Want to sound more like a fluent speaker in your day-to-day life? You know the vocabulary, but you simply can’t find the right way to structure your sentence! Or sometimes you don’t sound natural. This is normal, and we all have that feeling from time to time, but don’t worry! We at Everywhere English are here to help!
The most effective way to make life a little easier is by incorporating commonly used English phrases into your daily conversations. In this blog, we’ll give you ten essential English phrases that you can use to make your speech more natural when speaking English.
Our first phrase is probably the most common. “How’s it going?” is a casual and fluent way of asking, “How are you?”. It’s so common, that it might be taking over the simple “hello” as a greeting. Be warned though – this is only used in a familiar setting. When meeting up with friends or family, this is a great way to start a conversation. If you are in a professional or business setting, we recommend not to use this phrase.
Check out the example below to see how to respond to a question, just in case someone says it to you first (which has a high probability!):
Example:
Person A: “Hey, how’s it going?”
Person B: “Not bad, how about you?”
This is definitely the most helpful phrase for English learners. Sometimes native speakers (especially the Scottish and Irish!) can speak too quickly. This phrase will let them know that you didn’t understand what they just said. It’s also a polite way of telling them to slow down in the conversation. It can also be used simply for the fact that you didn’t hear them properly. Maybe, you’re in a noisy area. This English phrase, in turn, will let the person you are talking to know that you are actively listening and don’t want to miss a word!
Example:
Person A: The meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Person B: Could you please repeat that?
This is similar to the previous phrase. However, it’s put in statement format, rather than a question. It lets the other person know that you didn’t hear or understand. This phrase is used in a more casual situation and gives the other person no obligation to repeat themselves. You could even use this phrase when watching the TV. You are not “catching” what was just said on the news.
Example:
Person A: “Would you like some coffee?”
Person B: “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
This Englisgh phrase is great for inviting someone to share their opinion or thoughts. It opens up the dialogue and lets others know you value their opinion. In a business conversation, it lets colleagues know that the subject matter is a team effort – even inviting debate on a passionate work project. And, in a casual sense, it can even help you to get to know somebody based on their thoughts and opinions.
Check out the response in the example to know a short, positive way to answer.
Example:
Person A: “We could go to the new Italian restaurant tonight. What do you think?”
Person B: “That sounds great!”
This English phrase is perfect when you are shopping either at a market or a shopping mall. Have you ever been in a situation where a shop assistant approaches you and asks if you need help? But, you can’t think of vocabulary to respond. It is normal! If you get flustered by imagining all the worst things, you’re not the only one! It’s easy to say “Sorry, I don’t speak English” or simply “No”. Since retailers normally work on commission rates – especially in the USA, it’s friendlier to say “I’m just looking, thanks.” you are effectively telling them that you might not buy something and don’t need assistance. This will save you and the retailer a lot of time.
Example:
Salesperson: “Can I help you find something?”
You: “I’m just looking, thanks.”
This phrase expresses enthusiasm or approval of a suggestion or idea. It’s a response that can be used in several situations, such as plans suggested, goals that are spoken about, news from friends, or an invitation. Simply, you are telling the other person that you agree with what has been said.
Example:
Person A: “Let’s go hiking this weekend.”
Person B: “That sounds great!”
When ordering food or drinks, this English phrase is very useful. It’s a more fluent way to start your sentence. This is a better alternative to the phrases you learn at a secondary school level of English, such as “May I have..?” or “Can I have..?”. As a reminder, “I’d” is a contraction word for “I would”. So, by using a contraction in the conditional tense, you’re sounding fluent and polite all at the same time!
Example:
Person A: “I’d like a coffee, please.”
Person B: “Sure, coming right up.”
Did you notice the response of Person B? “Coming right up” is something you’ll hear from a server. It just means that they’ll get what you ordered pronto.
If you’re lost or can’t find a certain location, approaching a stranger and asking for directions can bring up those nervous feelings we talked about back in Phrase 5. How do you start? Tap them on the shoulder? Cough? Nope – this is the polite way to ask for directions or locate something, but it will also open the conversation easily.
Remember, if you don’t understand the directions given, refer to Phrases 2 and 3.
Example:
Person A: “Excuse me, where is the nearest ATM?”
Person B: “It’s just around the corner.”
There’s no shame in asking for help! You can use this English phrase when you need assistance with something. This is a phrase that you can use in multiple situations – when you travel, at the office, or at a restaurant. When you ask someone for help, their response is often slower and clear. This makes it easier for you to get help.
Example:
Person A: “Could you help me with this report?”
Person B: “Of course, I’d be happy to.”
This is a phrase that everyone knows and we use it every day. It is a polite phrase to use when you meet someone for the first time. You can use it when you meet a new colleague at work, or perhaps you meet someone at a bar when buying a drink or maybe you are on the street and you speak to someone for the first time. This phrase is usually accompanied with a handshake or kiss on the cheek (depending on what part of the world you are in, at the time)
Example:
Person A: “Hi, I’m Sarah.”
Person B: “Nice to meet you, Sarah. I’m John.”
1️⃣ Use Them Daily: Practice, practice, practice. The best way to get comfortable with these phrases is to use them in your everyday conversations. Don’t be afraid to use them with strangers, too!
2️⃣ Role-Playing: Practice these phrases with a friend, family member or tutor through role-playing different scenarios. Check out our individual lessons on our website and a book an online session with a qualified tutor to start practicing.
3️⃣ Listening Practice: Listen to native English speakers using these phrases in movies, TV shows, or podcasts. We recommend watching movies or TV shows that you are familiar with. This means that you can focus on the specific vocabulary rather than the story.
4️⃣ Flashcards: Create flashcards with these phrases and practice them regularly. Stick them on your bathroom mirror, or on fridge. That way you will read them several times a day! You will be an expert in no time.
5️⃣ Online English Lessons: Enroll in our online English lessons to get personalised feedback and more opportunities to practice.
Mastering these five phrases will improve your daily conversations in English. They are practical, commonly used, and will help you feel more confident in your daily interactions. Start using them every day in your conversations and see the difference they make!
Remember, practice is key, and with our online English lessons, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to improve your skills and gain fluency. Happy learning!
