A2 • Lesson 9
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
To fix a mistake or error.
"I correct myself when I make a mistake."
An error or something done wrong.
"I made a mistake. I said Monday not Sunday."
Clarify or correct what you just said.
"I like... I mean, I love coffee."
Feeling regret; asking forgiveness.
"Sorry, I made a mistake."
One more time; a second time.
"Let me say that again."
Reference to what you just said.
"I said Monday, but I meant Tuesday."
Clarify your true intention.
"What I meant was that I like tea."
Acknowledge an error politely.
"Sorry, I made a mistake. I meant Tuesday."
Fix a mistake you just made.
"Let me correct that. It was sunny, not rainy."
Correct yourself quickly.
"I went on Monday... I mean Tuesday."
Clarify your real meaning.
"What I meant was I like tea better."
Introduce a correction naturally.
"Actually, I was wrong about that."
Repeat something more clearly.
"Let me say that again. I meant 3, not 8."
Everyone makes mistakes when they speak. That is normal. Good speakers know how to correct themselves. They don't wait for someone else to fix the mistake. They correct it right away.
You can say "I mean..." or "Sorry, I made a mistake." These phrases help you fix errors. You can say "I went Monday... I mean Tuesday." You correct the wrong word quickly.
You can also say "Let me correct that" or "What I meant was..." These show you noticed the mistake. You want to be clear. You want your listener to understand the right information.
Self-correction shows confidence. You are not afraid to fix your mistakes. You focus on clear communication. You don't let the mistake confuse your listener.
Practice correcting yourself. When you make a mistake, stop and fix it. Use simple phrases. Be clear about what you meant. This is an important speaking skill.
~225 words • A2 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "What do you do when you make a mistake?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Is it difficult to correct yourself in English?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "Do you prefer to correct yourself or have someone help?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes