Commonly Used Phrases in Spoken English

In this lesson, we are going to focus on some commonly used phrases in spoken English. 
These are typical expressions used by native English speakers. Read the examples to learn how you can use them in your everyday life. 

Some of these phrases are really advanced (C2 level of English).
For example: By all means. / Do your own thing. / Call it a day.  

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You can say that again! (Informal) 
We use it when we strongly agree with what someone has said. 

Examples: 

• 'I think this film is boring.' 'You can say that again!' 
• 'I was so excited about coming to this city, but now that I'm here I realise there isn't much to do.' 'You can say that again!' 
• 'I still can't believe we won the competition.' 'Yeah, you can say that again.' 
• 'I thought the weather would be nice and sunny during our beach holiday. It's been raining for two days already.' 'You can say that again.' 

​Don't ask! (Informal) 
It is a way of saying that you don't want to talk or think about something because it was not good, pleasant, enjoyable, etc. 

Examples: 

• 'Hey, how was your exam today?' 'Don't ask!' (= The exam didn't go as expected. The person may pass the exam, but probably not with a high score.) 
• 'How was your first day at school?' 'Don't ask!' 
• 'How was your day at work?' 'Don't ask!' 

Synonyms: How long have you got? | Don't remind me. 


​Don't mention it! (Polite) 
You can use it as a polite answer to someone who has just thanked you for something.
It's a way to accept someone's thanks. 

Examples: 

• 'Thanks for your help.' 'Don't mention it!' 
• 'Thank you for inviting me to that event.' 'Don't mention it!' 

Synonyms: You're welcome. | No problem. | Not at all. | My pleasure. (Polite) 

So instead of saying 'You're welcome' all the time, you can use the expression above. 


Don't mind someone. (Don't mind me/him/her/them.) 
You can use it to tell someone to ignore someone else and to continue with what they are doing. 
It can also be used to say sorry for someone else's behaviour. 

Examples: 

• Please carry on with your conversation. Don't mind me. 
• Don't mind me. I'm just sorting out some files here. 
• Don't mind Sarah. She can be quite stubborn at times. 

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Bear with me. (Phrasal verb) 
This phrase is a polite way of asking someone to be patient while you do or finish something. 

Examples: 

• 'Hey, Mike, is the presentation ready yet?' 'Bear with me. I have a few more slides to add.' 
• 'Is my car repaired yet?' 'Bear with me. I will have finished in an hour.' 
• My Internet connection is not so good at the moment. Bear with me. I'll change the Wi-Fi network. 

By all means. 
You can use this phrase to politely agree with someone, give permission or say 'Yes'. 

Examples: 

• 'Can I invite some friends too?' 'By all means.' 
• 'Can I open the window?' 'By all means.' 
• 'May I make a suggestion?' 'Yes, by all means.' 
• 'Could I have a glass of water, please?' 'By all means. I'll get it for you.' 

Synonyms: Of course. | Definitely. | Certainly. | Please do. 


I see what you mean. / I see your point. / I know what you mean. 
These phrases are used to tell someone that you understand what they are saying, even though you might not agree. 

Examples: 

• 'We need to promote the product in the summer. That's the peak season.' 'Yeah, I see what you mean.' 
• 'We lost that potential customer. We should have offered a discount at the beginning.' 'I see your point, but I don't think there's anything we can do at the moment.' 
• 'He's so hard to talk.' 'I know what you mean.' 

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I know the feeling. 
It is used in spoken English to show that you understand how someone feels about something. You show sympathy. 

Examples: 

• 'I met an old friend today and I felt embarrassed because I couldn't remember her name.'  'Yeah, I know the feeling.' 
• 'She's texting me all day every day. It's driving me mad.' 'I know the feeling.' 
• 'Sometimes I feel like we shouldn't be together. He can be quite cold and distant. It's like he doesn't even care about me.' 'Yeah, I know the feeling. I hope you clear things up.' 

clear something <-> up (phrasal verb) - solve or explain something 


Do your own thing. (Informal) 
This phrase is used to tell someone to do what they want to do, without worrying what other people think or want. 

Examples: 

• Do your own thing and don't care what anyone else thinks. 
• Ignore them and do your own thing. 
• If that makes you happy then do your own thing. 

Call it a day. (Informal) 
You can say that when you decide to stop working, especially because you have done enough or you are tired. 

Examples: 

• You've been studying hard. I think you should call it a day. 
• I'm getting a bit tired now. Let's call it a day. 

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