Have you ever heard of the expression “get a feel for something?”
This vocabulary is useful at work and in everyday life.
Listen to today’s episode and learn new vocabulary you can use in the office.
What are you learning?
Michelle asks Lindsay about the last time she learned something new for work.
She responds that she is always learning something new at work.
Michelle agrees and says she definitely learns a lot at work.
They share about marketing details that they recently learned.
Get a feel
Michelle asks how Lindsay gets a feel for the things she learns.
Lindsay shares she had to get a feel for learning web pages.
She had to learn web mobile optimization.
Michelle finds that very interesting.
Lindsay asks Michelle if she uses the expression “get a feel for something” often.
Michelle says this expression is really common.
This expression means a person is trying to become familiar with something or learn about it.
Formal or informal?
This phrase can be used in either a formal or informal setting.
Examples:
We just switched our company over to digital records, but I’m still getting a feel for the system.
I think I like my new job, but I’m still just getting a feel for everything.
I’m trying to get a feel for how Hadley works. Do you have any insight?
This is useful when you want to express that you’re in the process of understanding something.
You can use it to say you’re working toward something.
This can be used in the workplace when you’re learning a new system or process.
You can also use it when you’re new at work and you’re still trying to make friends and fitting in to your team.
Variation of expressions
There are many ways to show you are working toward something.
Here are more examples with variations of using the expression “get a feel.”
#1: Feel something out
This is another common phrase using the word “feel” that means you’re still discovering or learning something.
- Example: I want to feel out how much Sheila is open to working on the new project.
#2: Get a sense of…
This can be used when you’re getting to know someone new.
Recruiters can use this as well to share they are looking for more information about a candidate.
- Example: I want to get a sense of how our clients feel about the changes we have been making.
#3: Get the hang of
This phrase is similar to learning about something or someone.
- Example: Let’s get the hang of this software before we move on.
Roleplay
Lindsay and Michelle use the tips and vocabulary shared in today’s episode in a roleplay.
This will help you better understand how to apply these in conversation.
In this scenario, Michelle is new at the office and Lindsay is showing her around.
Lindsay: I know it feels like a lot, but you’ll easily get the hang of things over time.
Michelle: Thanks, Lindsay. Right now I’m just trying to get a sense of how to get around this building!
Lindsay: Oh it’s so confusing, I know! If you want to take a walk with me during lunch, I can help you get a feel for how to find your way!
Michelle: Thanks. I’m still feeling out my new smart watch too- maybe the GPS will help me!
Lindsay: Haha!
The power of learning
Learning is crucial in your everyday life, and it doesn’t have to be just at work.
Gathering information can be very helpful overall.
You will need the vocabulary to express yourself when you’re in the process of learning.
It is important to get a feel of the people around you and the work you’re doing.
This will help you progress and achieve your goals.
This can help you with your English learning journey.
Takeaway
It is vital that you continue to keep learning and seek out new information.
Consume a variety of materials in English to improve every day.
All Ears English has so many resources to help you connect and be closer to communicating like a native English speaker.
You can check out episode BE 380: Accidents Happen – How to Say You Made a Mistake at Work.
This will give you more ways to express yourself like a native English speaker in the business world.
What other phrases can you use to share about what you’ve been learning?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
