How can you be more optimistic and positive in English?

So you want to be big. You want to get a great job, maybe get in shape, start your own family, get a raise! Or maybe you want to be a more optimistic, positive person who supports their friends in times of need. Oh, yes. Dreaming is definitely a part of human nature. We all want to be optimistic, positive and open to beautiful opportunities. But being optimistic *in English*? Hmmm...that does not come so naturally! Today we look at different ways you can speak English in a positive, optimistic way. You can start using this advice today!

**Use will to talk about hopes and dreams**

In English, the word will gives optimism and hope. We use it in combination with other verbs to talk about something we hope can happen in the future. The structure is personal pronoun + will + another verb. It is also very common for English speakers to use I’ll, you’ll, he’ll, she’ll and we’ll instead of I will, you will, he will, she will or we will. Here are some examples:

One day, I will speak English just like you!
We will visit Paris together one day.
You will get that job interview! I know it!
You’ll finish that project in no time. You’ll see!
I’m almost sure that I’ll get the job.
She’ll arrive safely, I know it.
Everything will be fine.

Use the imperative to support a friend

You can learn some common expressions in English that don’t use the word will, but still be optimistic and helpful. Many of them are in the Imperative form, which we use to either give orders or advice! For example, you can comfort your friends when they have a problem by telling them:

Don’t be scared, everything will be alright.
Don’t worry about it! I’m here with you!
Stay strong. We can go through this together.
Believe in yourself! You are stronger than you think.
Go for it. You’ll never know if you never try!
Don’t give up. You can do this!
Follow your dreams. You can’t just sit around and do nothing!

Of course, you do not need to use these for friends only. You can use them for yourself when you are feeling down and need some positive affirmations to move on with your day!

Replace negative keywords with positive ones

As humans, we have some amazing days and some cloudy days. Our optimism is sometimes stronger and other times weaker, and that is okay! However, there seems to be a pattern in the way people talk that tells us if they are optimistic or pessimistic. Pessimistic people use darker, negative words and adjectives much more often. Optimistic people use words that are inspiring, uplifting and hopeful. The difference is in the choice of words! For example:

Pessimistic people	Optimistic people
They use the word “never” or “always” a lot, and it is usually to say something negative.	They use more balanced words like “sometimes”, “often”, “some” and try not to generalise too much.
They use the word “impossible” or “not possible” a lot. They often say they “can’t” do things. They use words that put an end to dreams and possibilities immediately.	Optimistic people like to believe everything is possible. However, when they have doubts, they don’t use the word “impossible” very often. They prefer more balanced terms like “unlikely”, “not likely”, “not probable”, “improbable”, “doubtful”, etc. These words still leave possibilities open!
They use the word “should” a lot to express regret and blame for things they cannot change anymore.	They use words of possibilities and opportunity, such as “can”, “may” or “might”.
They tend to downplay positive things, using boring words like “fine”, “good”. On the other hand, they exaggerate the negative things. Nothing is just “bad”: it is “horrible”, “disastrous”, a “catastrophe”!	They do the exact opposite. While they also use negative adjectives, they tend to be very expressive when giving positive opinions and use colourful adjectives. See step number 4 below!

Get creative with your adjectives!

We can all say that something is “good”, “great” or “beautiful”. But after a while, it gets a little boring. Truly optimistic, positive people use colourful adjectives that bring the beauty out of anything they see! Next time you feel like saying something is just “good”, try to use one of these positive adjectives to be more expressive. For example, you can say something or someone is...

wonderful
delightful
spectacular
stunning
fabulous
brilliant
heavenly
phenomenal
Incredible

Do you notice how these words are much more cheerful and lively? Next time somebody asks you about your vacation, about your hometown, your partner or your best friend, try to describe them using these exuberant adjectives!

Where can you go from here?

Your next step is to write a short text using will to talk about your future hopes and dreams. You can focus on your career, your family and friendship goals, or other personal wishes. Keep it positive and optimistic! You can also book a speaking class with a teacher or a language exchange partner to practice describing your favourite people and places with cheerful, bright adjectives. Finally, after reading this article, you will start noticing the amount of encouraging expressions in popular songs in English, series and movies! And remember: don’t give up on your dream of speaking fluent English. You’ll reach your goal sooner than you believe, and we will be here to celebrate your success! If you'd like to explore your dreams and become fluent in another language, visit our website and sign up for your free trial. Our native speaking teachers are looking forward to meeting you!

Maria Inês Teixeira

Maria Inês has been working as a language teacher and blogger for more than 2 years. Born and raised in Portugal, she got a BA in Art Studies and a MSc in Cultural Management.