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 |
|---|---|---|
| What time did you go to sleep? | Asking what time someone went to bed to sleep. | What time did you go to sleep last night? |
| What time did you wake up? | Asking what time someone woke up from sleep. | What time did you wake up today? |
| what time do you close? | When does the store shut? | Customer: "What time do you close?" Employee: "We close at 9 PM." |
| What time do you think you'll arrive? | Asking for an estimated arrival time. | What time do you think you'll arrive? I'll wait for you. |
| What time does it start? | Asking the starting time of an event or activity. | What time does it start? I don't want to be late. |
| What time does the movie start? | Asking for the beginning time of a movie. | What time does the movie start? I don't want to be late. |
| What time does the store open? | Asking for the opening time of a store. | What time does the store open in the morning? |
| what time does the train leave? | Ask for departure time of train. | What time does the train leave for Chicago? |
| What time is check out? | Asking the required departure time from a hotel. | What time is check out? I need to pack. |
| What time is it? | Asking for the current time. | What time is it? I need to catch the bus. |
| What would you like to drink? | Asking someone what beverage they want. | What would you like to drink with your meal? |
| What would you like to eat? | Asking someone what food they want. | What would you like to eat for lunch? |
| What's in it? | Asking about contents or ingredients. | This soup smells good. What's in it? |
| what's new? | Asking if there is any news or changes. | Hey, what's new with you? |
| What's the address? | Tell me the location address. | What's the address of the restaurant? |
| What's the charge per night? (Hotel) | Asking the nightly rate for a hotel room. | What's the charge per night for a standard room? |
| What's the exchange rate for [currency]? | Ask the rate to convert one currency to another. | What's the exchange rate for euros? |
| What's the exchange rate? | Asking for the currency conversion rate. | What's the exchange rate for dollars to euros? |
| What's the name of the company you work for? | What is your employer's company name? | Nice to meet you; what's the name of the company you work for? |
| What's the phone number? | Please tell me the telephone number. | What's the phone number for the restaurant? |
| What's the temperature? | Asking about the current temperature. | What's the temperature outside? I need to know if it's cold. |
| What's this? | Asking about an object or item. | What's this? I found it on the floor. |
| What's up? | Informal greeting asking how someone is. | Hey, what's up? Long time no see. |
| What's wrong? | What is the problem? | You look upset; what's wrong? |
| What's your address? | Where do you live? | I'll send you a letter; what's your address? |
