Common English Phrases for Daily Conversation

Speaking English fluently is not only about knowing grammar or vocabulary—it’s about using common expressions that native speakers use naturally in daily life.
Below are categorized examples you can use immediately in real conversations.

1. Greetings and Introductions

Basic Greetings:

• Hi! / Hello! / Hey there!

• Good morning! / Good afternoon! / Good evening!

• How are you?

• How’s it going?

• What’s up? (informal)

• Long time no see!

• Nice to see you again.

• How have you been?

Introducing Yourself:

• I’m [Your Name]. Nice to meet you.

• It’s great to finally meet you in person.

• I’m new here.

• I just moved to this city.

• What do you do?

• Where are you from?

Responding:

• Nice to meet you too.

• I’ve heard a lot about you.

• Oh, I think we’ve met before.

• Welcome aboard! (for work or school)

2. Small Talk and Everyday Conversation

Weather and Daily Life:

• It’s such a nice day, isn’t it?

• Can you believe how hot it is today?

• It looks like it’s going to rain.

• The weather’s been crazy lately.

• How’s your day going?

• What have you been up to?

Talking about Work or Study:

• How’s work going?

• I’ve been really busy lately.

• I have a big project coming up.

• My boss has been so demanding recently.

• I’m still looking for a new job.

• I’m studying for my exams.

Talking about the Weekend:

• Got any plans for the weekend?

• I’m thinking about just staying in.

• I might go hiking if the weather’s nice.

• I’m meeting some friends for dinner.

• I had such a relaxing weekend.

3. Expressing Opinions and Feelings

Giving Opinions:

• I think that’s a great idea.

• In my opinion, it’s not worth it.

• Personally, I prefer something else.

• From my point of view, it’s risky.

• I’d say it’s pretty common.

• That’s just how I see it.

Agreeing:

• I totally agree with you.

• That’s exactly what I was thinking.

• You’re right about that.

• Absolutely! / Definitely!

• That makes sense.

Disagreeing (Politely):

• I see your point, but…

• I’m not so sure about that.

• I’m afraid I disagree.

• That’s one way to look at it.

• I don’t really think so.

Expressing Feelings:

• I’m so excited about it!

• I feel a bit nervous.

• That makes me really happy.

• I’m tired of doing the same thing.

• I’m a little disappointed.

• I couldn’t be happier!

4. Asking for and Giving Directions

Asking:

• Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to [place]?

• Is this the right way to [place]?

• How far is it from here?

• Is it within walking distance?

• Can I take a bus there?

Giving Directions:

• Go straight ahead.

• Turn left at the traffic light.

• It’s across the street from the bank.

• It’s next to the supermarket.

• You can’t miss it.

• It’s about a 10-minute walk from here.

Clarifying:

• So I just go straight and turn right, right?

• Let me make sure I got that.

• Thanks for your help!

5. Shopping and Restaurants

Shopping Phrases:

• How much is this?

• Do you have this in another color?

• Can I try it on?

• Where’s the fitting room?

• I’ll take it. / I’ll think about it.

• Is there a discount on this item?

• Can I pay by card?

• Could you give me a receipt, please?

At a Restaurant:

• A table for two, please.

• Could we have a menu, please?

• What do you recommend?

• I’ll have the chicken, please.

• Can I get this without onions?

• Could we get the bill, please?

• The food was amazing!

• Can I take this to go?

6. Making Plans and Appointments

Inviting Someone:

• Do you want to grab coffee sometime?

• Are you free this weekend?

• How about meeting tomorrow afternoon?

• Let’s go out for dinner.

• Would you like to join us?

Responding:

• Sounds great!

• I’d love to.

• I’m not sure yet. Let me check my schedule.

• Sorry, I already have plans.

• Maybe another time?

Confirming:

• What time should we meet?

• Where should we meet?

• See you at 7 then!

• Don’t be late!

7. On the Phone or Online

Starting a Call:

• Hi, this is [Name]. Is now a good time?

• Sorry for calling out of the blue.

• Could I speak to [Name], please?

• I’m returning your call.

During the Conversation:

• Can you hear me okay?

• Sorry, could you repeat that?

• Hold on a second.

• Let me check that for you.

Ending the Call:

• Thanks for your time.

• I’ll get back to you soon.

• Talk to you later.

• Have a great day!

8. Apologies and Thanks

Apologizing:

• I’m really sorry about that.

• My apologies for the inconvenience.

• It won’t happen again.

• Sorry, I didn’t mean to.

• I’m sorry, I forgot.

• Please forgive me.

Responding to Apologies:

• That’s okay.

• Don’t worry about it.

• No problem at all.

• It happens.

Showing Gratitude:

• Thank you so much!

• I really appreciate it.

• That’s very kind of you.

• Thanks a lot for your help.

• I owe you one.

• You made my day!

9. Asking for Help or Clarification

When You Need Help:

• Could you help me with this?

• I’m not sure what to do.

• Can you show me how it works?

• I’d appreciate your advice.

• Sorry to bother you, but I have a question.

Clarifying Understanding:

• What do you mean by that?

• Can you explain that again?

• I didn’t catch that.

• So, you mean I should…?

• Got it, thanks!

10. Expressing Preferences and Making Choices

Preferences:

• I prefer coffee to tea.

• I like staying home on weekends.

• I’d rather go by taxi.

• I’m not a big fan of spicy food.

• I love trying new restaurants.

Making Decisions:

• Let’s go with this one.

• I’ll take your advice.

• I haven’t decided yet.

• It’s hard to choose.

• Let me think about it.

11. Talking About Time and Schedules

Common Phrases:

• What time is it now?

• I’m running late!

• I’ll be there in 10 minutes.

• Sorry, I’m stuck in traffic.

• Let’s meet at noon.

• How long will it take?

• I’ll let you know by tomorrow.

• It’s getting late.

Confirming or Changing Plans:

• Can we reschedule?

• Something came up.

• Let’s postpone it.

• I’ll make it up to you.

• Thanks for understanding.

12. Compliments and Encouragement

Complimenting:

• You look great today!

• That outfit suits you.

• You did a fantastic job.

• I really like your style.

• You’re so talented!

Encouraging:

• You can do it!

• Don’t give up.

• Keep going, you’re almost there.

• I believe in you.

• Things will get better.

13. At Work or School

Common Phrases:

• Could you send me that file?

• I’ll finish it by tomorrow.

• Let’s have a quick meeting.

• I’ll double-check that.

• Please keep me updated.

• I’ll take care of it.

• Sorry, I’m still working on it.

• Great job on that project!

In Class:

• Can I ask a question?

• I don’t understand this part.

• Could you repeat that, please?

• I’ll look it up later.

• That makes sense now.

14. Social Media and Online Chatting

Casual Expressions:

• LOL (laugh out loud)

• BRB (be right back)

• BTW (by the way)

• TTYL (talk to you later)

• OMG (oh my God)

• Sounds good!

• That’s awesome!

• Let’s catch up soon!

Polite Online Replies:

• Thanks for reaching out!

• Appreciate the update.

• Let me get back to you on that.

• Great seeing your message!

• Have a nice day ahead.

15. Everyday Survival Expressions

In Emergency or Urgent Situations:

• Call an ambulance!

• I need help!

• Can you call the police?

• I lost my wallet.

• I think I’m lost.

• Where’s the nearest hospital?

• Please hurry!

Travel Situations:

• What time does the flight leave?

• I need to check in.

• Is this seat taken?

• Could you take a photo for me?

• I’d like to book a room.

• Do you have any vacancies?

Final Tips for Mastering Daily English

1. Listen and Imitate: Watch movies, YouTube, or podcasts to hear real usage.

2. Use Them Daily: Even short conversations help build confidence.

3. Focus on Tone: Be polite and friendly — tone matters as much as words.

4. Record Yourself: Listening back improves pronunciation and rhythm.

5. Learn in Context: Don’t memorize — use phrases in real situations.

FAQs

What are “common English phrases,” and why should I learn them?

Common English phrases are high-frequency expressions that native speakers use in everyday situations like greetings, small talk, making plans, and asking for help. Learning them helps you sound natural, respond faster, and reduce the mental load of building sentences from scratch. Because these phrases are pre-assembled language units, they improve fluency, listening comprehension, and confidence. They also provide safe, polite defaults you can rely on in unfamiliar contexts such as work, travel, or online chat.

How can I memorize phrases without sounding robotic?

Focus on chunks, not individual words. Practice each phrase in three versions: neutral, friendly, and formal (for example, “Could you help me with this?”, “Can you give me a hand?”, “Would you mind helping me?”). Record yourself and shadow native audio to match rhythm and stress. Rotate two or three alternatives so you don’t overuse one. Finally, personalize by adding small details: “Could you help me with this report?” or “Mind giving me a hand with directions?”

Which phrases should I prioritize as a beginner?

Start with greetings (“Hi, how’s it going?”), polite moves (“Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me”), clarification (“Sorry, could you repeat that?”), and simple social turns (“Sounds good,” “No worries,” “Let me check”). Add direction phrases (“Go straight,” “Turn left”), time management (“I’ll be there in 10 minutes”), and basic restaurant and shopping lines. These cover most daily interactions and help you maintain conversations even when you lack advanced vocabulary.

How do I choose between formal and informal expressions?

Consider your relationship, context, and stakes. Use formal phrasing at work, with strangers, or when making requests (“Would you mind…?”, “I’d appreciate it if…”). Choose informal phrasing with friends or peers (“Wanna…?”, “Sounds good!”). If unsure, start slightly formal and adjust after the other person’s tone becomes clear. Watch for cues like first names, emojis, or slang; mirror politely but avoid jumping straight to overly casual language until trust is established.

What are polite ways to disagree without offending?

Use softeners and signpost respect. Try: “I see your point, but…,” “I’m not sure I agree,” or “From my perspective…” Add a positive frame: “That’s a helpful way to look at it; here’s another angle.” Offer evidence rather than judgment, and end with openness: “What do you think?” Avoid absolute statements (“You’re wrong”) and keep voice calm and steady. Polite disagreement is a skill; practice short, clear, friendly sentences.

How can I keep small talk going naturally?

Use follow-up questions that start with how and what: “How did you get into that?”, “What was the highlight?” Mirror keywords and add a small personal detail to invite reciprocity: “I’ve been meaning to try hiking there—any beginner trails?” Shift topics gently with bridges: “Speaking of weekends, do you have any plans?” Finally, watch the other person’s energy: if answers shrink, close gracefully with “Great chatting—catch you later!”

What phrases help when I don’t understand someone?

Keep it brief and specific: “Sorry, I didn’t catch that—could you say that again, a bit slower?” or “Do you mean the meeting is at noon or two?” Confirm your understanding: “So, we meet at reception at 1 p.m., right?” Use closed questions to verify details and open questions when you need explanation. Avoid pretending to understand; polite clarification saves time and prevents mistakes.

How do I sound more confident when speaking?

Use short, declarative phrases and anchor words like “Right,” “Exactly,” and “Good question.” Replace apologies with appreciation: swap “Sorry for the delay” for “Thanks for your patience.” Keep your pace moderate and end sentences cleanly. Practice common openings so you start strong: “Here are the key points,” “I have two quick questions,” or “Let me confirm the timeline.” Confidence is structure plus tone—prepare your first and last sentences in advance.

What’s the best way to learn pronunciation for these phrases?

Shadow short clips of native speakers: play, pause, and repeat in sync, matching stress and intonation. Mark stress with capitals or bold (HEL-lo, How’s it GO-ing?). Link words to reduce choppiness (“gonna,” “wanna” in casual speech, but keep formal forms for writing). Record on your phone and compare waveforms visually to notice rhythm. Prioritize intelligibility over accent reduction; clarity beats perfect imitation in real conversations.

How can I practice alone if I don’t have a partner?

Use scenario loops: choose a situation (café order, job check-in), write five likely lines, and speak them with different emotions (calm, excited, rushed). Time-box micro-sessions: three minutes of greetings, two minutes of clarification. Read dialogues aloud, then personalize them with your own details. Create audio flashcards with both sides spoken. Consistency matters more than length; daily five-minute practices outperform weekly marathons.

What’s a safe set of phrases for professional emails and chats?

Open with “Hi [Name],” and use clear frames: “Quick update on…,” “A couple of questions regarding…”. Make requests politely: “Could you please share the file by [date]?” Show thanks and next steps: “Thanks in advance. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.” Close with “Best regards” or “Kind regards.” For chat, shorten but stay polite: “Quick ping—are you free for five minutes?” Avoid slang unless your team uses it broadly.

How do I avoid filler words like “um” and “uh”?

Replace them with silent beats and placeholder phrases: “Let me think for a second,” “That’s a great question.” Use signposting to buy time while sounding organized: “There are two parts to this,” “First… second…”. Practice with a timer: answer a question for 30 seconds without fillers, focusing on breathing at commas and periods. Fewer, stronger sentences reduce filler pressure and make your message easier to follow.

What are polite ways to end a conversation?

Signal appreciation and a next step: “It was great catching up—let’s reconnect next week,” or “Thanks for the insights; I’ll follow up by Friday.” In casual chats, try “I’ve gotta run, but let’s talk soon.” Use location anchors to exit gracefully: “I need to head to my next meeting,” “I should grab the train.” Ending well preserves rapport and makes future conversations smoother.

How can I make requests without sounding demanding?

Add three elements: a softener, a clear ask, and a reason. For example: “Would you mind sending the slides by noon so I can prepare the summary?” Offer flexibility when possible: “If noon is tight, 2 p.m. also works.” Acknowledge effort: “I appreciate your help on this.” These moves convey respect and increase the chance of a positive response, especially across cultures and time zones.

What should I say when plans change?

Own the change, state the new plan, and thank them. Try: “Something came up on my side—could we move our call to tomorrow at 10? If that’s tough, I can do 4 p.m. instead. Thanks for understanding.” Avoid vague apologies without solutions. Offer one or two alternatives to reduce back-and-forth. End with confirmation: “I’ll send an updated invite now.” Clear rescheduling language protects relationships and schedules.

How do I handle cultural differences in politeness?

Lead with clarity and kindness. In uncertain settings, choose neutral, respectful phrasing and avoid strong humor or sarcasm until you know the norms. Ask meta-questions when appropriate: “Is it okay if I’m direct about timing?” Mirror the other person’s pace and formality, and be generous in your interpretations. When you make a misstep, a simple repair works: “My apologies—that came out too direct. I meant…”

Are idioms and phrasal verbs necessary for daily conversation?

They help you decode native speech and add color, but start with core functions first: greetings, requests, clarification, scheduling. Learn a small, high-impact set that repeats often in your context: “figure out,” “run into,” “set up,” “turn out.” For idioms, pick ones with clear meanings and low risk: “No worries,” “That makes sense,” “Out of the blue.” Use them sparingly until you’re sure of tone and fit.

How can I track progress and stay motivated?

Choose measurable goals: “Use five new phrases in real conversations this week,” or “Record a 60-second update daily.” Maintain a living phrase bank grouped by situation (greetings, work, travel). Each Friday, prune duplicates and add two upgraded alternatives. Celebrate micro-wins: fewer clarifications needed, faster replies, smoother call openings. Progress in conversation is compounding—small daily improvements create noticeable fluency within weeks.

What should I do if I forget a phrase mid-sentence?

Use a bridge to keep the floor: “Let me rephrase,” “Another way to put it is…”. Replace the missing phrase with a simple structure you control: subject + verb + object. For example, swap “I’m weighing the pros and cons” with “I’m still deciding.” The goal is continuity, not perfection. After the conversation, note the gap, write two alternatives, and rehearse them aloud three times.

How do I adapt phrases for phone and video calls?

Add check-ins and confirmations to offset weaker nonverbal signals: “Can you hear me clearly?”, “I’ll share my screen now,” “I’ll follow up with a summary email.” Keep openings crisp: name, purpose, agenda. When lag or overlap happens, use resets: “Go ahead,” “You first,” “Please finish your thought.” End with explicit next steps and timing. Call-friendly phrasing keeps momentum even with technical hiccups.

English Speaking Guide