Many adults study English for years but still face the same problem:

When they need English in real life, they do not know what to say.

You may know a lot of vocabulary.

You may understand grammar.

But when you actually need to:

• Order food

• Buy something

• Ask for directions

• Make a phone call

• Visit a doctor

• Talk to a colleague

• Speak to your child’s teacher

• Make an appointment

• Start small talk

your mind may suddenly go blank.

In situations like these, what you need is not necessarily:

More advanced vocabulary.

You need:

High-frequency, practical English phrases you can use immediately.

Below are:

100 Everyday English Phrases Adults Should Know

They are particularly useful for:

• Adults Living in Singapore

• Working Adults

• New Expats

• Parents

• Short-Term Visitors

• Beginner English Learners

• Elementary English Learners

• Adults Who Want More Speaking Confidence

Do not just read them.

A better method is:

Read → Say → Repeat → Use in Real Life.

1. Greetings and Everyday Small Talk: 1–10

1. Hi, how are you?

A simple greeting that works in many situations.

2. How’s it going?

A more casual way to ask how someone is doing.

3. How have you been?

Useful when speaking to someone you have not seen for a while.

4. Nice to meet you.

Use this when meeting someone for the first time.

5. Nice to see you again.

Useful when meeting someone again.

6. How was your weekend?

One of the most common workplace small-talk questions.

7. What have you been up to?

A natural way to ask what someone has been doing recently.

8. Long time no see.

Useful when you have not met someone for a long time.

9. Have a good day!

A simple and friendly way to end an interaction.

10. See you later.

A casual way to say goodbye.

2. Useful English for Introducing Yourself: 11–20

11. My name is…

A basic self-introduction.

12. I’m from…

Use this to talk about your home country or city.

13. I live in Singapore.

Useful when introducing yourself locally.

14. I work in…

For example:

“I work in finance.”

Use this to describe your industry.

15. I work as a…

For example:

“I work as a designer.”

Use this to describe your job.

16. I’ve been in Singapore for two years.

Useful when talking about how long you have lived here.

17. I moved here recently.

Useful for new residents.

18. I’m here with my family.

Useful when explaining your situation in Singapore.

19. I’m still getting used to Singapore.

A natural phrase for someone who recently moved.

20. My English is still improving.

A useful phrase that can reduce pressure when speaking.

3. What to Say When You Do Not Understand: 21–30

Many English learners make one mistake:

They pretend to understand when they do not.

These phrases are much more useful.

21. Sorry, could you say that again?

A polite way to ask someone to repeat.

22. Could you speak more slowly, please?

Useful when someone is speaking too quickly.

23. Sorry, I didn’t catch that.

A natural way to say you did not hear or understand something.

24. What does that mean?

Use this when you do not understand a word or phrase.

25. How do you spell that?

Useful for names, addresses and unfamiliar words.

26. Could you explain that again?

Ask this when you need a second explanation.

27. Do you mean…?

A very useful clarification phrase.

28. Let me make sure I understand.

Useful in work and everyday communication.

29. I’m not sure I understand.

A polite way to say that something is still unclear.

30. Could you give me an example?

Very useful when an explanation is too abstract.

4. Restaurant English: 31–40

These phrases are particularly useful when living in Singapore.

31. Could I see the menu, please?

Ask for the menu politely.

32. What do you recommend?

One of the most useful restaurant phrases.

33. I’d like this one, please.

A simple way to order.

34. Can I have this without chilli?

Very useful in Singapore.

35. Can I have it less spicy?

Use this when you want less spice.

36. Is this spicy?

A simple but important question.

37. Can I have some water, please?

Useful in any restaurant.

38. Can we have the bill, please?

Ask for the bill politely.

39. Can I pay by card?

Useful before paying.

40. Is service charge included?

Helpful when checking the final bill.

5. Shopping English: 41–50

41. How much is this?

One of the most basic shopping questions.

42. Do you have this in another size?

Useful when buying clothes or shoes.

43. Do you have this in another colour?

Ask about other colour options.

44. Can I try this on?

Useful in clothing shops.

45. Where is the fitting room?

Ask where you can try clothes on.

46. Is there any discount?

Useful during sales or promotions.

47. Can I return this?

Ask about the return policy.

48. Can I exchange this?

Useful if you need another size, colour or item.

49. Can I get a receipt?

Ask for proof of purchase.

50. I’m just looking, thank you.

Useful when a salesperson approaches you but you do not need help yet.

6. Transport and Asking for Directions: 51–60

51. Excuse me, where is the MRT station?

Very useful in Singapore.

52. How do I get there?

Ask for directions.

53. Is it far from here?

Useful when deciding whether to walk or take transport.

54. Can I walk there?

Ask whether the destination is within walking distance.

55. Which line should I take?

Useful when taking the MRT.

56. Where should I get off?

Ask which stop you need.

57. How long does it take?

Useful for travel planning.

58. Could you drop me off here?

Useful in a taxi or Grab.

59. Could you take me to this address?

A useful phrase when showing a driver an address.

60. Is this the right direction?

Useful if you are unsure where you are going.

7. Appointments and Phone Calls: 61–70

61. I’d like to make an appointment.

One of the most useful practical English phrases.

62. Are you available tomorrow?

Ask whether someone has time.

63. What time is available?

Useful when choosing an appointment slot.

64. Is 3 pm okay?

A simple way to confirm a time.

65. Can I change my appointment?

Useful when your schedule changes.

66. I need to cancel my appointment.

A clear way to cancel.

67. Could you call me back later?

Useful if you cannot talk at that moment.

68. Can I speak to…?

Use this when calling a company or office.

69. May I know who’s calling?

A useful phone expression when receiving a call.

70. I’ll call you back.

Use this when you want to return the call later.

8. English for Doctor Visits and Health: 71–80

71. I’m not feeling well.

A general way to explain that you are unwell.

72. I have a headache.

Use this when you have head pain.

73. I have a fever.

A basic health phrase.

74. I have a sore throat.

Useful when visiting a doctor or pharmacy.

75. I’ve been coughing for a few days.

Useful for describing how long a symptom has lasted.

76. Where does it hurt?

A question a doctor may ask you.

77. It hurts here.

A simple way to show the location of pain.

78. Do I need any medicine?

Ask whether treatment is necessary.

79. How often should I take this?

Useful when asking about medication instructions.

80. Do I need to come back?

Ask whether a follow-up appointment is needed.

9. English for Work: 81–90

For working adults, these phrases are worth practising until they become automatic.

81. Could I add something?

Very useful in meetings.

82. From my perspective…

A professional way to introduce your opinion.

83. I agree with you.

A simple way to show agreement.

84. I see your point, but…

A useful phrase for polite disagreement.

85. Just to clarify…

Useful when you want to confirm information.

86. Let me give you a quick update.

A practical phrase for meetings and work conversations.

87. I’ll follow up on this.

Use this when you will take further action.

88. Could we discuss this later?

Useful when the timing is not right.

89. When is the deadline?

A very common workplace question.

90. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Useful in both spoken and written communication.

10. Social English and Small Talk: 91–100

91. What do you usually do on weekends?

A good conversation starter.

92. What do you do for work?

A common networking question.

93. How long have you been in Singapore?

Very useful when meeting other expats or residents.

94. Do you like living here?

A natural follow-up question.

95. Have you been here before?

Useful in many social situations.

96. What kind of food do you like?

A safe and easy small-talk topic.

97. Do you have any plans for the weekend?

A common Friday conversation question.

98. That sounds interesting.

A simple way to show interest.

99. Really? Tell me more.

A very useful phrase for keeping a conversation going.

100. How about you?

One of the simplest and most useful follow-up questions in English.

Do You Need to Memorise All 100 Phrases at Once?

No.

One of the least effective strategies is:

Trying to memorise 100 phrases in one day and forgetting most of them later.

A better method is:

Learn 5–10 phrases at a time.

For example:

Today:

Restaurant English.

Tomorrow:

Shopping English.

The next day:

Small Talk.

Then use the phrases in real situations.

How Can You Actually Remember Everyday English Phrases?

Use this process:

Learn → Speak → Personalise → Use.

For example, if you learn:

“I’d like to make an appointment.”

Do not simply repeat it ten times.

Personalise it:

“I’d like to make an appointment for Friday.”

“I’d like to make an appointment with the doctor.”

“I’d like to make an appointment for my child.”

Now the phrase is connected to your real life.

Learn Sentence Patterns, Not Only Individual Sentences

For example:

“I’d like…”

is more useful than memorising only:

“I’d like a coffee.”

You can also say:

“I’d like some water.”

“I’d like to make an appointment.”

“I’d like to ask a question.”

“I’d like to book a class.”

One pattern can generate many practical sentences.

High-Frequency Sentence Patterns Adults Should Know

In addition to the 100 phrases above, practise these patterns:

“I’d like…”

“Can I…?”

“Could you…?”

“Do you have…?”

“I need…”

“I think…”

“I’m not sure…”

“It depends…”

“The main reason is…”

“For example…”

“How about you?”

When these patterns become automatic, speaking becomes much easier.

Why Is Learning Individual Words Not Enough?

Real conversation is not built by slowly combining:

Word + Word + Word.

For example, knowing the word:

“appointment”

is not enough if you cannot naturally say:

“I’d like to make an appointment.”

For practical speaking, it is better to learn:

Vocabulary + Sentence Pattern + Situation.

How to Turn These 100 Phrases Into Your Own English

Use:

Substitution Practice.

For example:

“I usually go shopping on weekends.”

Change it to:

“I usually stay at home on weekends.”

“I usually meet my friends on weekends.”

“I usually go to the gym on weekends.”

“I usually spend time with my family on weekends.”

One sentence pattern can create a lot of speaking practice.

How to Practise the 100 Phrases in 10 Minutes a Day

Try this routine.

Minutes 1–2

Review yesterday’s five phrases.

Minutes 3–5

Learn five new phrases.

Minutes 6–8

Personalise the phrases.

Minutes 9–10

Say them without looking at the text.

If you learn five phrases per day, you can cover all 100 in about 20 days.

Why Should You Say the Phrases Out Loud?

Because:

Reading Memory ≠ Speaking Memory.

Understanding a phrase with your eyes does not mean you can produce it quickly in conversation.

Speaking requires:

Retrieval + Pronunciation + Repetition.

So:

Say It Out Loud.

How Can You Stop Translating Before Speaking?

Repeat the same sentence pattern in different situations.

For example:

“Could you…?”

Practise:

“Could you help me?”

“Could you say that again?”

“Could you speak more slowly?”

“Could you call me back?”

“Could you send it to me?”

Over time, your brain can begin to connect the situation directly to:

Could you…?

instead of translating first.

Which 20 Phrases Should Beginners Learn First?

If you are a Beginner, start with phrases such as:

• My name is…

• I’m from…

• I live in…

• Can you help me?

• Could you say that again?

• Could you speak more slowly?

• How much is this?

• Where is…?

• I’d like this one.

• Can I pay by card?

• What do you recommend?

• I’d like to make an appointment.

• I’m not feeling well.

• I don’t understand.

• What does that mean?

• How do I get there?

• How long does it take?

• I think…

• I’m not sure.

• How about you?

Your first goal should be:

Basic Communication.

Then expand gradually.

How Should Intermediate Learners Use These Phrases?

Do not just memorise them.

Expand them.

For example:

Beginner:

“I like Singapore.”

Intermediate:

“I like Singapore because it’s convenient and easy to get around.”

More developed:

“I like Singapore because it’s convenient and easy to get around. Public transport is reliable, and I also like the variety of food here.”

This follows:

Answer → Reason → Example.

Which Phrases Should Working Adults Learn First?

Start with:

• Could I add something?

• From my perspective…

• I see your point, but…

• Just to clarify…

• Let me give you a quick update.

• I’ll follow up on this.

• Could we discuss this later?

• When is the deadline?

• Please let me know if you have any questions.

Then expand into:

Meeting English + Networking English + Presentation English.

Useful English Phrases for Parents in Singapore

Parents may also want to practise:

“How is my child doing in class?”

“Does she participate in class?”

“Does he need extra support?”

“How is his reading?”

“Is there any homework today?”

“I’d like to speak to the teacher.”

“I’m a little concerned about…”

These are useful examples of:

Parent-Teacher Communication English.

Why Is Singapore a Good Place to Practise Everyday English?

Because you can often use what you learn immediately.

Learn in the morning:

“What do you recommend?”

Use it at lunch.

Learn:

“I’d like to make an appointment.”

Use it at a clinic or service provider.

This creates:

Learn → Use → Repeat.

That makes it easier to turn passive knowledge into:

Active English.

Should You Learn Standard English or Singapore English First?

If you are a Beginner or want stronger international communication skills, focus first on:

Clear Standard English.

As you spend more time in Singapore, you will naturally become more familiar with:

• Local Expressions

• Different Accents

• Local Speaking Styles

At the beginning, the priority is:

Speak Clearly + Understand Others.

Will Memorising 100 Phrases Make You Fluent?

No.

These phrases are designed to build:

A Practical Speaking Foundation.

Real fluency also depends on:

• Listening

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Pronunciation

• Response Speed

• Real Conversation

• Repetition

• Feedback

However, high-frequency phrases can make it much easier to start speaking.

Why Should Adult English Focus on Usability?

Adults often have practical reasons for learning English.

For example:

• Work

• Daily Life

• Socialising

• Travel

• School Communication

• Managing Life in Singapore

A useful question is:

Can I Use It Tomorrow?

If a phrase can be used tomorrow, it is often worth learning first.

How to Turn One Phrase Into a Real Conversation

Use this progression:

Phrase → Question → Conversation.

For example:

Phrase:

“What do you recommend?”

Then:

“What restaurant do you recommend?”

“What food do you recommend?”

“Which course do you recommend?”

Then create a conversation:

A: “What do you recommend?”

B: “I’d recommend the chicken rice.”

A: “Why?”

B: “Because it’s one of the most popular dishes here.”

Now you have moved from:

One Sentence

to:

Real Conversation.

Why Are Small Group Classes Useful for Everyday English?

Small groups require you to:

Interact With Different People.

You can practise:

• Asking Questions

• Answering

• Follow-Up Questions

• Listening

• Clarifying

• Small Talk

• Real-Time Response

This is much closer to real life than memorising 100 phrases by yourself.

How Can You Practise These Phrases in 1-to-1 Lessons?

Private lessons can adapt the phrases to your specific goals.

For example:

Working Adult:

Focus on Meetings.

Parent:

Focus on School Communication.

Short-Term Visitor:

Focus on Travel English.

Beginner:

Focus on Survival English.

The key advantage of 1-to-1 lessons is:

Personalisation.

Everyday English at ULC Academy Singapore

At ULC Academy Singapore, the Adult English Programme places strong emphasis on:

Everyday Communication + Speaking + Listening.

Learners may practise areas such as:

• Daily Conversation

• Small Talk

• Shopping

• Food

• Transport

• Phone Calls

• Appointments

• Social English

• Workplace English

• Practical Vocabulary

• Pronunciation

• Grammar for Communication

The goal is not only to help learners:

Complete Exercises.

It is to help them:

Use English in Real Life.

ULC Academy Small Group English Classes

Small Group classes may suit adults who want to:

• Increase Speaking Time

• Interact With Different Learners

• Practise Real Conversation

• Build Speaking Confidence

• Improve Small Talk

• Get Used to Different Speakers

ULC Academy 1-to-1 English Lessons

Learners with more specific communication needs can also choose:

1-to-1 English Lessons.

Lessons may focus on:

• Everyday English

• Business English

• Workplace Communication

• Parent-Teacher Communication

• Travel English

• Pronunciation

• Speaking Confidence

Start With a Free English Placement Assessment

If you are not sure whether your level is:

• Beginner

• Elementary

• Pre-Intermediate

• Intermediate

• Upper-Intermediate

you can begin with an English Placement Assessment.

It can help identify your current:

• Speaking

• Listening

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Pronunciation

• Fluency

This makes it easier to choose a suitable class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What everyday English should adults learn first?

Start with high-frequency phrases for greetings, directions, shopping, restaurants, appointments, phone calls, doctor visits, small talk and workplace communication.

Do I need to memorise all 100 phrases at once?

No. Learn around 5–10 phrases at a time and use them repeatedly in real situations.

How can I remember English phrases better?

Say them aloud, personalise them, use them in your own situations and retrieve them repeatedly instead of only reading them.

Is learning sentences better than learning individual words?

For speaking, sentence patterns, chunks and collocations are often easier to use directly than isolated vocabulary.

Are these phrases suitable for Beginners?

Yes. Beginners can start with 20–30 basic survival English phrases and gradually add more.

Do Intermediate learners still need simple phrases?

Yes. Intermediate learners can expand simple phrases into longer answers by adding reasons, examples and follow-up questions.

What is the difference between Everyday English and General English?

Everyday English focuses more heavily on immediate real-life communication. General English usually covers Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing, Grammar and Vocabulary more broadly.

How much English speaking should I practise every day?

Even 10–15 minutes of consistent speaking and repeated retrieval can be more useful than occasionally studying for a long time.

Can I learn these phrases by watching TV or YouTube?

You can get useful input, but adding pause, repetition, recording and real conversation helps turn phrases into active English.

Are Small Group classes good for Everyday English?

Yes. Small groups allow learners to practise real interaction, response speed, follow-up questions, listening and small talk with different people.

Does ULC Academy offer Everyday English classes?

Yes. ULC Academy’s Adult English Programme can focus on Daily Conversation, Speaking, Listening, Practical Vocabulary, Small Talk and Real-Life Communication.

Can I try a lesson first?

Yes. ULC Academy offers a Free Trial Lesson and a Free English Placement Assessment to help learners understand their current level before choosing a programme.

100 Everyday English Phrases Adults Should Know: The Goal Is Not to Memorise 100 Sentences

You can read all 100 phrases on this page.

But if you never actually say them:

the benefit will be limited.

A better approach is:

Learn → Speak → Personalise → Use → Repeat.

For example, you may learn only:

Five phrases today.

But you:

Say them ten times.

Adapt them to your own situations.

Practise them with a teacher.

Use them in real life.

Those five phrases can quickly become:

Active English.

By contrast, reading 100 phrases in one day and forgetting them the next day will do much less for your speaking ability.

What adults really need for Everyday English is:

More Useful Phrases.

More Repetition.

More Speaking.

More Real Situations.

More Feedback.

Less Fear of Mistakes.

If you live in Singapore and often think:

“I know some English, but when something happens, I don’t know what to say,”

start with high-frequency everyday English phrases like the ones above.

At ULC Academy Singapore, adult learners can begin with a Free English Placement Assessment and Free Trial Lesson to understand their current level and communication needs before choosing a suitable Small Group or 1-to-1 English programme based on:

Level + Goal + Schedule + Learning Style.

The final goal is not:

To memorise 100 phrases.

It is:

To make those phrases come out naturally when you actually need them.