Learn Casual, Everyday English
Phrases from These 8 Awesome
Webcomics
Hyperbole and a Half
Is a blog that uses silly illustrations to show the story
The blogs here are about many topics, from hilarious stories
about the blogger’s dumb dog to serious firsthand descriptions of issues like
depression.
There isn’t as much dialogue here as in the other webcomics.
The blog is written in a friendly and conversational way and uses many useful
English phrases.
Sample phrase: “There was nothing I could do.”
t’s usually said
in a sad tone, when you want to do something but can’t.
The Oatmeal
It uses a similar art style as Hyperbole and a Half, but focuses more on art than writing blogs.
There isn’t as much dialogue here either, but it makes up for it with extremely
colorful images and a huge variety of comics.
There’s even an entire section about grammar that provides easy-to-understand guides for difficult English topics .
This comic often discusses mature topics (topics
appropriate for adults only) and uses crude (rude, vulgar) language.
Sample phrase: “Forget that guy.”
It means don’t worry
about it.
Dinosaur Comics
Isn’t about the art.It uses the same few drawings over and over again.
The beauty of this comic
is in the dialogue.
The language can be a bit difficult to understand, and the
topics can get pretty philosophical and thought-provoking.
The conversations in the comics are great for discovering interesting phrases and some more academic language.
Sample phrase: “This will blow your mind.”
This phrase means that something is so crazy you’ll have trouble believing it.
Dr. McNinja
Meet the doctor…who’s also a ninja!
It’s beautifully drawn and takes you on a really fun, insane adventure.
Sample phrase: “Speak of the devil.”
This isn’t necessarily a negative statement. It’s just
another way of saying “Hey, we were just talking about you!
Doctor Cat
The cutest doctor you’ll ever have.
He might not have thumbs, but he can still perform a difficult surgery while playing with his mouse toy.
Sample phrase: “Now that you mention it…”
When a person says something and it makes you remember something
Girls With Slingshots
Is what’s called a “slice of life” webcomic.
It shows the adventures of two young women as they struggle to make it in the world after college, making many friends along the way.
The comic uses a lot of sarcasm and talks about some serious life issues.
But it always does so with a humorous tone.
Sample phrase: “Thanks for stepping up to bat.”
This phrase is a way to express your thanks when someone does something to help. By saying it, you’re telling the person that you appreciate their help.
Two Guys and Guy
This comic is about three friends who are “less than perfect people.”
Wayne is a normal—but somewhat wimpy (weak)—guy, Frank might be an evil genius and Guy is a mean girl.
The comics show them in situations that are typical—trying to write a book, getting along with others—and some that are
much weirder, like robots and cloning.
Guy and Wayne speak in a conversational way and use a lot of English phrases.
Sample phrase: “There is nothing to be concerned about.”
It means “Don’t worry!” Another, less formal way of saying the same thing is
“Don’t sweat it.”
Stick in the Mud
Is what everyone calls the main character’s bar.
Rod’s bar is not a normal bar—some of the people who hang out there aren’t really people at all.
It’s a comic about good drinks, strange monsters and a guy just trying to live his life and get over his ex-girlfriend.
Sample phrase: “Stick in the mud.”
A stick in the mud is someone who doesn’t like trying new or exciting things.