1,200 English Phrases & Expressions List

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 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
That's not fair.	Expression of perceived injustice or inequality.	He got more time to finish, that's not fair.
That's not right.	Indicates something is incorrect or morally wrong.	The answer is 5, but you said 10, that's not right.
That's right.	Used to confirm that something is correct.	You said the meeting is at 3 PM? That's right.
That's too bad.	Expresses sympathy or disappointment about something unfortunate.	You failed the test? That's too bad.
That's too expensive.	The price is higher than I can pay.	That's too expensive for my budget.
That's too many.	Indicates an excessive number of items.	We have 20 guests but only 10 chairs? That's too many.
That's too much.	Indicates an excessive amount or intensity.	You want me to work 12 hours? That's too much.
That's wrong.	Stating that something is incorrect.	That's wrong; the answer is actually 10.
that’s enough	Stop; no more is needed or wanted.	That's enough TV for today, go do your homework.
that’s it	That is the final thing; or that is correct.	That's it, I quit! I can't take it anymore.
that’s right	Used to confirm that something is correct.	You're from Canada? That's right.
that’s the point	That is the main idea or important thing.	We need to save money, that's the point.
that’s too bad	Expressing sympathy or disappointment.	You can't come to the party? That's too bad.
that’s true	I agree; that is a fact.	It's cold outside. That's true, wear a coat.
that’s what I mean	Used to emphasize agreement or clarify your point.	We should leave early. That's what I mean.
that’s why	Used to explain the reason for something.	I was sick, that's why I didn't come.
The accident happened at the intersection.	Describing where an accident occurred.	The accident happened at the intersection of Main and First.
The big one or the small one?	Asking which size to choose.	Do you want the big one or the small one for your coffee?
The book is behind the table.	The book is at the back of the table.	The book is behind the table, so you can't see it.
The book is in front of the table.	The book is at the front side of the table.	The book is in front of the table, near the chair.
The book is near the table.	The book is close to the table.	The book is near the table, on the floor.
The book is next to the table.	The book is beside the table.	The book is next to the table, on the shelf.
The book is on top of the table.	The book is resting on the table surface.	The book is on top of the table, next to the lamp.
The book is under the table.	States the location of the book beneath the table.	I can't find my book. Oh, the book is under the table.
The books are expensive.	Stating that books cost a lot of money.	The books are expensive, so I'll borrow them.

English Phrases Quiz

Common English Phrases and Expressions

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