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Top 50 Phrases in English
Whether you're visiting the UK, Australia, or brushing up on British English, these 50 essential phrases cover greetings, small talk, restaurants, and emergencies — with native audio for every phrase.
Practice in the LingoSwipe App →Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
👋 Greetings & First Meetings
1.
How are you doing?
A casual greeting — not always a real question!
In English, this is usually just a greeting — most people say 'Good, thanks' and move on.
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2.
Nice to meet you.
Said when meeting someone for the first time.
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3.
Long time no see!
Said when you haven't seen someone in a while.
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4.
What do you do for a living?
Asking about someone's job.
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5.
I'll let you get back to it.
A polite way to end a conversation.
Very British — implies the other person is busy even if they're not.
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6.
Catch you later!
An informal goodbye.
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7.
Take care.
A warm, friendly way to say goodbye.
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8.
You alright?
British informal greeting — not asking if you're unwell!
In the UK, 'You alright?' means 'Hello' — the answer is always 'Yeah, you?'
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9.
How's it going?
Another casual greeting.
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10.
Good to see you again.
When you're happy to meet someone you already know.
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🙋 Asking for Help
11.
Could you help me out?
A polite request for help.
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12.
Sorry to bother you, but…
A polite opener before asking a favour.
English speakers apologise constantly — this softens the request.
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13.
Do you mind if I…?
Asking permission politely.
Note: 'No, I don't mind' = it's fine. A common learner confusion.
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14.
Would you mind repeating that?
Asking someone to say something again.
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15.
I'm not sure I follow.
A polite way to say you don't understand.
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16.
Could you slow down a bit?
Asking someone to speak more slowly.
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17.
Which way is the nearest tube station?
Asking for directions to the underground.
British English: 'tube' (London) vs. American: 'subway'.
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18.
Is it far from here?
Asking about distance.
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19.
Can you write it down for me?
Asking someone to write something down.
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20.
That's really helpful, thank you.
Expressing genuine gratitude.
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☕ At a Café or Restaurant
21.
Table for two, please.
Requesting a table at a restaurant.
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22.
Could I get the menu, please?
Asking for the menu.
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23.
I'll have the chicken, please.
Ordering food.
Use 'I'll have' not 'I want' — 'I want' sounds rude in British English.
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24.
Could we get the bill, please?
Asking for the check at the end of the meal.
British say 'bill', Americans say 'check'.
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25.
Is service included?
Asking if the tip is already added.
In the UK, tipping is optional (10–15%). In the US it's expected (18–22%).
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26.
Do you have anything vegetarian?
Asking about vegetarian options.
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27.
Can I get that to go?
Asking for a takeaway.
American English: 'to go'. British: 'takeaway'.
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28.
This is delicious!
Complimenting the food.
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29.
Could I have some more water?
Asking for a refill.
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30.
We'll split the bill.
Paying separately.
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💼 Work & Professional Life
31.
Let's touch base later.
Let's talk again later.
Classic business English — from baseball.
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32.
I'll circle back to you on that.
I'll follow up with you about this.
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33.
Can we move this to a call?
Suggesting a phone call instead of messaging.
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34.
I'll send that over shortly.
Promising to send something soon.
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35.
Just to clarify…
Used to confirm your understanding.
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36.
Happy to jump on a call.
Offering to have a quick call.
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37.
Please do let me know if you have any questions.
A formal email sign-off phrase.
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38.
That's on my radar.
I'm aware of that and watching it.
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39.
Let's take this offline.
Let's discuss this privately after the meeting.
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40.
I'll loop you in.
I'll include you in the communication.
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🏙️ Everyday Situations
41.
What a nightmare!
Expressing frustration about a bad situation.
British understatement — used for anything from missed trains to major disasters.
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42.
It is what it is.
Accepting a situation you can't change.
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43.
Fair enough.
Accepting or agreeing with a point.
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44.
I'm absolutely knackered.
I'm exhausted. (British slang)
British slang — used across the UK. Americans would say 'I'm dead tired'.
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45.
That's brilliant!
That's excellent / great! (British English)
British use 'brilliant' and 'lovely' far more than Americans.
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46.
Could you keep it down?
Politely asking someone to be quieter.
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47.
I've got to dash.
I have to leave quickly.
Classic British phrase.
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48.
Do you fancy a cuppa?
Would you like a cup of tea?
Offering tea is a fundamental part of British social culture.
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49.
Mind the gap.
Watch the space between the train and the platform.
Famous London Underground announcement — now a global cultural reference.
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50.
Cheers!
British multi-purpose word: thanks, goodbye, or a toast.
In British English, 'Cheers' can mean thank you, goodbye, or when raising a glass.
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