In the news · American football · Sport
How to Talk About an American Football Game in English
If you're watching American football with friends this week, you might want to join the conversation. Learn how to ask about the game, cheer for a team and share what you think.
Phrases you can use
Who are you supporting?
Which team do you want to win?
What's the score?
How many points does each team have?
Come on!
A shout to encourage a team or player.
Your tone helps show that you're cheering.
That was a great catch.
A player caught the ball really well.
I'm still learning the rules.
I don't know all the rules yet.
I missed the first part.
I didn't see the beginning of the game.
I hope it's a close game.
I hope the teams have similar scores, so either team could win.
What did you think of the game?
What was your opinion of the game?
Use this after the game has ended.
A practice script for your level
I watched some American football with my friends. I asked, who are you supporting? I'm still learning the rules, so I asked lots of questions. I missed the first part, so I also asked, what's the score? I enjoyed watching with my friends. We all shouted, come on!
I watched some American football with my friends, and it was fun to talk about the game together. I'm still learning the rules, so I asked them to explain a few things. I missed the first part, so I asked, what's the score? I also asked, who are you supporting? We didn't all support the same team, but that made it more fun. When a player caught the ball, I said, that was a great catch. I'd like to watch another game with them.
I enjoy watching American football with friends, even though I'm still learning the rules. It helps having someone next to me who can explain what's happening without making me feel silly for asking. If I arrive late, I'll say, I missed the first part. What's the score? I like finding out who everyone supports, too. I might ask, who are you supporting, and what made you choose that team? I hope it's a close game, because that keeps everyone interested. When something exciting happens, I'll probably shout, come on, or say, that was a great catch. Afterwards, I like asking, what did you think of the game? It's a nice way to carry on the conversation, even if we don't agree about every moment.
Common mistakes
Instead of I didn't watched the game.
Say I didn't watch the game.
After “didn't”, use the base form of the verb.
Instead of Let's discuss about the game.
Say Let's discuss the game.
Use “discuss” without “about”.
This lesson was prepared with the help of AI and reviewed by the Cuenook team.