Common Phrases

This material was recommended by William Bill Blair (August 29th, 1940 - February 7th, 2024), a teacher, a volunteer, a Canadian.

© 80 Common English Phrases - by Adriana

Common phrases to ask how someone is:

what’s up?
what’s new?
What have you been up to lately?
How’s it going?
How are things?
How’s life?

Common phrases to say how you are:

I’m fine, thanks. How about you?
Pretty good.
Same as always
Not so great.
Could be better
cant complain

Common phrases to say thank you:

I really appreciate it.
I’m really grateful
That’s so kind of you.
I owe you one.
(this means you want/need to do a favor for the other person in the future)

Common phrases to respond to thank you:

No problem.
No worries
Don’t mention it.
My pleasure.
Anytime.

Common phrases to end a conversation politely:

It was nice chatting with you.
Any way, I should get going.

Common phrases to ask for information:

Do you have any idea…?
Would you happen to know…?
(when you’re not sure if the other person has the information.)
I don’t suppose you(would) know…?
(when you’re not sure if the other person has the information.)

Common phrases to say I don’t know:

I have no idea/clue.
I can’t help you there.
(informal) Beats me.
I’m not really sure.
I’ve been wondering that, too.

Common phrases for not having an opinion:

I’ve never given it much thought.
I don’t have strong feelings either way.
It doesn’t make any difference to me.
I have no opinion on the matter.

Common phrases for agreeing:

Exactly.
Absolutely.
That’s so true.
That’s for sure.
I agree 100%.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
(informal) Tell me about it! / You’re telling me!
(informal) I’ll say!
I suppose so.
(use this phrase for weak agreement - you agree, but reluctantly)

Common phrases for disagreeing:

I’m not so sure about that.
That’s not how I see it.
Not necessarily

Common phrases to respond to great news:

That’s great!
How wonderful!
Awesome!

Common phrases to respond to bad news:

Oh no…
That’s terrible.
Poor you.
(Use this to respond to bad situations that are not too serious)
I’m so sorry to hear that.

Common phrases to invite someone somewhere:

Are you free… [Saturday night?]
Are you doing anything … [Saturday night?]
(informal) Do you wann… [see a movie?]
(formal) Would you like to … [join me for dinner?]

Common phrases for food:

I’m starving!(=I’m very hungry)
Let’s grab a bite to eat.
How about eating out tonight? (eat out = eat at a restaurant)
I’ll have…(use this phrase for ordering in a restaurant)

Common phrases for price:

It cost a fortune.
It cost an arm and a leg.
That’s a rip-off. (=overpriced;far more expensive than it should be)
That’s a bit pricey.
That’s quite reasonable.(=it’s a good price)
That’s a good deal.(=a good value for the amount of money)
It was a real bargain.
It was dirt cheap.(=exremely inexpensive)

Common phrases for weather:

It’s a little chilly.
It’s freezing.(=exremely cold)
Make sure to bundle up.(bundle up = put on warm clothes for protection against the cold)

Common phrases for hot weather:

It’s absolutely boiling!(boiling = extremely hot)
It scorching hot outside

Common phrases for being tired:

I’m exhausted.
I’m dead tired.
I’m beat
I can hardly keep my eyes open
I’m gonna hit the sack.(hit the sack = go to bed)