Practice English for everyday life
Speak English Around Town by Amy Gillett teaches American idioms and expressions through practical everyday dialogues.
Practice conversations for shopping, dining out, visiting the doctor, traveling, and socializing with friends and neighbors. Learn what expressions mean and how to use them in context.
This edition includes a book and audio CD for listening and speaking practice.
Try a sample lesson
Preview the dialogues, explanations, and practice before choosing the book.
View a Sample Lesson (PDF) →What you’ll practice
Everyday expressions
Learn more than 300 American idioms and expressions through dialogues, explanations, exercises, and quizzes.
Grammar in context
Use the Language Lens sections to explore common grammar problems, understand useful patterns, and avoid typical mistakes.
Listening and speaking
Hear native speakers on the included audio CD. Repeat the dialogues aloud and practice pronunciation, stress, and rhythm.
Conversations you can use around town
Lessons cover practical situations such as:
- Returning an item to a store
- Visiting the doctor
- Ordering and complimenting a meal
- Making excuses and apologizing
- Socializing with friends and neighbors
- Travel and transportation conversations
- Making small talk and handling everyday challenges
Prefer learning with an app?
Explore the Speak English Around Town app on the App Store. Check the listing for current pricing, device compatibility, and included features.
View the App on the App Store →Frequently asked questions
Click or tap a question to read the answer.
Who is this book for?
It is most useful for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to expand their everyday American English. The situations are relevant to international students, newcomers, travelers, and anyone who wants more conversational practice.
What kinds of conversations does it teach?
The dialogues focus on everyday situations in shops, restaurants, neighborhoods, and other settings around town. Expressions are explained in context so you can understand how they fit into a conversation.
What are the Language Lens sections?
These sections explain common grammar problems and language patterns, with examples to help you understand and practice them.
What is included in the physical edition?
A book and audio CD. To play the CD, you will need a CD player or a computer with a compatible CD drive.
Can I use the book without the audio?
Yes. You can read the dialogues, study the explanations, and complete the exercises on their own. The audio adds listening practice and lets you hear the expressions spoken by native speakers.
Can I use it for self-study?
Yes. Read a dialogue, review the expressions and Language Lens notes, then complete the practice activities. Use the audio to listen again and repeat useful phrases aloud.
Can teachers use it in ESL classes?
Yes. The dialogues and exercises can support conversation practice, role-play, listening activities, and discussion in classes or tutoring sessions.
Explore more conversational English
Looking for another book of American idioms and everyday expressions? Explore Speak English Like an American .
Browse the Speak English Like an American Series →Looking for free lessons? Explore our conversational English guide →
