500 Real English Phrases
500 Real English Phrases
500 Real English Phrases
Sometimes I have included a small explanation about when to use the phrase
or what exactly it means; also, some phrases are indicated as especially
“formal” or “informal.”
You can practice listening to and pronouncing the phrases with the
accompanying MP3s – to download the audio, visit
http://www.espressoenglish.net/500audio.
- Shayna Oliveira
Teacher, www.espressoenglish.net
© Shayna Oliveira
www.EspressoEnglish.net
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Contents
Welcome to 500+ Real English Phrases!
Beginner Phrases
10 Ways to Say Hello and Goodbye
10 Informal Ways to Say Yes and No
10 Ways to Ask How Someone Is
10 Ways to Say How You Are
10 Ways to Say “Thank You”
10 Ways to Respond to “Thank You”
5 Phrases for Apologizing
5 Ways to Respond to an Apology
10 Phrases for Introductions
6 Ways to Show Interest
5 Ways to End a Conversation Politely
10 Phrases for Telephone Calls
10 Phrases for Asking for Information
5 Ways to Say “I don’t know”
10 Phrases for Asking for Someone’s Opinion & Giving Your Opinion
5 Phrases for Not Having an Opinion
10 Phrases for Agreeing
10 Phrases for Disagreeing
5 Phrases for Responding to Good News
5 Phrases for Responding to Bad News
10 Phrases for Invitations
5 Ways to Make & Respond to an Offer
6 Phrases for Talking About Future Plans
10 Ways to Talk about Likes & Dislikes
5 Ways to Make a Suggestion
10 Phrases for Asking/Talking about Jobs
10 Phrases for Describing Relationships
Intermediate Phrases
5 Ways to Ask for Clarification
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www.EspressoEnglish.net
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Beginner Phrases
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Note: The way to respond to “What’s up?” and “What’s new?” is typically “Not much.”
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#1 and #2 are used to introduce yourself; #3-#6 are used to introduce someone else.
#9 and #10 can be used as a response to #7 and #8.
You can use these phrases to show the other person that you are listening.
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Use #4, #5, #7, and #8 when you’re not sure if the other person has the information.
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Note: Avoid the common error of saying “I’m agree” – the correct phrase is “I agree” or
“I’m in agreement” – the second one is more formal.
4. Awesome!
5. I’m so happy for you!
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Intermediate Phrases
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Advanced Phrases
#8 and #9 are rather rude – telling the other person to stop inquiring about your life
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#6 and #7 express the idea that the person is trying to conserve money, when they have
very little money.
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#9 and #10 are used for cautioning someone to wait and not make a bad decision or
take reckless action.
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#1, #2, and #3 are used to say something will happen soon.
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8. She’s a bitch.
(= she’s irritating and unpleasant)
9. She’s a psycho.
(= crazy, irrational)
10. She’s a slut.
(= she has sex with a lot of people)
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15 Comparative Idioms
1. It’s as light as a feather.
2. It’s as dry as a bone.
3. It’s as flat as a pancake.
4. He’s as mad as a hornet.
5. It’s as old as the hills.
6. It’s as quick as lightning.
7. She’s as sick as a dog.
8. He’s as strong as an ox.
9. They’re as different as night and day.
10. She’s as stubborn as a mule.
11. He’s as proud as a peacock.
12. She’s as white as a sheet.
(usually used when someone is very afraid or very sick)
13. It’s as solid as a rock.
14. It’s as good as new.
(used after something broken has been repaired)
15. It’s as clear as mud.
(= it’s not clear at all)
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© Shayna Oliveira
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