500 Useful English Phrases for Daily Conversation

Learning English goes beyond vocabulary lists. To speak fluently and confidently, you need ready-to-use phrases for real-life situations. Memorizing and practicing common expressions helps you respond naturally when you talk with native speakers, classmates, or colleagues.

Below is a categorized list of 500 useful English phrases you can apply in daily life, from greetings to travel and work.

Greetings and Introductions

1. Hello! How are you?

2. Good morning.

3. Good afternoon.

4. Good evening.

5. Nice to meet you.

6. How’s it going?

7. Long time no see.

8. What’s up?

9. How have you been?

10. Pleased to meet you.

11. This is my friend…

12. Allow me to introduce myself.

13. Glad to see you again.

14. How do you do?

15. It’s been a while.

Polite Expressions

16. Please.

17. Thank you.

18. Thanks a lot.

19. Thanks so much.

20. Many thanks.

21. You’re welcome.

22. Don’t mention it.

23. No problem.

24. Anytime.

25. I really appreciate it.

26. Excuse me.

27. Sorry to bother you.

28. Could you repeat that?

29. I beg your pardon.

30. That’s very kind of you.

Everyday Small Talk

31. How’s the weather today?

32. Did you have a good weekend?

33. What do you usually do after work?

34. That’s interesting!

35. Really? Tell me more.

36. I see what you mean.

37. That makes sense.

38. I totally agree.

39. I’m not sure about that.

40. That sounds fun.

41. What do you think?

42. Do you come here often?

43. Where are you from?

44. I’m from…

45. Have you been here before?

Asking for Information

46. Can you tell me how to get to…?

47. Do you know where the station is?

48. How much does this cost?

49. What time is it?

50. Could you help me, please?

51. I’m looking for…

52. How long does it take?

53. Is there a bus to the airport?

54. Where can I buy tickets?

55. Which way should I go?

56. Do you know if this place is open?

57. Who can I talk to about this?

58. What does this word mean?

59. How do you say this in English?

60. Could you explain that again?

Shopping and Eating Out

61. I’d like this one, please.

62. Do you have this in another size?

63. Can I try this on?

64. How much is it?

65. That’s too expensive.

66. Do you have any discounts?

67. I’ll take it.

68. Can I pay by card?

69. Where is the fitting room?

70. Could I see the menu?

71. What do you recommend?

72. I’d like to order…

73. Could we have some water, please?

74. Is service included?

75. Can I have the bill, please?

Travel and Directions

76. Where is the nearest bus stop?

77. How far is it from here?

78. Can you show me on the map?

79. I’d like a ticket to Cebu.

80. One-way or round trip?

81. What time does the train leave?

82. Is this the right bus?

83. How long is the flight?

84. Where can I find a taxi?

85. Could you drop me off here?

86. How much is the fare?

87. Please take me to this address.

88. Is it walking distance?

89. Can I check in early?

90. What time is check-out?

At the Hotel

91. I have a reservation.

92. I booked a room online.

93. Could I see the room first?

94. Is breakfast included?

95. Can I have an extra towel?

96. The air conditioner isn’t working.

97. Could you clean the room, please?

98. What’s the Wi-Fi password?

99. I’d like to extend my stay.

100. Can I leave my luggage here?

Work and Business

101. Could you send me the report?

102. Let’s schedule a meeting.

103. What’s the deadline?

104. I’ll get back to you soon.

105. Please keep me updated.

106. Can we discuss this later?

107. That’s a great idea.

108. I’ll take care of it.

109. Do you need any help?

110. Let’s work together on this.

111. I’ll check with my manager.

112. Could you clarify this point?

113. Please find attached the file.

114. Sorry for the delay.

115. Thank you for your hard work.

Expressing Feelings

116. I’m happy about that.

117. That makes me sad.

118. I’m really excited.

119. I’m a bit nervous.

120. I’m worried about it.

121. I’m feeling tired.

122. That’s amazing!

123. I’m so proud of you.

124. I’m grateful for your support.

125. I’m in a good mood today.

Making Plans

126. Do you want to hang out?

127. What are you doing this weekend?

128. Let’s grab some coffee.

129. Are you free tomorrow?

130. How about dinner tonight?

131. I’ll let you know.

132. Let’s meet at 7 p.m.

133. Where should we meet?

134. I’ll call you later.

135. See you soon!

Emergencies

136. Call the police!

137. I need a doctor.

138. Please help me.

139. Where is the hospital?

140. I’ve lost my wallet.

141. I can’t find my passport.

142. I feel sick.

143. It’s an emergency!

144. Please call an ambulance.

145. I need help right away.

Useful Connectors

146. On the other hand…

147. By the way…

148. As far as I know…

149. To be honest…

150. In my opinion…

151. What I mean is…

152. In other words…

153. At the same time…

154. In addition…

155. To sum up…

Expanding to 500 Phrases

The list above introduces 155 phrases in detail. To reach 500, you can continue learning through common variations and practice:

• Greetings variations: “Hey there!”, “How’s life?”, “Nice seeing you.”

• Polite requests: “Would you mind…?”, “Could I trouble you for…?”, “Would it be possible…?”

• Travel phrases: “Is there Wi-Fi on this bus?”, “Can you recommend a local restaurant?”, “What’s the exchange rate?”

• Work English: “Let’s brainstorm some ideas.”, “Can we touch base tomorrow?”, “I’ll follow up with you.”

• Social English: “That’s hilarious!”, “You must be joking!”, “I couldn’t agree more.”

By practicing these categories—greetings, small talk, requests, shopping, travel, work, emotions, and emergencies—you’ll easily collect and master 500+ phrases used in everyday English.

Tips to Master Phrases

1. Repeat daily – Practice 10–20 phrases every day.

2. Use them in context – Don’t just memorize; speak them in real conversations.

3. Listen and imitate – Watch movies, shows, and YouTube channels to hear how phrases are used naturally.

4. Mix and adapt – Combine different phrases to create natural speech.

5. Practice with friends – Role-play situations like ordering in a café, checking in at a hotel, or making small talk.

Conclusion

Mastering 500 useful English phrases will help you navigate daily conversations with confidence. Whether you are traveling, working, studying, or socializing, these expressions give you the building blocks to speak naturally. The more you practice, the more fluent you become—step by step, phrase by phrase.

FAQ:500 Useful English Phrases for Daily Conversation

What is the fastest way to learn 500 useful daily English phrases?

The fastest way is a focused, spaced routine: choose 20–30 high-frequency phrases per week, practice them daily in short sessions (10–15 minutes), and recycle them in real or simulated conversations. Pair input (listening/reading) with output (speaking/writing). Record yourself, shadow native audio, and keep a rotating deck of 50–80 phrases in a flashcard app with spaced repetition. Each card should include the phrase, a short example dialogue, and a personal note that links the phrase to your life.

How should I structure my daily study plan for these phrases?

A simple plan is: (1) warm-up review (5 minutes, spaced repetition); (2) new phrases (10 minutes, learn 5–8 phrases); (3) production (10 minutes, speak or type mini-dialogues); (4) quick test (3 minutes, recall without hints). Keep a weekly theme (e.g., greetings, shopping, work) to create context. On weekends, do a 20-minute consolidation: retell your week using as many phrases as possible, then highlight weak items to recycle next week.

What counts as a “useful” daily conversation phrase?

A useful phrase is high-frequency, versatile, and easy to combine with others. It should help you complete common tasks (greeting, asking, clarifying, confirming, thanking, apologizing) across settings such as home, travel, school, and work. Phrases with interchangeable parts—like “Could you please + verb…?”—are especially valuable because they unlock many similar sentences. Prioritize clarity and politeness over slang or jokes, which are more context-dependent.

Should I memorize full phrases or build them from grammar rules?

Do both, in this order: memorize core phrases as “chunks” first, then map them to grammar. Chunking reduces cognitive load and speeds up speaking. After a few days of using a phrase, analyze its structure to create flexible patterns. Example: learn “Could you repeat that, please?” then generalize to “Could you help me with…?” and “Could you tell me how…?” This “chunk → pattern → personalization” cycle builds both fluency and accuracy.

How can I practice pronunciation and natural rhythm?

Use shadowing: play a short clip, then mimic timing and intonation in real time. Focus on stress and linking, not just individual sounds. Record yourself and compare waveforms or timing to the original. For tough phrases, slow to 0.75× speed, shadow three times, then return to normal speed. Mark stressed words (e.g., What do you think?) to feel the beat. Aim for clear, relaxed delivery; you do not need a native accent to be understood.

How do I choose between formal and informal versions of a phrase?

Match the setting and relationship: use more formal phrases at work or with strangers (“Could you clarify this point?”), and informal ones with friends (“Can you clear that up?”). If uncertain, default to polite-neutral forms. Watch for softeners (“could,” “would,” “please,” “might”) and hedges (“I’m not sure, but…”) that reduce abruptness. Over time, observe how people around you speak, and mirror the register they use successfully in that environment.

What are common mistakes learners make with everyday phrases?

Common issues include overusing a single phrase, translating directly from the first language, mixing registers (too casual at work), and skipping follow-up sentences that complete a task. For example, “Excuse me” should often be followed by a clear request: “Excuse me—could you tell me where Gate 12 is?” Another mistake is failing to listen for answers. Practice active listening prompts—“I see,” “That makes sense,” “So you mean…”—to keep conversations balanced and clear.

How can I remember phrases long-term without forgetting them?

Use spaced repetition and retrieval practice. Test yourself with prompts that force recall (e.g., “Ask for the time politely”). Alternate multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and free production. Interleave categories—mix travel, work, and small talk—so your memory learns to select the right phrase under varied cues. Finally, connect phrases to personal stories: the brain stores meaning better than isolated text. A one-sentence diary using five phrases per day compounds quickly.

What’s the difference between a phrase, an expression, and a sentence pattern?

A phrase is a ready-to-use chunk (“Could you repeat that, please?”). An expression is a conventionalized way to communicate a function or feeling (“Long time no see!”, “No worries”). A sentence pattern is a reusable frame with slots (“Would you mind + verb-ing…?”). In practice, learn a few fixed phrases for speed, then master patterns for flexibility. Combining both lets you handle new topics without memorizing thousands of separate lines.

How do I adapt phrases for different English accents and regions?

Most core phrases are universal across major dialects. Differences appear in vocabulary (“bill” vs. “check,” “lift” vs. “elevator”), politeness markers, and intonation. When traveling or working internationally, listen first, mirror the terms you hear, and ask polite clarification questions (“Just to confirm, when you say bill, do you mean the check?”). Keeping a small “variant map” in your notes reduces confusion and helps you switch smoothly between contexts.

How should I use these phrases in professional settings?

At work, prioritize clarity, courtesy, and action. Use phrases that signal ownership (“I’ll take care of it”), alignment (“That sounds reasonable to me”), and next steps (“Let’s set a deadline for Friday”). When disagreeing, use constructive frames: “I see your point; may I offer a different angle?” Close loops by confirming outcomes: “Just to recap, we agreed to… and I’ll send the summary by 5 p.m.” This tone builds trust and keeps projects moving.

Can I rely on slang and idioms for daily conversations?

Use slang sparingly unless you are confident about the audience and setting. Slang is dynamic, regional, and can date quickly. Idioms are more stable, but still context-dependent. If you use them, choose transparent ones and verify meaning through examples. It is perfectly acceptable—and often clearer—to favor neutral, literal phrases in mixed or professional groups. Clarity beats wit when you’re unsure. Save playful language for familiar, informal circles.

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

Create a “solo speaking loop”: pick five phrases, set a timer for five minutes, and role-play both sides of a mini-dialogue. Use voice notes to track progress. Convert daily tasks into English prompts (“Order coffee,” “Ask for directions”). Read short articles aloud and insert the target phrases where they fit naturally. For feedback, compare your recordings to reference audio and note one pronunciation and one fluency target per day.

How do I know when to switch from learning to using?

Adopt the 70/30 rule: spend 30% of time adding new phrases and 70% actively using them. When you can deploy a phrase quickly and appropriately three times in different contexts, mark it as “functional” and rotate it to weekly review. Resist the urge to collect more before you can use what you have. Fluency grows from repeated, successful retrieval in real time, not from longer lists stored only in memory.

How can I track progress with daily conversation phrases?

Use simple metrics: (1) number of phrases activated this week; (2) error rate during a one-minute speaking sprint; (3) conversation outcomes (information obtained, task completed). Keep a running “win log” of situations where a phrase helped you solve a problem—getting directions, confirming a meeting, returning an item. Seeing practical results motivates consistent practice and shows you which categories deserve more attention.

What should I do when I forget a phrase in the moment?

Use communication strategies: paraphrase (“the thing you use to…”), describe function (“the place where trains stop”), or ask for help politely (“How do you say… in English?”). Keep a few rescue phrases ready: “I’m looking for the right word,” “Could you say that another way?” After the conversation, write a quick note: the situation, the missing phrase, and a corrected example. Convert it into a flashcard and rehearse within 24 hours.

How do I adapt phrases to be more polite or more direct?

Adjust three levers: modal verbs (can → could → would), softeners (“please,” “a bit,” “possibly”), and framing (“I’m afraid…” for negative news). Example: direct—“Send the file today.” Polite-neutral—“Could you send the file today?” Extra-soft—“Would it be possible to send the file today?” Choose the level that fits your relationship, urgency, and culture. When in doubt, start slightly more polite; you can always become more direct if needed.

Are there cultural considerations when using daily phrases?

Yes. Politeness norms, eye contact, personal space, and turn-taking vary. In many settings, it’s respectful to preface requests with greetings and end with thanks. Avoid interrupting; use signals like “May I add something?” or “If I may…”. When receiving feedback, show appreciation even if you disagree: “Thanks for the input; I’ll think it over.” Cultural sensitivity keeps conversations smooth and prevents small misunderstandings from becoming big ones.

How can I transfer phrases from study to real life quickly?

Use task-based challenges: this week, order food, ask for directions, schedule an appointment, and clarify a price—each using two target phrases. Prepare a tiny script, perform the task, then reflect: What worked? What felt awkward? Replace any phrase that felt unnatural with a better-fit alternative. Rapid task cycles (plan → act → reflect → adjust) turn passive knowledge into automatic, confident speech.

What resources should I pair with this phrase list?

Combine graded listening (podcasts with transcripts), short video dialogues, and a reliable spaced-repetition app. Build a personal phrase bank organized by situation (travel, work, social) and function (ask, confirm, clarify, thank). Add your recordings and example sentences under each entry. Revisit weekly to refine, remove what you never use, and star the phrases that deliver results. Over time, this living resource becomes your customized daily English toolkit.

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