Whether you’re greeting a colleague, making small talk, or asking for help, these 100 everyday English phrases will help you communicate naturally in any situation. Each phrase includes a short example so you can start using it right away.
100 Common Phrases for Daily Use
Use these phrases when you meet someone or introduce yourself. The first few are suitable for any situation, while others are more casual.
“Hi, how’s it going?” — Suitable in nearly every situation.
Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
“Good morning, everyone. Let’s get started.” — More formal; great for work or professional settings.
“I’m David. Nice to meet you.” — Use when meeting someone for the first time.
“Hey, how are you?” — “I’m good, thanks! You?” — A standard greeting. People usually expect a short answer.
“What’s your name? I don’t think we’ve met.”
My name is…
“My name is Sarah. I just moved here from Boston.”
Pleased to meet you.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kim.” — Slightly more formal than “nice to meet you.”
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
“I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” — Professional and warm.
“How do you do?” — Very formal. The standard reply is simply “How do you do?” back.
Good to see you.
“Hey, good to see you! It’s been a while.” — Use with someone you’ve already met.
“Long time no see! How have you been?” — Casual; use with friends or acquaintances.
How have you been?
“How have you been? Last time we talked, you were starting a new job.” — Shows genuine interest.
What brings you here?
“What brings you here? I didn’t expect to see you at this event.”
Is this your first time here?
“Is this your first time here? Let me show you around.”
“Where are you from?” — “I’m originally from Vietnam, but I live in London now.”
“What do you do?” — “I’m a software developer.” — Asking about someone’s job.
Nice to finally meet you.
“We’ve emailed so many times — nice to finally meet you in person!”
It’s nice to put a face to the name.
“It’s nice to put a face to the name. I feel like I know you already.”
How’s life treating you?
“How’s life treating you?” — “Can’t complain!” — Casual and friendly.
How’s everything going?
“Hey, how’s everything going with the move?”
Small Talk and Casual Conversation
Small talk keeps conversations going. These phrases are perfect for chatting with colleagues, neighbors, or new acquaintances.
How’s your day been so far?
“How’s your day been so far?” — “Pretty busy, actually!”
What have you been up to lately?
“What have you been up to lately?” — “Not much, just working and watching too much Netflix.”
What’s new with you?
“What’s new with you?” — “Actually, I just got a puppy!”
How’s work / school?
“How’s work?” — “It’s been hectic this week, but things are calming down.”
What are your plans for the weekend?
“What are your plans for the weekend?” — “I’m thinking about going hiking.”
Did you catch the latest [movie/show]?
“Did you catch the latest season of Stranger Things?”
Have you tried that new restaurant yet?
“Have you tried that new Thai place on 5th Street? The pad Thai is amazing.”
How’s your family?
“How’s your family?” — “Everyone’s good, thanks for asking!”
What’s the weather like today?
“What’s the weather like today? Should I bring an umbrella?”
How’s the traffic?
“How’s the traffic on your side? It took me an hour to get here.”
It’s been too long since we last caught up.
“It’s been too long since we last caught up. Let’s grab coffee sometime.”
Have a good one!
“Alright, I’ve gotta go. Have a good one!” — A casual way to say goodbye.
I was just talking about you the other day.
“I was just talking about you the other day! We were remembering that trip to Mexico.”
I heard about your [news]. How was it?
“I heard about your recent promotion. Congratulations! How’s the new role?”
That’s a great [item] you’re wearing.
“That’s a great jacket you’re wearing. Where did you get it?”
How’s your favorite sports team doing?
“How are the Lakers doing this season?” — “Don’t ask.”
Have you seen the latest exhibition at the museum?
“Have you seen the latest exhibition at the museum? I’ve heard it’s worth checking out.”
I love this song.
“I love this song — it always puts me in a good mood.”
Are you from around here?
“Are you from around here, or just visiting?”
Do you come here often?
“Do you come here often? I just discovered this coffee shop.”
Expressing Opinions and Emotions
Use these to share what you think and feel. Some are neutral, while others express strong emotions.
“I think we should start the meeting a bit earlier tomorrow.”
“In my opinion, the sequel wasn’t as good as the original.”
I feel like…
“I feel like we’re not making enough progress on this project.”
I believe…
“I believe everyone deserves a second chance.”
I’m not sure about that.
“I’m not sure about that. Can we check the data first?” — A polite way to express doubt.
I’m sorry to hear that.
“Your dog is sick? I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she gets better soon.”
That’s great!
“You got the job? That’s great! I’m so happy for you.”
That’s terrible.
“That’s terrible. Is there anything I can do to help?”
That’s amazing!
“You ran a marathon? That’s amazing!”
I’m really happy for you.
“I’m really happy for you. You’ve worked so hard for this.”
Honestly, I…
“Honestly, I don’t think this plan is going to work.”
Personally, I…
“Personally, I prefer working from home.”
As far as I’m concerned…
“As far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed.” — Slightly formal.
To me, it seems like…
“To me, it seems like we need more time to prepare.”
I’m definitely of the view that…
“I’m definitely of the view that remote work improves productivity.”
I’m not convinced that…
“I’m not convinced that this is the right approach.”
I’m quite excited about…
“I’m quite excited about the trip next month!”
I’m a bit worried about…
“I’m a bit worried about the deadline. Do you think we’ll make it?”
It makes me sad to see…
“It makes me sad to see the old bookshop closing down.”
I’m thoroughly impressed by…
“I’m thoroughly impressed by how much you’ve improved.”
Making Requests and Offers
These phrases help you ask for help politely or offer assistance. “Would” and “Could” are more polite than “Can.”
Tip: “Would you mind…?” and “Could you possibly…?” are the most polite options. Use them with people you don’t know well.
Can you help me with…?
“Can you help me with this math problem?”
Would you mind if…?
“Would you mind if I opened the window?” — Very polite.
Can I have one?
“Those cookies look delicious. Can I have one?”
Would you like to…?
“Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Can you pass me…?
“Can you pass me that document on the table?”
Can you lend me…?
“Can you lend me your phone charger? Mine died.”
I would love to have you over for…
“I would love to have you over for dinner this Saturday.”
I’d be happy to help.
“Need a hand? I’d be happy to help.”
Would you be so kind as to…?
“Would you be so kind as to hold the door for me?” — Formal and very polite.
Can you give me a hand?
“Can you give me a hand with these boxes?” — Casual.
Would you like to grab a coffee?
“I’m heading to the café. Would you like to grab a coffee?”
Can you show me how to do this?
“Can you show me how to do this? I’ve never used this software before.”
Would you like to go for a walk?
“The weather’s nice. Would you like to go for a walk?”
Can you please explain that again?
“Sorry, I didn’t quite get that. Can you please explain that again?”
Would you mind keeping an eye on my stuff?
“I need to use the restroom. Would you mind keeping an eye on my stuff?”
Can I borrow your…?
“Can I borrow your pen for a moment?”
Would you like to join me for dinner?
“A few of us are going out tonight. Would you like to join us for dinner?”
Could you possibly…?
“Could you possibly send me the report by end of day?” — Professional and polite.
Do you need any help?
“You look like you’ve got your hands full. Do you need any help?”
Let me know if you need anything.
“I’m right next door. Let me know if you need anything.”
Expressing Thanks and Gratitude
Saying “thank you” is important, but variety makes your English sound more natural. Here are 20 ways to express gratitude — from casual to heartfelt.
“Thank you for your help.” — Works everywhere.
Thanks a lot.
“Thanks a lot for picking me up from the airport.”
Many thanks.
“Many thanks for the update.” — Often used in emails.
Thanks so much.
“Thanks so much for coming to my party!”
I really appreciate it.
“I really appreciate it. You’ve saved me a lot of time.”
That’s very kind of you.
“You brought me soup? That’s very kind of you.”
I’m grateful for your help.
“I’m grateful for your help during the move.”
I can’t thank you enough.
“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.” — Very heartfelt.
Thanks for everything.
“Thanks for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
You’re a lifesaver!
“You fixed my laptop? You’re a lifesaver!” — Casual and enthusiastic.
Thank you so much.
“Thank you so much for the birthday gift. I love it!”
I’m so grateful.
“I’m so grateful to have friends like you.”
You’re the best!
“You’re the best! I owe you one.”
You’re a true friend.
“Thank you for always being there. You’re a true friend.”
I couldn’t have done it without you.
“I passed the exam! I couldn’t have done it without your tutoring.”
You always know what to say.
“You always know what to say to make me feel better.”
I really appreciate your support.
“I really appreciate your support during this difficult time.”
Thanks for being there for me.
“Thanks for being there for me when I needed it most.”
You always make me smile.
“You always make me smile, even on bad days.”
I owe you one!
“Thanks for covering my shift. I owe you one!” — Casual; means you’ll return the favor.
How to Respond When Someone Thanks You
Knowing how to respond to “thank you” is just as important:
Casual:
- “No problem!”
- “No worries!”
- “Anytime!”
- “You’re welcome!”
Professional:
- “You’re welcome.”
- “Happy to help.”
- “My pleasure.”
Warm:
- “Of course!”
- “Don’t mention it.”
- “That’s what friends are for.”
Practice a few of these phrases each day, and they’ll quickly become part of your natural English. Start with the ones you’ll use most often — greetings and small talk are a great place to begin!