Are you traveling for business or pleasure to an English speaking country? There are several phrases that can help you sound more like a native speaker. Learning them will not only help you understand the language but may impress the people you are visiting.
1. Nice to meet you - This phrase is used in a Greeting. For instance “Hello, nice to meet you!” meaning 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 a formal and informal conversation.
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, or 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 let’s 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 a formal or informal conversation.
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 some 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 work place 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 maybe used when something can be done quickly like; “I can do that in no time!” or meaning it’s a breeze. This is definitely a 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 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 you’re a-game”
42. Take it easy - This phrase is commonly used is casual situations. It means 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 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.
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1. How is it going? – You can ask this question to a person that you have not seen for a long while. It is sort of asking how the person has been and what he or she has been doing. This phrase can also be used to check on the progress of someone’s project, undertaking or feat.
2. Long time no see! – When you have missed a friend or a close family member, you can ask them this question. It sets the stage for more discussion and updates on what has been going on in the person’s life. You should only say this to friends, family members and close colleagues.
3. What have you been up to? – Do you suspect that a friend or a close colleague has not updated you on his or her undertakings? Pose this phrase and seek more clarification on their life, business work or school. It is a genuine need to know how a friend has been fairing on.
4. Can’t complain – This is a typical answer to the question ‘how have you been?’ you can say this when your life has been good, but no major breakthrough or success. It is like saying that things could be worse, but you’re glad they are not.
5. How do you know? – When someone has told you something that you didn’t expect to hear from them. For example, you want to break some news only to realize that the person is already aware, you can exclaim with this question.
6. That’s a good one - that’s a good joke! – When someone tells you something really funny or something that you did not expect to hear, you can say this. In addition, when someone gives a sarcastic comment, answer or exclamation, you can say ‘that’s a good one’.
7. Its very kind of you! – Has someone opened the door for you or done something seemingly small but very thoughtful? You can thank them by saying this. This phrase is common where friends and colleagues do something out of the ordinary for one another. Feel free to use it when someone surprises you at the office, at home, school and other places.
8. Thank you anyway – Assume someone has volunteered to do something only to find that the task has been completed. You can thank them for their selflessness and thoughtfulness by saying this phrase. It shows that you recognize their effort even if it did not yield the desired results.
9. Thank you in advance! – Do you want to ask for a favor from a friend and are afraid that they may decline? Use this phrase to motivate them to oblige to your request. When you thank someone in advance, it is an expression of your eagerness to have the task done, and they will put efforts to complete it.
10. No worries – When someone reports to you that the tea is not as hot as they expected, you can tell them ‘no worries’. This statement shows that you are okay with whatever proposition, result or situation there is.
11. What’s going on? - Do you want to check on a teammate, colleague or friend? Use this phrase to indicate that you hope for the best. It is commonly used where you know the person has been struggling with a task and that you genuinely wan to solve the problem.
12. Did I get you right? –Sometimes, people say or do things that we do not expect, are shocking or are bizarre. This is perhaps the best statement to say in reaction to that shocking deed or statement. It shows that you cannot believe what the person has said and are looking for clarification.
13. Don’t take it to heart – When you tell a person this, it is a warning that you are about to blast them! It is a cool way to ask a person not to take offense at what you are about to say. Once warned, you expect them not to take the following statement personal.
14. I didn’t catch the last word – Has somebody talked to you and you did not understand the last bit of the sentence? Here is a common phrase to politely ask them to repeat what they have said. It shows your earnest request for clarification. A business partner who has not understood the stipulations of a formal contract can pose this question and expect a clarification.
15. Sorry, I wasn’t listening – If you are listening, reading and thinking about other things as someone tries to draw your attention, here is a polite way to let them know that you were distracted. Ask this question when you are with close friends as opposed to your university lecturer or boss at work.
16. It doesn’t matter – Sometimes we all lose or cool, especially when we are frustrated, angry or irritated with people and situations. This is a not so prudent phrase to exclaim that things must work out as planned regardless of underlying challenges, difficulties or drawbacks.
17. Fingers crossed! –So you have attended a job interview and you are hoping and praying for the best. When your friends ask how it went, you can say ‘fingers crossed’ to express your optimism of a positive outcome. We traditionally cross fingers when we are cheering our favorite team to win the match.
18. Oh, that. That explains it. – Picture this- Judy comes to the office excited about something, but you cannot tell what it is. Later in the day, Alex breaks news that Judy has been promoted to a managerial position. You can say ‘that explains it’ to state that you now understand why she was so happy in the morning.
19. Things happen – Life is full of unexpected things, surprises and unforeseen occurrences. When you are trying to explain the event to someone who cannot understand it, saying this phrase is a good show of vocabulary. It is sort of to say, ‘do not be so surprised’.
20. Sorry to bother you – Do you want to talk to a friend who looks busy with a task or undertaking? Say these words to express your desire and to let them know that you do not intend to be rude. It is an alternative to saying. ‘Excuse me’ or ‘do you have a minute?’ say this when you need a favor from someone.
21. I’ll be with you in a minute – You are late for a meeting but you need to reply to an urgent email. You can say these words to the people already in the meeting room and let them know that you will back in a short while. This comes in handy when you need to respond to a more urgent matter.
22. Where were we? – So you have returned to the meeting from a short distraction, and want to know how far you had gone with the meeting. Ask this question to try and revert to the mood and agenda of the meeting.
23. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch you – Somebody has been speaking fast for many minutes and you did not really understand what they said. Here is a polite way to ask them to repeat what they said. It shows that you were genuinely trying to hear, but something obstructed you.
24. Lucky you! – Your friend comes to you bragging about an achievement that you don’t have. For example, it has been raining and your colleague has a car to go home, while yours is broken. It states that the other person is lucky to have what you lack.
25. I freaked out - to become very angry, scared or excited- This common phrase follows a situation of shock, fear, terror and anxiety. Say this when you were genuinely afraid of something that has passed or elapsed in the not so distant past.
26. Good for you! – Has someone wronged you only to have his bad deeds punished? This statement is said when you are happy about the punishment or repercussions of a wrong deed or insult.
27. You’ve got to be kidding me! – This is perhaps the best reaction to something utterly unbelievable. If someone says or does something strange, bizarre and out of the ordinary, say this to express your surprise and shock.
27. You’ve got to be kidding me! – This is perhaps the best reaction to something utterly unbelievable. If someone says or does something strange, bizarre and out of the ordinary, say this to express your surprise and shock.
28. Cheer up! – When someone close to you has suffered something terrible such as a disease or loss, encourage them by saying these words. The phrase is a simple yet effective way of telling the person that the situation will pass and pave the way for happier moments.
29. Come on, you can do it! – This is a common phrase among coaches, mentors, bosses and managers. Use this to motivate, encourage and inspire someone who does not believe in himself. It seeks to drive motivation into them so they will not give up on the undertaking or endeavor.
30. Keep up the good work! – This is a common English phrase said by teachers and university professors to congratulate and recognize the exceptional performance of students. Parents can also use it to congratulate their loved ones on an achievement.
31. It's not the end of the world – When someone has failed to attain a desired result, achievement or milestone, you can use this statement to let them know that they can try again in future. It motivates them to understand that there could be better opportunities.
32. That’s lit! - That’s amazing! – Here is another common English phrase that seeks to recognize of applaud the positive results and achievements of someone close to you. Use it in place for ‘congratulations’.
33. There you go! – Have you hacked something that as troublesome, tricky and difficult. Use this phrase to ululate, cheer or be glad about the feat. It is also a great phrase to applaud a loved one or close friend for some exceptional result.
34. Not a bit! – This phrase is a connotation that you are not interested in what a person is offering or propositioning. It is also used to express disinterest in an activity, undertaking or project. It can mean that you have not touched a task at all.
35. There is no room for doubt – When someone has done something so well that there is no uncertainty, you can say that there is no room for doubt. Tis phrase is common in court rooms when lawyers and magistrates are litigating cases. When used in normal speech, it expresses your certainty that everything is clear.
36. I’ll text you! – This phrase can be used when you do not really have a ready answer at the moment. So you inform the person that you will contact soon with an answer. This is an informal way to buy time to think, explore and consider the options. It does not exactly mean that you will write an SMS message, but will get in touch in any way.
37. It’s not worth it! – When you face a situation where you cannot foresee a positive outcome or result, you can use this phrase. If a project or undertaking will cause you to spend more resources that you are gaining, the venture is not worth it. Managers often use this phrase to discourage their team members from spending time and money on something that will not bear results.
38. You rock! – When someone has done something extraordinary or highly fruitions, you can say that they rock. It is a slang that has found its way in English parlance to mean that you are great, amazing, incredible and awesome. Tell this to your team member who has scored big results in school or at work.
39. You should go the extra mile… - This common English statement means that you should work a little harder than you have before. It is often used to inspire, encourage and push someone to put in more efforts, especially if past endeavors have failed. Interchange it for the phrase ‘do not give up’.
40. Step up your game - Start performing better – Have you come a situation where you feel a teammate has not given his or her all? You can ask the person to put in their best foot forward so that they could attain better results. This common phrase is used by experienced people when addressing their junior counterparts.
41. Pull yourself together - Calm down and behave normally – When people are faced with difficult circumstances and challenges in life, they can be easily demotivated and lose focus. This English phrase is employed when talking to a person who needs encouragement. When one is crying over the death of a loved one, you can use this phrase to ask him or her to wipe away their tears and manage the situation better.
42. You sold me! - You convinced me on something – When you sell something to someone, it means that you have won their confidence so well that they agree with you 100%. It is a statement meaning that someone has been convinced, enticed and induced to try whatever is being proposed.
43. Couldn’t care less - used to express total lack of interest in something – This expression is used to state a person’s lack of confidence in a proposal, item or idea. If you care less, it means that you do not think the idea will bear any fruitful result. Ladies who are angry with their boyfriends often use this phrase in informal settings.
44. This is a no-brainer - Easy decision – A no-brainer is a situation where you can make a decision with ease. There is no quagmire, dilemma or indecision as far as taking a certain action is concerned. Use this phrase when you want to convince people to take a certain decision or undertaking.
45. You screwed up – When you have screwed up, it means you have done an awful or dreadful mistake that will cost the team, company or association. If your boss tells you that you have screwed up, you know you are in deep trouble for the errors that you have committed. Brace yourself for the imminent punishment or penalty.
46. You are driving me nuts! – This phrase is used to mean that a person is angry, frustrated and unhappy with you. This is especially when you have repeatedly made mistakes or failed to attain other people’s expectations.
47. Can you cover me? - Can you work in my place? – Use this phrase when you need to ask someone to do you a favor and make up for your inadequacy. Use it when you need a colleague at work to replace you or do something on your behalf.
48. I’d better be going – This phrase is used when you need to hit the road or when you are running late to an appointment or meeting. When it is late in the evening and you need to rush from the office to get home in time to wash the kids, you could use this phrase.
49. Thank heavens it’s Friday – This is a common English phrase in most offices these days, where people are tired from the week’s activities. You can say this when you look forward to having a restful weekend.
49. Thank heavens it’s Friday – This is a common English phrase in most offices these days, where people are tired from the week’s activities. You can say this when you look forward to having a restful weekend.
50. Take care! – Are you bidding goodbye to a close friend, colleague or a family member? Use this phrase to let them know that you wish them well while you will be apart. It is a phrase that expresses your hope for seeing them again in the near future.
The above are just a few examples of the most common phrases in the English language today. You will be delighted to note that hundreds of others exist, making the language one of the richest in the world. Feel free to use these to enrich your vocabulary.