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 ok. | I am fine or feeling well. | Thanks for asking, I'm ok. |
| i'm on a break. | Taking a pause from work. | I'm on a break, I'll call you back in 15 minutes. |
| i'm on my way. | I am coming now. | He texted, "I'm on my way, see you in 10 minutes." |
| i'm out of shape. | Not physically fit. | I'm out of shape, so I get tired easily. |
| i'm running late. | Behind schedule. | I'm running late, so start without me. |
| I'm self-employed. | Stating that you work for yourself. | I'm self-employed, so I set my own hours. |
| I'm sick. | Stating that one is ill. | I'm sick, so I'm staying home today. |
| I'm single. | Stating that you are not married or in a relationship. | I'm single and enjoying my freedom. |
| i'm sorry, i'm late. | Apologizing for tardiness. | He entered quietly and said, "I'm sorry, I'm late." |
| I'm sorry, we're sold out. | We have no more items left to sell. | I'm sorry, we're sold out of that shirt. |
| I'm sorry. | Apologizing or expressing sympathy. | He accidentally bumped into her and said, 'I'm sorry.' |
| i'm surprised. | Feeling amazed or shocked. | I'm surprised you came early. |
| I'm thirsty. | I want to drink something. | I'm thirsty, can I have some water? |
| i'm tired. | Feeling fatigued. | I'm tired after working all day. |
| I'm very busy. I don't have time now. | I have a lot to do and cannot talk now. | I'm very busy. I don't have time now, call me later. |
| I'm worried too. | I also feel concerned or anxious. | I'm worried too about the test results. |
| i'm worried. | Feeling anxious. | I'm worried about the exam results. |
| I've already seen it. | I have watched or experienced it before. | I don't want to watch that movie again; I've already seen it. |
| I've been here for (number) days. | Use this pattern to say how many days you have been at a place. | I've been here for 5 days. |
| I've been there. | Stating that one has visited a place. | I've been there before; it's a great city. |
| I've heard [place] is a beautiful place. | Use this pattern to say you have heard that a place is beautiful. | I've heard Paris is a beautiful place. |
| I've never seen that before. | This is the first time I see that. | I've never seen that before, it's amazing. |
| I’m all ears | Indicate full attention and readiness to listen. | Tell me your story; I'm all ears. |
| I’m good | Decline an offer politely; say you are fine. | Would you like more water? No thanks, I'm good. |
| I’m in | Agree to participate in something. | If you're going to the movies, I'm in. |
