English phrases are often used in the professional as well as the personal world. The phrases make your speaking updated, formal, and worthy. Using English in your everyday conversation and writing can take your English to a different level.
In fact, phrases don’t just make your English look good and make you sound smart but also are great linguistic tools that help you express things better and in a different-sounding way. If you want to upgrade the level of your language, you need to go through this article and acknowledge the phrases given here.
These phrases will make the other person astonished and connected to you due to their significance. The article also contains examples along with the major thing. It will let you understand the usage easily. So, let’s start with learning about the most important aspect of English: 7 frequently used English phrases.
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Basic English Phrases
Do you want to sound like a native English speaker? Do you want to make your mark in the minds of others in the conversation? If yes, this article is meant for you. You should read the complete article till the end and speak each phrase at least 4 times.
Plus, read the examples given with the phrases to understand their usage perfectly. You can practice them with a friend to make them normal. You should take a few phrases regularly to practice and learn. Also, try to use these phrases in your conversation.
This will make you learn and understand the way you can use them in multiple facets. This article is the best one for you as it will give you tremendous examples to use and learn the most prominent phrases. The points are given according to the need at multiple places. So, learn them accordingly.
What are Phrases and Why Would You Need Them?
Phrases are defined as “a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause”. For example: “Birds of a feather flock together”, “A bull in a china shop” etc.
You need to learn common phrases to ask how someone is, express how you are, how to invite someone, or how to respond to different situations. It is also a great way by which you can improve your English Vocabulary and use these common English phrases when speaking in English.
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List of 7 Frequently Used English Phrases
There are many phrases in the English Language, and each serves a different purpose. However, some are used more frequently than others. Here is a list of seven phrases that you can hear quite often:
#1. ‘The best of both worlds’ – means you can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.
Example: “By working part-time and looking after her kids two days a week she managed to get the best of both worlds.”
#2. ‘Speak of the devil’ – this means that the person you’re just talking about actually appears at that moment.
Example: “Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”
#3. ‘See eye to eye’ – this means agreeing with someone.
Example: “They finally saw eye to eye on the business deal.”
#4. ‘Once in a blue moon – an event that happens infrequently.
Example: “I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.”
#5. ‘When pigs fly’ – something that will never happen.
Example: “When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room.”
#6. ‘To cost an arm and a leg’– something is very expensive.
Example: “Fuel these days costs an arm and a leg.”
#7. ‘A piece of cake’– something is very easy.
Example: “The English test was a piece of cake.”
How to Make Phrases Come Naturally In Your Everyday English?
Here’s what you could do every day to learn each phrase:
#1. Picture a situation in your mind where you could use the phrase. Imagine the other people in the scene and what they’re saying. See yourself saying the phrase.
#2. Listen/look for the phrase while you watch TV, listen to the radio, read blogs, etc.
#3. Then, use the phrase in casual writing. Write a tweet (on Twitter), a Facebook post, or an email to a friend.
#4. Finally, use the phrase in 2-5 real conversations.
#5. Write on your list and check off each phrase as you learn it.
#6. If you have a conversation partner, ask your exchange partner to say the phrases while you record them on a smartphone, computer, or recording device. That way you can listen to the recording and practice the pronunciation by yourself at home.
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3 Phrases to Express Different Ideas
As we discussed earlier, it come in handy when you want to say the same thing in different ways. It makes you sound smart and helps you create a sparkling impression. Following is a list of phrases you can use instead of the same old ones:
#1. Common phrases to ask how someone is:
#. What’s up?
#. What’s new?
#. What have you been up to lately?
#. How’s it going?
#. How are things?
#. How’s life?
#2. Common phrases to say how you are:
#. I’m fine, thanks. How about you?
#. Pretty good.
#. Same as always
#. Not so great.
#. Could be better
#. Can’t complain
#3. Common phrases to say I don’t know:
#. I have no idea/clue.
#. I can’t help you there.
#. (informal) Beats me.
#. I’m not really sure.
#. I’ve been wondering that, too.
#4. Common phrases for agreeing:
#. Exactly.
#. Absolutely.
#. That’s so true.
#. That’s for sure.
#. I agree 100%
#. I couldn’t agree with you more.
(informal) Tell me about it! / You’re telling me!
#. (informal) I’ll say!
#. I suppose so. (use this phrase for weak agreement – you agree, but reluctantly)
#5. Common phrases for price:
#. It cost a fortune.
#. It cost an arm and a leg.
#. That’s a rip-off. (= overpriced; far more expensive than it should be)
#. That’s a bit pricey.
#. That’s quite reasonable. (= it’s a good price)
#. That’s a good deal. (= a good value for the amount of money)
#. It was a real bargain.
#. It was dirt cheap. (= extremely inexpensive)
#6. Common phrases for food:
#. I’m starving! (= I’m very hungry)
#. Let’s grab a bite to eat.
#. How about eating out tonight? (eat out = eat at a restaurant)
#. I’ll have… (use this phrase for ordering in a restaurant)
#7. Common phrases to say I don’t know:
#. I have no idea/clue.
#. I can’t help you there.
#. (informal) Beats me.
#. I’m not really sure.
#. I’ve been wondering that, too.
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Most Common Phrases
If you are speaking English, you must sound like English is your first language. You must not sound like you are pushing yourself to speak that particular language. If you are not aware of the phrases, you will not understand them when somebody else will speak them to you.
Also, you will be unable to use them correctly before anyone. So, you need to learn the most common ones now to quintessentially use them in your professional and personal space. Have a look below to know.
#1. I am learning English.
Example: My name is Reena and I am learning English.
#2. I do not understand.
Example: Sorry, I do not understand. The U.S. Electoral College seems very confusing!
#3. Could you repeat that, please?
Example: Could you please repeat that?
#4. Thank you. That helps a lot.
Example: A: Ben, could you please make the font bigger? It is hard for me to read the words.
B: Sure! I will change it from size 10 to 16. How is this?
A: Thank you. That helps a lot.
#5. How can I help you?
Example: Hello, this is Rubina speaking. How can I help you?
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Conclusion
Phrases are smart little tools that enhance your English by manifold. It is always a great idea to arm yourself with some good phrases whenever you are going to an interview. Knowing phrases and using them regularly in your conversation and writing will help you apply them in the right place. Take a look at this blog to learn more about how to speak about yourself in an interview.
We hope that this article has given you the information and learning of the most used English phrases that can leave an impact on the people talking to you. If you want to learn more about the language, you can visit the Fluent Life website. The professionals teach and guide the participants to use different English aspects.
All kinds of students including beginners, intermediates, and advanced ones take the video lectures to learn excellently. The experts take personalized lectures to let you learn at your pace and capabilities. You can ask their queries to them and also can take career or future guidance. The articles are also available on the website to help you exponentially.
The Fluent life app is present on the Play Store to be downloaded for Android as well as iOS. The learners can now take customized classes through the application. So, take out your best side by learning perfectly.