50 Common English Phrases

Phrases8 min readPublished: November 18, 2025
Tags:English PhrasesLearn EnglishBeginner EnglishCommon PhrasesBasic Phrases

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Mastering common phrases is one of the fastest ways to start speaking English confidently. These 50 essential phrases cover everyday situations you'll encounter in conversations, whether you're greeting someone, asking for help, expressing your feelings, or saying goodbye.

Each phrase below includes a clear explanation of when to use it and a real-world example. Practice these phrases regularly, and you'll find yourself speaking English more naturally in no time!

50 Essential English Phrases for Beginners

"Hello, how are you?"

#1

A friendly greeting to ask about someone's well-being

Example: Hello, how are you? I haven't seen you in a while!

"Nice to meet you"

#2

Used when meeting someone for the first time

Example: Hi, I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you!

"Thank you very much"

#3

A polite way to express gratitude

Example: Thank you very much for helping me with my homework.

"You're welcome"

#4

A polite response when someone thanks you

Example: You're welcome! I'm happy to help.

"Excuse me"

#5

Used to get attention, apologize, or ask someone to move

Example: Excuse me, could you tell me where the restroom is?

"I'm sorry"

#6

Used to apologize for something

Example: I'm sorry I'm late. The traffic was terrible.

"What's your name?"

#7

A question to ask someone their name

Example: Hi, what's your name? I'm John.

"My name is..."

#8

Used to introduce yourself

Example: My name is Maria, and I'm from Spain.

"Where are you from?"

#9

A question asking about someone's origin or hometown

Example: Where are you from? I'm from Brazil.

"I don't understand"

#10

Used when you don't comprehend something

Example: I don't understand this math problem. Can you help me?

"Could you repeat that?"

#11

Asking someone to say something again

Example: Could you repeat that? I didn't catch what you said.

"How much does it cost?"

#12

Asking about the price of something

Example: This shirt is nice. How much does it cost?

"Where is the bathroom?"

#13

Asking for directions to the restroom

Example: Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

"I'm fine, thank you"

#14

A polite response when someone asks how you are

Example: How are you? I'm fine, thank you. And you?

"Have a nice day"

#15

A friendly farewell wish

Example: Thanks for shopping with us. Have a nice day!

"See you later"

#16

A casual way to say goodbye

Example: I have to go now. See you later!

"What time is it?"

#17

Asking for the current time

Example: What time is it? I need to catch my bus.

"I'm hungry"

#18

Expressing that you want to eat

Example: I'm hungry. Let's go get something to eat.

"I'm thirsty"

#19

Expressing that you want to drink

Example: I'm thirsty. Do you have any water?

"Can I help you?"

#20

Offering assistance to someone

Example: Can I help you find something in the store?

"I need help"

#21

Asking for assistance

Example: I need help carrying these boxes.

"What do you do?"

#22

Asking about someone's job or profession

Example: What do you do? I'm a teacher.

"How old are you?"

#23

Asking someone's age (use carefully)

Example: How old are you? I'm twenty-five years old.

"I love it"

#24

Expressing strong positive feelings

Example: This movie is amazing. I love it!

"I don't like it"

#25

Expressing dislike for something

Example: I don't like spicy food. It's too hot for me.

"That's great"

#26

Expressing approval or excitement

Example: You got the job? That's great! Congratulations!

"That's too bad"

#27

Expressing sympathy or disappointment

Example: You can't come to the party? That's too bad.

"No problem"

#28

A casual way to say "you're welcome" or "it's okay"

Example: Thanks for the ride. No problem!

"Of course"

#29

Expressing agreement or saying yes

Example: Can you help me? Of course, I'd be happy to.

"I think so"

#30

Expressing uncertainty or tentative agreement

Example: Is the meeting at 3 PM? I think so, but let me check.

"I don't think so"

#31

Expressing disagreement or doubt

Example: Will it rain today? I don't think so. The sky is clear.

"Maybe"

#32

Expressing uncertainty or possibility

Example: Are you coming to the party? Maybe, I'm not sure yet.

"I agree"

#33

Expressing that you share the same opinion

Example: This restaurant is excellent. I agree, the food is delicious.

"I disagree"

#34

Expressing a different opinion

Example: I think the movie was boring. I disagree, I thought it was interesting.

"That's a good idea"

#35

Expressing approval of a suggestion

Example: Let's go to the park. That's a good idea!

"I'm not sure"

#36

Expressing uncertainty

Example: Do you know where she went? I'm not sure, maybe she went home.

"Let me think"

#37

Asking for time to consider something

Example: Should we go now or later? Let me think... I think we should go now.

"What do you think?"

#38

Asking for someone's opinion

Example: I'm thinking of buying this car. What do you think?

"I have no idea"

#39

Expressing complete lack of knowledge

Example: Where did he go? I have no idea.

"That makes sense"

#40

Expressing that something is logical or understandable

Example: We should leave early to avoid traffic. That makes sense.

"I see"

#41

Expressing understanding or acknowledgment

Example: The store closes at 6 PM. I see, so we need to hurry.

"Come on"

#42

Encouraging someone or expressing disbelief

Example: Come on, you can do it! Don't give up.

"Good luck"

#43

Wishing someone success

Example: Good luck on your exam tomorrow!

"Congratulations"

#44

Expressing joy for someone's achievement

Example: Congratulations on your graduation!

"Well done"

#45

Praising someone for doing something well

Example: You finished the project early. Well done!

"Take care"

#46

A friendly farewell expressing concern

Example: I'll see you next week. Take care!

"Be careful"

#47

Warning someone to be cautious

Example: The road is slippery. Be careful when you drive.

"I'm tired"

#48

Expressing fatigue or exhaustion

Example: I'm tired after working all day.

"I'm busy"

#49

Expressing that you have things to do

Example: Can we meet tomorrow? I'm busy today.

"Call me later"

#50

Asking someone to phone you at another time

Example: I'm in a meeting now. Call me later, please.

"See you soon"

#51

A friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to meet again

Example: Thanks for visiting. See you soon!

Tips for Learning These Phrases

Learning phrases is different from learning individual words. Here's how to master these common phrases effectively:

  • Practice out loud: Say each phrase multiple times. Hearing yourself speak helps with pronunciation and memory.
  • Use them in context: Don't just memorize - think about when you would actually use each phrase in real life.
  • Learn the variations: Many phrases have formal and informal versions. Start with the common versions here, then learn alternatives.
  • Focus on pronunciation: Pay attention to how native speakers say these phrases. Notice the stress and intonation patterns.
  • Use them daily: Try to use at least 5-10 of these phrases in your daily conversations, even if you're just practicing alone.

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