You’ve already mastered English, but perhaps you still need a little more confidence to master certain common English expressions? In this article, we’ve prepared a list of the most used English expressions, so you can start to speak fluently, almost like a native. If you are going to spend time in the country or, simply, you want to improve your level, this post will be relevant to you, so keep reading.
English expressions that may sometimes be useful
In this list, we’ll show you some expressions that are most often used in the English language. These are not colloquial expressions, but they are common, widely used in everyday life. Let’s get to it:
1. a rip-off / to get ripped off
This expression is used to point out something that is too expensive and could almost be considered a scam. For example, some brand-imitating sneakers. If you buy them and you realize that it’s not what you were expecting, you can use this expression: I got ripped off! ¡Me han estafado!
2. I better…
This is an expression very similar to I should… which means “Debería…” An example would be: I better go buy that pair of shoes before the shop closes. Mejor voy a comprar ese par de zapatos, antes de que cierre la tienda.
3. can’t make it
This expression simply means that you can’t go or take part in something. Here’s an example: I can’t make it to the cinema because I have to do my homework
4. cheesy / corny
In English, these words are used to indicate that something is over the top and unoriginal. They are used, above all, to refer to certain clichés or themes in film, but they also work for music.
5. chill / chill out
Surely it’s not the first time you’ve heard this expression? To chill can be used in the same way to hang out. It means to “pasar el rato”. The English words chill and out can be used in a similar way to calm down, which means relax. It’s also used after an argument during which you’ve felt upset. Chill can be used in the imperative to indicate or warn someone that they’re overdoing it.
6. couldn’t care less
When a conversation topic or person doesn’t interest you at all, you can use this expression that literally means: It couldn’t interest me less.
Such as this example:
“Oh look, Maria has dyed her hair pink” “María se ha teñido el pelo de rosa.”
– “I couldn’t care less.” “No podría importarme menos.”
7. doesn’t matter / don’t mind / don’t care
These expressions mean “no me importa” or “me da igual” when translated to Spanish. Use them when you’re asked about your preferences between different options and you don’t want to choose any of them. These are abbreviations of I don’t mind, I don’t care or It doesn’t matter.
8. don’t worry about it /no worries / no problem
In many situations, we use the Spanish phrases: “no hay problema” or “no te preocupes”. In English, the translations of these expressions are: no worries /don’t worry about it, or no problem. There are different ways of responding to thank you in English.
9. Down to earth
This sentence is used to describe a person’s character. When someone is spoken about in these terms, it means that they’re a practical and realistic person who is not prone to being dramatic.
10. fair enough
This is an informal phrase that is used when you want to express that something someone said to you seems acceptable or reasonable. Its translation to Spanish would be: “es razonable” or “me parece bien”.
11. I get it
This phrase means that you’ve understood the meaning of whatever your interlocutor is explaining to you.
12. go ahead / go for it
Here we have a phrasal verb that’s used informally in the English language to give permission or give the go-ahead to someone who wants to perform a certain action.
13. to grab…
Literally, the translation of to grab is “agarrar”, but we have to point out that this expression mainly works to indicate that you’ve obtained something. It’s a synonym of the verb to get.
We’ve learnt about some of the most commonly heard expressions in the English language, although there are, of course, many more. One of the best ways to learn a language as it’s spoken by native speakers is with the help of a teacher who you can have a conversation in English with.
At Blarlo, we’re proud to have native professionals who will not only teach you the most common English expressions, but who will also help you to correct your pronunciation and any other aspect you need to improve on. Don’t think any more about it and perfect your English to talk like a real native speaker.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish) Français (French) Deutsch (German)
