- The Crystal Clear English Newsletter
- Posts
- š No wave, no nod, no nothing
š No wave, no nod, no nothing
#092
Jack Ellis
July 20, 2025
I learnt to drive in the UK.
Not in a city, but in the countryside.
On narrow country lanes, where thereās only room for one car.
Just like this
When you meet another driver coming the other way, one of you reverses a little bit.
Back to a wider section, with just enough space for both cars to pass.
No drama. Just quiet corporation.
Driving around the narrow roads of the Greek island of Milos, Iāve been reminded of this.
But one difference struck me.
You see, in the UK, when someone goes to the trouble of making way for youā
you acknowledge it.
A raised hand from the top of the steering wheel.
Maybe just a single finger lifted in gratitude.
A polite nod.
A quick flash of the lights if itās dark.
Itās not just politenessāitās a ritual.
A way of saying, thanks, I appreciate it.
In Greece?
Not so much.
No wave.
No nod.
No acknowledgement.
They just drive on.
As if nothing happened.
Next time youāre in the UK and someone lets you pass, remember to raise a finger.
Just not the middle oneš .
A small gesture speaks volumes
This weekās three tips:
SOMETHING TO AVOID š«£
š¤¦š»āāļø āI canāt to passā
Never say can to. If you really want to say to, then say to be able to instead.
We were able to visit the museum
ā āI canāt passā
Just remember to omit to.
You can fit through the gap
SOMETHING TO SOUND CONFIDENT š§
š Business expressions
āGood formā
Used to describe actions that are considered polite, expected, or part of proper professional etiquetteāeven if theyāre not required.
I always follow up with a thank-you email after meetings. Itās just good form.
SOMETHING TO WATCH š
NEXT STEP ā”ļø
LOOKING FOR MORE?š
Keep learning,
The Crystal Clear English Team
Please give us your opinion about this newsletter by replying to us āļø
and remember to follow us on social media š«¶
Reply