7 essential phrases for easier conversations in English

Two friends sat together on a sofa drinking hot drinks and smiling
Reading time: 3 minutes

Engaging in conversations, especially in a language that isn't your first, can sometimes be daunting. Whether English isn’t your first language or you’re just looking to improve your conversational skills, having a few handy phrases up your sleeve can make a world of difference. Here are seven essential phrases that can help you navigate conversations in English with greater ease and confidence.

Essential phrases for easier English conversations
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

1. "Can you please repeat that?"

Sometimes, you might not catch what someone has said, especially if they speak quickly or with an unfamiliar accent. Don’t hesitate to ask for repetition. It shows that you are actively listening and want to understand. You can also use variations like "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that" or "Could you say that again, please?".

2. "What do you mean by...?"

If you come across a word or phrase that you don't understand, this question can be a lifesaver. It encourages the speaker to explain or rephrase their statement, making it easier for you to follow the conversation. For example, "What do you mean by 'networking'?" can help clarify any confusion and keep the conversation flowing smoothly.

3. "That's interesting. Tell me more about that."

Showing interest in what the other person is saying can foster a deeper connection and keep the conversation engaging. This phrase is a great way to encourage the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts or experiences. It also gives you more context and information, which can make it easier to respond thoughtfully.

4. "I see. So, you're saying that..."

Paraphrasing what the other person has said is an excellent way to show that you are listening and to confirm your understanding. This phrase helps ensure that you are on the same page and can prevent misunderstandings. For instance, "I see. So, you're saying that the project deadline has been moved up?" can clarify any ambiguities.

5. "I'm not sure I understand. Could you explain it differently?"

It's perfectly okay to admit when you don't understand something. Asking for clarification in a different way can help you grasp the concept better. This phrase is polite and shows that you are making an effort to understand. For example, "I'm not sure I understand. Could you explain it differently?" can prompt the speaker to use simpler language or provide more context.

6. "How do you say... in English?"

When you're unsure of how to express something in English, this phrase can be incredibly useful. It allows you to learn new vocabulary and ensures that your message is conveyed accurately. For example, "How do you say 'trabajo' in English?" can help you learn that 'trabajo' means 'work' in English. This phrase is particularly helpful for expanding your vocabulary and improving your language skills over time.

7. "Could you give me an example?"

When a concept or explanation is unclear, asking for an example can provide clarity and context. This phrase helps you understand how a word or idea is used in a practical situation. For instance, "Could you give me an example of how to use 'networking' in a sentence?" can make the meaning more tangible and easier to grasp.

Mastering English conversation

Conversations in English don't have to be intimidating. By incorporating these essential phrases into your interactions, you can navigate discussions more smoothly and build stronger connections with others. Remember, communication is a two-way street and it's perfectly okay to ask for clarification and express your interest.

Explore our blog posts 'English tongue twisters to test your English skills' and '9 slang terms from across the UK'.

Looking to improve your English skills? Try Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp, a leading language learning app designed to help you master English conversations with confidence.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A woman writing in a book outisde

    How novel writing can help your English skills

    By

    November marks , an excellent opportunity to improve your English skills. While there are several ways to enhance your proficiency in English, writing a novel is a lesser-known method that can significantly refine your understanding of the language. As well as enhancing your vocabulary and grammar, creating a story is an imaginative and fun way to unleash your creativity. So let's have a look at some things picking up the pastime can help you with.

    Expanding vocabulary

    It's a great way to improve your vocabulary naturally. As you create your story, you search for the perfect words to express your thoughts, which helps you explore synonyms, understand the nuances of language, and discover new phrases that can add depth and richness to your writing. Websites like and are excellent resources to enhance your word toolkit.

    Mastering grammar and syntax

    When you're writing, having a good grasp of grammar and syntax is vital. To clearly express your ideas, you need to navigate grammar rules with precision. Platforms like and Purdue OWLÌýprovide comprehensive guides and tools that can help you improve your grammatical skills. By regularly referring to useful resources as you write, you'll be able to identify and correct errors and also enhance your understanding of grammatical structures.

    Developing writing styles

    Writing novels are an excellent opportunity to develop a unique style of writing. You can discover your voice as a writer by trying out different narrative techniques and literary devices. Online writing communities like and Ìýprovide opportunities for collaboration and feedback, allowing you to receive helpful criticism and refine your writing style in a supportive environment.

    Reading comprehension

    If you want to create an awesome novel, you've got to read a lot. By diving into the world of literature, you get to experience all sorts of writing styles and pick up some great tips for telling a compelling story. Websites like , ÃÛÌÒapp Plus and offer a plethora of literary works, providing access to various genres and writing techniques. This kind of exposure enhances your reading comprehension and helps you discern the subtleties of language.

    Encourages critical chinking

    Creating a coherent and engaging narrative requires critical thinking skills. As you navigate the complexities of plot development and character arcs, you'll naturally get better and better at it. Websites like and offer resources to sharpen critical thinking skills, complementing the cognitive benefits gained through the novel-writing process.

    Helping wellbeing

    As well as having educational uses, writing is a powerful tool that can be used to process complex emotions and ideas in a therapeutic way. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or just trying to make sense of a difficult situation, writing stories can provide an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. So, if you're looking for a way to process your emotions and ideas while having fun, novel writing may be your perfect outlet. It's also something you can do without any technology, so a great way to technology detox.Ìý

    Writing a novel is not just about unleashing your creativity but also refining your grammar, enriching your vocabulary, developing a unique writing style, enhancing your reading comprehension and fostering critical thinking. Make sure to use all available resources and take inspiration wherever possible. Creative writing is a journey of constant improvement and self-discovery. You might surprise yourself.

    Need some inspiration? Check out 9 great novels to help improve your English or Books to improve your English: Sci-fi and fantasy edition.

  • A man with a headset sat at a laptop, with mini flags by him.

    What is the hardest language to learn?

    It's incredible to know that there are thousands of languages spoken across the world, each with its unique set of challenges for learners. A question that often pops up is: "Which language is the hardest to learn?". Today we take a closer look at this question and consider different factors that make learning a language challenging.

  • A classroom with students sat at desks and one student stood at the front with the teacher

    Forward-looking reflective teaching

    By Ehsan Gorji

    Ehsan Gorji is an Iranian teacher, teacher trainer and teacher educator. He also designs strategic plans, devises study syllabuses, runs quality-check observations, and develops materials and tests for different language institutes and schools in the country. Ehsan has been a GSE Thought Leader and Expert Rater since 2016.Ìý

    Reflective teaching, despite it sounding modern and sophisticated, has not yet become a common practice among English language teachers. However, the experientialÌýÌýproposed byÌýÌýoffers a practical approach for teachers. The cycle involves teaching a lesson, reflecting on "what we did" and "how we did them," and then using that reflection to improve future English classes. By using this approach, teachers can prepare for better teaching in the long term.