Your English PhrasebookEssential Phrases for Any Situation

In our Phrasebook you'll find the most important English phrases for many different conversations. Click on a topic to see the list of phrases. Then select a phrase to learn more about its use, to hear it pronounced, and to discover ways to respond to it. Use our phrasebook on the go and to review all the phrases you've learned in our courses.

• How are you?
  • Hi, how are you?
  • Yo, what's up?
  • I'm great.
  • I can't complain.
  • I've been busy.
  • I feel a little under the weather.
  • Busy with work.
  • Take care.
  • Have a good one.
  • Hope you feel better soon.
• At the Restaurant
  • How many are in your party?
  • Do you have a reservation?
  • Please follow me.
  • Can I start you off with drinks?
  • Do you need a couple more minutes to decide?
  • I'll have a bowl of potato soup.
  • I'd like a Greek salad.
  • I'll take a pizza.
  • Can I get a glass of white wine?
  • Could you bring us a bottle of red wine?
  • How was everything?
  • Have a nice night.
• Telephoning
  • Hayes speaking.
  • Would you mind holding for a minute?
  • Sorry, I think I dialed the wrong number.
  • Sorry, I didn't catch that.
  • Can you say that again?
• At the Job Interview
  • What is your biggest weakness?
  • Tell me about a time you failed and how you learned from that.
  • Do you have any questions for me?
  • I heard about this opening from my friend who is currently employed by you.
  • My biggest strength is my curiosity and love of learning.
• Where Are You From?
  • Where are you from?
  • Where do you live?
  • What nationality are you?
  • What is your hometown?
  • What is your first language?
  • I'm from Ireland.
  • I live in Australia.
  • I've been living here for two years.
  • I grew up in Canada.
  • I was born in Canada.
• The Family
  • Do you have any brothers or sisters?
  • Is your family close?
  • My sister is such a daddy's girl.
  • The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
• Introducing Yourself
  • Hello!
  • My name is Steven.
  • Nice to meet you.
  • Let me introduce myself.
  • I'd like to introduce Sarah.
  • What do you do?
  • What brings you here?
  • It was nice meeting you.
  • Let's keep in touch.
  • Here is my number 584-2453.
• The Weather
  • What's the weather like?
  • What's the weather going to be like?
  • How many degrees is it outside?
  • What did the forecast say this morning?
  • It's cold outside.
  • It looks nice out.
  • It's raining right now.
  • It looks like it's going to rain.
  • The forecast said it will rain later.
  • It's absolutely shorts weather!
  • It's raining cats and dogs!
  • I hope that it won't rain.
  • I'm a cold weather kind of person.
• The Time
  • What time does the flight leave?
  • How long is this flight going to take?
  • I have been waiting for half an hour.
  • It's around 3:45 pm.
  • It's quarter after three.
  • Dinner is at seven o'clock.
  • Time is flying by!
• Apologizing
  • I'm sorry that I'm late.
  • I'm sorry for hurting your feelings.
  • Pardon me for cutting ahead.
  • I'm sorry for stepping on your toes.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • It happens to the best of us.
• Shopping for Clothes
  • How does the shirt fit?
  • I'm looking for a summer dress.
  • Could I try this jacket on?
  • May I try these shoes on, please?
  • How much is this shirt?
• Giving Compliments
  • You have good taste.
  • You have a good head on your shoulders.
  • You look fantastic.
  • I really like your coat.
  • That shirt really suits you.
  • That's so nice of you to say.
  • Thank you! I love writing.
• At the Airport
  • Please be at the gate 45 minutes before departure.
  • Paging all passengers on flight QUE382 to Toronto. Your flight is now boarding at gate Z15.
  • Empty your pockets, please.
  • I need to search your bag.
  • What is the purpose of your stay?
  • Where is baggage claim?
  • Do you have anything to declare?
• Formal Introduction
  • Good morning!
  • Let me introduce myself.
  • I'd like to introduce my coworker, Owen.
  • It's nice to meet you.
  • How are you doing?
  • What do you do for work?
  • My specialization is in marketing.
  • Do you have a business card?
  • It was a pleasure meeting you.
  • Let me give you my card.
• Using Public Transport
  • Where is the nearest subway station?
  • How frequently do the buses stop here?
  • What time does the last subway leave?
  • Is there a group rate?
  • I need a one-way ticket.
• At the Train Station
  • I'd like a single ticket to Los Angeles.
  • How much does a round trip ticket to Austin cost?
  • What kind of ticket would you like?
  • Do you have a rail pass?
  • First-class boards towards the front of the train.
  • Did you catch what they said over the speaker?
  • Where is the buffet car?
• Cooking Together
  • I'm craving soup.
  • I'm in the mood for some steaks.
  • I usually just make everything from scratch.
  • We have to heat up the oven first.
• Pets
  • Do you have any pets?
  • How old is your parrot?
  • Do you get your pets from a shelter or a breeder?
  • I have a cat and a dog.
  • I'd really like to get a bearded dragon.
  • Lizards are my favorite kind of pet.
• Relaxing
  • How do you chill out after work?
  • I usually watch TV.
  • I like to write.
  • I relax by listening to music.
  • I need a personal day.
  • At least now you can let your hair down for a bit.
  • I need to take a breather.
  • I'm just going to kick back now and watch the game.
  • It's time to just read and recharge my batteries.
  • It helps me tune out the world for a bit.
  • It's a great way to turn off my mind.
• At the Supermarket
  • Can I help you?
  • Is someone looking after you?
  • Excuse me, do you work here?
  • Do you have any whole-grain cereals?
  • Where can I find the international food section?
  • How much is a bottle of milk?
  • Did you find everything you needed?
  • Can I pay with a credit card?
  • You don't happen to have any change, do you?
  • Could you help me with the self-checkout please?
• Flirting
  • I love your smile.
  • Are you seeing anyone?
  • I'm already seeing someone.
  • Get lost!
• Booking a Hotel Room
  • I would like to book a room for the 7th of July.
  • When is checkout?
  • What kind of room would you like?
  • Do you need a wake-up call?
  • I'd like to order room service.
  • We hope you enjoyed your stay with us.