Common Expressions for Everyday Conversations

Introduction to Common Expressions in Daily Conversations: Examples and Meanings

Effective communication is vital in everyday interactions, and mastering common expressions can significantly enhance your ability to converse smoothly and naturally. This lesson focuses on expanding your knowledge of frequently used expressions in daily conversations, providing detailed meanings and practical examples to ensure you can use these phrases confidently in various contexts. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid grasp of essential expressions, boosting your conversational skills and making you more proficient in English.

In this lesson, we will explore a comprehensive list of common expressions used in daily conversations. Each expression is accompanied by a clear definition and example sentences to help you understand how to use them correctly. Whether you are asking for clarification, ensuring understanding, adding to a conversation, or changing the subject, this lesson will equip you with the necessary language tools.

Useful Vocabulary for Common Expressions

The following sections will present a detailed list of common expressions, each with a definition and examples. This format will help reinforce your understanding and ensure you can use these terms accurately in conversation.

Detailed Vocabulary List

Asking Someone to Say Something Again

1. Pardon

   • Meaning: A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
   • Example: "Pardon?" she asked, not hearing the question.
   • Example: He said, "Pardon, could you repeat that?"
   • Example: "Pardon?" is often used in formal situations.

2. I'm sorry, I didn't hear/catch what you said

   • Meaning: An apology followed by a request for repetition.
   • Example: "I'm sorry, I didn't catch what you said. Could you say it again?"
   • Example: She said, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Can you repeat that?"
   • Example: "I'm sorry, I didn't hear/catch what you said" is polite and clear.

3. Would/Could you say that again, please?

   • Meaning: A polite request for someone to repeat their words.
   • Example: "Could you say that again, please?" he asked.
   • Example: She said, "Would you mind saying that again, please?"
   • Example: "Would/Could you say that again, please?" is formal and polite.

4. Would/Could you repeat what you said, please?

   • Meaning: A request for someone to repeat their previous statement.
   • Example: "Would you repeat what you said, please?" she requested.
   • Example: He asked, "Could you repeat what you said, please?"
   • Example: "Would/Could you repeat what you said, please?" ensures clarity.

5. I'm sorry, what did you say?

   • Meaning: An apology followed by a request for repetition.
   • Example: "I'm sorry, what did you say?" he asked after missing the statement.
   • Example: She said, "I'm sorry, what did you say? I didn't hear you."
   • Example: "I'm sorry, what did you say?" is a polite way to ask for repetition.

6. What was that?

   • Meaning: A simple request for someone to repeat their words.
   • Example: "What was that?" he asked, needing clarification.
   • Example: She said, "What was that? I didn't catch it."
   • Example: "What was that?" is straightforward and informal.

7. Informal: What was that again...?

   • Meaning: A casual way to ask for repetition.
   • Example: "What was that again?" he asked his friend.
   • Example: She said, "What was that again? I missed it."
   • Example: "What was that again...?" is used in informal settings.

8. Very informal: What?/Eh?/Mm?

   • Meaning: Very casual ways to indicate that you didn't hear or understand.
   • Example: "Eh?" he asked, not catching the statement.
   • Example: She responded, "What? I didn't hear you."
   • Example: "Mm?" is often used in casual, informal situations.

Checking Someone Has Understood You

9. Do you know what I mean?

   • Meaning: A question to confirm that someone understands your point.
   • Example: "Do you know what I mean?" he asked to ensure clarity.
   • Example: She said, "Do you know what I mean?" after explaining.
   • Example: "Do you know what I mean?" checks for understanding.

10. ... if you see what I mean

    • Meaning: A phrase to clarify your explanation further.
    • Example: "It's quite complex, if you see what I mean."
    • Example: She said, "It's difficult to explain, if you see what I mean."
    • Example: "... if you see what I mean" adds clarity to your point.

11. I hope that's clear.

    • Meaning: A statement to confirm that your explanation is understood.
    • Example: "I hope that's clear," he said after explaining.
    • Example: She said, "I hope that's clear," looking for confirmation.
    • Example: "I hope that's clear" ensures your point is understood.

12. Do I make myself clear?

    • Meaning: A direct question asking if your point is understood.
    • Example: "Do I make myself clear?" he asked sternly.
    • Example: She said, "Do I make myself clear?" to ensure comprehension.
    • Example: "Do I make myself clear?" is used to confirm understanding.

13. Informal: Are you with me?

    • Meaning: A casual way to check if someone is following your explanation.
    • Example: "Are you with me?" he asked his friend.
    • Example: She said, "Are you with me?" to make sure he understood.
    • Example: "Are you with me?" is used informally.

14. Informal: Get it?

    • Meaning: A brief way to ask if someone understands.
    • Example: "Get it?" he asked after explaining the instructions.
    • Example: She said, "Get it?" to confirm comprehension.
    • Example: "Get it?" is concise and informal.

15. Informal: Right?

    • Meaning: A casual way to seek agreement or confirmation.
    • Example: "Right?" he asked to make sure she understood.
    • Example: She said, "Right?" looking for confirmation.
    • Example: "Right?" is used to check understanding informally.

16. Very informal: Got the message?

    • Meaning: An informal way to ask if someone understands.
    • Example: "Got the message?" he asked after explaining.
    • Example: She said, "Got the message?" to confirm understanding.
    • Example: "Got the message?" is very informal.

17. Changing the subject: ... by the way...

    • Meaning: A phrase used to introduce a new topic.
    • Example: "By the way, have you seen the new film?"
    • Example: She said, "By the way, did you finish your project?"
    • Example: "... by the way..." smoothly changes the subject.

18. Changing the subject: ... before I forget...

    • Meaning: A phrase used to introduce a new topic before you forget it.
    • Example: "Before I forget, I need to tell you something."
    • Example: She said, "Before I forget, can you sign this form?"
    • Example: "... before I forget..." ensures you mention something important.

19. Changing the subject: ... I nearly forgot...

    • Meaning: A phrase used to remember something important.
    • Example: "I nearly forgot, we have a meeting tomorrow."
    • Example: She said, "I nearly forgot, happy birthday!"
    • Example: "... I nearly forgot..." helps to recall important information.

Don't Be Dumb

20. I'm afraid I don't know.

    • Meaning: A polite way to admit you don't have the information.
    • Example: "I'm afraid I don't know the answer."
    • Example: She said, "I'm afraid I don't know how to help."
    • Example: "I'm afraid I don't know" is a polite way to admit ignorance.

21. I haven't a clue.

    • Meaning: An informal way to say you have no idea.
    • Example: "I haven't a clue what happened."
    • Example: She said, "I haven't a clue about that."
    • Example: "I haven't a clue" is used informally.

22. I'm terribly sorry but I haven't understood the question.

    • Meaning: A polite way to say you didn't understand.
    • Example: "I'm terribly sorry but I haven't understood the question."
    • Example: She said, "I'm terribly sorry but I didn't catch that."
    • Example: "I'm terribly sorry but I haven't understood the question" is very polite.

23. Sorry, I don't know what you mean.

    • Meaning: A polite way to ask for clarification.
    • Example: "Sorry, I don't know what you mean."
    • Example: She said, "Sorry, I don't understand."
    • Example: "Sorry, I don't know what you mean" seeks clarification politely.

24. I'm not sure I can answer.

    • Meaning: A polite way to express doubt about providing an answer.
    • Example: "I'm not sure I can answer that."
    • Example: She said, "I'm not sure I have the information."
    • Example: "I'm not sure I can answer" is polite and cautious.

25. I've no idea (about) what I am expected to do.

    • Meaning: A way to express confusion about instructions.
    • Example: "I've no idea what I am expected to do."
    • Example: She said, "I've no idea about the task."
    • Example: "I've no idea (about) what I am expected to do" expresses confusion.

26. I wish I knew.

    • Meaning: A phrase expressing a desire to know something.
    • Example: "I wish I knew the answer."
    • Example: She said, "I wish I knew what to do."
    • Example: "I wish I knew" expresses longing for information.

27. I must admit I don't know much about this problem.

    • Meaning: A humble way to acknowledge lack of knowledge.
    • Example: "I must admit I don't know much about this problem."
    • Example: She said, "I must admit I need more information."
    • Example: "I must admit I don't know much about this problem" is humble and honest.

28. I'm sorry but I don't know what to say.

    • Meaning: A polite way to express being speechless or unsure.
    • Example: "I'm sorry but I don't know what to say."
    • Example: She said, "I'm sorry but I'm at a loss for words."
    • Example: "I'm sorry but I don't know what to say" is polite and expressive.

Checking You Have Understood

29. So,...

    • Meaning: A phrase used to summarise and confirm understanding.
    • Example: "So, you want me to call back later?"
    • Example: She said, "So, we meet at 5 PM?"
    • Example: "So,..." is used to confirm details.

30. Does that mean...?

    • Meaning: A question to clarify understanding.
    • Example: "Does that mean we need to start over?"
    • Example: She asked, "Does that mean you won't be coming?"
    • Example: "Does that mean...?" seeks clarification.

31. Do you mean...?

    • Meaning: A question to verify the meaning.
    • Example: "Do you mean I should email it?"
    • Example: She said, "Do you mean we have to wait?"
    • Example: "Do you mean...?" checks for accurate understanding.

32. If I understand right...

    • Meaning: A phrase to confirm your interpretation.
    • Example: "If I understand right, we need to complete this today."
    • Example: She said, "If I understand right, you're leaving tomorrow."
    • Example: "If I understand right..." confirms comprehension.

33. I'm not sure I understand. Does that mean...?

    • Meaning: A phrase expressing doubt and seeking clarification.
    • Example: "I'm not sure I understand. Does that mean we are done?"
    • Example: She said, "I'm not sure I understand. Does that mean we should wait?"
    • Example: "I'm not sure I understand. Does that mean...?" clarifies doubts.

Saying Something Another Way

34. In other words,...

    • Meaning: A phrase to rephrase and simplify.
    • Example: "In other words, we need to be there by 6."
    • Example: She said, "In other words, it’s a no."
    • Example: "In other words,..." simplifies the explanation.

35. That means...

    • Meaning: A phrase to clarify the implication.
    • Example: "That means we are responsible."
    • Example: She said, "That means it's cancelled."
    • Example: "That means..." explains implications.

36. What I mean is...

    • Meaning: A phrase to clarify your point.
    • Example: "What I mean is, we need more time."
    • Example: She said, "What I mean is, I’m not available."
    • Example: "What I mean is..." clarifies your statement.

37. That's to say...

    • Meaning: A phrase to explain further.
    • Example: "That's to say, we should reconsider."
    • Example: She said, "That's to say, it’s not final."
    • Example: "That's to say..." provides additional explanation.

38. ..., or rather...

    • Meaning: A phrase to correct yourself.
    • Example: "We will go tomorrow, or rather, the day after."
    • Example: She said, "I meant to call, or rather, text."
    • Example: "..., or rather..." corrects and clarifies.

39. What I'm trying to say is...

    • Meaning: A phrase to express your point more clearly.
    • Example: "What I'm trying to say is, we need a plan."
    • Example: She said, "What I'm trying to say is, it’s complicated."
    • Example: "What I'm trying to say is..." enhances clarity.

40. What I'm driving at/getting at is...

    • Meaning: A phrase to indicate your main point.
    • Example: "What I'm driving at is, we need to improve."
    • Example: She said, "What I'm getting at is, it’s not easy."
    • Example: "What I'm driving at/getting at is..." indicates your main point.

Giving Yourself Time to Think

41. Oh/Er/Um

    • Meaning: Fillers used while thinking.
    • Example: "Er, I think we need to reconsider."
    • Example: She said, "Um, can I get back to you?"
    • Example: "Oh/Er/Um" are common fillers in speech.

42. Let me see/think...

    • Meaning: A phrase to buy time to think.
    • Example: "Let me see, I’ll check my schedule."
    • Example: She said, "Let me think, it’s not clear yet."
    • Example: "Let me see/think..." gives you a moment to gather your thoughts.

43. Just a moment,...

    • Meaning: A phrase requesting a short pause.
    • Example: "Just a moment, I’ll find the document."
    • Example: She said, "Just a moment, I need to consider."
    • Example: "Just a moment,..." asks for a brief pause.

44. You see,...

    • Meaning: A phrase to explain something in detail.
    • Example: "You see, it’s not that simple."
    • Example: She said, "You see, we have a problem."
    • Example: "You see,..." introduces an explanation.

45. You know,...

    • Meaning: A phrase used for emphasis or explanation.
    • Example: "You know, it’s quite complicated."
    • Example: She said, "You know, we need to talk."
    • Example: "You know,..." emphasises or explains a point.

46. How shall I put it?

    • Meaning: A phrase used to find the right words.
    • Example: "How shall I put it? It's not ideal."
    • Example: She said, "How shall I put it? It’s delicate."
    • Example: "How shall I put it?" is used when searching for the right expression.

47. Now, what's the word...?

    • Meaning: A phrase used when searching for a specific word.
    • Example: "Now, what's the word? Ah, complex."
    • Example: She said, "Now, what's the word? Oh, I remember."
    • Example: "Now, what's the word...?" helps recall the right term.

You Want to Add Something

48. I'd like to make another point.

    • Meaning: A phrase to introduce an additional idea.
    • Example: "I'd like to make another point about this."
    • Example: She said, "I'd like to make another point regarding the plan."
    • Example: "I'd like to make another point" introduces further thoughts.

49. I'd also like to say...

    • Meaning: A phrase to add additional information.
    • Example: "I'd also like to say that it's important."
    • Example: She said, "I'd also like to say that we should consider alternatives."
    • Example: "I'd also like to say..." adds more information.

50. You need help

    • Meaning: A statement offering assistance.
    • Example: "You need help with this task."
    • Example: She said, "You need help, let me assist."
    • Example: "You need help" offers support.

51. I don't understand, I'm sorry.

    • Meaning: A polite way to indicate lack of understanding.
    • Example: "I don't understand, I'm sorry."
    • Example: She said, "I don't understand, could you explain?"
    • Example: "I don't understand, I'm sorry" seeks clarification.

52. I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

    • Meaning: A phrase to express confusion and seek further explanation.
    • Example: "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
    • Example: She said, "I'm not sure I understand what you’re saying."
    • Example: "I'm not sure I understand what you mean" asks for more clarity.

53. What's the meaning of...?

    • Meaning: A question asking for the definition.
    • Example: "What's the meaning of this word?"
    • Example: She asked, "What's the meaning of that phrase?"
    • Example: "What's the meaning of...?" inquires about definitions.

54. What does the word... mean?

    • Meaning: A question asking for the explanation of a word.
    • Example: "What does the word 'ambiguous' mean?"
    • Example: She asked, "What does the word 'sophisticated' mean?"
    • Example: "What does the word... mean?" seeks word definitions.

55. What's the French/English word for...?

    • Meaning: A question asking for a translation.
    • Example: "What's the French word for 'apple'?"
    • Example: She asked, "What's the English word for 'pomme'?"
    • Example: "What's the French/English word for...?" seeks translations.

56. I didn't hear what you said.

    • Meaning: A phrase indicating you missed part of the conversation.
    • Example: "I didn't hear what you said, could you repeat?"
    • Example: She said, "I didn't hear what you mentioned."
    • Example: "I didn't hear what you said" requests repetition.

57. Could you step aside, please? I can't see the board.

    • Meaning: A polite request to move for better visibility.
    • Example: "Could you step aside, please? I can't see the board."
    • Example: She said, "Could you move, please? I can't see."
    • Example: "Could you step aside, please?" is polite and clear.

58. Repeat, please?

    • Meaning: A brief request for repetition.
    • Example: "Repeat, please?" he asked after missing the point.
    • Example: She said, "Could you repeat, please?"
    • Example: "Repeat, please?" is concise and polite.

59. Say it again, please?

    • Meaning: A request for someone to repeat what they said.
    • Example: "Say it again, please?" she asked for clarity.
    • Example: He said, "Say it again, please? I missed that."
    • Example: "Say it again, please?" is clear and polite.

60. Explain it again, please?

    • Meaning: A request for further explanation.
    • Example: "Explain it again, please?" he asked.
    • Example: She said, "Explain it again, please? I didn't understand."
    • Example: "Explain it again, please?" asks for clarity.

61. Spell that word, please?

    • Meaning: A request for the spelling of a word.
    • Example: "Spell that word, please?" he asked.
    • Example: She said, "Could you spell that word, please?"
    • Example: "Spell that word, please?" ensures correct spelling.

62. Write it on the board, please?

    • Meaning: A request for someone to write something on the board.
    • Example: "Write it on the board, please?" he asked the teacher.
    • Example: She said, "Could you write it on the board, please?"
    • Example: "Write it on the board, please?" ensures visual clarity.

63. Speak louder/up, please?

    • Meaning: A request for someone to speak more loudly.
    • Example: "Speak louder, please?" she asked during the presentation.
    • Example: He said, "Could you speak up, please?"
    • Example: "Speak louder/up, please?" ensures everyone can hear.

64. Speak more slowly, please?

    • Meaning: A request for someone to slow down their speech.
    • Example: "Speak more slowly, please?" he asked for better understanding.
    • Example: She said, "Could you speak more slowly, please?"
    • Example: "Speak more slowly, please?" ensures clarity.

Summary and Takeaways

Exercises for Solo Practice

Learners can practice these new expressions by creating dialogues using each phrase. They can also engage in role-playing exercises to simulate real-life conversations, which will reinforce their understanding and usage.

Lesson Summary

This lesson provided a comprehensive guide to common expressions used in daily conversations, covering over 50 phrases with detailed meanings and examples. Learners now have a robust understanding of essential vocabulary for various contexts, including asking for repetition, checking understanding, adding to conversations, and changing the subject.

Key Phrases Learnt

Throughout the lesson, learners encountered and practised key phrases essential for effective communication. This vocabulary is crucial for daily interactions and will help learners feel more confident in their English-speaking abilities.

Tips for Remembering

To remember the vocabulary, learners can use flashcards, engage in regular conversations, and review the terms frequently. Associating each phrase with a real-life scenario can also enhance memory retention.

Encouragement to Share and Connect

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