How do Americans celebrate Halloween?

A way to introduce an activity that many people commonly do for Halloween.

Tone and use: Neutral explanatory language; common means widespread, not universal. Describe a familiar custom while allowing that not everyone takes part.

May not fit: Avoid presenting a tradition as universal across all regions or families.

Cutting shapes into a pumpkin, often making a face or design for decoration.

Tone and use: Seasonal U.S. activity, especially around Halloween. Talk about making a jack-o’-lantern or decorating a pumpkin.

May not fit: Carving refers to cutting into the pumpkin; painting it is a different activity.

A carved pumpkin, traditionally with a light inside, used as a Halloween decoration.

Tone and use: Strongly associated with Halloween in the United States; spelling and capitalization vary. Recognize or talk about carved pumpkins displayed around Halloween.

May not fit: A plain pumpkin is not a jack-o’-lantern until it has been carved; traditions vary by household.

Place something on the covered entrance area outside a house.

Tone and use: Everyday U.S. home vocabulary; a porch is a feature of some, not all, homes. Explain where a seasonal decoration is displayed.

May not fit: If the home has no porch, say by the front door or outside the entrance.

Begin to shine or make a place bright; here, the candle makes the carved pumpkin glow.

Tone and use: Common and flexible; it can also describe a person’s face brightening. Describe a light, display, or expression becoming bright.

May not fit: If something is switched on but does not visibly glow, turn on may be more precise.

In addition to serving one purpose, something also has another use.

Tone and use: Neutral explanatory transition. Add another function or use to a description.

May not fit: If the second point contrasts rather than adds information, use however or unlike instead.

The option someone likes the least among the choices being discussed.

Tone and use: Common conversational preference language. Ask which item or activity a person likes least.

May not fit: It can sound blunt in a sensitive context; soften it by asking which one they prefer less.

Approximately two years in the past; couple is often used loosely in conversation.

Tone and use: Informal spoken U.S. English; a couple of years ago is a fuller version. Refer to a recent past event without naming an exact year.

May not fit: For an exact timeline or formal writing, give the year or say a few years ago.

Tapping or hitting a door so the people inside know someone is there.

Tone and use: Everyday phrase that gains a specific cultural meaning during Halloween. Describe approaching homes to ask for candy or speak with residents.

May not fit: Follow the neighborhood’s customs and respect homes that do not invite visitors.

The traditional phrase children say when visiting homes in costume to ask for Halloween candy.

Tone and use: A set Halloween greeting in the United States; it is not a literal threat in this context. Understand the phrase used during Halloween door-to-door visits.

May not fit: Do not use it as an ordinary request for food outside the Halloween custom.

Is affordable within the amount of money you can spend.

Tone and use: Neutral practical language for comparing classes, purchases, or plans. Explain that an option is affordable for someone.

May not fit: If price is flexible, discuss the exact cost rather than assuming what someone can afford.

A calendar with many commitments and little free time.

Tone and use: Neutral and common when discussing availability. Explain why timing or flexibility matters.

May not fit: If you need to arrange a meeting, suggest specific times instead of only saying you are busy.

Will not criticize or think badly of you because you make errors while learning.

Tone and use: Reassuring and supportive; often used to make a learner feel comfortable. Encourage someone to practise without fear of embarrassment.

May not fit: In professional feedback, pair reassurance with constructive guidance when correction is needed.

Wear a costume to represent or look like a different person or character.

Tone and use: Neutral costume language; dress up as is the more concise alternative when naming the character. Describe using clothing and accessories to take on a character for an event.

May not fit: For regular clothing rather than a costume, just describe what the person is wearing.

Includes the dress as part of the set or purchase.

Tone and use: Neutral shopping language; the item included can vary by package. Ask what clothing or accessories are included with a costume.

May not fit: Check the product details, since a pictured accessory may be sold separately.

Apply cosmetics to your face.

Tone and use: Common personal-care language; put on is a separable phrasal verb. Describe applying makeup before an event or performance.

May not fit: For stage or costume effects, specify face paint or special-effects makeup if that is what you mean.

Created by using something as a model or source; based on is the more widely accepted form in edited English.

Tone and use: Common informal speech, especially in the United States; some speakers consider off of nonstandard here. Understand casual conversation about an adaptation or design inspired by something.

May not fit: In polished writing or formal speech, prefer based on.

Invite viewers to leave a response in the comments area below a video or post.

Tone and use: Common creator language on video and social platforms. Ask an online audience to share an opinion or experience in comments.

May not fit: In an in-person conversation, simply say let me know or tell me.

Visit homes one after another, typically in a neighborhood.

Tone and use: Neutral phrase; Halloween context makes the purpose trick-or-treating. Describe a route involving repeated visits to different houses.

May not fit: In sales or fundraising contexts, door-to-door can carry a different meaning; state the purpose.

Give something to several people, usually one person at a time.

Tone and use: Everyday and neutral; the object makes clear what is being distributed. Talk about distributing candy, flyers, food, or materials.

May not fit: For a formal distribution process, distribute may be more precise.

Wearing a costume that makes someone look like a named person or character.

Tone and use: Natural and common costume language; as introduces the role or character. Ask or explain what character someone represents.

May not fit: For ordinary fashion rather than a costume, describe the clothes directly.

Ask someone to explain or describe the extra items that complete an outfit or costume.

Tone and use: Friendly interview question; accessories can include jewelry, props, or other add-ons. Invite someone to describe details of their clothing or costume.

May not fit: If you want a specific item, ask about it directly instead of using the broad word accessories.

Introduces a topic or aspect being considered; here, the speaker narrows the answer to face makeup.

Tone and use: Conversational topic marker; can sound hesitant when repeated. Separate one part of a broader topic from other details.

May not fit: For precise formal writing, state the specific subject directly.

Completed or made something personally rather than having someone else do it.

Tone and use: Neutral; myself adds emphasis that the speaker did it independently. Describe a repair, project, or creative work you personally completed.

May not fit: If someone helped, acknowledge their contribution rather than implying you worked alone.

The activities and celebrations associated with a special event or holiday.

Tone and use: Neutral to slightly formal, though common when talking about celebrations. Refer collectively to parties, decorations, music, or other event activities.

May not fit: For one specific activity, name it instead of using the broad term.

The effort or dedication people show in following the theme they chose.

Tone and use: Positive and conversational; commitment here means enthusiasm, not an obligation. Compliment the detail or effort people put into costumes or a themed event.

May not fit: If discussing a promise or contract, commitment has a more serious meaning.

Visit several bars one after another, usually during a social night out.

Tone and use: Informal adult nightlife language and often implies drinking alcohol. Understand how some adults describe an evening visiting multiple bars.

May not fit: Do not assume everyone drinks or that bar hopping is suitable for every person or event.

Put several choices together and select one at random, as if drawing a name from a hat.

Tone and use: Informal and visual; the selection may be literal or figurative. Describe choosing randomly from several ideas or names.

May not fit: If the decision was deliberate rather than random, say they chose or agreed on one.

Describes the final result when it differs from or follows a process of deciding or changing.

Tone and use: Common conversational narrative phrase. Explain what something finally became or how a situation turned out.

May not fit: For a planned outcome, say it was or we chose rather than implying an unexpected result.

Visiting a spooky attraction, often staffed or decorated to frighten visitors, especially around Halloween.

Tone and use: Common seasonal entertainment in the United States; some attractions have age guidance. Talk about a Halloween outing or ask what people like to do.

May not fit: A haunted house attraction is different from a real home rumored to be haunted.

Something a person plans or intends to do, though it may not have been completed yet.

Tone and use: Common and conversational; it can signal an intention without a deadline. Mention a task or experience you hope to complete.

May not fit: If a firm deadline matters, give the date rather than relying on a general to-do list.

At or before the final part of the current week.

Tone and use: Useful deadline language; the exact day can depend on the speaker’s workweek. Set an approximate time by which a task may be completed.

May not fit: For a strict deadline, state the exact date and time zone.