In this lesson, you’ll learn 33 natural English phrases for better communication that will help you in daily conversations, whether at work, in meetings, or in everyday life. These natural phrases will help you handle English conversations without hesitation and give you confidence in speaking.
If you’re preparing for an English exam like IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE, these phrases will also help you speak English more naturally and show a higher level of fluency. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll feel using them in real-life situations.
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List of Essential Phrases
33 Natural English Phrases for Better Communication
Harry
We all have conversations every day—at work, at home, with friends. But sometimes, finding the right words in English can be tricky. Maybe you need to reschedule a meeting, respond when someone cancels on you, or explain something clearly without sounding awkward.
In this lesson, I’ll take you through 33 essential English phrases that will help you sound more fluent and confident. These are real-life expressions that native speakers use all the time—perfect for both everyday conversations and business English.
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Changing plans
1️⃣ I’m afraid I can’t make it
Use it when.. you need to politely say you can’t attend a meeting or event
Examples:
I’m afraid I can’t make it. My boss just told me I have to attend a big presentation at that time.
I’m afraid I can’t make it on Wednesday. Can we put it back by a week?
I’m afraid I can’t make it. My car broke down this morning, so I’ll have to sort that out instead.
2️⃣ something has come up
Use it when.. you want to keep things vague but still give a reason for cancelling or changing plans
Examples:
Sorry, something has come up. I’ll have to postpone our tennis match.
Something’s come up. I need to take my kid to the dentist. Can we do another time?
I need to reschedule our meeting. Something’s come up at work.
3️⃣ I’m tied up all afternoon
Use it when.. you’re too busy to do anything else
Examples:
👧🏻 Can we meet this afternoon about 4:00?
🧑🏻🦰 I’m sorry, I’m tied up all afternoon, how about tomorrow?
4️⃣ Can we bring forward the meeting to…?
Use it when.. you need to reschedule a meeting for an earlier time. Common in business settings.
Examples:
Can we bring forward the meeting to Monday? I have another commitment later in the week.
I have a scheduling conflict. Can we bring forward the meeting to an earlier time?
5️⃣ Can we push it out a little bit? Can we push the meeting back?
Use it when... you want to reschedule a meeting to a later time.
Examples:
Can we push it out a little bit? I need more time to prepare.
Would it be okay to push the meeting back by an hour? I’m running behind on another task.
6️⃣ I have to call off (the meeting)
Use it when.. you need to cancel a meeting or event. Sounds professional but can also be used casually.
Examples:
I have to call off tomorrow’s meeting. I’ll be out of town.
I have to call off the wedding. Turns out, my dog doesn’t approve.
7️⃣ Can we do (Tuesday) instead?
Use it when.. you’re suggesting a new date after cancelling or rescheduling plans
Examples:
Sorry about this. I can’t make it tomorrow. Can we do it on Tuesday instead?
I’m sorry, I can’t make it tomorrow. Can we do it next week instead?
I need to reschedule. Can we do next week instead?
Something’s come up that day. Can we do Friday instead?
33 Natural English Phrases for Better Communication
Someone tells you about changing plans
1️⃣ Oh, that’s a pity
Use it when… you want to express mild disappointment or sympathy for someone’s change of plans.
Examples:
👩🏻🦳 I’m really sorry, but I won’t be able to make it to lunch tomorrow.
👨🏼🦳 That’s a pity. I was looking forward to meeting you.
2️⃣ Don’t worry about it
Use it when… you want to reassure someone that their change of plans is not a problem.
Examples:
Don’t worry about it. I do it myself all the time. Just let me know when you’re free next.
3️⃣ No worries
Use it when… you want to casually tell someone that their change of plans is fine.
Example:
No worries, these things happen all the time.
4️⃣ No problem
Use it when… you want to let someone know that their change of plans is completely fine.
Example:
👩🏼🦰 I’m sorry I can’t make the lesson tomorrow.
👴🏻 No problem. Tell me when you’re free, and we can organise the next lesson.
5️⃣ Things happen
Use it when… you want to acknowledge that unexpected events are normal and not a big deal.
Examples:
👨🏻 I’m really sorry, but I have to cancel our meeting. Something’s come up.
👱🏼♂️ Things happen. Let me know when you’re free to reschedule.
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Asking for an opinion
1️⃣ How do you feel about …?
Use it when.. you want to ask for someone’s opinion, especially on something personal, important
Example:
How do you feel about having a client conference next year? We could plan it in that new conference centre.
How do you feel about going away this weekend? We haven’t had a holiday for a long time.
2️⃣ What do you think of …?
Use it when… you want to get someone’s opinion on a specific thing, such as an idea, plan, or experience.
Examples:
What do you think of going away for Christmas instead of staying at home?
What do you think of this restaurant for our meeting?
3️⃣ What do you reckon?
Use it… in casual conversations to ask for someone’s opinion.
Examples:
What do you reckon? Should I take the job?
What do you reckon? Would you change your car at this time?
33 Natural English Phrases for Better Communication
Giving an explanation
1️⃣ What I mean is ….
Use it when… you want to clarify what you just said, especially if the other person seems confused or unsure.
Example:
I said I was good at DIY. What I mean is, I can hold a hammer and hope for the best.
The report needs a few changes. What I mean is, we should clarify some key points before sending it out.
2️⃣ The reason for this is ….
Use it when… you want to explain why something happened or why you made a certain decision.
Example:
We need to reschedule the meeting. The reason for this is that the client needs more time to review the proposal.
The reason for this is that the boss will be out of town for a couple of days. There’s no point in doing it without him.
3️⃣ The main problem is ….
Use it when… you need to highlight the biggest issue in a situation.
Example:
The main problem is that we don’t have enough data to make an informed decision yet.
4️⃣ Just let me explain ….
Use it when… someone seems confused or upset, and you want a moment to clarify the situation.
Example:
Just let me explain. July is our busiest period, so we need everyone available.
Just let me explain. The deadline was moved because the client requested last-minute changes.
5️⃣ Well, the thing is ….
Use it when… you need to explain something in a casual or slightly hesitant way, often before giving bad news or an excuse.
Example:
Well, the thing is, I’m just not a fan of big parties, so I’d rather not go.
Well, the thing is, I already told them I’d help, so I can’t back out now.
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Difficult conversations
I have something I’d like to discuss with you …
Use it when… you need to bring up a sensitive or important topic in a polite way.
Example:
I have something I’d like to discuss with you. It’s about the changes to the project timeline.
I have something I’d like to discuss with you. It’s about the renovation plans.
I’d like to talk about …
Use it when… you want to introduce a topic for discussion, either formal or informal.
Example:
I would like to talk to you about the holiday roster. We need to figure out who’s available.
I’d like to talk to you about that new contract. There are a few details we need to go over.
I’d like to talk about your school report. The exams are coming up soon, so you need to start putting in more effort.
I need your help with (something)
Use it when… you want to ask for assistance without sounding demanding.
Example:
I need you help with this report. I’m not sure how to organise the information properly.
I need your help with the budgeting process. I want to make sure we’re covering everything.
I think we have different perceptions about…
Use it when… you want to acknowledge a disagreement in a diplomatic way.
Example:
I think we have different perceptions about how much work is needed for this project.
I think we have different perceptions about the right fit for this role. Let’s go through the key skills again.
I’d like to see if we might reach a better understanding about …
Use it when… you want to resolve a misunderstanding or find common ground.
Example:
I’d like to see if we might reach a better understanding about how we handle client feedback.
I’d like to see if we might reach a better understanding about the team’s workload.
Feeling a little nervous or worried
I’m really nervous about (topic)
Use it when… you want to express anxiety or worry about something specific, like an upcoming event or decision.
Examples:
I’m really nervous about the job interview.
I’m really nervous about meeting my girlfriend’s parents. There is a lot of expectation. I hope they’ll like me.
Give me a moment
Use it when… you need a short pause to gather your thoughts before speaking or making a decision.
Examples:
Just give me a moment to gather my thoughts, then I’ll be ready to start the presentation.
Give me a moment. I just need to take a deep breath before we start.
Just give me a moment. I wasn’t expecting that question.
Bear with me
Use it when… you need someone to be patient while you explain something, figure something out, or handle a situation.
Example:
Bear with me for a little while while I explain my point of view.
Bear with me for a few minutes. Let me finish what I have to say, and then I’ll answer any questions you have.
This keeps me up at night
Use it when… you want to emphasise that something is worrying you a lot, even affecting your sleep.
Example:
This keeps me up all night. I’d be really glad when this interview is over.
I can’t stop thinking…
Use it when… you have something on your mind constantly, whether it’s a worry, a decision, or an idea.
Examples:
I just can’t stop thinking about it. It’s been on my mind since she mentioned it last week.
I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s just really hard to take in. What are we going to do?
Better phrases than “don’t worry”
How can I help?
Use it when… you want to offer support instead of just telling someone not to worry.
Examples:
👱🏼♂️ I’ve got so much to do. I don’t know where to start.
🧑🏻🦰 How can I help?
👩🏼🦰 My train’s been cancelled, and I’m stuck.
👩🏻🦳 How can I help? Do you need a lift?
I know what you’re going through
Use it when… you want to show empathy by letting someone know you understand their situation.
Examples:
👨🏻 I’ve got too many deadlines. It’s stressful.
👱🏽♀️ I know what you’re going through. It’s not easy.
👱🏽 My car broke down again. Repairs cost a fortune.
🧑🏻🦰 I know what you’re going through. I had the same issue.
That really sucks
Use it when… you want to acknowledge that someone’s situation is difficult or frustrating
Examples:
👩🏼🦱 I lost my wallet this morning.
👨🏽🦰 That really sucks. Hope you find it.
👧🏻 I’ve got to work all weekend.
👩🏼🦰 That really sucks. No time to rest.
So, there you have it—33 key phrases to make your English sound more natural. The more you use them, the more confident you’ll feel in conversations, whether at work, in meetings, or just chatting with friends. Try using some of these phrases this week and see how they improve your fluency.
If you need any help, contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com, always happy to help you.
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Intermediate English travel vocabulary
English vocabulary related to driving
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
