English Phrases & Idiomatic Expressions PDF

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English Phrases & Idiomatic Expressions

By Robby Kukurs
From http://EnglishHarmony.com
Check out the English Harmony System – it’s stuffed with 1350 English
phrases and idioms and will make YOU into a fluent English speaker faster
than you think it’s possible! You can avail of 30% discount by entering the
special coupon code FB4FE246 at the checkout HERE!
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Table of Contents
25 Perfect Ways of Starting Sentences in English! .................................... - 3 -

Universal English Sentence Starters ............................................................ - 3 -
Answering Specific Questions ................................................................... - 4 -
Expressing Your Opinion ......................................................................... - 6 -
Disagreeing ......................................................................................... - 8 -
Expressing Uncertainty ........................................................................... - 9 -
38 Typical English Sentence Endings .....................................................- 10 -
General Sentence Endings ......................................................................- 10 -
Encouragement ...................................................................................- 12 -
Reassuring & Proving Your Point ..............................................................- 13 -
Comparing & Referring to Specific Things ...................................................- 14 -
Time References ..................................................................................- 15 -
Describing the Importance of the Matter .....................................................- 16 -
English Small Talk Phrases...................................................................- 17 -
Introductions ......................................................................................- 17 -
Conversation Starters & Greetings .............................................................- 18 -
Typical Responses ................................................................................- 19 -
Industry Small-talk ...............................................................................- 22 -
Departure Phrases ................................................................................- 24 -
English Idiomatic Expressions ..............................................................- 25 -
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25 Perfect Ways of Starting Sentences in English!

Universal English Sentence Starters
Well, speaking of – this is a universal English phrase and can be used to answer
pretty much ANY question! “Can you tell me what time do we have to attend the
company meeting today?” – “WELL, SPEAKING OF the meeting – I’m pretty sure
it’s at 2 o’clock!”
When it comes to – this English phrase is almost identical to the first one and can
also be used in all life situations to make it easier for you to answer questions and
start sentences: “Is there anything in particular I should know when printing out
sales invoices?” – “Well, WHEN IT COMES TO printing out invoices, the most
important thing to remember is…”
Well, to tell you the truth – this is also a universal English sentence starter, only
this time around it carries a very small element of surprise; basically you’d start a
sentence with this phrase if your answer is something your conversation partner isn’t
expecting: “Have you done your homework yet?” – “WELL, TO TELL YOU THE
TRUTH, I didn’t do it because I didn’t have much time!”
Well, to be totally honest with you – this sentence starter is very similar to the
previous one: “Can you tell me if wages have been transferred to your bank account?”
– “WELL, TO BE TOTALLY HONEST WITH YOU, I haven’t even checked my bank
account yet!”
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Well, frankly speaking – and again, this sentence starter is pretty much the same
as the previous two: “Is there any chance you’d come to movies with me?” – “WELL,
FRANKLY SPEAKING I’m not that into movies, I’d rather stay at home and watch
something on Netflix!”
As a matter of fact – this English phrase is a substitute for the word “actually”,
and considering that you can use “actually” in almost any sentence, it only stands to
reason that “as a matter of fact” can also be used to start any sentence: “I don’t know
where Bjorg is today, he never showed up at work!” – “AS A MATTER OF FACT, I
hadn’t even noticed he’s not in, thanks for telling me!”
Answering Specific Questions
All right, I’m going to try to give you some idea about – this English phrase is
very useful in situations when you have to explain something in the very detail: “Can
you tell me how to use this software, please? I’ve never used it before!” – “ALL
RIGHT, I’M GOING TO TRY TO GIVE YOU SOME IDEA ABOUT Photoshop! So,
first of all…”
Well, speaking of the specifics of – when you have to provide an overview of a
particular issue or a process, this is the English sentence starter to use: “So, can you
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tell us how you built your blog, Robby?” –“WELL, SPEAKING OF THE SPECIFICS
OF my blog, let me start with describing the actual platform it’s built on…”
Well, the best way to describe… would be the following – another useful
English sentence starter phrase for situations when you have to describe something
specific: “Can you tell us how to get to the airport, please?” –“WELL, THE BEST
WAY TO DESCRIBE the road to the airport WOULD BE THE FOLLOWING – keep
driving straight and then you’re going to see a highway exit sign…”
As you may already know – this is how you start talking about known facts that
your conversation partner is most likely familiar with: “Henry, why is our accountant
demanding that we keep the stock levels as low as possible?” – “Well, AS YOU MAY
ALREADY NOW, the new company regulation came into effect today, according to
which…”
Well, not everyone knows that – and this is how you open a statement during
which you’re going to reveal some little known information: “I wonder how Michael
could build his business in such a short period of time?” – “WELL, NOT EVERYONE
KNOWS THAT he inherited a considerable amount of money and that’s why…”
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Expressing Your Opinion
Actually, I’m fully aware of the fact that – this English sentence starter can be
used in conversations when you have to stress the fact that you’re familiar with a
particular fact or a situation: “Why did you leave Jimmy at the workstation on his
own? You could have asked someone whether he was fully trained or not?”
– “ACTUALLY, I’M FULLY AWARE OF THE FACT THAT he’s not fully trained – but
I could never have imagined that…”
I don’t want to sound like bragging, but – this is how you initiate your
response when you have to tell about something related to your personal
achievements: “How did you know how to use this printer?” –“Well, I DON’T WANT
TO SOUND LIKE BRAGGING, but I’ve been using the same printer in my previous
job!”
Speaking of… there’s one thing I can say for sure – this is how you inform the
other person of something you’re 100% sure of: “Can you tell me what kind of shoes I
should be wearing for the wedding?” – “SPEAKING OF the wedding, THERE’S ONE
THING I CAN SAY FOR SURE – brown shoes is the latest trend, so you can’t go
wrong with that!”
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Well, taking into consideration that – this English sentence starter phrase will
come in handy when you have to draw a conclusion: “What time you think we should
leave to make it home on time?” – “WELL, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THAT
it takes about half an hour to get home, we should…”
Well, I guess it goes without saying that – you can use this phrase to state
something obvious, something that almost everyone would agree on: “You think
Mark is going to be angry if we leave 5 minutes early?” – “WELL I GUESS IT GOES
WITHOUT SAYING THAT he won’t be happy with us leaving the shop before it’s
supposed to close, but…”
Well, I think it’s safe to assume that – are you making an assumption? Well,
then why not use this handy phrase? Here’s how it happens in real life: “Do you think
it’s OK to drive the tractor?” – “WELL, I THINK IT’S SAFE TO ASSUME THAT
Johnny fixed the brakes or else he wouldn’t have left it here, don’t you think so?”
Well, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that – whenever the element of
surprise is brought up during the conversation but you’d like to point out that the
matter at hand isn’t so surprising after all, this is how you do it: “Did you know that
all bodybuilders use steroids these days?” – “WELL, IT REALLY SHOULDN’T COME
AS A SURPRISE THAT they’re all doing it – after all, it’s very popular in other
sports as well!”
Well, to answer this question, I have to stress that – a very simple yet handy
phrase when you’re making your point by emphasizing a particular aspect of the
issue: “Do you think it would be possible for me to start my own business?”
– “WELL, TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION, I HAVE TO STRESS THAT 90% of all
new business fail within the first year, so…”
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Disagreeing
Well, I can definitely see where you’re coming from, but – it’s just another
way of saying that you can see WHY your conversation partner is saying what he or
she is saying, and then you want to explain why your opinion is different: “… so that’s
why I think we shouldn’t increase the price.” – “WELL, I CAN DEFINITELY SEE
WHERE YOU’RE COMING FROM, but I’d say we should slightly increase the price
because everyone else in the industry is going to do so!”
With all due respect – this is what you say before disagreeing to make it sound
polite: “Juan, you shouldn’t be wearing sandals at work!” – “WITH ALL DUE
RESPECT, but everyone else is wearing sandals, so either we all stop wearing them
or I’ll keep wearing them!”
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Expressing Uncertainty
Well, you can’t really say that – this is a handy sentence to begin your English
sentences with in situations when you’re disagreeing with someone, but at the same
time you’re not sure of it: “I think her dress looks ugly!” – “WELL, YOU CAN’T
REALLY SAY THAT it’s ugly, but yes, I can admit it’s not the best dress I’ve seen…”
Well, as far as I’m aware – you can always begin an English sentence with this
phrase when you’re going to say something that’s true, but you’re still admitting that
there might be something else to the matter, but you’re just not aware of it: “Excuse
me, can you tell me if the London bus leaves at the same time today?” – “WELL, AS
FAR AS I’M AWARE it does, but you’d be better off calling the directory inquiries to
make sure!”
To the best of my knowledge – this phrase is pretty much the same as the one
above: “By the way, are we working next Monday?” – “Well, TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE we’re off next Monday, but I guess we should check it with the
secretary. Just to stay on the safe side!”
Well, if I’m not mistaken – yet another phrase which can be used in situations
when you’re not totally convinced of the correctness of the information you’re
providing: “So, what time does the film start at?” –“WELL, IF I’M NOT MISTAKEN,
it starts at 5 but I guess we’d better be there before time, just in case!”
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38 Typical English Sentence Endings

General Sentence Endings
… and that’s all I’ve gotta say about that! – this is what you can always add at
the end of a sentence if it concludes the entire thought and you don’t have anything
else to say.
… and that’s all there is to it! – this is pretty much the same as the previous
sentence ending with the exception that it’s worded differently.
… and we’ll take it from there – this English sentence ending is used to indicate
that the discussion is going to continue at some point in the future after certain
things are done: “Well, your proposal seems reasonable enough – I’m going to talk to
my partner and my lawyer and we’ll take it from there!”
… that’s about it – another sentence ending indicating a finished business;
typically used as a response to a question when you’re asked if you’ve got anything
else to say: “Well, I guess that’s about it.”
… just like that! – this English idiomatic expression can very well be used to end
sentences in situations when you’re telling someone that something unexpected
happened to you, or someone did something quite unexpected and surprising: “And
guess what? She stormed out of the meeting and slammed the door, just like that!”
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… so on and so forth – you can use this handy English phrase at the end of a
sentence to indicate that there’s more to what you’re saying, but there’s no need to
specify what it is because everyone knows what you’re talking about anyway: “In
order to get fit, you have to start eating healthy, working out and so on and so forth”.
… is all – this is a really conversational way of ending a sentence in English and it’s
added at the end of the sentence to emphasize the fact that you’ve no bad or selfish
intentions: “I just want to go there and see him is all!” – by saying this you’re
implying that you JUST want to see him and you don’t intend to do anything else.
… indeed – this is a single-word English sentence ending and is used to emphasize
the message conveyed in the statement: “This is a really cold day indeed!”
… though – another single-word sentence ending which can be used whenever
you’re expressing your doubts or raising a concern over something: “Yes, I know he’s
waiting for me, but shouldn’t I get changed first though?”
… do you know what I mean? – this is a typical English phrase you can stick at
the end of pretty much ANY sentence when having a conversation.
… but this is a different story altogether! – you can finish off a sentence this
way if you’re pointing out differences between two things: “Yes, I know a thing or two
about computers, but maintaining a server is a different story altogether!”
… so to speak – this English idiomatic expression will come in handy when using
comparisons. Here’s a good example: “My big brother has always been there for me,
and in reality he’s my dad, so to speak.”
… for that matter – another handy English idiom that can be used at the end of a
sentence, and it means “in addition”, “besides” or “in relation to that”. Here’s an
example: “Recently I’ve changed my diet completely and I’ve stopped eating junk
food. And I’ve also started working out, for that matter.”
… and the like – this English expression is used when you mention something
specific and then you want to say that there are more similar things: “I really love
pastries – muffins, cupcakes and the like!”
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Encouragement
… get it done and over with – this is how you tell someone that the task in
question should be accomplished rather quickly: “You know James, I don’t want to
be stuck here all day so let’s get it done and over with!”
… if you haven’t already done so! – are you not sure if the other person has
done the job you’re asking them to do? Well, you can always attach this phrase at the
end of the sentence: “Please check if the back door is locked if you haven’t already
done so!”
… give it a shot – this English expression means to “give it a try” and is used in
situations when it might seem that it’s not worth trying: “Hey, I know you’ve never
done this before, but why not give it a shot?”
… back on track – another way of saying “back to normal”, “back to where it was
before”. “Susan, I think not everything is lost, you can still try to find a job and get
your life back on track.”
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Reassuring & Proving Your Point
… and rightly so! – this phrase is used when you’re supporting a particular
activity: “Our boss fired Jimmy today when he showed up late yet again – and rightly
so!”
… I can assure you of that! – this phrase is quite self-explanatory: “I’ll make sure
that the reports are done today, I can assure you of that!”
… but it’s true nonetheless! – are you telling someone about something shocking
that they might not believe? This is the phrase to add at the end: “Yes, I know it’s
hard to believe that Ann is pregnant, but it’s true nonetheless!”
… at all – you can use this short phrase to dispel all doubts – if there’s any: “There’s
really no need for you to worry about it at all!”
… in the same boat – sometimes we need to make the other person feel better by
telling them that you’re in the same tough situation and that they’re not the only ones
having those particular problems: “I know exactly how it feels to lose a close friend,
we’re actually in the same boat.”
… but it’s not the case now – this phrase can be attached at the end of sentences
in situations when you have to point out that something isn’t happening now: “Yes, I
know how bad it would be if you didn’t have any money, but it’s not the case now!”
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Comparing & Referring to Specific Things
… big time – means “a lot” and can be used in a wide variety of situations: “My best
friend let me down big time.”
… doesn’t cut it – this phrase means “isn’t enough”: “I know you’re trying to help
me fix the car by bringing all these tools along but I’m afraid it just doesn’t cut it…”
… is not an exception – another self-explanatory phrase: “All employees have to
come in for work tomorrow, we all know that a public holiday is not an exception!”
… is no different – you can use this English sentence ending to point out that the
situation in question isn’t much different from something else: “Well, I know you’re
afraid in case something goes wrong, but think about it – Michael does it all the time
and he’s never gotten into trouble, so you doing it is no different!”
… to name but a few – are you listing a few items and then you want to say that
there are more similar things? This is the right sentence ending to use: “I’ve been to a
lot of different countries – Greece, Spain, Portugal – to name but a few!”
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Time References
… down the line – this English idiomatic expression is used to refer to the future:
“Soon enough I’m going to start a computer networking course so that I can pursue a
career in IT down the line.”
… in the near future – quite self-explanatory: “I don’t know when exactly they’re
going to open the new shopping center, but I’m quite confident that it’s going to
happen in the near future.”
… day in, day out – this phrase means “every day”: “I’ve been working hard on my
project day in, day out.”
… in no time! – are you telling someone that whatever you’re doing is going to be
done very soon? This is the right phrase to use then: “Don’t worry, I’ll have the
dinner ready in no time!”
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Describing the Importance of the Matter
… is the way forward – are you convinced that a certain approach of doing things
is the right one? Then use this English expression: “I strongly believe that liberalism
is the way forward!”
… at all costs – when something needs to be done at all costs, it means it’s a super-
important matter: “Now, as we’re all very well aware, this is our biggest client so it
goes without saying that this order needs to be fulfilled at all costs!”
… by all means possible! – this sentence ending is pretty much the same as the
previous one: “I know it’s going to be very hard to finish this task on time but we
have to make it happen by all means possible!”
… goes a long way – if you have to describe the importance of a big contribution,
this is the right phrase to use at the end of the sentence: “Thanks so much for
donating this money to our hospital, it will go a long way!”
… second to none – when something is second to none, it simply means that it’s
the best: “I bought a new gaming computer yesterday and I’ve gotta tell you it’s
second to none!”
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English Small Talk Phrases

Introductions
I’m so pleased to meet you – have you just been introduced to a new person and
you want to tell them how nice it is meeting them? Well, this is just the right phrase
to use on such an occasion!
I’ve heard so much about you – in case the person you’re being introduced to is
well known, this is just the right English small talk phrase to tell them during the
introduction!
It’s good to have you here! – sometimes you may want to make the new person
feel welcome at the party or event, so this is what you tell them to make them feel
included.
I’d like you to meet someone! – this is a typical way of introducing a new person
to one or more people.
I am indeed! And you must be… – when someone else approaches you and calls
you by your name, and you’re pretty sure who that person is, this is the right English
small talk phrase to use: “Hello, is it Mark?” – “I am indeed! And you must be
James!?”
I’ll leave you two to get acquainted! – if you have to leave two people you just
introduced to each other, this is the perfect phrase for such a situation.
Please, call me… – a few minutes into the conversation with a new person you
may want to lighten up the mood by giving the other person a permission to call you
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by your name or a more friendly version of your name: “And by the way Michael…” –
“Please, call me Mike!”
I almost didn’t recognize you! – sometimes we get to see people we haven’t seen
for a long, long time – and this English small talk phrase is the typical way of
expressing your excitement at seeing them again.
Have we met before? – in case you really don’t recognize the person saying hello
to you, you can use this phrase to ask them if you’ve met before. Yes, it’s a bit
awkward, but there’s really no better way of putting it!
It’s good to see you again! – this is how you recognize the presence of an old
friend or acquaintance when you meet them after a while.
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Conversation Starters & Greetings
How are you getting on? – just another way of saying ‘how are you?’
You doing OK? – asked when the person has had some tough experience recently
and you want to ask politely if they’re OK.
Hi, …! What’s new? – this is a very informal way of greeting a close friend or
anyone who you see on a regular basis and you want to ask has anything happened
since you last met.
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Hi, …! What’s up? – the same as above with a difference that you’re probably not
that interested in what news the other person might have.
Hi, …! Long time no see! – used when you haven’t seen the person for a long
period of time and you want to state that fact in the greeting.
Hi, …! Have you been keeping busy? – just a standard enquiry with little or no
direct meaning.
Do you mind me asking…? – a typical way of asking something that might be a
slightly personal question.
OK, here’s the thing … – a very handy way to start making your point if you’re not
sure how to begin the sentence.
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Typical Responses
Thanks, I’ve been keeping busy – just a standard response to a standard

greeting with little or no direct meaning.
Thanks for asking, I’m fine, how are you? – a typical response and counter-
question to a greeting phrase ‘how are you?’
Hi, how are you doing? It’s good to see you! – a typical response to a greeting
from someone you haven’t seen for a while.
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Can’t complain – a response to a standard greeting like ‘How are you?’ It’s not as
exciting phrase as ‘Thanks, I’m great!’ but it doesn’t mean you’re having some
problems in your life.
Can you say it again, please? – a request to repeat the question if you didn’t
understand what was said. This can also be used when the native speaking person
speaks a bit too fast – they should get the hint and slow down a bit. But if they don’t,
you can ask a more direct question:
Can you slow it down a bit, please?
And how about you? – a typical response when you’re not sure what to ask next so
you’re asking the other person the same think they asked you. You can respond with
this counter-greeting on nearly all standard greetings.
To the best of my knowledge … – when you’re 99% sure about the statement
you’re making. Also a good start of a response you want to take a bit more time to
consider what you’re going to say.
As far as I know … – the same as above.
Good for you! – a response to someone telling you about their success in
something or some good news that they’re happy about.
Can’t argue with that – used when you agree with the statement of the other
person.
How do you know? – a counter-question you can ask when someone surprises you
with a question about something they’re not really expected to know.
That’s a good one! – a surprise response to funny or surprising news from your
chat partner.
Really? Tell me more about it! – used when you want your chat partner to tell
me about what he/she just said.
Frankly speaking, … – just a way to start your response. It indicates that you’re
about to open up and be very honest with your chat partner. A great way of
establishing an immediate trust.
Well, to be honest with you, … – the same as above.
No problem – a typical response to a small request you’re happy to do. This one is
especially used when responding to superiors’ requests and it sounds more
enthusiastic than if you simply say ‘sure’ or ‘OK’.
Never mind, it’s fine! – this phrase is used when the person offers to do a favour
for you but it’s not really necessary.
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Never mind, forget what I just said – this phrase is to be used when you said
something that wasn’t important at all but your chat partner wants you to repeat it.
You can also use this phrase if you feel that he/she might be slightly annoyed or
offended by your question or comment so you want to end it there.
You got me there – this can be said instead of ‘I don’t’ know’ – it will sound more
casual and not as defensive as the old ‘I don’t know’!
You’ve got to be kidding me! – said when someone tells you something that
borders on the unbelievable and you want to express your surprise.
That’s a good question. – a phrase used when you want to take your time to think
over the question. This is an ideal phrase to use when you’re stuck but instead of
remaining silent you can start your response with this phrase.
Well, how to put it in the right words. – the same as above.
That would be great! – a response to an offer that you’re really happy about.
… you know what I mean? – this is quite an overused phrase but you can
definitely use it at the end of a sentence if you want to emphasize what you just said.
You see, the thing is that … – this is how you begin a sentence when you’re asked
to explain something.
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Industry Small-talk
Another day! – this is just a short phrase you can use to start your working day
with. It doesn’t necessarily mean your job is boring; it merely states the fact that you
all have a brand new working day ahead.
Nose to the grindstone! – this one is a typical English idiom, and it means to start
working hard and be 100% focused on what you’re doing. Typically you’d use this one
at the end of a conversation as a way of indicating you’re going back to your work-
related duties.
How was your weekend? – you can use this small-talk greeting to inquire about
the person’s weekend and it’s a typical small-talk phrase you’d hear on a Monday
morning.
Anything new going on? – again, a typical phrase to be used when coming into
work – especially after a weekend or a few days off.
The boss is in a mood… – you can use this small-talk phrase to let your colleagues
know your boss is in a bad mood and it’s best to steer clear to avoid trouble. Please
note you don’t even have to say “in a BAD mood”; the word “mood” says it all just on
its own.
All work and no play! – this is another English idiom and you can use it when
having a conversation about going out and taking some rest. Here’s a typical
sentence: “Hey Jim, why not go out tonight, we’ve been working so hard – all work
and no play!”
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Better keep the head down today – this English idiomatic expression comes in
handy when you need to advise someone to stay quiet and avoid problems. Maybe it’s
because that person’s been out drinking the night before, maybe it’s because they’ve
been giving others hard time and the boss is after them – there are many situations
when this small-talk phrase can be used!
Thank heavens it’s Friday – quite obviously you’ll be using this English small talk
phrase when greeting your work colleagues on a Friday morning – as we all know,
Fridays are the most awaited days of the week, and everybody’s looking forward to
the weekend ahead!
You working the weekend? – in case you’re doing shift work, this is a handy
phrase to use when asking your colleague if she or he is going to work during the
weekend.
Are you working hours in? – let’s say, for argument’s sake, you notice someone
staying at work longer than normally, so you want to inquire for the reason they’re
doing this. Your best guess is that the person in question has taken some extra time
off work, so you want to ask them if they’re working those hours in now. Well, this is
the perfect phrase for the occasion!
I’m tired – I got no sleep last night – I guess this phrase is pretty self-
explanatory, isn’t it?
Had a few drinks so I’m flying under the radar! – if you went out the night
before, it’s totally understandable you’ll want to stay put and keep a low profile in
case someone from the management realizes you’re not fully capable of fulfilling your
work related duties!
Can you cover me? – this is a typical way of asking someone if they can work in
your place while you’re taking a couple of hours off work to deal with your personal
stuff.
It’s so boring! – this is quite a self-explanatory phrase to be used whenever you’re
bored. It can be used as a handy conversation starter if there’s another person nearby
doing the same job – if they also look bored you can simply exclaim “It’s so boring!”
and see if they respond to that.
Wish I had her job! – if someone else’s job looks better than yours, you can use
this English small talk phrase to either start a conversation or respond to someone
else making a remark about how easy it is for that person compared to the situation
that you’re in.
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We’re not paid enough! – if you think you’re not remunerated adequately (show
me an employee who thinks he’s getting paid enough!), here’s a phrase to be used
when you’re having a small talk with some colleague of yours and you have to express
your opinion in relation to the small wages.
That’s one job I wouldn’t do! – this is how you refer to a job you definitely
wouldn’t be willing to do no matter who asks you to do it. But then again –
everything has a price, isn’t that right?
That’s a cushy number! – English idiomatic expression “cushy number” means a
very comfortable and easy job. So when you’re seeing someone sitting around all day
doing nothing, you can tell your friend “That’s a cushy number!” meaning that the
job in question is really easy.
I don’t know how he got that job! – there’s always someone in the company who
doesn’t know what they’re doing and you often wonder how they got the job in the
first place, right? So, next time around when you make a comment about such a
person when having a small talk with someone, you can use this phrase.
INTERESTING! Find Out Why So Many Foreigners CAN’T Speak Fluent

English!
Departure Phrases
I’d better be going – followed by a simple phrase like ‘it’s too late’, or ‘have lots to
do’ – and indicator you’d like to walk off and finish the conversation.
- 25 -
I really gotta go – this is the least formal way of telling someone that you definitely
have to leave now. This is the best way of two friends, for example, finishing a
conversation and personally I use this phrase quite often!
OK, I’m sorry but I have to leave now! – used when your chat partner has clear
intentions of continuing the conversation but you just need to go so you’re making it
clear that you need to go.
See you later! – used when you know that you’ll be seeing each other again
sometime.
See you around! – the same as above
See you in a couple of minutes! – this phrase is typically used when you’re
leaving the other person for a short while during an event, for example.
Keep in touch! – a good-bye phrase meaning you want the other person to get in
touch with you every now and then and that you’ve the same intentions.
It was nice seeing you, take care! – a good-bye phrase used when you know that
you won’t see the person for a while.
It’s been good talking to you! – the same as above phrase.
Hope to see you again! – you can use this phrase when finishing a conversation
with someone you’ve just met.
Say hello to …! – a short and handy way of saying to remind someone from you.
- 26 -
English Idiomatic Expressions
And here’s a list of the most popular English idiomatic expressions and collocations,
just click on the links to learn more about them and watch my videos where I’m
providing sample sentences!
 English Collocation: Eagerly Anticipating

 English Collocation: May Have Been Led to Believe That…
 English Collocation: The Worst Case Scenario
 English Idiomatic Expression & Phrasal Verb: "Come up With"
 English Idiomatic Expression & Phrasal Verb: "To Get Across"
 English Idiomatic Expression (Conditional Sentence Type 3) - Had I (p.
participle), I would have (p. participle)
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Bear in mind"
 English idiomatic expression: "Come to think of it"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Down the line"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Easier said than done"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Having Said This"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Here's the thing"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "I would have thought..."
 English Idiomatic Expression: "If you're anything serious about"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "In question"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "In the first place"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "In This Day and Age"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "It slipped my mind"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "It's only when you... that..."
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Nothing could be further from the truth"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Over the years"
 English idiomatic expression: "Pretty much the same"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Run the Risk of..."
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Send the Wrong Message"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Such and similar"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "This or that particular thing"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "To Cross One's Mind"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "To say the least"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "When it comes to..."
- 27 -
 English Idiomatic Expression: "Within a matter of..."

 English Idiomatic Expression: "You Don't Want To..."
 English Idiomatic Expression: "You know what I mean?"
 English Idiomatic Expression: "You may want to..."
 English Idiomatic Expression: Brought to My Attention
 English Idiomatic Expression: It's not that... it's just that...
 English Idiomatic Expression: MUST HAVE
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Come As a Surprise”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Doesn’t Cut It”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that…”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “It Came to Light That…”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “It goes to show”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “It’s been dealt with”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “There’s no doubt about that”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “To be honest with you”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “To Go the Extra Mile”
 English Phrase: Just Because… It Doesn't Necessarily… It's Quite the
Opposite, Actually!
 English Idiomatic Expression – “Opportunity Presents Itself”
 English Idiomatic Expression “This Time Around”
 English Idiomatic Expression “To Happen To (Be)”
 English Idiomatic Expression “Under the Impression”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Come in Handy”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Common Denominator”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Due to the risks involved”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “For a good while”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “For Some Reason Or Another”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “For the simple reason that…”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “It Goes Without Saying”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “It’s Not to Be Taken Lightly”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Largely Due to The Fact”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “More often than not”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Needless To Say”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “There’s one thing I can say for sure”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “To be more specific”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “We’ll Take It From There!”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “Which Brings Us To The Next Point”
 English Idiomatic Expression: “You better make sure to”
- 28 -
 English Idiomatic Expressions: “Correct Me if I’m Wrong” & “If I’m not
Mistaken”
 Idiomatic Expression: “In a spur of the moment”
- 29 -
English Phrases & Idiomatic Expressions is

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English Phrases & Idiomatic Expressions

25 Perfect Ways of Starting Sentences in English! .................................... - 3 -

25 Perfect Ways of Starting Sentences in English!

Answering Specific Questions

Expressing Your Opinion

38 Typical English Sentence Endings

Reassuring & Proving Your Point

Comparing & Referring to Specific Things

Describing the Importance of the Matter

English Small Talk Phrases

Conversation Starters & Greetings

ENTERTAINMENT: Take a couple minutes to to this test and see how

Thanks, I’ve been keeping busy – just a standard response to a standard

INTERESTING! Find Out Why So Many Foreigners CAN’T Speak Fluent

English Idiomatic Expressions

 English Collocation: Eagerly Anticipating

 English Idiomatic Expression: "Within a matter of..."

English Phrases & Idiomatic Expressions is

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