500+ Real English Phrases with Alternatives – Beginner to Advanced

If you’re learning English, you’ve probably noticed that spoken English doesn’t always match what you find in textbooks. Instead of shiny vocabulary words, you need real English phrases.

For example, instead of saying “I’m fine,” you might hear someone say “All good.” Instead of a formal “Thank you,” people often say “Cheers” or “Much appreciated.”

This is what we call real English—the natural, everyday language you’ll hear when people speak casually. These beginner, intermediate, advanced level phrases are all about helping you learn those expressions.

Here are 500+ common English phrases that you’ll hear regularly—whether at work, school, or when chatting with friends online. For each phrase, I’ve included alternative ways to express the same idea.

By practicing these phrases, you’ll improve your communication skills and feel more comfortable in everyday conversations. Plus, you can download beginner, intermediate, advanced level 500+ English Phrases and Other Ways to Say Them PDF down below.

⇒500+ English Phrases and Other Ways to Say Them PDF – download

25 English Phrases and Other Ways to Say Them

1. How are you?

• How’s it going?
• How have you been?
• What’s up?
• You doing okay?

2. I’m fine.

• I’m doing well.
• All good.
• Can’t complain.
• I’m alright, thanks.

3. Thank you.

• Thanks a lot.
• Much appreciated.
• Many thanks.
• Cheers.

4. You’re welcome.

• No problem.
• Don’t mention it.
• Anytime.
• Happy to help.

5. I don’t know.

• Not sure.
• I have no idea.
• Beats me.
• I’m clueless.

6. I understand.

• Got it.
• Makes sense.
• I see.
• I get what you mean.

7. I don’t understand.

• I’m confused.
• That doesn’t make sense.
• I didn’t catch that.
• Can you explain that again?

8. Good job!

• Well done!
• Nice work!
• Great effort!
• You nailed it!

9. I’m tired.

• I’m worn out.
• I’m exhausted.
• I’m beat.
• I could use a rest.

10. Let’s go.

• Time to move.
• Let’s hit the road.
• Let’s get going.
• Shall we?

11. I’m hungry.

• I could eat.
• I’m starving.
• I’m famished.
• Let’s grab a bite.

12. Be quiet.

• Keep it down.
• Hush.
• Lower your voice.
• Zip it.

13. Wait a minute.

• Hang on.
• Just a sec.
• Give me a moment.
• Hold up.

14. I’m sorry.

• My apologies.
• I didn’t mean to.
• Pardon me.
• I messed up.

15. I agree.

• Exactly!
• You’re right.
• I feel the same way.
• That’s true.

16. Calm down.

• Take it easy.
• Relax.
• Chill out.
• Don’t stress.

17. Hurry up!

• Let’s go!
• Come on!
• Get a move on.
• Move it!

18. I’m busy.

• I’m tied up.
• I’ve got a lot on my plate.
• I’m swamped.
• I’m in the middle of something.

19. I’m scared.

• I’m terrified.
• I’m frightened.
• This freaks me out.
• I’m nervous.

20. I’m happy.

• I’m so glad.
• I’m thrilled.
• I’m over the moon.
• I’m on cloud nine.

21. I’m angry.

• I’m mad.
• I’m frustrated.
• I’m annoyed.
• I’m ticked off.

22. I’m bored.

• This is dull.
• I’m not entertained.
• I’ve got nothing to do.
• I’m uninterested.

23. I’m surprised.

• I didn’t see that coming.
• That’s unexpected.
• Wow, really?
• I’m shocked.

24. That’s funny.

• That’s hilarious!
• You cracked me up.
• That’s a good one.
• I can’t stop laughing.

25. Goodbye.

• See you later.
• Take care.
• Catch you later.
• Bye for now.