When you learn to speak a new language, it is important to pay attention to the most common phrases that are used in that language. Besides vocabulary, common phrases are one of the most important factors that decide whether or not you are capable of speaking a new language well enough in just a short period of time.
So, why are common phrases so important to your success?
A Common phrase is a group of words put together in order. It has a meaning different from the meaning of all individual words put together. Therefore, you have to learn and remember the whole phrase.
Common phrases are used in virtually every daily conversation that native English speakers have. If you want to improve your English speaking quickly, you must learn the way native speakers speak by learning the common phrases that always use the most.
In addition, it is easier to memorize and recall a long-phrase or sentence than it is a single word. This is especially true when developing listening skills because when you are a part of a conversation with native speakers, you will be more likely to recognize and understand a long phrase than a single word.
The same thing happens when you speak. If you use common phrases when you speak, native speakers will be more likely to understand what you are trying to say even if your pronunciation may not be that good.
For example, if you greet a native English speaker: “Is your health good?”, he would most likely not understand the question due to the fact that this is not a question that is commonly associated with a greeting. But if you were to ask them "Hi, how are you today?" then they are guaranteed to understand your meaning.
In conclusion, learning the most common phrases that native English speakers use is one of the fastest ways to learn Spoken English.
Below are 130 of the most common English phrases, from basic to advanced level which will help you to better understand, and be understood when having conversations with native speakers in English.
Good luck and good studying
50 BASIC/INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS
1 Nice to meet you- This phrase is used in a Greeting. For instance “Hello, nice to meet you!” means you are happy to meet that colleague, future friend, etc... It is used as a pleasant way to greet someone.
2. Where are you from? – Used as an opening in “small” talk to carry a conversation or conversation starter. Asking them what is the location they live in, or what country or city they are from. It is also used in formal and informal conversations.
3 How do you spell that? – If you are writing something down and you’re not sure of the proper spelling you can ask them “How do you spell that?” to get the correct answer. This is the proper way to ask for correction or if you simply do not know.
4 What does that mean? If you are in a meeting, or at work and are having a difficult time understanding a concept, or something that is being presented you can ask “What does that mean?” to ask for clarification. This is a formal way to as what something means in a business meeting, or at work.
5 Can you speak slower? – This phrase is used if you are in a conversation with someone and they are speaking too fast for you to understand them. This phrase is used in a formal conversation or an informal one as well. “Can you speak slower?”
6 Could you please repeat that? - If you are in a formal or informal conversation and you didn’t hear some or any of what the person said you can say “Could you repeat that” or “Can you please repeat that” . This is commonly used in classes, at work, or in an important business meeting.
7 I don’t understand I don’t know what you just said, or if you can’t comprehend the conversation and need clarification. It is commonly used in informal conversation but can be used in a business setting as well.
8 So what do you think? This phrase is used to ask the other person their opinion on your conversation. It is commonly used in everyday conversation. Can be used in business situations if you are looking for an opinion on a paper, report, or idea, etc..by saying “What do you think?”
9 How does this look? – This is used when you want an opinion on the appearance of something. For instance, if your friend just got a new outfit or clothing and they want your opinion they might say “How does this look?” giving you the opportunity to respond with their opinion.
10 Sorry, I’m running late – This is used if you are going to be late to a meeting or an appointment of some sort. It’s an apology for being tardy or not getting to a meeting on time. It also will let someone know you’re not going to be there at your scheduled time. It is often used in a formal conversation.
11 I appreciate that – This phrase is commonly used to let someone know you are grateful for something they have done. Or to show them you are thankful for a favor they may have done for you. For instance “Thanks so much for picking up my hours last week, I appreciate that.”
12 A piece of cake- This phrase is commonly used to let people know that something is going to be or was an easy task. For instance “I completed the assignment it was a piece of cake”. This phrase is often used informally.
13 I’m feeling under the weather- This common phrase is used when someone is not feeling good, sick, or ill. “I’m feeling under the weather today.” This is an expression you would use when speaking to a friend or neighbor in an informal setting.
14 Adding insult to injury – This phrase is often used in everyday conversation to describe when a situation goes from bad to worse. For instance, if someone had recently lost their job, now they are losing their car they may say ‘To add insult to injury, the car lot is repossessing my car.”
15 What’s new? – This phrase is used to ask the other person what has been happening since you last met with them. It is often used as a conversation starter or a greeting. This phrase is often used in informal conversations.
16 How are things? – This is an informal phrase often used to ask someone how they have been doing or how things in their life have been going. It is often used when someone hasn’t seen you in a while. Often used with friends, family, or a neighbor.
17 How’s life? – This is what you would say to a friend, or family member showing curiosity in what’s going on with them in general. It is commonly used in circles of friends.
18 Pretty good- This is used when describing how you are feeling or if someone asks you “How you are doing”. If you are feeling satisfactory you may say “I am feeling pretty good.’ Commonly used in informal conversations but can be used in some businesses situations.
19 Could be better- This is a phrase used to describe how you’re feeling when you are a bit down. You might say ‘I could be better” or “Things could be better.” Often used in an informal situation.
20 That’s so kind of you- This is a common phrase used to show how grateful or how much you appreciate what someone has done for you, or given you. If they have done a favor for you that you were not expecting you might say, “Thanks, that’s so kind of you.”
21 I owe you one- This is a common phrase used in common conversation when someone wants you to do them a favor and implies they will do one for you in return at a later date. For instance, in a work situation, they might say “can you complete the report for me, I will owe you one!”
22 It was nice chatting with you- This phrase is used to close a conversation. When you are having a conversation with a friend or colleague, even a stranger you can say “It was nice chatting with you” then they know you are ready to go.
23 I’ve never given it much thought – this is a phrase you say when you don’t really have an opinion about something. If a friend, colleague, or even a business partner asks your opinion about the conversation or an idea and you don’t really have anything to say one way or the other. You might say “I’ve really never given it much thought.”
24 That’s so true – This is a phrase you might use if you agree with something that is being said or an idea someone explains. For instance, after reading an article you agree with you might say “That’s so true. This is commonly used in informal conversations.
25 I agree 100% - use of this phrase is when you agree with something. If you are happy with what someone else says you might say “Yes, I agree 100 %” or in a class when a concept is explained, or even a story idea you may like you could say, “I agree with the story concept 100%”.
26 Tell me about it- This phrase can be used a few different ways for instance if you agree with something that’s being said you can say “tell me about it.” Or if a friend or colleague receives some news you might say “You want to tell me about it?”
27 That’s terrible- Is often used in casual conversation if something bad or sad has happened. For instance a friend tells you that their neighbor was in a bad accident, you might want to say “That’s terrible.” Meaning “That’s bad” Not commonly practiced in business settings or formal situations.
28 Oh no, I’m so sorry – This phrase is often used in conversation to describe how you might feel when something is wrong or if something bad happens to a friend or colleague. For instance, they tell you their mother is in the hospital you might say “Oh no, I’m so sorry.”
29 So sorry to hear that – This phrase is used in an informal and formal situation. If someone you know just got news about a family member, friend, or colleague passing away you might say ‘I’m so sorry to hear that.”
30 How about eating out tonight? – If you are interested in eating in a restaurant, a friend’s house, or somewhere other than where you live you might say “How about eating out tonight?” Then everyone knows you want to go somewhere else to eat.
31 I’m absolutely starving – This phrase lets people know you are hungry and ready to eat. It is often used in casual circles but could be used at a meeting to let someone know you’re ready for your lunch or a break. It can be used in both formal and informal conversations.
32 That’s a rip-off – This phrase says that something costs too much, or is too expensive. If you see something that costs more than at other stores chances are it’s a rip-off. It is most commonly used in casual conversations between friends, family, or colleagues.
33. I’m beat – This phrase is used to describe how you may feel after a long day of work or shopping. It means you are tired or worn out. Often used in casual conversation the person may say after coming in from work “I’m beat, I’m going to lie down.”
34 I’m exhausted – a phrase meaning tired or sleepy. For instance, when you have been working a lot of hours in a given week you might say “I’m exhausted, I’m going to bed early tonight.” This type of phrase is used in an informal conversation.
35 I’m going to hit the hay / (sack) – This phrase doesn’t mean a literal sack or even mean hitting actual hay. It is a different way to say going to bed, or sleep. If you come in tired you might tell your family after dinner “I’m going to hit the hay” or “I’m going to hit the sack.” Then they know you’re going to bed.
36 Don’t quote me on that – This phrase is commonly used around the workplace or in our careers. It is used after someone says something they are not entirely sure about. For instance, if they are unsure on the figures in a report they might say “but don’t quote me on that” letting the people in the meeting know they are not quite sure.
37 In no time- This phrase may be used when something can be done quickly like; “I can do that in no time!” or meaning it’s a breeze. This is definitely an informal conversation piece. However, in some situations, it can be used to answer your boss. For instance “When can you have the report done?” “I can have it done in no time.” It would mean immediately.
38 They’re too uptight – this means that they are too conservative, or stiff, too closed off. For instance “the ladies in retail are too uptight, they need to relax.’ This is something you might say in a general conversation about another person or type of people. It is often used in informal situations.
39 Pass the buck- “Are you really going to pass the buck?” – passing the buck is passing the responsibility or blame to another person. For instance, if you were at a meeting and someone lost an important business report and they keep blaming it on someone else, this would be passing the buck.
40 Take your time – If you are not in a rush to get something done you would be “taking your time”. This can be used to also tell someone not to rush to get it done. You might say “It’s okay you can take your time.”
41 Bring you’re a-game – You’re a game means your best or top performance. For instance, if you are going to give an important presentation your boss might tell you to “Bring your a-game”
42 Take it easy- This phrase is commonly used in casual situations. It means to relax or rest for instance if you have been working too hard your friend might say “Why don’t you go home and take it easy.”
43 Beating around the bush – This phrase means to circle around an idea without saying it. It may be used like “Stop beating around the bush and say it.” It is often used in casual conversations.
44 Miss the boat – This phrase means to miss an opportunity, to miss your chance. This phrase is often used to describe career opportunities missed. A person might say “don’t miss the boat.” They would mean don’t miss your chance. It is often used in informal conversations among friends and family members.
45 Lost your touch- This means someone is not as good as they used to be at something. They have lost their touch. For instance, you might say ‘John has lost his touch in basketball.” It is typically used in an informal conversation.
46 Sit tight – This means to sit still or wait. Best used in a casual or informal conversation. It is used like “Sit tight, I’ll be right back.” This is something you would say to a friend or colleague. However some situations it can be used in a business setting.
47 Get over it- This means to stop thinking about it, stop letting it bother you. This is a phrase used quite often in informal conversation. You might use it like “It’s been a week you should just get over it.”
48 For real? - This phrase means- honestly, or seriously. It is a statement of amazement often used with an exclamations point. Used in casual or informal conversation among friends, or colleagues for instance; “Are you for real!”
49 That’s sweet- The phrase “That’s sweet” can have a few meanings. For instance, if someone has done something nice for you, you can say ‘Awe, that’s sweet.” Or if you like someone’s new car you might say ‘That’s sweet!” Typically used in an informal setting for both meanings.
50 Let’s wrap it up – This means you’re ready to go. If you’re in a meeting you might say “okay guys, let’s wrap it up!” to signal the closing of the meeting. This can be used in both a formal and informal context.
80 ADVANCED ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS.
Phrases to ask how someone is:
- What’s up?
- What’s new?
- What have you been up to lately?
- How’s it going?
- How are things?
- How’s life?
Phrases to say how you are:
- I’m fine, thanks. How about you?
- Pretty good.
- Same as always
- Not so great.
- Could be better
- can't complain
Phrases to respond to good news:
- That’s great!
- How wonderful!
- Awesome!
- That’s great!
- How wonderful!
- Awesome!
Phrases to respond to bad news:
- Oh no…
- That’s terrible.
- Poor you. (Use this to respond to people in bad situations that are not too serious)
- I’m so sorry to hear that.
- Oh no…
- That’s terrible.
- Poor you. (Use this to respond to people in bad situations that are not too serious)
- I’m so sorry to hear that.
Phrases to say thank you:
- I really appreciate it.
- I’m really grateful
- That’s so kind of you.
- I owe you one. (this means you want/need to do a favor for the other person in the future)
Phrases to respond to thank you:
- No problem.
- No worries
- Don’t mention it.
- My pleasure.
- Anytime.
Phrases for weather:
- It’s a little chilly.
- It’s freezing. (It's extremely cold)
- Make sure to bundle up. (To put on warm clothes to protect against the cold)
- It’s a little chilly.
- It’s freezing. (It's extremely cold)
- Make sure to bundle up. (To put on warm clothes to protect against the cold)
Phrases for hot weather:
- It’s absolutely boiling! (Extremely hot)
- it scorching hot outside
- It’s absolutely boiling! (Extremely hot)
- it scorching hot outside
Phrases to end a conversation politely:
- It was nice chatting with you.
- Anyway, I should get going.
Phrases to ask for information:
- Do you have any idea…?
- Would you happen to know…? (When you’re not sure if the other person has the information.)
- I don’t suppose you (would) know…? (When you’re not sure if the other person has the information.)
Phrases for price:
- It cost a fortune.
- It cost an arm and a leg.
- That’s a rip-off. (It's far more expensive than it should be)
- That’s a bit pricey.
- That’s quite reasonable. (It’s a good price)
- That’s a good deal. (A good value for the amount of money)
- It was a real bargain.
- It was dirt cheap. (Extremely inexpensive)
- It cost a fortune.
- It cost an arm and a leg.
- That’s a rip-off. (It's far more expensive than it should be)
- That’s a bit pricey.
- That’s quite reasonable. (It’s a good price)
- That’s a good deal. (A good value for the amount of money)
- It was a real bargain.
- It was dirt cheap. (Extremely inexpensive)
Phrases for not having an opinion:
- I’ve never given it much thought.
- I don’t have strong feelings either way.
- It doesn’t make any difference to me.
- I have no opinion on the matter.
Phrases for agreeing:
- Exactly.
- Absolutely.
- That’s so true.
- That’s for sure.
- I agree 100%
- I couldn’t agree with you more.
- (informal) Tell me about it! / You’re telling me!
- (informal) I’ll say!
- I suppose so. (To agree, but reluctantly)
Phrases for disagreeing:
- I’m not so sure about that.
- That’s not how I see it.
- Not necessarily
Phrases to say I don’t know:
- I have no idea/clue.
- I can’t help you there.
- (informal) Beats me.
- I’m not really sure.
- I’ve been wondering that, too.
- I have no idea/clue.
- I can’t help you there.
- (informal) Beats me.
- I’m not really sure.
- I’ve been wondering that, too.
Phrases to invite someone somewhere:
- Are you free…
- Are you doing anything…
- (informal) Do you wanna…
- (formal)Would you like to…
Phrases for food:
- I’m starving! (Very hungry)
- Let’s grab a bite to eat.
- How about eating out tonight? (To eat out = eat at a restaurant)
- I’ll have… (You use this phrase for ordering in a restaurant)
Phrases for being tired:
- I’m exhausted.
- I’m dead tired.
- I’m beat
- I can hardly keep my eyes open
- I’m gonna hit the sack. (hit the sack = go to bed)
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