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🇬🇧Essential English phrases for beginners

If you're starting English from zero, these are the phrases to learn first. They cover the moments you'll hit on day one — saying hello, being polite, asking for help, ordering food and finding your way. Each one is native-checked, with romanization to help you say it, and a tap through to usage and related phrases.

How to use this list: don't try to memorize all of them at once. Learn the greetings and the courtesy phrases first — they're the ones you'll use every single day — then add a few situational ones (directions, food, emergencies) before a trip. Say each out loud; reading silently won't build the muscle. When you're ready, practice them with a real English speaker.
  1. 1
    What's the intention?

    What's the intention?
  2. 2
    Where is the nearest ATM?

    What's the closest ATM?
  3. 3
    Do you like French opera?

    Do you like French opera?
  4. 4
    What is Tom's shoe size?

    What is Tom's shoe size?
  5. 5
    Where's the nearest underground station?

    Where's the nearest underground station?
  6. 6
    Can you call me back?

    Can you call me back?
  7. 7
    Nothing's out of order.

    Nothing's out of order.
  8. 8
    Where is the nearest restroom please?

    Where is the nearest restroom please?
  9. 9
    Do you know what it was?

    Do you know what it was?
  10. 10
    Do you want more than that?

    Do you want more than that?
  11. 11
    Where did you see that woman?

    Where did you see that woman?
  12. 12
    Could you come over early tomorrow?

    Can you come over early tomorrow?
  13. 13
    Can you pass me the salt?

    Can you pass me the salt?
  14. 14
    Thanks for making me remember.

    Thanks for making me remember.
  15. 15
    Please remove your footwear outside.

    Please remove your footwear outside.
  16. 16
    How far is the nearest bus stop?

    What's the closest bus stop to here?
  17. 17
    What is the active ingredient in Advil?

    What is the active ingredient in Advil?
  18. 18
    What is the active ingredient in aspirin?

    What is the active ingredient in aspirin?
  19. 19
    Do you like any of these pictures?

    Do you like any of these pictures?
  20. 20
    I'm on my way.

    I am heading there now.
  21. 21
    How about we meet for lunch on Wednesday?

    What about meeting for lunch on Wednesday?
  22. 22
    Can you pass me the salt, please?

    Can you pass me the salt, please?
  23. 23
    I'm gonna get some groceries.

    I'm gonna get some groceries.
  24. 24
    When do we eat breakfast?

    What time do we usually eat breakfast?

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From phrasebook to real conversation

These essentials get you started. To actually speak English, practice them out loud — free with native-speaker peers, or 1-1 with a vetted tutor.

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