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 |
|---|---|---|
| This doesn't work. | Something is not functioning or effective. | I tried to turn on the computer, but this doesn't work. |
| This is [name]. | Introduces someone else by name. | This is Mary. |
| This is my mother. | I am introducing my female parent. | This is my mother, and she loves gardening. |
| This is the first time I've been here. | I have never visited this place before. | This is the first time I've been here, so please show me around. |
| This is very difficult. | Something is hard to do or understand. | I can't solve this math problem; this is very difficult. |
| This is very important. | Something has great significance or urgency. | Please listen carefully; this is very important. |
| time will tell | The future will show if something is true or not. | We'll see if he's right; time will tell. |
| Today is [month] (day). | Stating the current date. | Today is January 15th. |
| too good to be true | Something seems perfect but is probably false. | That deal sounds too good to be true. |
| too much | More than is needed or acceptable. | This homework is too much for one night. |
| trust me | Believe what I say; I am honest. | Trust me, this is the best restaurant in town. |
| Try it on. | Encouraging someone to put on clothing to check fit. | Try it on to see if it fits you. |
| Try it. | Encourages someone to attempt something. | You don't like sushi? Just try it. |
| Try to say it. | Encouraging someone to attempt speaking. | Try to say it in English, even if it's not perfect. |
| Turn around. | Reverse direction or go back. | Turn around, we missed the exit. |
| turn left at the corner. | Instruction to turn left. | Turn left at the corner, then walk straight. |
| Turn left. | Change direction to the left. | Turn left at the next traffic light. |
| Turn right. | Change direction to the right. | Turn right after the bridge. |
| Very good, thanks. | Response indicating satisfaction and gratitude. | How is your meal? Very good, thanks. |
| wait a minute | Pause for a short time; hold on. | Wait a minute, I forgot my keys. |
| Waiter! | Calling a male server. | He raised his hand and called, 'Waiter!' |
| Waitress! | Calling a female server. | She called out, 'Waitress!' to get her attention. |
| wake up | Stop sleeping; become alert. | Wake up, it's time for school. |
| walk two blocks. | Walk two segments of streets. | Walk two blocks, then turn right. |
| watch out | Be careful; danger is near. | Watch out for that car! |
