As with every language, English speakers have a variety of expressions we use which can cause confusion to those learning. Below is the list of common phrases used in daily conversations with ESL images.
Phrases Used in Daily English Conversations
Expressions to use in asking someone to say something again
- Pardon
- I’m sorry I didn’t hear/catch what you said
- Would/ Could you say that again, please?
- Would/ Could you repeat what you said, please?
- I’m sorry, what did you say?
- What was that?
- Informal: What was that again…?
- Very informal: What?/ Eh/ Mm?
Expressions to use in checking you have understood
- So,…
- Does that mean…?
- Do you mean…?
- If I understand right…
- I’m not sure I understand. Does that mean…?
Expressions to use in saying something another way
- In other words,…
- That means…
- What I mean is…
- That’s to say…
- …, or rather…
- What I’m trying to say is…
- What I’m driving at/ getting at is…
- Giving yourself time to think
- …, oh/ er/ um, …
- Let me see/ think…
- …, just a moment, …
- …, you see, …
- …, you know, …
- How shall I put it?
- …, now what’s the word…?
Expressions to use in checking someone has understood you
- Do you know what I mean?
- … if you see what I mean
- I hope that’s clear.
- Do I make myself clear.
- Informal:
- Are you with me?
- Get it?
- Right?
- Very informal:
- Got the message?
- Changing the subject
- …, by the way,…
- …, before I forget,…
- …, I nearly forgot, …
Expressions to use when you want to add something
- I’d like to make another point.
- I’d also like to say…
- You need help
- I don’t understand, I’m sorry.
- I’m not sure I understand what you mean.
- What’s the meaning of…?
- What does the word … mean?
- What’s the French/ the English word for …?
- I didn’t hear what you said.
- Can you/ Could you/ Would you (repeat, please?/ say it again, please?/ explain it again, please?/ spell that word, please?/ write it on the board, please?/ speak louder/ up, please?/ speak more slowly, please?)
- Could you step aside, please? I can’t see the board.
Expressions to use when you want to apologize
- Sorry, I’m late.
- I apologize for being late.
- I’m afraid I’ve forgotten my workbook.
Expressions to use in showing you’re interested
- Uh, uh.
- I see…
- Really?
- Oh, yes.
- How interesting!
- I know/ see what you mean.
Phrases Used in Daily English Conversations | Image
Other Ways to Say: Good Luck | Useful Expressions
Best of luck!
Wishing you all the best!
Wishing you lots of luck!
Cross my fingers!
Fingers crossed!
Break a leg!
May the force be with you
You’ll do great!
I hope everything will be all right.
I hope things will work out all right.
I wish you luck!
I hope things will turn out fine.
Blow them away!
Knock them dead!
Other Ways to Say: Congratulations
You’ve done a great job!
Good on you!
Good for you!
That’s the way!
You did it!
Well done!
You rock!
Good going!
Kudos!
Props!
Other Ways to Say: Nice to Meet You
Pleased to meet you.
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Glad to meet you.
Nice meeting you.
It was lovely meeting you.
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
I’ve enjoyed meeting you.
Pleased to make your acquaintance
Good to meet you
Happy to meet you
It’s very nice meeting you
Other Ways to Say: I Miss You
I can’t wait to see you again
I can’t wait to talk to you again.
I wish you were here.
I’ve been thinking of you.
I hope I see you again soon.
I look forward to seeing you again.
When can I see you again?
I’m counting the days until I see you again.
I can’t stop thinking about you
I feel sad without you
All I do is think of you
Your picture makes me smile
I think of you night and day
I was thinking about you and it made me smile
Other Ways to Say: Just Kidding
Just joking!
Don’t take it seriously!
Just teasing you!
I’m just pulling your leg.
I’m just fooling around.
Just trying to take the Mickey.
It was only a joke.
I’m just having a laugh.
I was only playing around.
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