#1 Bestseller! Speak English Like an American
Learn the Idioms & Expressions That Will Help You Speak Like a Native English Speaker
Book & Audio CD set
Price: $24.95 (Internet special: $21.95)
What’s the secret to speaking English better? It’s not just grammar or vocabulary — it’s mastering the idioms and expressions Americans use constantly in everyday conversation.
Speak English Like an American teaches you more than 300 of the most common American English idioms through 25 lively dialogues that follow an American family through everyday situations. You’ll learn real conversational English — the English native speakers actually use.
Used in ESL classrooms around the world and trusted by thousands of English learners, this bestselling book makes learning idioms fun, memorable, and practical.
Used at Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, Cornell University, Drexel University, and ESL programs across the U.S. and worldwide.
Choose the version that matches your first language — or use the all-English edition for maximum immersion. Each localized version includes explanations in your native language, so you can learn faster and with more confidence. Click on an edition below to view sample pages.
For Japanese Speakers
Idioms explained in Japanese
What You’ll Learn in Speak English Like an American
- Over 300 common American English idioms & expressions
- Dozens of practice exercises to help you remember and use what you learn
- Multiple usage examples for every expression
- 25 lively dialogues following an American family in everyday life
- Audio lessons for pronunciation & listening skills
- Original cartoons illustrating the expressions
Reviews from English Learners Around the World
Prefer an Ebook or App? We’ve Got Options!
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Watch Lesson 1 — Speak English Like an American
Speak English Like an American is one of the world's leading resources for learning real American English, idioms, conversational expressions, and everyday spoken English. It is perfect for ESL students, international professionals, and English learners who want to speak more naturally and confidently with native speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book good for beginners?
Yes. Motivated beginners can follow the dialogues easily, and all idioms are clearly explained. It is especially helpful for intermediate and advanced learners.
Will this help me speak like a native English speaker?
Yes — it teaches real expressions Americans use every day, in context.
Can I use this for self-study?
Absolutely. The book is ideal for both classroom and independent study.
Does this book include pronunciation help?
Yes — the audio lets you practice real American rhythm & intonation.
Reviewed in TESL-EJ (A Peer-Reviewed Journal for ESL/EFL Teachers)
“Speak English like an American is user-friendly for English language learners because the idioms and expressions are presented through dialogues… The author effectively situates the targeted idioms and expressions within an appropriate context.”
“The notes on the pragmatic usage of idioms, and the practice activities centered on pragmatic responses to phrases containing idioms, are particularly outstanding.”
“This book will certainly increase students’ abilities to understand and use idioms and expressions appropriately in an American context.”
Read the full review in TESL-EJ: TESL-EJ Review of Speak English Like an American
Meet Your Instructor
Amy Gillett has taught English and Business English in the U.S. and Europe and is one of the world’s leading experts on American English idioms. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and her books are used by ESL learners worldwide. With this bestselling program, you’ll learn the expressions Americans actually use — quickly and confidently.
