“Indianisms” are unique English expressions commonly used in India. They are phrases or words that may sound completely natural to Indians, but unusual or even confusing to someone from another country.
For example:
These are everyday phrases in India, but a native English speaker from the US or UK may pause and wonder what you mean.
It’s important to understand that Indianisms are not “wrong”. They are simply a reflection of how English has adapted to Indian culture, languages, and communication styles. Just like British English and American English have their differences, Indian English has its own identity too.
Let’s look at some phrases many Indians use in daily English. They sound fine in India but may confuse speakers from other countries. Here are a few:
Quick Tip:
You don’t need to stop using Indianisms when speaking with Indians—they are part of Indian identity. But when speaking internationally, choosing standard English alternatives makes communication clearer.
Many Indianisms come from direct translations of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other local languages into English.
English in India was shaped during the British colonial period. Over time, certain formal or outdated English expressions remained in Indian usage, while they disappeared elsewhere.
Once a phrase becomes common in offices, schools, or daily conversations, everyone starts using it even if it isn’t standard English.
Key Point:
Indianisms are not mistakes, they are simply a local style of English. But for clear communication with global audiences, it helps to know the difference.
The short answer: it depends on your audience.
In India
Indianisms are perfectly fine. Everyone understands them, and they are part of how English has evolved in India. Saying “prepone the meeting” in an office email is completely normal here.
Outside India
Indianisms may confuse people who are not used to them. For example, if you tell an American colleague “I am having a doubt,” they may not understand that you simply mean “I have a question.”
Balanced Approach
The goal is not to “erase” Indian English, but to adapt depending on who you are speaking to.
You don’t have to give up Indian English—but you can learn simple ways to make your sentences clearer when speaking globally.
1. Use Simple Global Alternatives
Instead of: “Please do the needful.”
Say: “Please take care of it.”
2. Read and Listen to Global English
Watch movies, read news, or listen to podcasts in standard English. You’ll naturally pick up correct word order and phrases.
3. Practice Replacing Indianisms
Take one Indianism you use daily and replace it with a standard phrase.
4. Focus on Clarity, Not Perfection
Don’t stress about accents or sounding “foreign.” Just make sure your words are clear and easy to understand.
Example Transformation
Notice how just one word change makes it clearer.
At English Partner, we teach learners to practice with real dialogues, so replacing Indianisms becomes automatic in daily speech.
Indianisms are a natural and unique part of Indian English. They reflect our culture, languages, and the way English has evolved in India.
Quick Recap:
The key is balance: be proud of Indian English, but also learn to adapt when needed.
At English Partner, we make this process easy. Our spoken English courses online give you daily practice to switch smoothly between Indian and global English, so you can speak with confidence anywhere in the world.
Indianisms are unique English phrases commonly used in India, often influenced by local languages or culture. Example: “Prepone the meeting.”
No, they are not wrong. They are part of Indian English. But outside India, they may confuse people, so it’s better to use global English alternatives.
Because of direct translations from Indian languages, colonial-era English that stayed, and everyday repetition in schools, offices, and conversations.
Some popular ones are:
