The English We Speak
Intermediate level
Find your groove
Episode 240819 / 19 Aug 2024

(Image: Getty)
Introduction
Here's an expression about finding something you love.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello. Welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei, and I'm here with Phil.
Phil
Hello. How are you, Feifei? I keep hearing you humming tunes around the office – are you happy about something?
Feifei
I am. I'm really getting into music. I've started playing the piano. It was difficult at first, but now I'm really finding my groove.
Phil
That's good to hear, and 'find your groove' is the expression that we're learning in this programme. What does it mean?
Feifei
Let's start with 'groove'. We can use it to talk about a rhythm or a piece of music that's easy to dance to. When you find your groove, it means you find you can do something easily, and you really start to enjoy it. Whether that's playing music or something else.
Phil
I'm glad you've found your groove with the piano, but as you said, it's not just music. So, at work recently, I've started editing a lot of videos. It was difficult at first, but I've really found my groove with it. It's becoming a lot easier.
Feifei
Oh, that's good! Now, let's listen to some people using the expression 'find your groove'.
Examples
So, I moved house a few weeks ago, and my commute to work changed. I now have to get two trains to work, and I kept getting lost. But recently, I found my groove. It's much easier now.
I've got a new job. I have to present to clients on a daily basis. I found it difficult at first, but I'm finally starting to find my groove.
I've joined a new football team. We didn't really know each other well, but now we do, and we play really well. We finally found our groove and won some games.
Feifei
So, we've said finding your groove is about getting good at something and starting to really enjoy it. Are there any other ways to use it?
Phil
Well, a similar way that we use it, is to talk about finding an activity that you enjoy.
Feifei
So, you could say: 'You should try something creative: music, painting, dancing – you've just got to find your groove'.
Phil
I'm glad you found your groove with the piano. Now, I think I need to find my groove. Maybe I should try dancing.
Feifei
Hmm, I'm not sure you're ready for that, but give it a try. Maybe you will find your groove!
Phil
OK, that's all from us - we'll be back next time with another useful English phrase.
Feifei
See you then. Bye!
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