Top 100 Common English Phrases for Daily Conversation

Introduction & Overview

Learning English can feel like a mountain to climb—especially if you’re just starting out or trying to become more fluent in real-life conversations. But here’s the truth: you don’t need thousands of words to speak English confidently. What you really need are practical, high-frequency English phrases that native speakers use every single day.

This guide is your go-to list of the top 100 common English phrases for daily conversation. These aren’t complicated textbook sentences. Nope—they’re the casual, useful expressions people use in cafés, shops, streets, meetings, video calls… basically, everywhere. From warm greetings and small talk to asking for help and saying goodbye, this article has got your back.

We’ve also grouped the phrases by topic, so you can learn what’s relevant, fast. Whether you want to start a conversation, give your opinion, or say sorry politely, it’s all here. And the best part? These phrases are short, easy to remember, and super handy in everyday life.

So, how should you use this guide?

• Read a few phrases every day.
• Say them out loud.
• Use them in real conversations.
• Practice with apps or friends.

To make your learning smoother, we’ll also share examples and explain when to use each phrase. Plus, you’ll find useful external resources like conversation practice lessons from the British Council that’ll help you go even deeper.

Now let’s kick things off with something we all do—greet people and introduce ourselves. Because whether it’s your first day at work or you’re meeting a new neighbor, knowing how to start a conversation makes all the difference.

Greetings & Introductions

Whether you’re starting a conversation at a café, joining a new class, or bumping into someone you haven’t seen in years—greetings and introductions are where it all begins. These short and sweet phrases help break the ice and create a friendly tone.

Let’s dive into the most essential English greetings and expressions for introductions, both formal and informal.

Common Greetings

These are your everyday openers—simple, natural, and used constantly by native speakers.

• “Hi!” – Casual and friendly
• “Hello!” – A bit more formal than “Hi”, but still easy-going
• “Hey!” – Very informal, often used among friends
• “Good morning!” / “Good afternoon!” / “Good evening!” – Great for polite, professional settings
• “How are you?” – A classic go-to question
• “How’s it going?” – More relaxed than “How are you?”
• “What’s up?” / “Sup?” – Super casual, best for friends
• “Long time no see!” – Perfect when reconnecting with someone after a while
• “It’s great to see you!” – Warm and friendly

Pro tip: In most situations, a simple “Hi, how are you?” works just fine. But changing it up makes your speech feel more natural.

Introducing Yourself

Making a good first impression starts with a solid self-introduction. Here are some phrases to help you confidently share who you are.

• “My name is [Your Name].”
• “I’m [Your Name].” – More casual
• “Nice to meet you.” – Always appropriate after a first introduction
• “I’m originally from [city/country].”
• “I just moved here from [place].”
• “I work as a [job].” / “I’m a [profession].”
• “I’m currently a student at [school/university].”
• “What about you?” – Use this to keep the conversation flowing

Want to see these phrases in action? The British Council’s conversation practice page is a goldmine for hearing and practicing these greetings in real contexts. Their interactive lessons show you exactly how these phrases sound in everyday life.

Responding to Introductions

Don’t let the moment freeze—be ready with polite and natural replies.

• “Nice to meet you too.”
• “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
• “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
• “Likewise.” – Short and smooth
• “Welcome!” – Great when you’re the host

These phrases may seem simple, but don’t underestimate their power. Mastering greetings and introductions gives you the confidence to start any conversation with ease.

Small Talk & Daily Conversation

So, you’ve said hello. Now what?

Small talk is what keeps a conversation alive—it fills the silence, creates connection, and lets you talk comfortably even with people you don’t know well. Whether you’re chatting with a coworker in the elevator or making friendly talk at the store, these daily conversation phrases will help you sound natural, relaxed, and friendly.

Let’s take a look at what native English speakers use all the time in casual talk.

Small-Talk Starters

Here are everyday openers that help spark a conversation without sounding awkward:

• “How’s your day going?”
• “What’ve you been up to?”
• “Did you have a busy weekend?”
• “Anything fun going on today?”
• “How was your weekend?”
• “Did you catch the game last night?” – Great for sports lovers
• “Have you seen that new movie everyone’s talking about?”

These questions are light, flexible, and work in most casual settings—offices, cafés, classrooms, or even on public transport.

Bonus Tip: You can use current events, TV shows, or the weather as safe, simple topics to kick things off. Sites like Breaking News English are perfect for building your small-talk vocabulary around real-world topics.

Friendly Follow-Up Phrases

Once someone responds to your small talk, don’t let the chat fall flat. Use these responses to keep things flowing smoothly:

• “Oh really? That sounds interesting!”
• “Same here!”
• “No way!”
• “I totally get that.”
• “I’ve been there too.”
• “That’s awesome!”
• “You’re kidding!” – Expresses surprise
• “Tell me more!” – Keeps the convo rolling

These expressions show empathy and engagement, making people feel heard and encouraging them to keep sharing.

Talking About the Weather

It may sound cliché, but weather talk is one of the most common conversation fillers in English-speaking countries. Try these:

• “It’s really chilly today, huh?”
• “Can you believe this rain?”
• “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
• “It’s been so hot lately.”
• “Looks like we’re in for some snow.”

Weather chat is universal. It doesn’t require deep knowledge or opinions—and that’s exactly why it works.

Casual Everyday Expressions

Here are some casual phrases people use all the time in short, daily exchanges:

• “Same old, same old.” – When nothing’s new
• “Not much, you?” – As a reply to “What’s up?”
• “I hear you.” – You agree or understand
• “That makes sense.” – A polite way to say you get it
• “I know, right?” – For shared agreement
• “Could be worse.” – Staying positive

Using these natural expressions helps you sound less like a textbook and more like a real person.

Expressing Opinions & Emotions

Now that you’ve mastered greetings and small talk, it’s time to add more personality and depth to your conversations. Expressing opinions and emotions helps you share what you really think and feel—and it’s how you connect on a more meaningful level.

The phrases in this section will help you sound more confident, expressive, and natural in everyday English conversations.

Sharing Opinions Naturally

Whether you’re talking about movies, food, or life in general, these phrases are perfect for voicing your opinion politely and clearly:

• “I think…” – “I think this show is hilarious.”
• “In my opinion…” – A little more formal
• “Personally, I believe…” – When you want to highlight it’s your view
• “As far as I’m concerned…” – Adds emphasis
• “To me, it seems like…” – Great for gentle opinions
• “I’d say…” – A soft and confident way to guess or judge

Want more practice? The British Council offers conversation exercises and tips where learners actively practice giving opinions through real-life dialogues.

Agreeing and Disagreeing Politely

Agreeing is easy—but what if you don’t see eye to eye? No worries. Here’s how to disagree without sounding rude and still keep things friendly:

Agreeing phrases:

• “Exactly!”
• “That’s so true.”
• “I couldn’t agree more.”
• “You’ve got a point there.”

Disagreeing phrases:

• “I see what you mean, but…” – Soft disagreement
• “I’m not sure I agree.” – Polite, but clear
• “That’s one way to look at it.” – Diplomatic
• “Actually, I think it’s the other way around.”
• “On the contrary…” – A more formal way to oppose

These expressions show that you’re engaged and respectful, even if your view differs.

Talking About Emotions & Reactions

Language isn’t just about facts—it’s about feelings. Here are some everyday phrases to express emotions clearly and naturally:

Positive emotions:

• “I’m so happy for you!”
• “That’s amazing!”
• “You must be thrilled.”
• “I love that!”

Negative emotions:

• “That’s awful.”
• “Oh no, I’m really sorry to hear that.”
• “That must be so frustrating.”
• “I feel terrible about it.”

Empathy and reactions:

• “I totally get it.”
• “That sounds tough.”
• “You’re not alone.”
• “Hang in there.”

These short, sincere expressions help you show understanding and build trust in conversations—whether you’re comforting a friend or reacting to someone’s story.

Requests, Offers & Asking for Help

Everyday English isn’t just about chatting—it’s about getting things done and being polite while doing it. Whether you’re asking for help, offering to lend a hand, or making a simple request, the right phrases can make all the difference. Sounding too direct can come off as rude, while the right words open doors and build trust.

So, let’s learn the most natural and polite ways to ask for something, offer assistance, and get the help you need—all in real English.

Making Requests Politely

Asking for something in English? You’ll want to sound both clear and courteous. Here are some go-to phrases:

• “Can you help me with this?” – Friendly and direct
• “Could you please repeat that?” – Polite and respectful
• “Would you mind helping me?” – A softer, more formal tone
• “Do you have a minute?” – Great for starting a request
• “Would it be okay if I…?” – For asking permission
• “Is there any chance you could…?” – Very polite
• “I was wondering if you could…” – Soft and professional

Want real-life examples of polite requests? The British Council LearnEnglish site includes dialogue-based lessons where these phrases appear in practical situations.

Offering Help or Inviting Someone

Being kind and helpful is easy when you’ve got the right expressions on hand. Here’s how to offer help without sounding stiff or overly formal:

• “Do you need a hand?”
• “Can I help you with that?”
• “Let me get that for you.”
• “Would you like me to…?”
• “I’d be happy to help.”
• “Want to come along?” – For casual invites
• “Would you like to join us?” – More formal invitation

Use these when you want to be supportive, welcoming, or friendly—whether it’s at home, at work, or out with friends.

Asking for Information or Clarification

If you’re unsure or need details, these phrases are essential tools in your daily communication kit:

• “What does this mean?”
• “Could you explain that again?”
• “I’m not sure I understand.”
• “Can you give me more details?”
• “How do you spell that?”
• “What do you call this in English?”
• “Where can I find…?”

Not only do these phrases help you get the info you need—they show that you’re curious and eager to learn. And that’s a trait people respect.

Responding to Requests and Offers

Knowing how to accept or decline gracefully matters just as much:

Accepting:

• “Sure, no problem!”
• “Absolutely!”
• “I’d love that.”
• “Thanks, that would be great.”

Declining politely:

• “Thanks, but I’m okay for now.”
• “I appreciate it, but I’ve got it covered.”
• “Not at the moment, but thanks for asking.”

Using the right words when making or answering requests shows respect, warmth, and confidence—qualities that make daily conversation flow with ease.

Apologies & Gratitude

No matter where you live or what language you speak, two things always matter: saying thank you and saying sorry. In English, knowing how to express both sincerely and politely makes you not only sound more fluent—but also more human.

In this part, you’ll learn how to apologize naturally, show appreciation, and respond to kindness or forgiveness in everyday conversations.

Saying Sorry – Everyday Apologies

We all make mistakes, but how you handle them can strengthen your relationships. Use these phrases to say sorry without sounding stiff or overly formal:

• “I’m sorry.” – Simple and direct
• “I didn’t mean to…” – When the mistake was unintentional
• “My bad.” – Very casual (best with friends)
• “I apologize.” – More formal and professional
• “I’m really sorry about that.”
• “Please forgive me.” – More heartfelt
• “I hope you’re not upset.” – Shows concern

Sometimes, a small, sincere phrase is all it takes to keep things peaceful and respectful.

Expressing Gratitude – Saying Thank You

Whether someone holds the door, helps you move, or gives advice—thank them. These phrases help you show appreciation in different situations:

• “Thank you!” – Classic and polite
• “Thanks!” – More casual
• “Thanks a lot!” / “Thanks so much!” – Friendly and warm
• “I really appreciate it.” – For more meaningful situations
• “That means a lot to me.” – Deep gratitude
• “I’m grateful for your help.”
• “You’re the best!” – Informal and fun

Pro Tip: If you want to learn how gratitude plays out in real conversations, audio lessons for basic English phrases at Espresso English are a great resource. They offer pronunciation and context to make these phrases stick.

Responding to Thanks

Don’t get stuck awkwardly after someone says “Thank you.” These common responses keep the flow natural:

• “You’re welcome.” – Classic
• “No problem!” – Friendly
• “Anytime!” – Warm and open
• “Don’t mention it.” – Casual and humble
• “Glad to help.” – Shows willingness

These responses help you sound helpful without making a big deal of it—because sometimes, the smallest gestures say the most.

Responding to Apologies

When someone says sorry, your reaction matters too. Here’s how to forgive politely and keep it cool:

• “It’s okay.”
• “No worries.” – Casual and friendly
• “Don’t worry about it.”
• “It happens.”
• “Let’s move on.” – Good for ending awkwardness

Showing forgiveness with kindness makes you someone people trust and feel safe speaking with—even when things don’t go perfectly.

Farewells & Closing Conversations

All conversations have to end eventually—but that doesn’t mean they have to end awkwardly. Saying goodbye with the right words makes your English sound natural, friendly, and confident. Whether you’re leaving a meeting, ending a phone call, or just wrapping up a chat with a friend, there are many polite, casual, and even warm ways to say farewell.

In this part, we’ll cover the most useful English phrases for saying goodbye and closing conversations gracefully.

Common Goodbye Phrases

These are the go-to phrases for wrapping things up in everyday situations. They’re short, flexible, and work in nearly any setting:

• “Goodbye!” – The standard, universal farewell
• “Bye!” – Short and informal
• “See you later!” – Friendly and casual
• “Take care!” – Warm and thoughtful
• “Catch you later!” – Very informal
• “See you soon!” – Implies you’ll meet again
• “Talk to you later!” – Perfect for online or phone chats
• “Have a good one!” – Casual and upbeat

You’ll hear these phrases all the time, especially in casual or work-related conversations.

Ending Conversations Politely

Sometimes, you need to end the chat without sounding rude. Maybe you’re in a rush, or maybe the conversation has naturally run its course. Either way, these expressions help you do it the right way:

• “It was nice talking to you.”
• “Anyway, I should get going.”
• “I don’t want to keep you.”
• “I’ve got to run, but let’s catch up soon.”
• “I’ll let you go now.” – Great for ending phone calls
• “Thanks for the chat!”
• “Let’s talk again soon.” – Friendly and open

These are perfect for transitioning out of a conversation smoothly—whether it’s face-to-face or online.

Phone & Video Call Closings

These phrases work especially well for digital conversations and calls:

• “Thanks for calling!”
• “Talk soon!”
• “Speak to you later!”
• “Let me know if you need anything else.”
• “I’ll email you about that.”

For more digital-focused conversation examples, the British Council’s conversation lessons are incredibly helpful. They cover dialogues, polite closings, and how to sound natural in both personal and professional communication

Farewell Phrases with Emotion

Sometimes you’re saying goodbye for a while—or saying goodbye to someone special. Use these to make it a little more heartfelt:

• “I’m going to miss you.”
• “Safe travels!”
• “All the best!”
• “Take it easy.” – Casual and friendly
• “Until next time!” – Light and hopeful

These add a warm, personal touch—especially when the goodbye really means something.

FAQs

1. What are the most used English phrases in daily life?

Great question! The most used English phrases are the ones you hear in everyday moments—greetings, polite requests, and reactions. A few examples include:

• “How are you?”
• “Thank you.”
• “I’m sorry.”
• “Could you help me?”
• “What do you think?”
• “See you later!”

These phrases are short, polite, and flexible, making them perfect for all kinds of casual situations. Learning these first gives you a strong foundation to build on.

2. How can I remember 100 phrases quickly?

Easy does it—don’t rush. Instead of trying to memorize all 100 at once, try this:

• Learn 5 phrases a day.
• Use them in a real conversation.
• Repeat them out loud.
• Record yourself speaking.
• Review weekly.

Using spaced repetition apps or phrase notebooks can make things even easier. Practicing consistently is more effective than cramming!

3. Can idioms and slang be used in daily conversation?

Yes—but with caution! Idioms like “piece of cake” or “break the ice” are common in casual settings. However, they might confuse beginners or non-native speakers if used too often.

Slang (like “no worries” or “kinda”) is great for sounding natural, but it’s best used in informal chats. If you’re in a formal or professional situation, stick with standard expressions until you’re more confident.

4. How do I practice these phrases in real life?

The key is real use, not just reading. Try this:

• Chat with a language exchange partner
• Join English-speaking online groups
• Talk to yourself in English throughout the day
• Practice role-play situations (ordering food, making plans, etc.)
• Use free listening tools like Breaking News English to hear phrases in action

The more you speak and hear English, the faster it becomes second nature.

5. What’s the best way to categorize phrases while learning?

Organizing your learning helps you remember better. Try grouping phrases like this:

• Greetings & Farewells
• Requests & Offers
• Opinions & Reactions
• Emotions & Apologies
• Phone & Online Conversations
• Slang & Idioms

You could even color-code them in a notebook or use flashcards with topics. This makes review fast and fun.

Conclusion

Mastering the top 100 common English phrases for daily conversation is a game-changer on your language learning journey. These phrases help you sound natural, connect with others, and navigate everyday situations with ease. Remember, it’s not about memorizing endless vocabulary—it’s about using practical expressions that native speakers actually say. So, keep practicing, speak up confidently, and watch your English conversations flow more smoothly every day. You’re well on your way to becoming a fluent, confident English speaker!