Everyday phrases204

A skeptical challenge implying the other person does not really know or is in no position to judge.

used to give sb permission to do sth that they have asked to do

Used to say that something is a fact or will happen even if someone does not want it or agree with it.

Used to tell someone to drop a subject, plan, or grievance and move on.

used to tell sb in an angry way to pay attention and obey you

To assist someone or do them a favor, especially when they are stuck, in trouble, or need a hand with a task.

to allow someone an opportunity to try, explain, help, or prove themselves before being dismissed

A spoken plea or command telling someone to stop and pay attention to what the speaker is about to say.

A polite formula said on being introduced to someone, or when parting after that meeting, to say you are glad to know them.

used to emphasize that what you are saying is only your own opinion or suggestion and may not be very helpful

An exclamation of shock, dismay, or amazed disbelief that something happening now is real.

Tell someone to face you and pay attention, often to calm them, plead with them, or confront them.

A rhetorical exclamation that something is surprising, amazing, absurd, or hard to accept, inviting the listener to share that reaction.

used to politely get someone's attention or to lead into a question, request, or interruption

Said to protest that you are innocent or not to blame, usually when someone accuses, questions, or suspects you.

Used to suggest doing something because there is no good reason not to, or no better option.

To voice that the situation unfolding now feels unsafe, suspicious, or wrong, often as a warning or complaint.

A good-night wish that someone will sleep well and have pleasant dreams.

Said when something just seen or heard matches what you already believed or suspected.

Accept this offer exactly as it stands, or refuse it; there is no room to bargain or change the terms.

Satisfactory or of an acceptable standard; adequate for a task, a role, or what someone requires, including feeling worthy.

An exclamation of enthusiastic approval: this is exactly the kind of thing the speaker wanted, likes, or was hoping to see.

Said when handing something over or finishing a small helpful action, meaning here you are or there, that's done.

Said, often smugly, to remind someone that you warned them earlier and events have proved you right.

An exclamation of exasperation at something absurd, unfair, or annoying.

A polite conversational opener that asks leave to bring something up, usually right before the real question.

used especially to children before they go to bed to say that you hope they sleep well

An exclamation reacting to how someone looks or the state they are in, often with admiration, surprise, affection, or scorn.

Used to tell someone that a difficulty, snag, or unwanted situation has come up and needs attention.

the way sb behaves towards other people will affect the way those people behave towards them in the future

used to tell sb that you do not know any more about a subject than the person that you are talking to does

An exclamation that calls attention to something just noticed as surprising, striking, funny, or worth remarking on.

To do or finish something unpleasant, awkward, or dreaded now, so it is no longer hanging over you.

Said to note that a long time has passed since people last met, spoke, or did something, often as a greeting, an apology, or a reason for being rusty or unsure.

Used to reject someone's reading of a situation, relationship, or motive: it is not what they assume.

Accept my judgment, advice, or reassurance about this particular matter without asking for more proof.

to hope that sth will happen successfully, especially where it seems likely that it will not

Circumstances leave no acceptable alternative, so this is what we must do.

A conversational challenge that asks someone to confirm or rethink a claim, choice, or condition they just stated, often with doubt.

Used to correct someone who has misunderstood what you just said, denying that their reading was the meaning you intended.

An informal request asking if someone can spare a brief moment to talk.

A set phrase said to someone after a person close to them has died, to express sympathy.

Used to grant that a question is apt or insightful and worth taking up, often as a lead-in before answering or working it through, even when the speaker does know.

Said by a server, bartender, or host to ask what food or drink someone would like.

A conversational cue that the speaker is skipping the details and jumping straight to the outcome or main point.

A concerned or surprised question about what incident, injury, or experience left someone in their present state.

Used to insist that what you are saying is true, especially when someone may doubt you.

A set phrase that tells someone a serious or difficult conversation is needed, often about a problem.