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 Vocabulary hub
- Learn English guide
- Most Common Phrasal Verbs
- Cambridge Dictionary — phrasal verbs & phrases
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 |
|---|---|---|
| I ate already. | I have finished eating earlier. | I ate already, so I'm not hungry. |
| I believe you. | Expressing trust in what someone said. | I believe you. You don't need to prove it. |
| I bet | Express agreement or strong belief. | I bet he'll win the race. |
| I bought a shirt yesterday. | Stating a past purchase of a shirt. | I bought a shirt yesterday, but it doesn't fit. |
| I can swim. | Stating that you are able to swim. | I can swim, so I'm not afraid of the deep end. |
| i can't find my keys. | Misplaced keys. | I can't find my keys, have you seen them? |
| I can't hear you clearly. | Saying that the sound is not clear. | I can't hear you clearly, please speak louder. |
| i can't hear you well. | Your voice is too faint. | On phone: "Sorry, I can't hear you well. Can you speak louder?" |
| I can't hear you. | Unable to perceive what someone is saying. | I can't hear you, please speak louder. |
| i disagree. | Expressing disagreement politely. | I disagree, I think we should try another approach. |
| I don't care. | Expressing indifference or lack of concern. | I don't care what we eat for dinner. |
| I don't feel well. | Expressing that one is sick or unwell. | I don't feel well, so I'm going home. |
| I don't have a girlfriend. | Stating that you are single. | I don't have a girlfriend right now. |
| I don't have any money. | Stating that you have no money. | I can't pay; I don't have any money. |
| I don't have enough money. | I lack sufficient money for something. | I can't buy that because I don't have enough money. |
| I don't know how to use it. | Lack of knowledge about operating something. | I don't know how to use this new software. |
| I don't like him. | Negative feeling toward a male person. | I don't like him because he is rude. |
| I don't like it. | Negative feeling toward something. | I don't like it when it rains. |
| I don't mind. | Saying that something is acceptable or doesn't bother you. | I don't mind waiting a few more minutes. |
| I don't speak English very well. | Stating that your English ability is limited. | I don't speak English very well, so please speak slowly. |
| I don't speak very well. | Limited ability in speaking a language. | I don't speak very well, so please be patient. |
| I don't think so. | Expressing disagreement or doubt. | I don't think so; that doesn't sound right. |
| I don't understand what your saying. | Saying you cannot comprehend the speaker's words. | I don't understand what your saying; can you explain? |
| I don't understand. | Lack of comprehension. | I don't understand the instructions. |
| I don't want it. | Rejecting an offer or item. | I don't want it, thank you. |
