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 |
|---|---|---|
| Do you play any sports? | Asking if someone participates in sports. | Do you play any sports like basketball or soccer? |
| Do you play basketball? | Asking if someone plays the sport basketball. | Do you play basketball? We need a player. |
| Do you sell batteries? | Asking if a store sells batteries. | Do you sell batteries for this remote control? |
| Do you sell medicine? (store) | Asking if a store sells medication. | Excuse me, do you sell medicine here? |
| Do you smoke? | Asking if someone smokes cigarettes. | Do you smoke? This is a non-smoking area. |
| Do you speak English? | Asking if someone can speak English. | Do you speak English? I need directions. |
| Do you study English? | Asking if someone is learning English. | Do you study English at school? |
| Do you think it's possible? | Do you believe it can happen? | Do you think it's possible to finish by Friday? |
| Do you think you'll be back by (time)? | Asks about the expected return time. | Do you think you'll be back by 5 pm? |
| Do you understand? | Checking if someone comprehends what was said. | I explained it twice, do you understand? |
| Do you want me to come and pick you up? | Offering to drive someone to a location. | Do you want me to come and pick you up from the station? |
| Do you want to come with me? | Inviting someone to accompany you. | I'm going to the park; do you want to come with me? |
| Do you want to go to the movies? | Would you like to watch a film at a theater? | Do you want to go to the movies tonight? |
| Do you want to go with me? | Inviting someone to join you somewhere. | Do you want to go with me to the concert? |
| Does anyone here speak English? | Asking if someone can communicate in English. | Does anyone here speak English? I'm lost. |
| Does he like the school? | Asking about someone's opinion of their school. | He just started, does he like the school? |
| Does this road go to [place]? | Use this pattern to ask if a road leads to a specific place. | Does this road go to the airport? |
| Don't do that. | Telling someone not to perform an action. | Don't do that, it's dangerous. |
| Don't worry. | Telling someone to relax and not be anxious. | Don't worry, everything will be fine. |
| don’t bother | Don't make the effort; it's not necessary. | Don't bother calling; I'll be there soon. |
| don’t push it | Don't try too hard or go too far; stop before it's too much. | You've had enough candy, don't push it. |
| don’t worry | Used to tell someone not to be anxious. | Don't worry, I'll take care of it. |
| down to earth | Practical, realistic, and not arrogant. | She's very down to earth despite her success. |
| easy does it | Do something slowly and carefully. | Easy does it, the glass is fragile. |
| enough is enough | Stop; the situation has gone on too long. | I've had it with your excuses; enough is enough. |
