The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself
Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself

A2ElementaryAugust 4, 20262 min
  • Language lesson
  • Language learning

Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone. You can get a free transcript for this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803 Find programmes to help you improve your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills And don't forget to sign up to our free newsletter to receive a message from your favourite presenters and our tips to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send...

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Sentence 5 of 12 · 1:27

Yes, he really seems to keep himself to himself. What does that mean?

, .

They prefer to be on their own and usually don't share much about their personal life.

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A2

A2 · Elementary

Everyday topics, clear speech

A1 43%A2 34%B1 11%B2 11%C1 0%
  • 89% of the words are B1 or easier.
  • 135 words a minute: a natural pace.
  • 3 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.

Transcript

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1:00

bbclearningenglish.com. Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei. And I'm Becca. Becca, our new office neighbour seems nice, but I hardly ever see him talking to anyone. Yes, he really seems to keep himself to himself. What does that mean?

1:27

If someone keeps themselves to themselves, they don't spend much time socialising with other people. They prefer to be on their own and usually don't share much about their personal life. Someone who is introverted could prefer to keep themselves to themselves. So does it mean they're unfriendly?

1:46

Not at all. Someone who keeps themselves to themselves can be perfectly friendly. It just means they're private or quiet. It usually has a neutral description, although sometimes people use it to suggest someone who is a bit mysterious. Ah, I see. Now let's hear some more examples.

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