25 Short English Conversation Phrases
There are many Phrases that are used in English language over and over again. Today, let’s look at some common short conversation phrases that you can use when you talk to people in informal way.
Let’s see some examples of short English conversation phrases which are given below as bold:
- She is sick and tired of that book.
- You must complete project ASAP.
- I’m really getting late. I have got to run. Catch you later.
List of 25 Short English Phrases with Meaning and Examples
Learn these following short English conversation phrases with meaning and examples that you can use in your informal conversations:
1. ASAP
This is an acronym; that is a short form of “as soon as possible.” We use “ASAP” most commonly when we request someone to do something immediately.
Examples:
- Send me that PDF ASAP.
- Please tell her to call me back ASAP.
- I’m in a meeting now, but I’ll be there ASAP.
2. Good Stuff!
Good stuff means to congratulate or encourage someone. We can use it when news is good.
Examples:
- You joined a gym today as you want to get in shape. Good stuff!
- He is learning English. Good stuff!
- Good stuff! You are really working hard.
3. Great stuff!
Great stuff means to congratulate or encourage someone. We can use it when news is great.
Examples:
- She got a gold medal in Olympics today. Great stuff!
- Great stuff! I heard that you got a promotion at work recently.
- You got a new job! Great stuff!
4. I’m afraid
“I’m afraid” it doesn’t mean that you are scared of anything. It just adds politeness to what you are saying, and it makes negatives messages a little softer.
Examples:
- I’m afraid I don’t agree with you.
- I’m afraid I can’t help you.
- I’m afraid that I can’t accept this job.
5. Not really
All it means is “no”, but it is a softer and polite “no.”
Examples:
- Your friend: Are you into golf?
- You: Not really.
- Mom: Was the food good?
- You: Not really.
6. I couldn’t care less
It means that you absolutely didn’t care about something.
Examples:
- I couldn’t care less about cricket.
- Please don’t tell me about it, I couldn’t care less.
- I don’t want to talk about that TV series. Literally, I couldn’t care less.
7. Fair enough
Fair enough means when something is acceptable or reasonable.
Examples:
- It’s fair enough, but do not forget to check before you buy.
- You forgot your wallet. I will pay, fair enough.
- Fair enough. She is a vegetarian that’s why she can’t eat chicken.
8. Sick and tired
You can use this phrase when you are fed up or you cannot tolerate something/someone.
Examples:
- Aren’t you sick and tired of eating bread and butter for breakfast every single day?
- I am not going to watch the news anymore. I am sick and tired of all the negativity.
- She is sick and tired of him because of his habits.
9. I have a lot on my plate
It means that you have lots of work to do or deal with.
Examples:
- This week will be too busy as I have a lot on my plate at work.
- I am afraid. I can’t go to the party because I have a lot on my plate.
- I can’t help you in your project as I have a lot on my plate right now. Sorry!
- If you are talking about someone else, you can use this phrase according to the subject: 1) Liza has a lot on her plate. 2) He has a lot on his plate. 3) We have a lot on our plate. 4) They have a lot on their Plate.
10. I’m sorry to hear that
If the news is not good, then you can say I’m sorry to hear that. “Sorry” does not mean that you are apologizing; It just shows that you feel bad for the other person.
Examples:
- Your friend: I am not feeling well because I have a pain in my back.
- You: I’m sorry to hear that. Get well soon!
- Liza: I’m fired from my job recently.
- You: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, but stay positive. I’m sure you will find another job soon.
11. Are you kidding me? / You are kidding me! / You’ve got to be kidding me!
The word “kidding” means “joking.” You can use these phrases when you can’t believe something which someone said and you are really surprised, annoyed, or irritated.
Example:
- Your brother: I dropped your new phone by mistake and the screen has cracked. I am really sorry!
- You: Are you kidding me?
- John: She won a new car.
- You: You are kidding me!
- Your best friend: Hey, you failed in the test.
- You: You have got to be kidding me!
12. I’d better get going / I’ve got to go / I’ve got to run
Instead of saying “goodbye” you can use these phrases. These are some polite yet fancy way of saying goodbye.
Example:
- It’s getting late. I’ve got to run.
- I have to pick my younger brother from school I’d better get going.
- It’s getting dark, so I’ve got to go. Meet you tomorrow.
13. That sounds great
You can use this phrase when you like someone’s idea or suggestion.
Examples:
- Rob: How about a movie tonight?
- You: That sounds great!
- Mom: Today, I’m a bit tired. I am not going to cook, so let’s order some food.
- You: That sounds great! I would love to order a pizza.
14. I’m all ears
This phrase, “I’m all ears” is used when you want to tell somebody that you are listening carefully and attentively, or you are ready and eager to listen.
Examples:
- Tell me about your first day of your new job. I’m all ears!
- Peter: I have a terrific business idea!
- You: Oh really? I’m all ears!
- Granny: I am telling this magical story. Are you all ears?
- You: Yes, I’m all ears!
15. Give me a hand
“Give me a hand” it doesn’t mean that you are really asking for a hand. Actually, it is just a fancy and informal way of asking for help. It’s an idiom and you can also use this expression to offer help by saying “give you a hand.”
Examples:
- Could you give me a hand with those heavy books?
- Please give me a hand to carry this blanket.
- Can I give you a hand with this very heavy suitcase?
16. For sure
This phase simply means certainly or definitely. Most of the time we hear this phrase in daily conversation.
Examples:
- Anni: Would you like to go market with me tomorrow?
- You: Fore sure!
- Mom: Can you give me a hand to make the food?
- You: Fore sure.
17. Can’t complain
Basically “Can’t complain” means no major change in your life. It means that everything is going as usual.
Examples:
- Your friend asks to you: How are the things?
- You can say: Can’t complain!
18. No way!
This is again one of the most common phrases. It means not at all. It is used to express surprise and say no in a forceful way. You can also use this phrase when you don’t believe someone what he or she tells you about something.
Examples:
- No way! She is not going to help us. She is not trustworthy.
- Jim: I think you will invite him to your party. Aren’t you?
- You: No way!
19. Who Knows?
“Who knows” doesn’t mean that someone is asking a question. Actually, the phrase “who knows” means I don’t know. It is a polit way to say that you don’t know. You can use in informal way.
Examples:
- Your sister: Did you see my new watch? I don’t remember where I had put it yesterday.
- You: Who knows?
20. That’s lit
It is a super easy phrase that you can use it when something is super good, cool, or amazing.
Examples:
- That’s lit party!
- His car was just lit.
- Yesterday, your outfit was lit.
21. Lucky you!
It is used to express for someone’s good fortune. It means you are lucky or it’s a good thing that happened to you by chance.
Example:
- You got the admission in your desired University. Lucky you!
- I can’t believe you won a car in the contest! Lucky you!
- Lucky you! You are getting the promotion next month.
22. You rock!
It a slang phrase means you are amazing or awesome. It is used to describe and praise or encourage someone. According to someone/ something it is used as well.
Examples:
- You are great dancer. I would like to say only, you rock!
- This song is heart touchable. It just rocks!
24. I screwed up/ I messed up
Both the phrases have same mean that “I made a mistake.” When you make a mistake, you must use “I screwed up or I messed up” whichever you like.
Examples:
- I’ve forgotten her birthday gift, I screwed up!
- I messed up the cake when I added extra sugar in it.
- She is angry because she screwed up her project.
25. Finger crossed
Finger crossed means wish for the good luck or to expect a positive outcome or result.
Examples:
- Tomorrow is my exam, so finger crossed.
- Overall, your interview is good. Just keep your finger crossed!
- Finger crossed! My father will get his promotion very soon.
I hope that you found these common short English phrases or expressions useful. Enjoy learning!