Top phrases for describing where you are from

This lesson focuses on how to talk about where you are from.

There are some questions that people will always ask you when you first meet. One of the most common is ‘Where are you from?’. It’s a safe, fairly impersonal question so it’s a good way to start a conversation and to lead to other conversations. Therefore my tip is memorise some phrases to talk about where you are from.

I’m going to show you the type of phrases I would use to talk about where I’m from and then you can try to apply this to your own city or town. There are three simple things you can describe: Location, landmarks, things to do. 

Let’s learn the useful vocabulary!

1) Location – Whereabouts*?
I’m from Portsmouth, which is a city on the south coast of England. It’s an island actually and I live two minutes walk from the beach.

2) Landmarks & Highlights
Portsmouth is known for its naval base and historic dockyard. You might have heard of the spinnaker tower. It’s an observation tower where you can see the whole of Portsmouth. The view is amazing!

3) Things to do
It’s great for kids because it has lots of parks and space but there’s not much to do for teenagers.
It’s great for couples and friends because there are lots of restaurants and night clubs but there’s not much to do in the winter.

Writing practice

Look at my underlined phrases in each section above. You can use these phrases and apply them to your own town or city, just change the other information. Try writing your own sentences using my template below:

“I’m from _______________ which is _______________. I live _______________.
_______________ is known for _______________ You might have heard of _______________. The _______________ is amazing!
It’s great for _______________ because it has _______________ but there’s not much to do _______________.”

How was that? See if you can do it again without looking at the template.

Speaking practice

Now try to memorise it and, when you are ready, try saying it to a mirror or record yourself on your mobile phone. Does it sound natural? Don’t forget to vary your tone and use some body language 🙂 As your English improves, you can add more information and more complicated structures. 

And when you feel confident talking about your home town, you could also try recommending places.

So, next time somebody asks you where you are from, try to remember your sentences and then ask them about their home town and keep that conversation going!!

So where are YOU from? Let me know in the comments section below – Try to use the structures from this lesson 🙂

* Whereabouts is commonly used to ask for a more precise location, e.g. “I live in Portsmouth.” “Oh really. Whereabouts?” “Near the shopping centre.”