Conversation Phrases in English – Examples and Tips

How many phrases do you know for different kinds of everyday English conversations?

It feels great to use a natural English phrase in the right situation. But sometimes it’s easier just to use the phrases we already know!

Here are some common examples of real English phrases for common everyday situations.

I use these phrases all the time to start conversations, give opinions, ask for help, apologise (and more) in English! So why don’t you try them too?

Phrases to start conversations

If you struggle to start conversations in English, try out these natural-sounding phrases!

• “Hey, how’s it going?”
  • Example: “Hey, how’s it going? It’s been a while!”
  • → Tip: In fast speech, it can sound like “howzit.”
• “What’s new?”
  • Example: “Hi! What’s new?”
  • → Alternative: “What’s up?”
• “Nice to see you!”
  • Example: “Hey, Jack! Nice to see you! How’s everything?”
  • → Language Tip: Reply with “Yeah, you too! All good thanks. You?”
• “How’ve you been?”
  • Example: “Hey, how’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in ages!”
  • → Language Tip: “How’ve you been?” is short for “How have you been?” (present perfect simple tense)
• “Long time no see!”
  • Example: “Long time no see! How’s life?”
  • → Alternative: “It’s been too long!” is another casual way to greet someone you haven’t seen recently.

Phrases in context

Read the dialogue to learn how to start conversations with these phrases:

• Sarah: Hey Ben! Long time no see!
• Ben: I know, right? How’ve you been?
• Sarah: I’m good, thanks. What’s new with you?
• Ben: Just the usual. Nice to see you!

Phrases for making small talk

Small talk means talking about everyday topics. We often use small talk phrases when catching up with friends or meeting new people.

• “Any plans..?”
  • Example: “Any plans for the weekend?”
  • → Tip: In casual speech, we often make long phrases shorter: “Have you got Any plans for the weekend?”
• “Did you hear about../see..?”
  • Example: “Did you hear about the new cafe that opened?”
  • → Pronunciation tip: “Did you” often sounds like /dɪʤə/ in fast speech.
• “How was your day?”
  • Example: “Hey, how was your day? Anything exciting?”
  • → Tip: Use “How was..?” at the end of the day, or use “How’s your day going?” during the day.
• “How’s work going?”
  • Example: “How’s work going? Still as busy as ever?”
  • → Alternative: “How’s it all going at work?”
• “So, what have you been up to, then?”
  • → Language tip: “What have you been up to..?” = ” What have you been doing?”

Phrases in context

Here are some of these small talk phrases in a natural English dialogue. Tom’s chatting to Emily at the end of a day at work:

• Tom: Hey Emily, how was your day?
• Emily: Not bad! Got any plans for the weekend?
• Tom: Nothing much, to be honest. So, how’s work going for you at the moment?
• Emily: Oh, you know, busy, as usual! But on the whole, things are pretty good, actually.

Phrases to make suggestions

When making suggestions or giving advice, it’s important to be polite, and not too direct! These phrases help you suggest things in a friendly way.

• “How about…?”
  • Example: “How about we go to the park this afternoon?”
  • → Tip: Use “How about + noun” (e.g., “ice cream”) or “How about + we/I + verb.”
• “Why don’t we…?”
  • Example: “Why don’t we try that new restaurant?”
  • → Alternative: “Why not..?” (We use “Why not..?” when someone asks for a suggestion).
• “What if we…?”
  • Example: “What if we watch a movie tonight instead?”
  • → Alternative: This is a softer way to suggest an alternative.
• “Would you be up for…?”
  • Example: “Would you be up for trying that new Italian place?”
  • → Tip: “Would you be up for..” + VERB+ING

Phrases in context

Here are some of the suggestion phrases in a casual chat:

• Lisa: Why don’t we try that new Italian place?
• James: Sure, I’d be up for that! How about Friday night?
• Lisa: Sounds good. And what if we catch a movie afterward?
• James: Let’s go for it!

Find out more about giving and asking for advice and listen to a real conversation.

Phrases for asking for opinions

When you want to know what someone else thinks, these question phrases are friendly and polite ways to ask:

• “What do you think?”
  • Example: “What do you think? Should we give it a try?”
  • → Tip: Simple and polite, useful in all kinds of conversations.
• “How do you feel about…?”
  • Example: “How do you feel about starting next month?”
  • → Alternative: “What’s your take on…?”
• “Any thoughts on that?”
  • Example: “I’m not sure yet. Any thoughts on that?”
  • → Pronunciation Tip: Sounds like “Anythoughts on that?” when said quickly.
• “Would you say that’s fair?”
  • Example: “Would you say that’s fair? Or am I missing something?”
  • → Alternative: “Is that reasonable?” can work in more formal settings.

Phrases in context

Look at a few of these examples in a mini-dialogue:

• Ali: Any thoughts on the new school uniform?
• Sara: I think it’s OK.
• Ali: Would you say it’s bright enough?
• Sara: I’m not sure. Yeah, I guess so.

Phrases for sharing your views

Use these common phrases when saying what you think or believe in a polite way. You can use more formal expressions, like “In my opinion”, and “I believe” but these phrases are more common in relaxed conversations:

• “I think…” / “I don’t think“.
  • Example: “I think it’s a great idea!” / “I don’t think it’s a very good idea.”
  • → Avoid this mistake: “I think it is not a good idea”
• “To be honest…”
  • Example: “To be honest, I didn’t really enjoy that movie.”
• “It seems to me that..”
  • Example: “It seems to me that some people are just lazy.”
• “Well, the way I see it..,”
  • Example: “Well, the way I see it, it’s totally wrong.”
• “I’d say…”
  • Example: “I’d say it’s probably the best option.”
  • →Tip: You can use “probably” to soften this phrase: “I’d probably say..”

Phrases in context

Here are some casual opinion phrases in a simple dialogue example:

• Jenna: So, what are your views on electric cars, then?
• Mike: Well, I’d say they’re mostly a good idea.
• Jenna: Yeah, me too. But, they’re pretty pricey, though, aren’t they?
• Mike: Yeah, to be honest, I don’t think most people can afford them, anyway.

Phrases for agreeing and disagreeing

Agreeing or disagreeing politely is important in English. These phrases will help you express agreement or disagreement in a natural, friendly way:

• “Absolutely!”
  • Example: A: “Do you think it’s a good idea? B: Absolutely!” = I agree 100%.
  • → Pronunciation Tip: put more stress on the 3rd syllable of “absolutely” to show you really agree!
• “I’m not so sure…”
  • Example: “I’m not so sure that’s the best idea.”
  • → Alternative: “I’m not so convinced..”
• “I don’t think so / I don’t think…”
  • Example: “I don’t think that’s the best idea.”
  • → Alternative to “I don’t think so.”: “No way! / You must be joking!”
• “You could be right, but…”
  • Example: “You could be right, but I still think it’s risky.”
  • → Pronunciation Tip: Put stress on “could”, so: “Y’could be right, but…”
• “I see your point, but…”
  • Example: “I see your point, but I have a different opinion.”
  • → Tip: This phrase acknowledges the other person’s opinion.
• “I totally agree / disagree!”
  • Example: “I totally agree with you on that.”
  • → Alternative: “I couldn’t agree more (with you on that)..”

Phrases in context

Here are some casual opinion phrases in a simple dialogue example:

• Ali: Do you think it’s OK for people to smoke in cafes?
• Sara: No way! I totally disagree! Why should other people have to breathe their smoke?
• Ali: Fair enough, I guess. But wouldn’t you say that smokers have rights too?
• Sara: I see your point, but what about non-smokers rights?
• Ali: That’s a good point.

Phrases for making invitations

Inviting someone to visit (or to meet up somewhere) is a common part of everyday life in English-speaking countries. Here are some typical phrases for inviting people to social events:

• “Would you like to come over to my place?” = Would you like to come to my home?
  • Example: “Would you like to come over to mine this Friday for dinner?”
  • Tip: Use “mine” or “my place” instead of “my house” to sound more conversational.
• “Do you fancy coming round?”
  • Example: “Do you fancy coming round to ours for a coffee?”
  • Tip: “Fancy” is a casual British English way to ask if someone wants to do something (fancy = want).
• “Why don’t you come round sometime?” = You should visit some time
  • Example: “Why don’t you come round sometime next week? The door’s always open!”
  • Tip: “The door’s always open” is a friendly way to give someone an open invitation.

Phrases in context

Sian wants to invite Kay to a barbeque at hers, but Kay can’t make it:

• Sian: Hey, would you like to come round to ours this Saturday? We’re having a barbecue around 4.
• Kay: I’d love to, but I’m afraid I’ve already got plans in the afternoon.
• Sian: No worries—why don’t you come over later in the evening instead?
• Kay: Absolutely! I’ll pop round around 7.

Listen to a longer English invitation dialogue and learn more phrases!

Phrases for good and bad feelings

These phrases help you show real feelings, whether you’re happy, surprised, or disappointed. They make your reactions sound natural and friendly.

• “What a surprise!”
  • Example: “What a surprise! I didn’t expect that.”
  • → Tip: Use “What a + noun” (e.g., “What a day!”) to show strong feelings.
• “That’s amazing!”
  • Example: “That’s amazing! Congrats on the promotion!”
  • → Alternatives: “That’s great / that’s so cool!”
• “I’m so disappointed…”
  • Example: “I’m so disappointed it didn’t work out.”
  • → Pronunciation Tip: you can make “so” longer to show more emotion.
• “I can’t believe it!”
  • Example: “I can’t believe it! That’s incredible news.”
  • → Alternatives: “Unbelievable!” / “No way!”
• “That’s such a let down.”
  • Example: “That was such a let down. I thought it would be better.”

Phrases in context

Here are a few of the same phrases in a short conversation:

• Max: I can’t believe it! They’ve cancelled the concert!
• Nina: What a let down. I was really looking forward to it.
• Max: Yeah, me too. It’s so disappointing, isn’t it?
• Nina: Well, at least we’ve got that festival next month to look forward to, eh?
• Max: Yeah, I guess so.

Listen to a natural British English dialogue between two people talking about a disappointing event.

Phrases to give compliments

These phrases help you give compliments that sound sincere and friendly.

• “You look great!”
  • Example: “You look great in that outfit!”
  • → Tip: This is simple and versatile, good for appearance-related compliments.
• “I love your…” / “(I) love the ..”
  • Example: “Love the new haircut!”
  • → Alternative: “Nice haircut!”
• “You’re really good at…”
  • Example: “You’re really good at explaining things.”
  • → Tip: You can also use “so” instead of “really” in this phrase.
• “I’m impressed!”
  • Example: “I’m impressed! I had no idea you could do that.”

Phrases in context

Jake and Maria have just met up at a party:

• Jake: Hey, nice outfit! You look great tonight!
• Maria: Thanks, Jake! You don’t look so bad yourself! Love the haircut!
• Jake: Oh, come on, you’re just being polite!
• Maria: No, really! I mean it!

Phrases for asking for help

Use these phrases when you want to ask someone for help or favours:

• “Could you help me with…?”
  • Example: “Could you help me with this form? I’m not sure what to fill in.”
  • → Alternative: “Could you give me a hand with…?” sounds more casual.
• “Would you mind…?”
  • Example: “Would you mind picking up some milk on the way?”
  • → Pronunciation tip: “Would you” often sounds like /wəʤə/ in casual speech.
  • → Grammar tip: would you mind + Verb+ING
• “Would you be able to..”
  • Example: “Do you have a moment to look over this report?”
  • → Tip: To make this phrase more polite, say: “Would you have a moment to..?”
• “Could I ask a small favour?”
  • Example: “Could I ask a small / massive favour? I need help moving a few boxes.”
  • → Tip: “ask a massive favour” = if you do this difficult thing for me, I will be very happy.
• “I’d really appreciate it if…”
  • Example: “I’d really appreciate it if you could send me the file.”
  • → Tip: This is a more formal and polite way to say “Please send me ..”.

Phrases in context

Sophia wants Ethan to help her with something:

• Sophia: Ethan, could I ask a massive favour?
• Ethan: Sure, how can I help?
• Sophia: Would you mind setting up the chairs for the meeting tomorrow?
• Ethan: Yeah, no problem – I’ll do it now.
• Sophia: Thanks!

Phrases for saying thank you

These phrases show genuine gratitude, going beyond a simple “thank you.” They help you sound warm and appreciative.

• “I really appreciate it.”
  • Example: “I really appreciate it —thank you for your help!”
  • → Alternative: “Much appreciated!” (This is common in emails and texts, but also in live conversations).
• “You’ve been so helpful.”
  • Example: “You’ve been so helpful—I couldn’t have done it without you.”
  • → Pronunciation Tip: Often sounds like “Y’been so helpful” in relaxed speech.
• “I can’t thank you enough.”
  • Example: “I can’t thank you enough for all your support.”
• “You’re a lifesaver!”
  • Example: “You’re a lifesaver! I don’t know what I would have done without your help.”
  • → Tip: Use this phrase to thank someone for helping you out of a difficult situation.

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Phrases in context

Rachel is thanking Dan for his help with a work task:

• Rachel: Dan, you’ve been so helpful—I couldn’t have done it without you.
• Dan: No problem! I’m glad I could help.
• Rachel: Really, I can’t thank you enough.
• Dan: Anytime! I’m just happy we got it done.
• Rachel: You’re a lifesaver! Thanks again, yeah?

Phrases for saying sorry

Apologising is more than just saying “sorry”! Here are some other phrases that will help you say sorry for mistakes you have made:

• “I’m really sorry about that.”
  • Example: “I’m really sorry about that—I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”
  • → Alternative: “Sorry about that.” is a shorter and more casual way to say the same thing.
• “I didn’t mean to…”
  • Example: “I didn’t mean to offend you. It was a mistake.”
  • → Tip: “mean” in this context means “want” or “intend”.
• “I take full responsibility.”
  • Example: “I take full responsibility for the delay in the project.”
  • → Tip: This phrases shows the other person you know you were wrong – and that you will fix the problem.
• “It was my fault.”
  • Example: “It was my fault that the report wasn’t ready.”
  • → Alternative: “I should have checked more carefully” is another way to admit fault.

Phrases in context

Lily is apologising to Sam about an email she sent to the wrong person:

• Lily: I’m really sorry about that email, Sam. I didn’t mean to send it to Jim – it was totally my fault.
• Sam: Yeah, I know. Don’t worry about it. It’s okay.
• Lily: Seriously. It was such a silly thing to do.
• Sam: No worries, but if you could double-check next time..
• Lily: Of course I will, don’t worry.

See more examples and listen to a longer apology conversation here.

Phrases to say you don’t understand

What should you say when you don’t understand what someone is saying in English? Here are some phrases you can use to ask people to slow down, repat things or explain:

• “Could you go over that one more time?” = can you repeat?
  • Example: “Sorry, could you go over that one more time? I missed some details.”
  • → Alternative: “Would you mind going over that again?” is a more polite way to ask the same thing.
• “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.” = I didn’t understand / I didn’t hear what you said.
  • Example: “Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Could you explain it a bit more?”
• “How do you mean?” = please explain, because I don’t understand.
  • Example: A: “How do you mean? I’ve heard it before but wasn’t sure.”
  • → Alternative: “I don’t get it.” = I don’t understand (something).
• “Could you run that past me again?” = please repeat what you said, but more clearly.
  • Example: “Could you run that past me again? I want to make sure I understand.”
• “Could you slow down a bit?”
  • Example: “Could you slow down a bit? I’m finding it hard to keep up.” (“I can’t keep up” = I can’t follow what you are saying because you’re speaking too quickly)

Phrases in context

Megan is asking Chris to explain details of a project at work:

• Chris: So, we’ll need to review both the PDF and the online version.
• Megan: I’m not quite following. Could you clarify that for me?
• Chris: Sure. The PDF’s for print, and the online version’s just for the website.
• Megan: Got it. Could you go over the main points one more time?
• Chris: Sure, let me break it down for you.

Phrases to offer help or favours

You can use these phrases to offer your help to people who need it:

• “Do you need a hand?” = Do you need some help?
  • Example: “Do you need a hand with those boxes?”
  • → Alternative: “Can I give you a hand with..?”
• “Let me know if you need anything.”
  • Example: “Let me know if you need anything while you’re moving in.”
  • → Tip: This is a way of offering general help to people.
• “I’m here if you need me.” = I can help you whenever you need help.
  • Example: “Just call if you need to. I’m here if you need me, OK?”
• “Is there anything I can do?”
  • Example: “Is there anything I can do to help?”
  • → Alternative: “Can I do anything to help?”
• “I’d be happy to help.”
  • Example: “I’d be happy to help if you need a hand with that.”
  • → Tip: This is a friendly way to offer your help with something in the near future.

Phrases in context

Anna is asking Rob if he needs help with something at work:

• Anna: Rob, do you need a hand with setting up the display?
• Rob: Actually, yeah, that would be great if you’ve got a minute or two..
• Anna: Absolutely – and let me know if you need anything else, yeah?
• Rob: Thanks. Will do, Anna.

Phrases for ending conversations

How do you end a conversation with someone in a polite way when you need to get away? These phrases help you say goodbye in a friendly way without losing friends!

• “It was great talking to you!” = I enjoyed our conversation – but now I need to go.
  • Example: “Anyway, It was great talking to you! Let’s catch up again soon.”
  • → Tip: Using past tense phrases (e.g. “It was great..”) makes clear that the conversation is over.
• “I should really get going now.” = I need to go.
  • Example: “Anyway, I should really get going now – I’ve got a few things to get on with.”
  • → Alternative: “I better head off now.”
• “I better get my skates on!” = I need to go now.
  • Example: “Right, I better get my skates on, ‘cos I’ve got things to do!
• “Don’t let me keep you.” = I have to go. Don’t let me waste your time.
  • Example: “Anyway, don’t let me keep you. I know you’ve got things to do.”
  • → Alternative: “I’ll leave you to it” is another friendly option.

Phrases in context

Jake and Sophie say goodbye after a meeting.

• Jake: Anyway, it was great talking to you!
• Sophie: You too, Jake. Take care!
• Jake: Catch you later! Let’s catch up again soon.
• Sophie: Definitely. I better get my skates on now, but we’ll talk soon, yeah?
• Jake: Sounds good. See you later!

More conversational phrases – with audio!

It’s useful to learn phrases by reading, but even more useful to listen to phrases in real English dialogues.

Check here for realistic examples of phrases in natural English conversations and supercharge your understanding and pronunciation skills!