Expression Chunks
I have a tendency to + base verb
Meaning: Used to describe a behavior or reaction that you repeatedly or characteristically do.
Sample sentence: I have a tendency to put difficult tasks off until I feel completely ready.
Use it in your answer:
- What do you do when you have several important things to finish at the same time?Answer using: I have a tendency to...
- When you disagree with someone, what usually happens on your side of the conversation?Answer using: I have a tendency to...
- How do you behave when you're around people you don't know very well?Answer using: I have a tendency to...
- What happens to the way you spend money when you're stressed or in a very good mood?Answer using: I have a tendency to...
- When you make a mistake, what do you normally do first?Answer using: I have a tendency to...
I'm prone to + noun / -ing
Meaning: Used when someone is especially likely to experience or do something, often something undesirable.
Sample sentence: I'm prone to overthinking small decisions when I'm tired.
Use it in your answer:
- What are you likely to do when you're tired?Answer using: I'm prone to...
- What kind of mistakes are you more likely to make when you're in a hurry?Answer using: I'm prone to...
- What happens to you when you have too much free time and nothing planned?Answer using: I'm prone to...
- How do you usually react when you start worrying about something?Answer using: I'm prone to...
- What kind of problem are you especially likely to experience when you're under pressure?Answer using: I'm prone to...
I tend to + base verb
Meaning: A neutral way to describe what you usually or generally do.
Sample sentence: I tend to work better when I have a clear deadline.
Use it in your answer:
- What do you usually do when you have to make a difficult decision?Answer using: I tend to...
- How do you usually behave when you meet someone for the first time?Answer using: I tend to...
- What do you normally spend extra money on?Answer using: I tend to...
- What do you usually do when someone gives you criticism?Answer using: I tend to...
- How do you normally spend an unexpected day off?Answer using: I tend to...
Topic Phrasal Verbs
Themed Conversation: Daily Habits & Procrastination
put off
Definition: postpone something
Sample sentence: I keep putting off tasks that feel overwhelming.
Practice questions:
- What is something you often put off until the last minute?
- Why do you sometimes put things off?
- What task have you been putting off recently?
- Do you put off difficult tasks or boring tasks more often? Why?
- What helps you stop putting things off and finally start?
get around to
Definition: finally find time to do something
Sample sentence: I finally got around to organizing my desk last weekend.
Practice questions:
- What is something you finally got around to doing recently?
- What have you wanted to do for a long time but still haven’t gotten around to?
- Why is it sometimes hard to get around to small tasks?
- When do you usually get around to answering non-urgent messages?
- What would you like to get around to doing this month?
fall into
Definition: gradually develop a habit
Sample sentence: It's easy to fall into bad habits when your routine changes.
Practice questions:
- What bad habit is easy for you to fall into?
- Have you ever fallen into an unhealthy routine when you were busy?
- Why do people sometimes fall into the habit of checking their phones constantly?
- What good routine would you like to fall into?
- How do you stop yourself from falling into old habits?
Relaxed Conversation — 10 Questions
- What’s the first thing you usually do when you wake up?
- What part of your daily routine do you enjoy the most?
- Is there a habit you would really like to change?
- What kinds of tasks do you usually put off until the last minute?
- What usually distracts you when you’re trying to get something done?
- Are you more productive in the morning or at night? Why?
- Have you ever procrastinated on something and regretted it later?
- What helps you finally start a task you’ve been avoiding?
- Do deadlines motivate you, or do they make you more stressed?
- If you could add one useful habit to your daily routine, what would it be?