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 |
|---|---|---|
| way to go | Good job; well done. | You passed the test? Way to go! |
| We can eat Italian or Chinese food. | Suggesting two cuisine options. | He said, 'We can eat Italian or Chinese food,' and waited for her choice. |
| We have (number) boys and (number) girls. | Describe the number of boys and girls in a group. | We have 2 boys and 3 girls. |
| we have plenty of time. | Enough time available. | We have plenty of time, no need to rush. |
| We like it very much. | Expresses strong enjoyment or approval. | Thank you for the gift; we like it very much. |
| We'll have (number) glasses of water please. | Order a specific number of glasses of water. | We'll have 3 glasses of water please. |
| We're from [place]. | States that the speaker's origin is a specific place. | We're from Canada. |
| We're late. | We are behind schedule. | Hurry up, we're late for the appointment. |
| well done | Praise for a job well done. | Well done on finishing the project early. |
| Were there any problems? | Asking if any issues occurred. | Were there any problems with the delivery yesterday? |
| Were you at the library last night? | Asking if someone was at the library. | Were you at the library last night? I thought I saw you. |
| what a shame | Expressing disappointment or pity. | You can't come? What a shame. |
| What are you doing? | Asking about current activity. | What are you doing? Can you help me for a minute? |
| What are you going to do tonight? | What are your plans for this evening? | What are you going to do tonight? Want to grab dinner? |
| What are you going to have? | Asking someone what they will order or choose. | What are you going to have for dinner tonight? |
| What are you thinking about? | Asking about someone's thoughts. | You look deep in thought. What are you thinking about? |
| What are you two talking about? | Asking about a conversation between two people. | What are you two talking about? It sounds interesting. |
| What are your hobbies? | What do you like to do in your free time? | What are your hobbies? I enjoy hiking and reading. |
| What day are they coming over? | Asking which day they will visit. | What day are they coming over for dinner? |
| What day of the week is it? | Asking for the current day name. | I lost track; what day of the week is it? |
| What did you do last night? | Asking about previous evening's activities. | What did you do last night? I stayed home and watched a movie. |
| What did you do yesterday? | Asking about previous day's activities. | What did you do yesterday? I went shopping with my mom. |
| What did you think? | Asking for someone's opinion. | I just finished the book. What did you think of it? |
| What do people usually do in the summer in Los Angeles? | What are common summer activities in LA? | What do people usually do in the summer in Los Angeles? They go to the beach. |
| What do they study? | Asking about someone's field of study. | What do they study at university? They study engineering. |
