There are many, many ways people greet each other or ask each other questions in conversational English. This can mean a simple “How are you?” to asking a friend “What’s up?” These simple expressions are a great conversation starter and easy to use in the English language.
How to use English expressions and phrases in everyday life
With the help of this video series, you can learn simple English expressions and phrases and practice them with your friends and classmates. You can then try them out with strangers, whether at the grocery store, coffee shop or your apartment elevator!
Watch along, practice, and enjoy!
How’s your day going?
How’s your day going?
-“Hi there, how’s your day going?”
-“My day is good, thank you for asking.”
Long Time, No See
Long Time, No See
-“Hey Becca, long time, no see!”
-“Yeah, it’s been a while. How are you doing?”
What’s up?
What’s up?
“-Hey Jackie, what’s up?”
-“Not much, just headed to work. How about you?”
How are you?
How are you?
-“It’s good to see you! How are you today?”
-“I’m good, thank you for asking. How are you?”
You’re The Best
You’re the Best
“Thanks for taking that shift. You’re the best!”
“You’re the best. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
That’s Very Kind of You
That’s very kind of you
-“Can I help pack your groceries?”
-“Yes, thank you, that’s very kind of you.”
-“Your new haircut looks great!”
-“Thanks, that’s very kind of you to say!”
Thanks for your Help
Thanks for your Help
“Thanks for your help today! I appreciate it!”
“You’re welcome! It was my pleasure.”
I Need to Get Back to Work
I need to get back to work.
“I’ve really enjoyed chatting, but I need to get back to work. I’ll call you later.”
“I didn’t see the time, I need to get back to work. I’ll pay the bill on the way out.”
Sorry I’m Late
Sorry I’m late
“So sorry I’m late, my bus was late by 10 minutes.”
“The meeting started 5 minutes ago.”
“I know, sorry I’m late. The printer jammed while I was printing my documents.”
Do You Mind if I ________?
Do you mind if I ______?
“Do you mind if I take this seat next to you?”
“I have to take this call, do you mind if I step out for a minute?”
Could You Give Me a Hand?
Could You Give Me a Hand?
“I’m having trouble reaching the top shelf. Could you give me a hand?”
“I don’t really understand this part of the homework. Could you give me a hand?”
Could You ________?
Could You __________?
“Could you help me learn guitar?”
“Could you turn the heat down please?”
How Can I Help You?
How Can I Help you?
“Welcome to our coffee shop, how can I help you today?”
“You look a bit confused with the homework today. How can I help you with it?”
What Can I Do For You?
What Can I Do For You?
“Welcome to our bank. What can I do for you today?”
“I can see you are browsing that area. What can I do for you?”
American English Party Slang
The Most Common American English Expressions
Here are even more English expressions to learn.
- “How’s it going?”: A casual way to ask someone how they’re doing.
- “What’s up?”: Similar to asking someone how they’re doing or what’s happening.
- “I’m good.”: A response to being asked how you are, indicating that you’re well.
- “No worries.”: An informal way of saying “it’s okay” or “don’t worry about it.”
- “Cool”: Often used to show approval or agreement.
- “Awesome”: Used to express something as impressive or really good.
- “Hang out”: Spend time together in a relaxed, casual manner.
- “I don’t know”: A common phrase to indicate lack of knowledge or uncertainty.
- “Kind of”: Used to express partial agreement or when something is somewhat true.
- “Totally”: Indicates complete agreement or affirmation.
- “What’s the deal?”: Asking for an explanation or the reason behind something.
- “You bet”: An informal way of saying “absolutely” or “sure thing.”
- “Catch you later”: A casual way to say goodbye, suggesting you’ll see the person again.
- “Piece of cake”: Refers to something being very easy.
- “Bummer”: An expression of disappointment or sympathy.
- “It’s a no-brainer”: Refers to something being an easy decision.
- “Hit the hay”: Means going to bed or going to sleep.
- “Take it easy”: A friendly way of saying goodbye, suggesting relaxation.
- “Give it a shot”: Encourages someone to try something even if it’s challenging.
- “On the same page”: Means having a shared understanding or agreement.
Tips for Learning American English Expressions
Learning American English expressions can greatly enhance your language skills and help you communicate more effectively. Here are some tips to help you learn and use these expressions:
Immerse Yourself
Surround yourself with American English content, such as movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music. This exposure will expose you to a wide range of expressions in context.
Practice Regularly
Set aside time each day to practice using American English expressions. Consistent practice will help you internalize these phrases and use them naturally.
Use a Dictionary or App
Utilize American English dictionaries or language learning apps that provide explanations and examples of common expressions.
Context is Key
Pay attention to the situations in which these expressions are used. This will help you understand when and how to use them appropriately.
Watch Conversations
Listen to conversations between native speakers. This will give you insights into how expressions are used in real-life interactions.
Repeat and Rephrase
Repeat the expressions out loud and try rephrasing them in different ways. This will deepen your understanding and increase your flexibility in using them.
Engage in Role Plays
Practice using expressions in role-play scenarios. This helps you become comfortable using them in various situations.
Write and Speak
Write short stories or dialogues that incorporate the expressions you’ve learned. Practice speaking these stories to improve your fluency.
Record Yourself
Record yourself using these expressions in context. Listening to your recordings can help you identify areas for improvement.
Ask for Feedback
If you have native English-speaking friends or language partners, ask for feedback on your usage of expressions. They can provide valuable insights.
Create Flashcards
Write down the expressions on one side of a flashcard and their meanings on the other. Use these to review and test your memory.
Think in English
Try to think and express your thoughts in English. This helps you naturally incorporate expressions into your thinking process.
Join Language Groups
Join online forums, social media groups, or language exchange communities where you can interact with native speakers and learn from their usage.
Use Social Media
Follow social media accounts that focus on American English expressions. They often share new phrases and provide explanations.
Keep a Journal
Maintain a journal where you note down new expressions you come across. Write example sentences and use them in your writing.
Be Patient
Learning expressions takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t remember all of them immediately. Gradually, they will become part of your vocabulary.
What do you think about English expressions?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think and what English expressions you want to hear next!
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