes more meaningful over time.
38.
Kennedy: Hi!
Jonathan: Hey! What’s happening?
Kennedy: Studying for exams.
Jonathan: You might want to try group study—it helped me a lot.
39.
Naomi: Hello there!
Connor: Hey! How’s everything?
Naomi: A bit hectic. I’m job hunting.
Connor: Why don’t you update your LinkedIn? It really makes a difference.
40.
Allison: What have you been up to?
Aaron: Doing photography gigs.
Allison: That sounds creative.
Aaron: You should build a portfolio website—it attracts more clients.
41.
Eva: Hi! How are you?
Jason: I’m doing well! Just finished a marathon.
Eva: Wow, congrats!
Jason: Thanks. You’d be better off training gradually if you ever want to try one.
42.
Autumn: Hello!
Ryan: Hi there! What’s new?
Autumn: I’ve started baking at home.
Ryan: That’s cool! You could always start a baking blog to share your creations.
43.
Isla: What’s happening?
Brayden: Not much. Trying to cut down on junk food.
Isla: That’s a good goal.
Brayden: Make sure you don’t skip meals—then you won’t crave snacks so much.
44.
Elena: Hey!
Asher: Hello there! How’s everything going?
Elena: Good. I’ve been thinking about grad school.
Asher: Your best bet would be to talk to alumni from programs you’re considering.
45.
Sarah: Hi again!
Jake: Hey, what’s going on?
Sarah: Just working on my resume.
Jake: You should tailor it for each job—it makes a huge difference.
46.
Liam: Hello!
Maya: Hi! What’s up?
Liam: I’m looking for a place to rent.
Maya: Have you thought about checking local Facebook groups?
47.
Olivia: Hey!
Noah: Hello there! How have you been?
Olivia: Pretty good. I’m planning a vacation.
Noah: You might want to book flights early to save money.
48.
Emma: What have you been up to?
Ava: Learning about finances.
Emma: That’s so important.
Ava: Why don’t you try budgeting apps? They’re super helpful.
49.
Ethan: Hi!
Sophia: Hello! How’s it going?
Ethan: I’m trying to get better at time management.
Sophia: If I were you, I would use a planner and block time for tasks.
50.
Lucas: What’s new?
Chloe: Just started going to the gym again.
Lucas: Nice!
Chloe: You could always get a workout buddy to stay motivated.