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40 of the Most Important Basic English Expressions to Learn.

Why Common Expressions Are So Important

Learning common English expressions is an essential step for anyone starting to learn the language. These expressions, also known as "idiomatic expressions" or "phrases," help learners communicate effectively in everyday conversations. By mastering these, learners can convey their thoughts clearly, engage in social interactions, and understand native speakers better.

Expressions also provide cultural insight, as they often reflect the values, humor, and customs of English-speaking countries. Additionally, they enable learners to speak more naturally, improving both fluency and confidence.

Below is a list of 40 essential English expressions for basic learners. Each expression comes with an explanation and an example sentence to demonstrate its use.

1. How are you?

  • Meaning: A common way to greet someone and ask about their well-being.
  • Example: "Hi! How are you today?"

2. Nice to meet you

  • Meaning: Used when you meet someone for the first time.
  • Example: "Nice to meet you, I'm Sarah."

3. Thank you

  • Meaning: An expression of gratitude.
  • Example: "Thank you for helping me with my homework."

4. You're welcome

  • Meaning: A polite response after someone says "thank you."
  • Example: "Thanks for the ride!" – "You're welcome."

5. Excuse me

  • Meaning: Used to get someone’s attention or to apologize for interrupting.
  • Example: "Excuse me, where is the nearest train station?"

6. I'm sorry

  • Meaning: Used to apologize for something you have done wrong.
  • Example: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you."

7. No problem

  • Meaning: A casual way of saying that something is okay or that it’s not an issue.
  • Example: "Can you help me with this?" – "Sure, no problem!"

8. What’s your name?

  • Meaning: A polite way to ask someone for their name.
  • Example: "Hi, I’m David. What’s your name?"

9. I don’t understand

  • Meaning: Used when you want to say that you do not understand something.
  • Example: "Could you repeat that? I don’t understand."

10. Can you help me?

  • Meaning: A polite way to ask for assistance.
  • Example: "Can you help me find the library?"

11. Good morning

  • Meaning: A greeting used before noon.
  • Example: "Good morning, how was your weekend?"

12. Good night

  • Meaning: Used to say goodbye before going to bed or when leaving late in the evening.
  • Example: "Good night, see you tomorrow!"

13. How much is this?

  • Meaning: Used when you want to ask the price of something.
  • Example: "How much is this book?"

14. I’m hungry

  • Meaning: Used when you want to express that you need food.
  • Example: "Let’s go get some lunch, I’m hungry."

15. Where are you from?

  • Meaning: A polite way to ask someone about their place of origin.
  • Example: "I’m from Canada. Where are you from?"

16. What time is it?

  • Meaning: Used to ask the current time.
  • Example: "Excuse me, what time is it?"

17. See you later

  • Meaning: A casual way to say goodbye, indicating you will meet again soon.
  • Example: "I have to go now. See you later!"

18. I don’t know

  • Meaning: Used when you don’t have the answer to something.
  • Example: "Who won the game?" – "I don’t know."

19. Let’s go

  • Meaning: A way to suggest leaving or starting something.
  • Example: "It’s getting late. Let’s go."

20. I’m tired

  • Meaning: Used to express that you need rest or sleep.
  • Example: "I’m tired after a long day at work."

21. I like it

  • Meaning: Used to express your enjoyment or approval of something.
  • Example: "This song is great, I really like it!"

22. Can I have...?

  • Meaning: A polite way to ask for something.
  • Example: "Can I have a coffee, please?"

23. What’s this?

  • Meaning: Used when asking about an object you don’t recognize.
  • Example: "What’s this thing on the table?"

24. Where is the bathroom?

  • Meaning: A question used when you need to find the restroom.
  • Example: "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?"

25. I’m lost

  • Meaning: Used to say that you don’t know where you are or how to get to your destination.
  • Example: "Can you help me? I’m lost."

26. What do you do?

  • Meaning: A common question to ask someone about their job or profession.
  • Example: "What do you do for a living?"

27. I don’t mind

  • Meaning: Used to express that something is okay with you, or you have no preference.
  • Example: "Do you want to watch a movie?" – "I don’t mind."

28. Take care

  • Meaning: A friendly way to say goodbye and wish someone well.
  • Example: "Bye, take care on your trip!"

29. How do you say… in English?

  • Meaning: A question used when you want to know the English word for something.
  • Example: "How do you say ‘merci’ in English?"

30. That’s right

  • Meaning: Used to agree with someone or confirm information.
  • Example: "So, you’re from Brazil?" – "Yes, that’s right."

31. I’ll take it

  • Meaning: Used when you decide to buy something.
  • Example: "How much for this jacket?" – "30 dollars." – "Okay, I’ll take it."

32. I feel sick

  • Meaning: Used to express that you’re not feeling well.
  • Example: "I’m going to lie down. I feel sick."

33. I’m busy

  • Meaning: Used when you’re occupied with something and can’t do anything else.
  • Example: "Can we talk now?" – "Sorry, I’m busy right now."

34. It’s up to you

  • Meaning: Used to let someone else decide.
  • Example: "Where should we go for dinner?" – "It’s up to you."

35. What’s wrong?

  • Meaning: A question asked when someone seems upset or something seems to be going wrong.
  • Example: "You look sad. What’s wrong?"

36. Calm down

  • Meaning: Used to tell someone to relax or become less angry or excited.
  • Example: "Calm down, we’ll figure out the problem."

37. Watch out!

  • Meaning: A warning to be careful or to avoid danger.
  • Example: "Watch out! There’s a car coming!"

38. I’ll be right back

  • Meaning: A way to say you will return shortly.
  • Example: "Wait here, I’ll be right back with the keys."

39. I agree

  • Meaning: Used to express that you have the same opinion as someone else.
  • Example: "That movie was fantastic!" – "Yes, I agree!"

40. Don’t worry

  • Meaning: Used to comfort someone and tell them not to be concerned.
  • Example: "I think I lost my phone!" – "Don’t worry, we’ll find it."

In conclusion, these 40 common English expressions are fundamental for any beginner looking to build a solid foundation in the language. They are used in everyday situations, making them essential tools for effective communication. By mastering these phrases, basic learners can not only express their thoughts more clearly but also better understand native speakers.

Remember, learning a language is like building a house—you start with the basics, and these expressions are your first bricks. Use them often, practice them in conversations, and soon you’ll notice your confidence and fluency growing.

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