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'm getting ready to go out. | I am preparing to leave the house. | I'm getting ready to go out, so I'll be there soon. |
| I'm going home in (number) days. | Use this pattern to say when you will go home, counting days from now. | I'm going home in 3 days. |
| i'm going on vacation. | Taking a holiday trip. | I'm going on vacation next week. |
| I'm going to bed. | Saying you are going to sleep. | After dinner, she yawned and said, 'I'm going to bed.' |
| I'm going to leave. | I will depart soon. | I'm going to leave now, see you tomorrow. |
| I'm good, and you? | I am fine, how about you? | I'm good, and you? Thanks for asking. |
| i'm grateful. | Feeling thankful. | I'm grateful for your help. |
| I'm happy. | I feel happy. | I'm happy to see you again. |
| I'm here on business. | Explaining the purpose of your visit is work. | When asked why he was in town, he replied, 'I'm here on business.' |
| I'm hungry. | I want to eat something. | I'm hungry, let's get some pizza. |
| i'm in a good mood. | Feeling happy and cheerful. | I'm in a good mood today because it's sunny. |
| I'm just kidding. | Saying you were only joking, not serious. | I'm just kidding! I didn't mean it. |
| i'm just looking. | Not intending to buy now. | I'm just looking, thanks. |
| I'm just looking. (Shopping) | Browsing without intending to buy now. | The salesperson asked if I needed help, but I said I'm just looking. |
| I'm leaving Tomorrow. | Stating you will depart tomorrow. | I'm leaving tomorrow, so let's say goodbye tonight. |
| I'm looking for the post office. | Trying to find the post office. | I'm looking for the post office, can you help me? |
| i'm looking for this address. | Seeking a specific location. | Driver: "I'm looking for this address. Can you help?" Pedestrian: "Sure, it's two blocks away." |
| i'm lost. | Cannot find way. | I'm lost, can you help me find the station? |
| I'm married. | I have a spouse. | I'm married with two kids. |
| I'm not afraid. | Stating that one is not scared. | I'm not afraid of spiders, but I don't like them. |
| I'm not busy. | I have free time. | I'm not busy right now, so I can help you. |
| I'm not married. | I do not have a spouse. | I'm not married, but I have a girlfriend. |
| I'm not ready yet. | I still need more time to prepare. | I'm not ready yet, please wait a moment. |
| i'm not sure about that. | Expressing doubt. | I'm not sure about that, let me check. |
| I'm not sure. | I don't know for certain. | I'm not sure if it will rain today. |
