1,200 English Phrases & Expressions List

Real English doesn’t move one word at a time — it flows in ready-made chunks that native speakers grab without thinking. This collection of around 1,200 phrases and expressions covers the everyday combos you’ll hear in casual chats, work emails, and weekend plans. No dusty textbook lists, just the real stuff that helps you sound more natural from day one.

Each entry in the interactive table gives you a clear meaning, a realistic example sentence, and easy-to-read US IPA so you can nail the pronunciation. There’s a play button right next to every phrase — tap it to hear the audio, because your ears need training too. When you’re ready to study offline, a free PDF download button sits below the table.

Words are handy, but phrases are what you actually say out loud. Our free chunk‑based English lessons help you speak in whole expressions — start with Lesson 1 — First Greetings and see how quickly conversations click.

English Phrases Quiz

Think you’ve already got a handle on common phrases? Try the quick quiz below to see how many you really know.

Common English Phrases and Expressions

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Have a good trip.	Wish someone a pleasant journey.	You're leaving for vacation? Have a good trip.
have a nice day.	Polite farewell wishing someone a good day.	Thanks for coming, have a nice day!
have a safe trip.	Wish for safe travel.	As he left, we waved and said, "Have a safe trip!"
have a seat	Politely ask someone to sit down.	Please come in and have a seat.
Have they met her yet?	Asking if a group has been introduced to a female.	Have they met her yet? She just arrived.
Have you arrived?	Asking if someone has reached a destination.	Have you arrived at the hotel yet?
Have you been to [place]?	Use this pattern to ask if someone has visited a place.	Have you been to Japan?
Have you been waiting long?	Asking if someone waited for a long time.	Have you been waiting long? I'm sorry I'm late.
Have you done this before?	Asking if someone has previous experience with something.	Have you done this before? It looks complicated.
Have you eaten at that restaurant?	Asking if someone has dined at a specific place.	She asked her friend, 'Have you eaten at that restaurant?'
Have you eaten yet?	Asking if someone has already had a meal.	He called and asked, 'Have you eaten yet?'
Have you ever had Potato soup?	Asking if someone has tried potato soup before.	She asked, 'Have you ever had Potato soup? It's delicious.'
Have you seen this movie?	Did you watch this film before?	Have you seen this movie? It's really good.
He likes it very much.	He has a strong positive feeling toward something.	He likes it very much, so he plays it every day.
He likes juice but he doesn't like milk	He prefers juice over milk.	He likes juice but he doesn't like milk, so we ordered orange juice.
He needs some new clothes.	He requires new items of clothing.	He needs some new clothes because his are old.
He said you like to watch movies.	He told me that you enjoy watching films.	He said you like to watch movies, so I brought a DVD.
He studies at [school].	Use this pattern to say where someone studies.	He studies at Harvard.
He'll be back in (number) minutes.	States that someone will return after a certain number of minutes.	He'll be back in ten minutes.
He's coming soon.	He will arrive in a short time.	He's coming soon, so please wait.
He's in the kitchen.	He is located in the kitchen.	He's in the kitchen cooking dinner.
He's not in right now.	He is not here at the moment.	He's not in right now, please call back later.
He's right.	He is correct about something.	He's right about the answer to the question.
He's very annoying.	He causes irritation or bother.	He's very annoying when he talks loudly on the phone.
He's very famous.	He is well-known by many people.	He's very famous for his acting.

English Phrases Quiz

Common English Phrases and Expressions

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