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    • 4 min read

Common Everyday Social Expressions in English

This lesson will provide you with some useful expressions that you can use in common social situations.

In the list of bullet points below, the bold expression on the left side has the same meaning as the expression on the right side but the left side is more common or appropriate:

  • I wish I could = I can't do it (after receiving an invitation)

  • I’m in / Count me in = I'll join/I'll participate

  • It works for me / Sounds good to me = It's suitable for me (after hearing a proposal)

  • As far as I know / I think so = I'm pretty sure but not certain

  • It’s up to you / It's your call = You can make the decision

  • Sure, go ahead = Yes you may do it (after a request)

  • My pleasure / Anytime = You're welcome

Practice #1: which of the 7 expressions above would you use to respond to the comments below from another person? The answers are at the end of this lesson.

  1. Can I use your washroom?

  2. I’m having a barbecue tomorrow.  Can you join?

  3. Thank you for your advice.

  4. How about if we leave early in the morning?

  5. Do you prefer sushi or pizza for dinner?

  6. Is the store open 24/7?

  7. I’m going to buy the concert tickets.  Do you want to come?

people socializing

Another list of common expressions is below:

  • I owe you one = Thanks for doing a favor for me

  • I’m sorry to hear that = That's too bad about your situation

  • I should get going = I have to leave now

  • Never mind = Forget about it

  • Don’t worry about it = Don't feel bad (about a mistake)

  • It doesn’t matter to me = I don't have any preference

  • Excuse me for a moment = I have to leave for a moment

Practice #2: which of the 7 expressions above would you use to respond to the comments below from another person? The answers are at the end of this lesson.

  1. I’m sorry for being late!

  2. Do you want to get sushi or pizza?

  3. I think your phone is ringing.

  4. I'll drive you home.

  5. I didn’t get the job that I interviewed for.

  6. Sorry I don’t understand what you mean.

  7. Do you want to stay a little longer?

The final list of common expressions is below:

  • Seems like it / Looks like it = it appears to be true

  • Your guess is as good as mine / I have no idea = I don't know at all

  • I’m afraid I can’t = Sorry but no

  • It makes sense to me = It seems logical

  • I hope so = I want it to happen

  • Take your time / No rush = You can do it slowly

  • No pressure = Don't feel any stress about this

Practice #3: which of the 7 expressions above would you use to respond to the comments below from another person? The answers are at the end of this lesson

  1. Do you think our flight will be delayed?

  2. Are you able to attend the meeting tomorrow?

  3. I’m sorry, I’ll be done in a minute.

  4. Look at the long lineup outside!  It must be a popular restaurant.

  5. Why don’t we take the subway there, so we don’t have to pay for parking?

  6. I need some time to think about it.

  7. Do you think you passed the exam?

Answers

Practice #1:

  1. Can I use your washroom?   Sure, go ahead

  2. I’m having a barbecue tomorrow.  Can you join?  I wish I could / I’m in

  3. Thank you for your advice.  My pleasure

  4. How about if we leave early in the morning?   (It) works for me / I wish I could

  5. Do you prefer sushi or pizza for dinner?  It’s up to you 

  6. Is the store open 24/7?  As far as I know / I think so

  7. I’m going to buy the concert tickets.  Do you want to come?  I wish I could / I’m in

Practice #2

  1. I’m sorry for being late!   Don’t worry about it

  2. Do you want to get sushi or pizza? It doesn't matter to me

  3. I think your phone is ringing.   Excuse me for a moment

  4. I'll drive you home.  I owe you one

  5. I didn’t get the job that I interviewed for.  I’m sorry to hear that

  6. Sorry I don’t understand what you mean.  Never mind

  7. Do you want to stay for a little longer?   I should get going

Practice #3:

  1. Do you think our flight will be delayed?   Your guess is as good as mine

  2. Are you able to attend the meeting tomorrow?  I hope so / I’m afraid I can’t

  3. I’m sorry, I’ll be done in a minute.   Take your time

  4. Look at the long lineup outside!  It must be a popular restaurant Seems like it 

  5. Why don’t we take the subway there so we don’t have to pay for parking? Makes sense to me

  6. I need some time to think about it.   No pressure / Take your time

  7. Do you think you passed the exam? I hope so / Your guess is as good as mine



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