Common English Phrases

There are phrases in English which people use over and over again in their greetings, goodbyes, and everyday small talk. Whereas it is true that there is an infinite number of possible sentences in any language, it is also true that some of those sentences are used repeatedly from day to day. The effective use of language is not in being able to create and understand an in finite number of sentences, but to use the right sentence the right way in a given context. In many instances the meaning of a phrase is quite clear, but the typical context for the phrase is not. In some instances, the meaning of the full expression is quite clear, but the expression typically occurs in an elliptical form that is not easy to understand. So, we should know both full and shortened forms of the same expression to comprehend them correctly. These expressions are highly colloquial. Many of them express joking, anger, and sarcasm. A surprising number of expressions are used in real conversational exchanges – they contain exaggerations and non standard units. In general, this is not the type of language that one would choose to write or even speak on many occasions. It is the type of language that one hears every day and needs to understand, however. There are thousands of the phrases in English which should be remembered and used correctly in a right place of conversation. These are also signs of fluency in the language making it sound natural and very English:

Absolutely! — a strong affirmation: — Are you ready to go? — Absolutely!

Act your age! — Behave more maturely! (A rebuke for someone who is acting childish. Often said to a child who is acting like an even younger child): — Aw, come on! Let me see your book! — Be quiet and act your age. Don’t be such a baby.

Age before beauty — a comical and slightly rude way of encouraging someone to go ahead of oneself; a comical, teasing, and slightly grudging way of indicating that someone else should or can go first: — No, no. Please, you take the next available seat,” smiled Tom. “Age before beauty, you know”.

Anything new down your way? — Has any interesting event happened where you live? (Rural and familiar): — Anything new down your way? — Nothing worth talking about.

Bingo! — That’s it, just what I’ve been waiting for! (From the game Bingo, where the word “Bingo!” is shouted by the first person to succeed in the game): Bob was looking in the button box for an old button to match the ones on his shirt. “Bingo!” he cried. “Here it is!”

Bite your tongue! — an expression said to someone who has just stated an unpleasant supposition that unfortunately may be true: — I’m afraid that we’ve missed the plane already. — Bite your tongue! We still have time.

Boy and boy oh boy — a sentence opener expressing surprise or emphasis. (This is not a term of address and can be used with either sex, although it is quite informal. The alternate form is more informal and more emphatic. Words such as this often use intonation to convey the connotation of the sentence that is to follow. The brief intonation pattern accompanying the word may indicate sarcasm, disagreement, caution, consolation, sternness, etc.): John: Hi, Bill. Bill: Boy, am I glad to see you!; Bob: What happened here? Fred: I don’t know. Bob: Boy, this place is a mess; “Boy, I’m tired! Moaned Henry; “Boy oh boy, this cake looks good,” thought Jack.

Come on! — Stop it!; Stop doing that: — Are you really going to sell your new car? — Come on! How dumb do you think I am?

Cut the comedy! and Cut the funny stuff! — Stop acting silly and telling jokes!; Be serious!: — All right, you guys! Cut the comedy and get to work!

Dear me! — an expression of mild dismay or regret: — Dear me, is this all there is? — There’s more in the kitchen. “Oh, dear me!” fretted John, “I’m late again.”

Dig in! — Please start eating your meal (heartily): Sue: Sit down, everybody. Bob: Wow, this stuff looks good! Alice: It sure does. Sue: Dig in!

Do I have to spell it out (for you)? And Do I have to paint (you) a picture? — What do I have to do to make this clear enough for you to understand? (Shows impatience.): — I don’t think I understand what you’re trying to tell me, Fred. — Do I have to spell it out for you? — I guess so. — We’re through, Mary. Sally: Would you please go over the part about the square root again? Mary: Do I have to paint you a picture? Pay attention!

(Do you) know what? And You know what? An expression used to open a conversation or switch to a new topic. — 1. You know what? — No, what? — I think this milk is spoiled. — 2. Know what? — Tell me. — Your hair needs cutting. — So, what?

Drop me a line. Communicate with me by telephone or mail and tell me your news. — If you get into our area, drop me a line. — I sure will, John. — Bye.

Enjoy your meal. An expression used by food service personnel after the food has been served. The waiter set the plates on the table, smiled, and said, “Enjoy your meal.”

Fancy meeting you here! I am very surprised to meet you here! (A catch phrase). — Hi, Sue! Fancy meeting you here! — Hi, Tom. I was thinking the same thing about you.

Forget (about) it! Drop the subject! Never mind!; Don’t bother me with it! — Thank you so much for helping me! — Oh, forget it!

Get lost! Go away!; Stop bothering me! — Fred kicked his foot at the dog behind him and said, “get lost, you worthless mutt!”

Get out of here! Go away!; Leave this place! — I’ve heard enough of this! Get out of here! — I’m going! I’m going!

Give it a rest! Stop talking so much. Give your mouth a rest. (Familiar or rude. Compare to Give me a rest!). — Now, I would also like to say something else. — Give it a rest, Tom. We’re tired of listening to you.

Give me a break! Please give me a chance!; Please give me another chance!; Leave me alone! 1. I know I can do it. Let me try again. — Well, I don’t know. — Give me a break! — Well, okay. 2. “Give me a break!” shouted Bob. “Go away and stop bother me!”

Go ahead! Please do it.; You have my permission and encouragement to do it. — Can I put this one in the refrigerator? — Sure. Go ahead.

Good for you! A complimentary expression of encouragement for something that someone has done. — I just got a raise. — Good for you!

(Good) heavens! An exclamation of surprise, shock, or amazement. — Good heavens! A diamond ring! — I bet it’s not real.

Good job! (= Nice going! Nice job!) That was done well. — Well, I’m glad that’s over. — Nice going, John! You did a good job.

Gotcha! 1. I understand what you said or what you want. — I want this done now! Understand? — Gotcha! 2. I’ve caught you at your little game. — My flight was nearly six hours late. — Gotcha! I just heard you tell Mary it was three hours late.

There are more than 2000 everyday phrases and sentences that English speaking people use on a regular basis, and it’s no use to enumerate them all here. The best way to know and use them is to learn through hearing and studying special guides of common English phrases.

Considering Language then as some mighty potentate, into the majestic audience-hall of the monarch ever enters a personage like one of Shakespeare’s clowns, and takes position there, and plays a part even in the stateliest ceremonies. Such is Slang, or indirection, an attempt of common humanity to escape from bald literalism, and express itself illimitably.

Walt Whitman, “Slang in America”

LECTURE 14: Slang as a Problem of Translation

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