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This FREE ebook is intended to teach you common English phrases and expressions that
native English speakers use everyday. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced
learner, you will learn hundreds of phrases and expressions that will help you communicate
confidently and naturally in a variety of everyday situations. Are you ready to get started?
You will see that some phrases and expressions are followed by one of the following words in
italics:1) (formal), 2) (informal), 3) (slang), 4) (cliché) 5) (rude), 6) (mildly vulgar), or 7) (vulgar).
This information will help you determine when and when not to use the phrase or expression.
A word or phrase inside of parenthesis means that it is an optional addition to the main phrase
or expression. You can say the phrase or expression with or without the word/phrase in
parenthesis. Sometimes there is more than one option.
● e.g. What’s up (man/dude/bro/person’s name)?
○ What’s up?
○ What’s up man?
○ What’s up John?
When a word or phrase is inside of parenthesis and is also underlined, this means that a
particular word or phrase MUST be inserted between the parenthesis. This word/phrase will
depend on the situation. You will need to read the description that is underlined and insert the
appropriate language for the given situation.
● e.g. I’m (your name). Nice to meet you!
○ I’m Sarah. Nice to meet you!
When a word or phrase is inside of brackets, this means that there is more than one possible
phrase to complete the expression. The phrase that you decide to use will depend on your
situation. I have included some of the most common possibilities within the brackets. However,
when you see, “etc…”, it means that there are other possibilities that might fit your situation
better. Be creative and try using your own phrase in the expression!
● e.g. What did you think of [the presentation/the event last week/ the meeting
yesterday/etc...]?
○ What did you think of the meeting yesterday?
Sometimes, you may think that a word is spelled wrong. For example, you might see, the word,
feelin’ and think that it is missing the g at the end of the word. This is true. However, in spoken
English we often blend and reduce sounds. We don’t always pronounce every letter in a word.
You can learn how the phrase or expressions naturally sounds by listening to the accompanying
mp3s.
Sarah Swangstu has been teaching English online since March of 2014. She has her M.A. in
TESOL and focuses on helping students become fluent English speakers by helping them learn
common English phrases and expressions that native English speakers use in everyday life.
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If you like this eBook, check out the English fluency courses Sarah offers here!
Sarah Swangstu
www.sarahsenglishclub.com
Table of Contents
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Beginner Phrases and Expressions
Greetings
Saying Hello …………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Asking someone how he or she is ………………………………………………………….. 1
Introducing yourself to new friends …………………………………………………………. 2
Introducing yourself at work or a formal environment …………………………………….. 2
Introducing yourself to a group of new people - friends or work related………………… 2
Talking with someone you haven’t seen in a long time …………………………………… 2
Seeing someone you weren’t expecting to see ……………………………………………. 2
Small Talk
Expressing that you are feeling good - emotionally ……………………………………….. 3
Expressing that you are feeling okay - emotionally …………………………...…………… 3
Expressing that you are feeling bad - emotionally …………………………………………. 3
Expressing that you have been busy ………………………………………………………… 4
Engaging questions for small talk - with friends …………………...……………………….. 4
Engaging questions for small talk - at work …………………………………………………. 4
Goodbyes
Initiating departure …………………………………...………………………………………… 5
Saying Goodbye……………………...………………………………………………………… 5
Expressing enjoyment for seeing someone and spending time talking with him or her before
departing ………………………………………………………………………………... 6
Talking about future plans with someone ………………………………………………….... 6
Work Situations
Possible Interview questions - asked by the interviewer ………………………………… 11
Possible Interview questions - asked by the interviewee ……………………….………. 11
Congratulating someone for doing a good job …………………………………………….. 11
Explaining difficult situations ……………………………………………………...…………. 12
In a meeting …………………………………………………………………………………… 12
Discussing good results ……………………………………………………………………… 13
Discussing bad results ……………..………………………………………………………… 13
Calling in Sick to Work ……………………………………………………………………….. 14
At the Restaurant
Customer requests before sitting down at the table ……………………………………. 16
Questions the host might ask before seating you ………………………………………. 16
Greetings from the server …………………………………………………………………. 16
Questions from the server …………………………………………………………………. 16
Responses from the customer …………………………………………………………….. 17
Questions/requests from the customer …………………………………………………… 17
Making a complaint …………………………………………………………………………. 17
Questions about the check …………………………………………………………………. 18
At the Airport
Checking in - Questions/Comments from the Check-in Agent ………………………….. 18
Checking in - Questions/Comments from the Customer …………………………………. 19
Going through Security - Questions/Comments from the Security Agent …………….…19
Going through Security - Questions/Comments from the Passenger ………………..…. 19
Boarding the plane …………………...………………………………………………………. 19
On the Plane - Questions/Comments from the flight attendant ……………………...….. 20
On the Plane - Questions/Comment from the Passenger ………………………….……. 20
Preparing to land - Comments from the flight attendants ………………………….…….. 21
Customs and Immigration - Questions/Comments from the Customs Officer….………. 21
Customs and Immigration - Questions/Comments from the Passenger …………..…… 21
Complaining about lost/stolen luggage - Questions/Comments from the Passenger … 21
Complaining about lost/stolen luggage - Questions/Comments from the Agent …....… 22
Advanced Phrases and Expressions
Being Polite
Making Requests - asking someone to do something for you …………………………. 22
Asking for Permission ………………………………………………………………………. 22
Not Understanding ………………………………………………………………………….. 22
Turning down an invitation …………………………………………………………………. 23
Disagreeing with someone …………………………………………………………………. 23
Being Impolite
Telling someone off …………………………………………………………………………… 24
Telling someone to go away ………………...………………………………………………. 24
Calling someone an idiot …………………….………………………………………………. 24
Telling someone to be quiet ……………………………………...………………………….. 25
Road Rage ……………………………….…………………………………………………… 25
Insulting someone ……………………………………………………………………………. 26
Apologies
Being late ……………………………………………..………………………………………. 26
Canceling Plans ……………………………………………………..……………………….. 26
Ditching Someone ……………………………………………………………………………. 27
Regrets ………………………………………………………………………………………… 27
Accepting an Apology …………………...…………………………………………………… 27
Encouraging Others
Encouraging others to feel good about themselves ………………………………..…….. 28
Encouraging others to try something new …………………………...……..……………… 28
Acknowledging employees and colleagues for a job well done …………………………. 29
Criticising Someone
Gentle criticism for children ………………………………………………………………… 29
Politely telling a friend that a piece of clothing does not look good on him/her ………. 29
Nicely telling a friend that you disagree with something that he or she is saying or doing
………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30
Giving constructive Criticism in the workplace ……………………………………………. 30
1
Greetings
1. Saying Hello
● Hi
● Hey
● Good [Morning/afternoon/evening].
● Mornin’/Evenin’ (informal)
● How’s it goin’? (informal)
● What’s up? (informal)
● Sup? (slang)
● What’s happenin? (slang)
● Yo! (slang)
● Well hello there!
● Look who it is!
● Howdy! (informal)
● Hey man!/ Hey girl! (informal)
Small Talk
Goodbyes
14. Initiating departure
● Let’s go.
● (Are you/we) ready to [roll/go]?
● Let’s hit the road (Jack). (informal)
● You about ready (to go)?
● Let’s hit it. (informal)
● We need to get going.
● We need to get outta here.
● Let’s make a move. (informal)
● Let’s blow this joint. (informal)
● Let’s head out.
● Let’s boogie. (informal)
● Let’s split. (informal)
● Good-bye.
● Farewell.
● Take care.
● See you [soon/around/later/then/tomorrow].
● See ya [soon/around/later/then/tomorow]. (informal)
● Catch ya later. (informal)
● Later. (informal)
● Until next time.
● So long.
● Farewell.
● I’ll talk to you soon.
● Talk to ya soon. (informal)
● Have a great day!
6
16. Expressing enjoyment for seeing someone and spending time talking with him or her before
departing
20. At Work
● Hey (person’s name). How was your weekend? What did you do?
○ e.g. Hey Sam. How was your weekend? What did you do?
● I really like your [shoes/shirt/skirt/etc...]. Where did you get [it/them]?
● Is that a photo of your family on your desk? Where was it taken?
● So, (person’s name), what do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
○ e.g. So, John, what do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
● What do you like to do in your free time?
● Do you usually go out for lunch?
● Where’s a great place to go for lunch around here?
● I’ve been wanting to try (restaurant name). Have you been there?
○ e.g. I’ve been wanting to try Bella Italia. Have you been there?
21. Online
● Hello everyone! My name’s (your name). I’m a (your age and gender) from (where you
are from) and I’m looking to meet new people and make friends [here/ in this
community]! Feel free to contact me if you want to connect.
○ e.g. Hello everyone! My name’s Sarah. I’m a 27 year old female from the United States and I’m looking to meet
new people and make friends in this community! Feel free to contact me if you want to connect.
● Hey (person’s name)! Where are you from?
○ e.g. Hey Erika! Where are you from?
● I’ve never been to (name of city/country). What is it like?
○ e.g. I’ve never been to Brazil. What is it like?
● I’ve been to (name of city/country)! I remember (a place/a thing/food/a person/etc…)
[was/were] amazing!
○ e.g. I’ve been to Portugal! I remember the empanadas were amazing!
● Are you new to this community?
● Have you been active in this community for a while?
● What do you like most about this community?
● Are you a fan of (name of a website/facebook page/YouTube channel/celebrity/etc…)?
○ e.g. Are you a fan of the Patter English facebook page?
● Have you heard of (name of a website/facebook page/YouTube
channel/celebrity/etc…)?
○ e.g. Have you heard of Go Natural English?
● I’m (really) into (name of a website/facebook page/YouTube channel/celebrity/etc…)
right now. Have you heard of it?
9
○ e.g. I’m really into this youtube channel called Elephant Journal right now. Have you heard of it?
● Add me on facebook.
● Instant message me.
● Do you [have/use] [facebook/kakaotalk/whatsapp/snapchat/etc…]?
● I couldn’t be happier!
● I’m thrilled to bits!
● I could jump for joy!
● I’m over the moon!
● I’m on cloud nine!
● I’m in seventh heaven!
● I’m pleased as punch!
● I’m on top of the world!
● I feel on top of the world!
● I’m (as) happy as a clam!
● I’m walking on air!
● I’m a happy camper!
● I’m tickled pink (to see you/to be here)!
11
Work Situations
26. Possible Interview questions - asked by the interviewer
● Let’s all congratulate (name of employee) for (action done). [He/she] deserves a pat on
the back!
○ e.g. Let’s all congratulate Lucas for creating a successful ad campaign. He deserves a pat on the back!
● Kudos to (name of employee)! (informal)
○ e.g. Kudos to John!
● Thanks for getting the job done (name of employee)!
○ e.g. Thanks for getting the job done John!
● Congrats (name of employee)! (informal)
● Congratulations on [the new job/ the promotion/ being accepted into the program]
12
30. In a meeting
○ e.g. John would you like to kick off with talking about the new policies for next year?
● Sorry I interrupted you, you were saying?
● Please go on.
● After you.
● I didn’t quite hear that. Sorry. Can you say that again?
● Okay, I think we’re all on the same page here!
● Okay, I’m not sure if we’re on the same page.
● I’d like to set our next meeting for (date and time). Does that work for everyone?
○ e.g. I’d like to set our next meeting for December 12th at 4:30pm. Does that work for everyone?
● Get off track
● Get back on track
● Get down to business
● Cover a lot of ground
● Weigh in on the issue at hand
● Put in my two cents
● Company offsite
● Circle back to
● Excuse me, can you please tell me where I can find (name of item)?
○ e.g. Excuse me, can you please tell me where I can find the laundry detergent?
● Excuse me, do you have (name of item)?
○ e.g. Excuse me, do you have goat cheese?
● Yes, it’s in aisle (number).
○ e.g. Yes, it’s in aisle 4.
● Yes, it’s in the [dairy section/ produce section/ frozen section/ bakery]
● Sorry, we don’t carry (name of item).
○ e.g. Sorry, we don’t carry goat cheese.
15
● Could I please get (number of bills) (type of bills) and (number of bills) (type of bills)?
○ e.g. Could I please get one ten and two fives?
● I think there was a mistake. I gave you (amount of original bill).
○ e.g. I think there was a mistake. I gave you $60.00.
● I think there was a mistake. You gave me (amount of the cashier gave you).
○ e.g. I think there was a mistake. You gave me $25.00
● Could I (please) speak to the manager (please)?
16
At the Restaurant
38. Customer requests before sitting down at the table
● Hello! My name is (name of server) and I will be taking care of you today.
○ e.g. Hello! My name is Margaret and I will be taking care of you today.
● We do have a few specials today. They are: (descriptions of special food items that are
not listed on the menu)
○ e.g. We do have a few specials today. They are: Fish tacos, served with rice, beans, and guacamole, a chicken
wrap served on a 12” flour tortilla with your choice of chips, fries, or onion rings, or a large bowl of our hot chili
served with a fresh baked baguette.
● Are you still waiting for [one more/a few more] (people to arrive)?
● May I start you off with something to drink?
● Would you like to start off with an appetizer?
● Are you [ready/all set] to order?
● Would you like some more [soda/water/tea/etc…]?
● How [is/was] everything?
● How is everyone doing?
● I’m sorry you’re not enjoying your meal. [May I get you something else/Would you like to
order something else?]
17
At the Airport
46. Checking in - Questions/Comments from the Check-in agent
● Do I need to take [my shoes off/my laptop out of the bag/ off my belt/off my hat]?
● Do I need to put my toiletries in a separate [bag/bin]?
● Should I put my [ticket/passport] in the bin too?
20
● We would now like to invite any passengers with small children or any passengers who
require special assistance to begin boarding.
● Now boarding zone (number).
○ e.g. Now boarding zone 5
● Last call for (name of passenger) for flight (number) to (destination). Please proceed
immediately to gate (number).
○ e.g. Last call for Tom Jones for flight NW9032 to Memphis. Please proceed immediately to gate A23
● This is the final boarding call for (name of airline) flight (number) to (destination).
○ e.g. This is the final boarding call for Delta Airlines flight NW9032 to Memphis.
● Please make sure all baggage is stowed away in the overhead compartments or under
the seat in front of you.
● Could you please put that/(particular item) in the overhead compartment?
○ e.g. Could you please put your coat in the overhead compartment?
● Please pay attention to this short safety demonstration.
● Please turn off your mobile phone and all electrical devices.
● Your portable electronic devices must be set to ‘airplane’ mode until an announcement is
made upon arrival.
● The captain has turned on the fasten seatbelt sign. We are experiencing turbulence.
Please return to your seats and keep your seat belts fastened. Thank you.
● The captain has turned off the fasten seatbelt sign. You are now free to move about the
cabin.
● Would you like any food or refreshments?
● Would you like chicken, beef, or fish?
● We’re all out of [chicken/beef/fish].
● Would you like something to drink?
● We’ll be landing in [just under an hour now/about 15 minutes].
● Excuse me, there is no space left in the overhead compartment. What should I do?
● Excuse me, may I please have [an extra blanket/pillow/headset/some water]?
● Do you have any [vegetarian options/other options/cookies/chips/etc…]?
● What kind of [drinks/soda/wine/beer] do you have?
● Could I get another glass of [water/wine/etc…] please?
● When will we be landing?
● Do you have a pen I could borrow to fill out this [immigration form/credit card
application/etc…]?
21
● Please fasten your seatbelt and return your seat to the upright position.
● Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position and
that your seat belt is correctly fastened.
● Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to (name of city) where the local time is (time) and the
temperature is (degrees).
○ e.g. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Memphis where the local time is 4:50pm and the temperature is 37
degrees fahrenheit.
● Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on
board with you.
● Please use caution when opening the overhead compartments, as heavy articles may
have shifted around during the flight.
● Hello! Welcome to The United States of America. May I have your immigration form and
passport please?
● So, where are you coming from today?
● What is the purpose of your visit?
● Where will you be staying?
● Have you been to The United States before?
● Do you have anything else to declare?
● Okay. Enjoy your trip to The United States of America!
56. Complaining about lost or stolen luggage - Questions/Comments from the Passenger
22
57. Complaining about lost or stolen luggage - Questions/Comments from the Agent
● Can I _____________________________________________________________?
○ e.g. Can I use your car tonight?
● Could I ____________________________________________________________?
○ e.g. Could I borrow a shirt?
● Do you mind if I _____________________________________________________?
○ e.g. Do you mind if I take the day off?
● Would you mind if I __________________________________________________?
○ e.g. Would you mind if I turned down the heat?
● I wish I could (the activity you are asked to do), but I (the activity you need to do
instead).
○ e.g. I wish I could go to the movie with you tonight, but I have to work.
● I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I [can’t/won’t be able to] (the activity you are asked to do).
○ e.g. I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I can’t attend the holiday Christmas party this year.
● I’d love to, but unfortunately, I have to (the activity you need to do instead).
○ e.g. I’d love to, but unfortunately, I have to help my friend move into his new apartment.
● I’m afraid I’ve already promised (person’s name) that I would (do something for the other
person).
○ e.g. I’m afraid I’ve already promised Jenny that I would help her prepare for the Christmas party this year.
● I’m (very) sorry. I don’t think I can.
● I’m sorry, I can’t, but maybe next time.
● Thank you for asking me, but I [already have plans/will be out of town/etc…].
Being Impolite
63. Telling someone off
Apologies
69. Being late
● I hate to cancel on you at the last minute, but something just came up.
● Something has come up.
● I hate to cancel on you at the last minute, but (reason why you have to cancel).
○ e.g. I hate to cancel on you at the last minute, but I just heard that my mom is very sick and is in the hospital.
● I was really looking forward to seeing you, but (reason why you have to cancel).
○ e.g. I was really looking forward to seeing you, but I think we’ll have to wait until next week. I need to work
overtime.
● I’m really sorry I wasn’t there [earlier/yesterday/the other day/last night/etc…]. (Reason
why you ditched).
○ e.g. I’m really sorry I wasn’t there last night. I got caught up in a meeting.
● I’m sorry I didn’t show. (Reason why you ditched).
○ e.g. I’m sorry I didn’t show. I had a rough week and just wanted to relax.
● I’m sorry I missed you [earlier/yesterday/the other day/last night/etc...]. (Reason why you
ditched).
○ e.g. I’m sorry I miss you yesterday. Something came up.
● I feel really bad about ditching you [earlier/yesterday/the other day/last night/etc…]. How
can I make it up to you?
● I feel really bad about ditching you [earlier/yesterday/the other day/last night/etc…]. I’d
like to make it up to you by (doing something).
○ e.g. I feel really bad about ditching you the other day. I’d like to make it up to you by taking you out for dinner
tonight.
● Please accept my (heartfelt) apology.
72. Regrets
● My mistake.
● I shouldn’t have [said/done] that. (I’m so sorry.)
● I wish I wouldn’t have done that. (I’m so sorry.)
● I didn’t mean [to do that/it] (honestly).
● (I’m so sorry). I didn’t [mean/intend] it that way.
● I wish I could take it back.
● It will never happen again. (I promise).
● I realize now what I did was wrong and I regret what I did.
● I apologize for my actions and I hope you can find a way to forgive me.
Encouraging Others
74. Encouraging others to feel good about themselves
● Give it a [go/shot/try]!
● It’s worth a shot!
● Take a [stab/shot/whack] at it!
● Have a crack at it!
● [Go/come] on.
● Get [going/moving] (already).
● It’s all the rage! (informal)
● Everybody’s doing it!
● What've you got to lose?
● No pain, no gain. (cliché)
● Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (cliché)
● Try your luck.
● It won’t hurt to try.
29
Criticism
77. Gentle criticism for children
78. Politely telling a friend that a piece of clothing does not look good on him/her
79. Nicely telling a friend that you disagree with something he or she is saying or doing.
● I mean this with a lot of love. (say something positive about the friend or situation), but
(give criticism).
○ e.g. I mean this with a lot of love. You are such an amazing person, but I think you’re wasting your time with
Jack. He’s really not boyfriend material.
● I understand how you feel. (say something that shows you relate to the friend or
situation), but (give criticism).
○ e.g. I understand how you feel. It’s not easy juggling 3 jobs and finding the time for friends and family, but you
can’t distance yourself completely. We care about you and want to know how you are doing.
● I see where you’re coming from and I’d probably be doing the same thing if I were in
your shoes, but (give criticism).
○ e.g. I see where you’re coming from and I’d probably be doing the same thing if I were in your shoes, but you
need to start thinking about other people.
.
80. Giving constructive Criticism in the workplace
● (Say something positive about the situation). However, I’ve noticed that (give criticism).
○ e.g. Everyone on this team really works well together. However, I’ve noticed that t here are some problems with
communication.
● I’m not (quite) sure that [idea/proposal/concept/etc…] would [work/be accepted] because
(reason why you think it would not work).
○ e.g. I’m not sure that proposal would be accepted because it’s missing a lot of key information.
○ I’m not quite sure that idea would work because we are on a tight budget.
○ I’m not quite sure that concept would work because we have limited resources.
● I see some difficulties with this [proposal/application/website/etc…]. It could be improved.
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