31 phrases you can use in conversation

Would you like to know how to express yourself better in English?

You’re in the right place!

Below are some basic phrases that people use every day. Try to use them as much as possible- Remember that it is better to learn whole phrases than just words individually.

As you read each phrase below for the first time, say it aloud four times at least(They’re short phrases.)

You can record yourself and work on your pronunciation or talk with your chat buddy. Try to practice them for few days.

Extra tip: https://youglish.com/

Listening and Pronunciation in Context

Now you can search for a specific word or phrase and hear it being used in context in a YouTube video! Youglish is able to search the subtitles for more than 20 million videos to find the exact moment in the video where that exact word or phrase is used in dozens of different videos. YouGlish gives you fast, unbiased answers about how English is spoken by real people and in context. Try searching for a word now from the YouGlish homepage.

1. Thanks so much.

Being grateful, polite expression

To add detail, say:

Thanks so much + for + [noun] / [-ing verb].

For example:

Thanks so much for your present.

Thanks so much for helping me.

2. I really appreciate…

Another way how to thank someone

I really appreciate your help.

3. Excuse me.

If you want to get through or get someone's attention

For example:

Excuse me, you have dropped your bag.

Excuse me, do you know where is a train station?

Excuse me, Can I pass through here?

4. I’m sorry.

To apologize,

I’m sorry for being so late.

I’m sorry I have forgotten all about it.

5. What do you think?

Asking for opinion

6. How does that sound?

To find out what people think about what you are saying(ideas)…

For example We could go to the cinema on Saturday. How does it sound?

7. That sounds great.

The answer, responding to an idea

8. Never mind.

When you want to stop explaining yourself(if somebody doesn't understand you…) or it doesn't matter

9. I’m learning English.

It is best to explain you are a learner, people will try to help you and speak slowly

10. I don’t understand.

11. Could you repeat that, please?

The phrase “to say something again,”

We can say “please” either at the end of the question or right after “you,” like this:

Could you please repeat that?

Could you repeat that, please?

12. Could you please talk more slowly?

13. How do you spell that?

Important for names and finding out how to write words

14. What do you mean?

When you are confused and need more explanations

It is used in songs-just try to check them

15. Nice to meet you.

Usually after introduction

16. Where are you from?

Example: HI, I am John and What is your name?

Hello, I am Jane

Where are you from?

I am from Oxford

17. What do you do?

What do you do for a living (what is your job)?

18. Do you have Facebook/Instagram...?

Let’s keep in touch! Do you have Facebook?

19. How can I help you?

In customer service, you’ll use this phrase a lot. It’s also a common phrase when answering the phone.

[On the phone]: Hello, this is Lucy speaking. How can I help you?

20. See you later

One of the ways to say goodbye, but you hope to see each other later

21. Long time no see!

You can use it as greeting with somebody you haven't seen in ages

22. What have you been up to?

What have you done all day

23. Can’t complain

Usually, respond to how are you questions. You are fine and there are no concerns

24. Sorry to bother you

You need something from somebody and trying to interrupt them politely.

For example :I am sorry to bother you but it is urgent

25. Come on, you can do it!

To motivate you to do better

26. it’s not worth it!

Unreasonable, not good for price or effort

For example: Forget him, he is just not worth it

27. You should go the extra mile…

This common English statement means that you should work a little harder than you have before. Used often in customer service

28. Step up your game

Start performing better, push yourself to do better

29. Pull yourself together

Calm down and behave normally after being upset or angry

Example: Just pull yourself together. There is no point crying about it now

30. I’d better be going

You need to leave.

31. Take care!