The start of a new year is a perfect time for setting goals and reflecting on personal growth. Many people around the world make New Year’s resolutions to help them improve their lives, whether by adopting new habits, breaking old ones, or achieving specific milestones. For English learners, understanding the language of resolutions can be an excellent way to expand vocabulary and practice speaking about personal goals.
Common Vocabulary for Resolutions
When talking about resolutions, several key phrases and structures are commonly used. Here are a few examples:
"I want to..."
Example: "I want to exercise more this year."
This phrase is ideal for expressing personal desires or goals.
"I’m going to..."
Example: "I’m going to learn a new language."
Using “going to” shows intention and commitment.
"I plan to..."
Example: "I plan to read more books this year."
This structure is great for discussing specific plans.
"I’d like to..."
Example: "I’d like to spend more time with my family."
This phrase is softer and expresses a wish or preference.
"My goal is to..."
Example: "My goal is to save money for a vacation."
This is a clear way to state specific objectives.
Grammar Tips for Talking About Resolutions
When making resolutions, we often use verbs in their base form after certain phrases like “I want to” or “I plan to.” Pay attention to verb structures:
To + Base Verb: "I want to eat healthier."
Base Verb: "I will exercise every morning."
Present Continuous: "I’m going to start studying for my exams."
Modal verbs like will and might are also common when discussing resolutions, as they convey certainty or possibility:
"I will quit smoking this year."
"I might join a gym in February."
Topics for Common Resolutions
Here are some popular areas people focus on for their resolutions, along with examples of how to talk about them in English:
Health and Fitness:
"I’m going to eat more vegetables and drink more water."
"I’d like to start running three times a week."
Career and Education:
"I plan to take a professional development course."
"My goal is to improve my English skills."
Personal Development:
"I want to read one book a month."
"I’m going to learn how to cook new recipes."
Relationships:
"I’d like to spend more time with my friends and family."
"I plan to volunteer in my community."
Tips for Sticking to Your Resolutions
Making resolutions is easy; keeping them is the hard part. Here are some tips to help you stay committed:
Be Specific: Avoid vague goals like "get healthier." Instead, say, "I will walk for 30 minutes every day."
Set Realistic Goals: Make sure your resolutions are achievable. For example, instead of "I’ll become fluent in English in one month," try "I’ll practice English for 20 minutes a day."
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use an app to monitor your success.
Use Positive Language: Focus on what you’ll do instead of what you won’t do. For instance, say "I’ll choose healthier snacks" instead of "I won’t eat junk food."
Practice Activity
Now it’s your turn! Write down three New Year’s resolutions in English. Use the phrases and grammar structures from this article. Share them with a friend or teacher to practice speaking and receive feedback.
For example:
I’m going to start meditating for 10 minutes every morning.
I want to learn 10 new English words every week.
My goal is to save money for a trip abroad.
Final Thoughts
Making New Year’s resolutions is a wonderful way to challenge yourself and set a positive tone for the year ahead. For English learners, it’s also an opportunity to expand your language skills while reflecting on your personal growth.