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 |
|---|---|---|
| something is wrong. | Indicating a problem. | Something is wrong with the car, it won't start. |
| Sometimes I go to sleep at (time), sometimes at (time). | Expresses that the time of going to sleep varies. | Sometimes I go to sleep at 10 pm, sometimes at 11 pm. |
| sooner or later | Eventually; at some point in the future. | Sooner or later, you'll have to make a decision. |
| sorry for the delay. | Apologizing for being late. | The train arrived late and the conductor said, "Sorry for the delay." |
| Sorry to bother you. | A polite apology for interrupting or disturbing someone. | Sorry to bother you, but do you have a minute? |
| Sorry, I didn't hear clearly. | Apologizing and asking for repetition due to unclear hearing. | Sorry, I didn't hear clearly; could you repeat that? |
| Sorry, I think I have the wrong number. | I apologize; I dialed incorrectly. | Sorry, I think I have the wrong number. I was trying to reach John. |
| Sorry, we don't accept [payment method]. | Politely refuse a payment method. | Sorry, we don't accept checks. |
| Sorry, we don't have any vacancies. | Informing that no rooms are available. | Sorry, we don't have any vacancies tonight. |
| Sorry, we don't have any. | Apologizing for not having something in stock. | Sorry, we don't have any more apples. |
| Sorry, we only accept [payment method]. | State that a business takes only one payment method. | Sorry, we only accept cash. |
| sounds good | I agree; that plan is acceptable. | Let's meet at 7 pm. Sounds good! |
| speak of the devil | Said when someone appears just after being mentioned. | Speak of the devil, here comes John now. |
| stay tuned | Keep watching or listening for more information. | We'll have more news after the break, stay tuned. |
| step by step | Gradually; one stage at a time. | Learn the process step by step to avoid mistakes. |
| Stop! | A command to cease an action or movement. | Stop! The light is red. |
| sure, go ahead. | Permission to proceed. | A: "Can I open the window?" B: "Sure, go ahead." |
| take a break | Stop working or doing something to rest. | You've been studying for hours, take a break. |
| Take a chance. | To do something risky or uncertain in hope of success. | You should take a chance and apply for that job. |
| take care | Be careful; also used to say goodbye. | See you tomorrow, take care! |
| take care. | Friendly way to say goodbye. | See you later, take care! |
| take it easy | Relax; don't worry or work too hard. | You've been stressed, just take it easy this weekend. |
| Take it outside. | A request to move an argument or activity outdoors. | If you want to fight, take it outside. |
| Take me to the Marriott Hotel. | Instructing a driver to go to the Marriott Hotel. | Take me to the Marriott Hotel, please. |
| take the first exit. | Use the first exit from a roundabout. | Take the first exit at the roundabout. |
