Common Phrases in Spoken English (Part 2)

In this lesson, you will learn common phrases used in informal situations. They will help you sound more natural in English conversations. 

Read the examples to learn how you can use them in your everyday life.


I bet (that) 
You can use it when you are sure about something. 

Examples: 

• You're doing a wonderful job. I bet it's not always easy. 
• I bet the bus will be late. 

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I owe you 
You can use this phrase to thank someone for something they have done for you. It is also a way of saying that you will do something for them in the future. 

Examples: 

• I owe you a treat. Can I treat you to coffee? 
• Thanks for your help. I owe you a favour. 
• Thanks for helping me out, John. I owe you one! 

up for something 
You can use this phrase to show that you are ready and willing to do something. 

Examples: 

• 'Do you wanna go grab some lunch?' - 'Sure, I'm up for it.' 
• Are you up for going to the cinema tomorrow evening? 
• (in a hospital) I know it’s after visiting hours, but are you up for some company? – Yes, come in. 

Note: You can also use the phrase in questions to ask other people if they would like to do something with you or to go to a place with you. 


off the table 
We use 'off the table' to talk about offers or proposals that are no longer considered or available. 

Examples: 

• (in a publishing company) Children's books are off the table. (= not going to publish them) 
• This offer will be off the table next month. (= it won't be available) 
• Don't wait too long to accept the job offer -- it might be off the table before you know it. 
• (football) His contract expires at the end of the season and the next one is off the table. 

go off the rails 
1. To start behaving in an inappropriate or socially unacceptable manner. 

Examples: 

• ​At 16, she suddenly went off the rails and started skipping school. (skip school = pretending to go to school but actually taking part in activities) 
• He was a promising student but he went off the rails after his parents got divorced. 
• My son started going off the rails in his late teens. (teens = the period of your life when you are between 13 and 19 years old.) [early/late teens] 

2. To no longer work as planned or intended. 

Examples: 

• If this goes off the rails, my dad's whole business could go under. (= become bankrupt) 

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Note: OPPOSITE: back on the rails (behaving or functioning in a normal way) 

Examples: 

• If we succeed in raising money, the project will be back on the rails. 

learn (something) the hard way 
When you learn how to do something by trying and making a lot of mistakes. 

Examples: 

• Living abroad can be tough and lonely. I had to learn that the hard way. 
• I thought he was going to propose to me and then he broke my heart. I learned the hard way.  
• Being a parent is definitely challenging, but you never really know what it means until you learn about it the hard way. 

(just) for the record 
You can use this phrase when you give a piece of information that you want people to know. 
You make something clear and known publicly. 

Examples: 

• For the record, I'm doing this for the kids. 
• Just for the record, soft drinks are bad for your teeth. 

Note: It can be used to add something that isn't related to the conversation, but needs to be said. 

Synonyms: Let me make myself clear. | Let's get things straight. 


be big on something 
It is used to say that you are very interested in something, or like something a lot. 

Examples: 

• To be honest, I'm not very big on classical music. 
• I'm big on history. I really like reading historical books and learning more about ancient cities and civilizations. 

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Other lessons: 
English Conversation: Saying Goodbye 
Commonly Used Phrases in Spoken English 
Spoken English: How to Agree and Show Interest 
English Lesson: 10 Ways to Say that Something is Bad 
English Lesson: 10 Ways to Say that Something is Good 
​Travel Tips: How to Ask for Information and Make Recommendations 


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