100 Most Useful English Phrases Beginners Actually Use

When you’re learning English — or trying to use it with your child — vocabulary lists aren’t the hardest part.

It’s knowing what people actually say.

Not perfect grammar. Not long sentences. Just simple, useful phrases that come up again and again in real life.

This list of useful English phrases, focuses on everyday English. The kind you can start using immediately at home, even if your English isn’t perfect.

Why Phrases Matter More Than Single Words

Words are helpful. But phrases are what make English usable.

When kids (and adults) hear the same short phrases repeatedly, they start to understand meaning without translation.

That’s how confidence grows — quietly, over time.

You don’t need to memorise all 100. Start with a few. Repeat them often. Let the rest come later.

Everyday English Phrases You’ll Use All the Time

1–20: Daily Life Basics

1. Come here
2. Sit down
3. Stand up
4. Let’s go
5. Wait a minute
6. All done
7. Not now
8. Be careful
9. What’s this?
10. Look at this
11. I like it
12. I don’t like it
13. It’s okay
14. No problem
15. Maybe later
16. Of course
17. Right now
18. Just a second
19. That’s it
20. Here you go

21–40: Routines at Home

21. Time to eat
22. Wash your hands
23. Let’s clean up
24. Put it away
25. Take it off
26. Put it on
27. Are you ready?
28. Almost done
29. One more time
30. That’s enough
31. Too hot
32. Too cold
33. Be gentle
34. Try again
35. Slow down
36. Hurry up
37. We’re leaving
38. We’re home
39. Go to sleep
40. Wake up

41–60: Playtime & Interaction

41. Your turn
42. My turn
43. Let’s play
44. Do it again
45. Watch me
46. Like this
47. Good job
48. Well done
49. Oh no!
50. That’s funny
51. I see it
52. Where is it?
53. Over there
54. Right here
55. Be nice
56. Share please
57. Let’s try
58. You did it
59. Careful now
60. Have fun

61–80: Feelings & Needs

61. I’m hungry
62. I’m thirsty
63. I’m tired
64. I’m happy
65. I’m sad
66. I don’t know
67. I need help
68. Help me please
69. I want this
70. I don’t want it
71. That hurts
72. I feel better
73. It’s scary
74. Don’t worry
75. It’s okay now
76. Calm down
77. Take a breath
78. Are you okay?
79. I’m proud of you
80. That was hard

81–100: Simple Conversation Starters

81. What are you doing?
82. What happened?
83. Do you like it?
84. Can I help?
85. Let’s see
86. Tell me more
87. What’s next?
88. Are you sure?
89. That’s right
90. That’s wrong
91. I think so
92. Maybe
93. Let me see
94. I remember
95. I forgot
96. What do you think?
97. Sounds good
98. Let’s do it
99. That makes sense
100. We’ll try again

How to Actually Use These Phrases (Without Pressure)

Choose 5–10 phrases that fit your daily routine.

Use them in the same situations every day.

Don’t test your child. Don’t ask them to repeat.

Understanding always comes before speaking.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Trying to use too many phrases at once.

English sticks through repetition, not variety.

Simple English, used often, always wins.

You don’t need advanced English to start using English at home.

A few useful phrases, repeated during real moments, are enough to build understanding and confidence over time.

If you’re looking for more useful English phrases, check out these posts here.

If you ever need help or clarity, you can reach me through the contact page.