Introduction
English is the world’s most common language, which makes it an essential language for communication. Whether you are a native English speaker or a non-native who wants to learn English, you must know the various phrases that are commonly used in daily conversation.
50 Common English Phrases for Daily Use
Greetings and Small Talk
1. Hello – a simple greeting to start a conversation.
2. How are you – a common question as to how someone is doing.
3. What’s up – informal greeting among friends.
4. Nice to meet you – a polite way to greet someone for the first time.
5. Good morning/afternoon/evening – a simple greeting depending on the time of day.
6. How’s it going – a casual way to ask how someone is doing.
Asking for Help or Directions
7. Can you help me? – when you need assistance with something.
8. Where is the nearest…? – when you need directions to a certain place.
9. Excuse me, do you know how to get to…? – when you need directions to a specific location.
10. Can you repeat that? – when you need someone to repeat what they said.
11. Could you speak slower? – when someone is speaking too fast for you to understand.
Requests and Offers
12. Could you please….? – a polite phrase when asking someone to do something for you.
13. Can I help you with something? – a polite offer to help someone with something.
14. Would you like some…? – a polite way to offer something to someone.
15. May I borrow…? – a polite way to ask for something that belongs to someone else.
16. Sure, no problem – a casual way to accept a request or offer.
Apologies and Thank Yous
17. I’m sorry – a common phrase to apologize for something.
18. My apologies – a more formal way to apologize for something.
19. Thank you – a polite way to express gratitude.
20. Thanks a lot – a more casual way to express gratitude.
21. You’re welcome – a polite way to respond to someone who says thank you.
Expressing Opinions and Preferences
22. I think/believe that… - a way to express your opinion or belief.
23. In my opinion… - a way to express your opinion.
24. Personally, I prefer… - a way to express your preference.
25. I really like/dislike… - a way to express your feelings towards something.
26. I’m not a big fan of… - a way to express your dislike of something.
Agreeing and Disagreeing
27. I completely agree – when you agree with someone.
28. I’m afraid I have to disagree – a polite way to disagree with someone.
29. I see your point, but… - acknowledging someone’s opinion before stating your own.
30. That’s a good point – acknowledging someone’s opinion.
31. I’m not sure about that – when you are uncertain about something.
Expressing Emotions
32. I’m happy/sad/angry – a way to express your emotions.
33. I’m feeling great/terrible – a way to express how you are feeling.
34. I’m excited/nervous – a way to express your emotions towards something.
35. That’s so awesome/sad – a way to express your emotions towards something.
36. I’m sorry to hear that – a way to express sympathy.
Making Plans
37. What are you doing later/tomorrow/this weekend? – a common way to ask about someone’s plans.
38. Let’s hang out – a casual invitation to spend time with someone.
39. How about we… - suggesting something to do.
40. Do you want to join me/us? – a way to invite someone to join your plans.
41. I’m sorry, I can’t make it – a way to decline an invitation.
Explaining and Clarifying
42. Let me explain – when you want to clarify something.
43. What I mean is… - clarifying your meaning.
44. Could you explain that to me again? – when you didn’t quite understand what someone said.
45. I don’t quite understand – when you don’t understand something.
46. To clarify… - clarifying something you said.
Ending Conversations
47. Well, I should get going – a polite way to end a conversation.
48. It was nice talking to you – a polite way to end a conversation.
49. Let’s catch up again soon – a way to suggest planning another time to talk.
50. Talk to you later – a more casual way to end a conversation.
Conclusion
Learning English phrases is essential for improving your communication skills. Whether you are a native or non-native speaker, it’s important to know these common phrases and incorporate them into your daily conversations. By doing so, you will become more comfortable when speaking English and will be able to have more meaningful conversations with others.