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 |
|---|---|---|
| Take this medicine. | Instructing someone to take medication. | Take this medicine three times a day. |
| take your time | Do something without rushing. | There's no hurry, take your time. |
| talk to you soon. | Farewell meaning you will speak again soon. | I have to go, talk to you soon! |
| Tell me. | A request for information or explanation. | Tell me what happened at the meeting. |
| Thank you miss. | Polite thanks addressed to a woman or girl. | Thank you miss, for holding the door. |
| Thank you sir. | Polite thanks addressed to a man. | Thank you sir, for your assistance. |
| Thank you very much. | A stronger expression of gratitude. | Thank you very much for your generous donation. |
| Thank you. | A polite expression of gratitude. | Thank you for the gift, it's lovely. |
| Thanks for everything. | Expressing gratitude for all help or support received. | You've been so kind, thanks for everything. |
| Thanks for your help. | Expressing gratitude for assistance provided. | Thanks for your help with the project, I appreciate it. |
| That car is similar to my car. | That car looks like my car. | That car is similar to my car, but mine is blue. |
| that figures | That is expected or typical given the situation. | He forgot my birthday again. That figures. |
| That looks great. | A compliment meaning something appears very good. | Your new haircut, that looks great! |
| that makes sense | I understand; that is logical. | So you were late because of traffic? That makes sense. |
| that makes sense. | Acknowledging that something is logical. | That makes sense, now I understand. |
| That means friend. | Explaining the meaning of a word. | That means friend, so you can call me that. |
| That restaurant is not expensive. | The restaurant has low prices. | That restaurant is not expensive, so we can eat there. |
| That smells bad. | Indicates an unpleasant odor. | What's in the trash? That smells bad. |
| That way. | Pointing in a direction. | The store is that way, just two blocks down. |
| that's a good point. | Acknowledging a valid argument. | That's a good point, I hadn't considered that. |
| that's all right. | It's okay; no need to apologize. | A: "I forgot your book." B: "That's all right, bring it tomorrow." |
| That's alright. | Used to say something is acceptable or not a problem. | I'm sorry I'm late. That's alright, no worries. |
| That's enough. | Indicates that something has reached a sufficient amount or should stop. | That's enough sugar in my coffee, thank you. |
| That's fine. | Indicates agreement or that something is acceptable. | If you want to leave early, that's fine with me. |
| That's it. | Indicates completion or that something is exactly what is needed. | That's it, you've finished the test. |
