Mastering a language does not mean translating every word or knowing the meaning of each word precisely. Mastering the English language means knowing how to express yourself fluently, understand general conversations, and make clear sentences.
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Why learn these 40 phrases?
One effective technique is to learn entire sentences by heart. This helps you:
- Memorize vocabulary in context
- Understand complex grammar structures
- Memorize the use of tenses correctly
- Answer basic questions spontaneously
- Easily adapt sentences by changing nouns, adjectives, or verbs for different conversations
This method allows you to learn without going over boring grammar points or memorizing word lists!
So, obviously, it depends on the context in which you practice English and learning goal. For example, you won’t use the same sentences for a job interview as you would for a weekend trip to London.
Here are 10 phrases for each context: travel, job interviews, professional meetings, casual conversationswith an English speaker, and basic sentences for beginners.
10 phrases to know for traveling
| English sentence | Explanation | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| I’m looking for the Tower of London. | Asking for directions. | |
| Do you have a map of the town? | Use this to ask for a city or town layout. | |
| At what time is the bus / plane / train to New-York? | Used to ask the departure time. | |
| I would like to book a room for 4 days. | Use this to reserve hotel room. | |
| I would like to rent a car for a week. | Use this when renting a car. | |
| Could I have some water/coffee/tea, please? | Use this to politely request a drink. | |
| May I have the bill? | Used to ask for the check after a meal. | |
| How much does it cost? I would like to buy it. | Use this when inquiring about the price of what you want to purchase. | |
| Can I pay with credit card? I don’t have cash. | Asking for an alternative means of payment. | |
| Where can I find a supermarket? | Used when asking for the location of a supermarket. |
10 phrases to know for a job interview or professional meeting
| English phrase | Explanation | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Hello, I am here for an interview with Mr and Ms Jones. | To introduce yourself when you arrive for an interview. | |
| I have an appointment at 4 pm. | Use this to confirm your scheduled meeting time. | |
| Nice to meet you, I’ve heard lot of things about your company. | Use this to express interest and show you know about the company. | |
| I have already managed teams of two or three people. | Use this to share your experience in team management. | |
| I think I have the skills and attitude you need, to make your team more successful. | Use this to highlight how you can contribute to the team’s success. | |
| I have the time management skills and efficiency you are looking for. | Use this to emphasize your organizational abilities. | |
| I have a lot of experience working with the type of clients you have. | Used to demonstrate your experience with similar clients. | |
| My team had the best sales results two years running. | To announce your past achievements in sales. | |
| I am hardworking and always punctual. | To describe your work ethic and reliability | |
| My level in my TOEIC Test is 7. | Use this to say your English proficiency score. |
10 phrases to know for an informal discussion between English speakers
| English phrase | Explanation | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Good Morning / Good afternoon / Good evening / Good night. | Phrases to greet someone at different times of the day. | |
| How are you? How do you do? | Phrases to ask someone how they are doing. | |
| Really pleased to meet you / Glad to meet you! | Used to express happiness when meeting someone for the first time. | |
| Goodbye, hope to see you soon. | Use this when leaving. | |
| Many thanks for your help. | To thank someone for their assistance. | |
| You are welcome / it’s my pleasure. | Used to respond politely when someone thanks you. | |
| I am so sorry! I beg your pardon! | Use these to apologize for something. | |
| Please let me apologize for this mistake. | Use this to formally say sorry. | |
| I can’t stop thinking about you! | Use this to express that someone is constantly on your mind | |
| I am falling in love with you … | To tell someone that you are having romantic feelings for them. |
10 basic phrases for absolute beginners to know
These phrases help your conversation partner understand that you’re new to English but eager to learn!
| English phrase | Explanation | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Hello, how are you? | A basic greeting to start a conversation and ask about someone’s well-being. | |
| I’m sorry, I don’t understand. | Use this to indicate that you didn’t catch what was said. | |
| Where is the bathroom? | A simple way to ask for the location of the restroom. | |
| What time is it? | Use this when you need to know the current time. | |
| I’m French; I need some help. | A way to explain that you’re from France and require assistance. | |
| I’m sorry to bother you. | A polite way to apologize for interrupting someone. | |
| Could you repeat that more slowly please? | A request for someone to speak more slowly so you can understand better. | |
| How do you say … in English? | A question to learn how to say something in English. | |
| I’m just here for the holidays. | A phrase to let others know you’re on vacation. | |
| Can I have some water, please? | A polite request for water. |
Here you have everything you need to get by in a simple situation. Again, no secret: the key is to learn these 10 sentences by heart!
