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 |
|---|---|---|
| Please take me to the airport. | Asking a driver to go to the airport. | Please take me to the airport, I have a flight at 6. |
| Please take me to this address. | A polite request to be driven to a specific location. | Please take me to this address, it's on Main Street. |
| Please take off your shoes. | Please remove your shoes. | Before entering the house, please take off your shoes. |
| Please write it down. | A polite request to record information in writing. | I can't remember the number, please write it down for me. |
| pull yourself together | Calm down and control your emotions. | I know you're upset, but you need to pull yourself together. |
| Really? | Used to express surprise or seek confirmation. | You won the lottery? Really? That's amazing! |
| rest in peace. | Used for deceased person. | At the funeral, they said, "Rest in peace." |
| right away | Immediately; without delay. | I'll call the doctor right away. |
| Right here. | Indicates a specific location close to the speaker. | Put the box right here, next to the door. |
| right now | At this exact moment. | I need your help right now, please. |
| Right there. | Indicates a specific location away from the speaker but visible. | Your keys are right there on the table. |
| same here | Me too; I feel the same way. | I'm tired. Same here, let's rest. |
| say no more | I understand completely; no need to explain further. | He's your ex? Say no more, I get it. |
| see you later | Goodbye; we will meet again soon. | I have to go now, see you later! |
| See you later. | A casual way to say goodbye, implying future meeting. | I have to go now, see you later! |
| See you tomorrow. | A goodbye phrase meaning you will meet the next day. | Thanks for today, see you tomorrow at school. |
| See you tonight. | A goodbye phrase meaning you will meet later in the evening. | I'll finish work soon, see you tonight at dinner. |
| She wants to know when you're coming. | She is asking about your arrival time. | She wants to know when you're coming to the party. |
| She's an expert. | She knows a lot about a specific topic. | She's an expert in ancient history. |
| She's older than me. | She has more years of age than I do. | She's older than me by two years. |
| She's pretty. | A compliment meaning she is attractive or beautiful. | Look at that girl, she's pretty. |
| Should I wait? | Asking if you need to stay or delay. | Should I wait for you outside or go in first? |
| shut up | Stop talking (can be rude or playful). | Shut up! I can't hear the movie. |
| slow down | Do something more slowly or carefully. | You're driving too fast, please slow down. |
| so far so good | Things are going well up to now. | How's your new job? So far so good. |
