I’m not a native speaker, but I studied English for many years and I feel comfortable using it for my work tasks. However, the more casual aspects of the language are more difficult for me. For example, it’s hard for me to write text messages to my English-speaking friends. One of them recently informed me that I text like a professor!
What am I doing wrong, and how can I fix it?
—Anton
Writing text messages in English can be tricky, especially if you’re like Anton and you’re trying to do it in your second language. Since most text messages are written in an ultra casual style, the rules you learned in English class don’t always apply. But at the same time, you want your message to be clear, correct, and natural.
The good news is that it’s not that hard to improve your text messaging skills. In this article, we’ll show you seven simple ways to help you text in English like a native speaker.
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1. Skip the grammar book English
Grammar books are helpful when you’re writing for school or for work, but not for texting. When most native English speakers send text messages, they use slang, abbreviations, acronyms, gonna/wanna/gotta, and incomplete sentences.
What does this mean for you? It means tossing that grammar book aside (at least temporarily) and learning how to break some of the rules.
Instead of:
- I cannot meet with you at the cafe because I have too much work to do.
Try one of these:
- Can’t meet up now. Swamped w/work.
- Busy working. TTYL.
2. Add some emojis
Emojis are a great way to express your thoughts in only a few words—or sometimes even using no words!
Let’s say your friend texts you the following message:
- Can’t go. Been puking since 4AM 🤮
Here are some ways you can respond:
- Yikes! 😬
- Feel better soon! 🙁
- Need anything? 😟
- Me too! Must’ve been the sushi 🤮
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it (unless you’re a teenager). One or two emojis is enough.
3. Use common acronyms
Acronyms are very common in text messaging. But if English isn’t your first language—or if you’re an older native speaker—they might be unfamiliar to you. Here are some of the ones you’re most likely to see:
- LOL = Laugh out loud
- IMO = In my opinion
- ASAP = As soon as possible
- IKR = I know, right?
- GOAT = Greatest of all time
- IDK = I don’t know
- TTYL = Talk to you later
- ETA = Estimated time of arrival
- JK = Just kidding
- AFAIK = As far as I know
Merriam-Webster has a more complete list here.
4. Take your cues from the other person
If you’re not sure how informal a text message should be, try following the other person’s lead. Is your friend using a lot of emojis? Respond the same way. Do they write short, casual lines? Then don’t send them a five-paragraph essay. (This was what Anton was doing, hence the teasing about sounding like a professor.)
However, if your friend’s grandmother is a retired English teacher and is texting you about plans for a surprise party using full, complete sentences, then your response can be more formal. It’s okay to sound like a professor!
5. Avoid over-translating from your native language
It’s tempting to write a message in your native language first and then translate it to English. However, this can lead to phrasing that sounds awkward, too formal, or “foreign”.
Instead of translating every single word, try to find some simple, everyday English expressions with the same meaning. Memorize phrases you’ve seen native speakers use in texts or casual conversations.
6. Don’t overthink it
Take out your phone and look at some old text messages from your friends. Chances are, you’ll find typos and other little mistakes, even from native speakers. So don’t worry too much if your texts aren’t always perfect.
Confidence is key. If your message is clear and friendly, you’re doing it right. And if you do make a mistake, you can always follow it up with another text:
- Whoops! I wrote fish instead of wish 🤭
- Sorry about the typos. See you at the cafe tonight.
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7. Get help from a real person
AI tools and online resources can help you get started. But if you’re texting your boss, a client, or someone you have a crush on 😳, it’s a good idea to find a real human to review it.
That’s what we do at TextRanch.
Our editors are native English speakers who can ensure that your texts sound natural, polite, and fluent. Since we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can get the help you need fast!
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