19 Useful English Conversational Phrases
Are you looking to spice up your English conversational vocabulary? If so you’ve come to the right place! By incorporating some more conversational phrases into your everyday speaking you will find yourself sounding more and more like a native! In this post we are going to take a look at some of the most useful English conversational phrases you can use.
- Hi, I’m [Name] and you are?
This is a great informal greeting that you can use whenever you meet somebody new. A typical interaction using this phrase might look like:
- Hi I’m Paul, and you are?
- Hi Paul, I’m Robert.
- What’s New?
This is a very informal alternative to using the typical how are you? An example interaction:
- Hey Simon, what’s new?
- Nothing much, same old, how’s about you?
- I’m fine thanks.
- What’s Your Opinion on….?
This is a great one for if you want to know somebody’s thoughts on a particular topic or issue.
- Jonny, what’s your opinion on the latest Quentin Tarantino film?
- I thought it was awful, so boring!
- I’m Sorry, Could You Repeat What You Just Said Please?
Sometimes saying what? to somebody you didn’t quite understand can seem quite rude or direct. Instead try using this phrase instead as it is much more polite and respectful. This phrase is particularly useful when speaking to people you don’t know.
- After You
This is a polite way of allowing somebody to something before you, for example: enter through a door.
- May I Take Your Name
A more formal alternative to what is your name? This phrase is more commonly used in a more professional context.
- Hi, I’m here for a job interview with Peter.
- Ok, may I take your name?
- It’s Luke, thanks.
- What do you do?
We often use this question to ask what somebody does for work or if they are a student.
- So, what do you do?
- I work in finance, and you?
- I’m currently studying for my P.H.D.
- Let Me Check
This is a phrase that we use to request a moment to check information.
- Hi do you have any information on the event later?
- Let me check.
- Ok
- The event starts at 8pm.
- How are you doing?
Another great alternative way to ask how somebody is.
- Hey George, how are you doing?
- I’m doing alright thanks, and you?
- Very well thanks!
- Have a good one!
Another way of saying have a nice day.
- Alright, I will see you later then
- Cool, have a good one!
- I reckon….
A synonym of I think, often used when giving opinions.
- I reckon the Croquetas in Andalucia are the best in Spain!
- What’s up?
Another great synonym for how are you? This one is used in more colloquial English.
- Hey, what’s up?
- Not much how’s about you?
- I’m doing alright.
- So So
Another way of saying okay, neither good nor bad.
- How are you today?
- Eh, so so
- Pleased to meet you.
Commonly said after you have been introduced to somebody.
- Hi! My name is Luke.
- Pleased to meet you! My name is Mary.
- No Problem
Normally used to give permission for somebody to do something.
- Can I open the window?
- Yeah sure, no problem.
- The Best of Both Worlds
Somebody can enjoy the advantages of two different things at once.
- In Spain you get the best of both worlds, not only is it cheaper than the UK but the weather is better also.
- Hurry up!
Normally said when commanding somebody to do something faster.
- Hurry up! If you don’t finish your work soon we’ll miss the last train home!
- Sorry to interrupt
A polite way of interrupting somebody while they are speaking.
- Long time no see!
Normally said when somebody hasn’t seen somebody else for a very long time.
- Hey Brenda, long time no see!
- I know it must be at least 6 months since we last saw each other!
So there you have it, 19 great conversational phrases that you can add to your vocabulary to spice up your English!
