3.1 Introduction
Learning common English phrases is essential for effective communication in daily life. Whether you are greeting someone, asking for help, or making small talk, knowing the right phrases helps in building confidence and fluency.
In this chapter, you will learn:
✔️ Essential English phrases for different situations.
✔️ How to use them correctly in daily conversations.
✔️ Practice exercises to improve your speaking skills.
3.2 Greetings and Small Talk
Small talk is a way to start conversations and build relationships. Here are some common phrases:
3.2.1 Greetings and Responses
| Situation | Common Phrase | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting someone | Hello! / Hi! | Hi! / Hello! |
| Formal greeting | Good morning! | Good morning! |
| Asking how someone is | How are you? | I’m good, thank you! |
| Informal greeting | What’s up? | Not much, just relaxing! |
Example:
👨 A: Hi! How are you?
👩 B: Hello! I’m doing great. How about you?
3.3 Asking for Help
When you need assistance, these phrases will be useful:
3.3.1 Asking for Help Politely
- Can you help me, please?
- Could you please show me the way?
- I need some assistance, please.
- Would you mind helping me?
3.3.2 Asking for Clarification
- Could you repeat that, please?
- I didn’t understand. Can you explain it again?
- What do you mean by that?
- Can you speak more slowly, please?
Example:
👩 A: Excuse me, could you help me find this address?
👨 B: Sure! It’s just around the corner.
3.4 Making Requests and Giving Permission
3.4.1 Making Requests
- Could you pass me the salt, please?
- May I use your phone for a moment?
- Would it be possible to change my seat?
3.4.2 Giving Permission
- Sure, go ahead.
- No problem, you can take it.
- Yes, feel free to use it.
Example:
👩 A: Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
👨 B: Of course! Here you go.
3.5 Expressing Gratitude and Apologizing
3.5.1 Thanking Someone
- Thank you! / Thanks a lot!
- I really appreciate it.
- Many thanks!
- I’m grateful for your help.
3.5.2 Responding to Thanks
- You’re welcome.
- No problem!
- Don’t mention it.
- My pleasure.
3.5.3 Apologizing
- I’m sorry.
- I didn’t mean to.
- I apologize for that.
- My apologies.
Example:
👨 A: I’m sorry for being late.
👩 B: It’s okay! Don’t worry about it.
3.6 Making Plans and Invitations
3.6.1 Inviting Someone
- Would you like to have coffee with me?
- Let’s go for a movie this weekend.
- Do you want to join us for dinner?
3.6.2 Accepting an Invitation
- That sounds great!
- I’d love to!
- Sure, count me in!
3.6.3 Declining an Invitation
- I’m sorry, I can’t make it.
- Maybe next time!
- I already have other plans.
Example:
👩 A: Do you want to grab lunch together?
👨 B: That sounds great! Let’s go.
3.7 Shopping and Ordering Food
3.7.1 Common Shopping Phrases
- How much does this cost?
- Do you have this in a different size?
- Can I get a discount?
3.7.2 Ordering Food at a Restaurant
- I’d like to order a burger, please.
- Can I have the menu, please?
- Could you bring the bill?
Example:
👨 A: Excuse me, can I have the bill, please?
👩 B: Sure! I’ll bring it right away.
3.8 Asking for Directions
- Excuse me, how do I get to the nearest metro station?
- Could you tell me the way to the airport?
- Is this the right way to the bus stop?
Example:
👩 A: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the post office?
👨 B: Yes, go straight and turn left. It’s on your right side.
3.9 Talking About Hobbies and Interests
- I enjoy watching movies.
- My hobby is playing football.
- I love reading books.
- I am interested in photography.
Example:
👩 A: What do you like to do in your free time?
👨 B: I love playing the guitar and reading novels.
3.10 Expressing Opinions and Feelings
3.10.1 Expressing Opinions
- I think this place is amazing!
- In my opinion, the movie was great.
- I feel that this is a good decision.
3.10.2 Expressing Feelings
- I’m very happy today!
- I feel so excited.
- I’m a little nervous.
Example:
👨 A: What do you think about this dress?
👩 B: I think it looks beautiful!
3.11 Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
- _________, can you help me? (Hello / Excuse me)
- I’d like to _________ a cup of tea. (order / cancel)
- Can you _________ that, please? (repeat / refuse)
- _________! I’m very sorry. (Thank you / I apologize)
Exercise 2: Speaking Practice
Practice these conversations with a friend:
- Ordering food at a restaurant.
- Asking for help at a store.
- Inviting a friend to a party.
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write 5 sentences about your hobbies and interests.
3.12 Summary of Key Points
✅ Common English phrases help in everyday conversations.
✅ Greetings and small talk make interactions smoother.
✅ Phrases for asking for help, making requests, and apologizing are important for communication.
✅ Expressing opinions, feelings, and making plans improves fluency.
3.13 Next Steps
In the next chapter, we will learn “Basic English Sentence Structures”, which will help in forming correct sentences and improving fluency.
👉 Keep practicing these phrases in real conversations! 🚀