# 1024 - The Thing Is - English Tips in a Minute | Happy English

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/happy-english-podcast-1725777/1024-the-thing-is-english-tips-in-a-minute-happy-english.md
Podcast: [Happy English Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/happy-english-podcast-1725777)
Published: 2026-04-04T00:00:03+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/1024-the-thing-is-english-tips-in-a-minute-happy-english--71077247
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71077247/1024_the_thing_is_english_tips_in_a_minute_happy_english.mp3
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Duration seconds: 104

## Resource

Hey there! It’s Michael here - and welcome back to English Tips in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every week with a short, simple tip to help you speak English more naturally and confidently. Today, let’s look at a really common conversational phrase - “the thing is…” We use the thing is when we want to explain a situation or give a reason, especially when there’s a problem, a limitation, or something we need to clarify. It’s very similar to here’s the thing, but a little softer and more casual. For example, someone might ask: “Why didn’t you come to the party?” You could say: “The thing is, I wasn’t feeling well.” Or maybe you’re explaining a situation: “The thing is, I already made other plans.” We often use this phrase when we want to be honest, but also polite. It helps soften what we’re about to say. Remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s English Tips in a Minute. Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool. The Happy English Podcast Helping people speak English better since 2014 Over 1,000 episodes • 8 million downloads 📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup 🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts 🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses https://www.myhappyenglish.com

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