When learning any language, it is important to show interest in the most common and native phrases that speakers of those languages use. In English, there are many phrases, that you should know about when having conversations with people, especially in North America.
Use the following and practice them in conversations:
-
a rip-off / to get ripped off
A rip-off is something that is very overpriced, for example, a fake Louis Vuitton bag is sold at the price of a real one despite being of inferior quality. If someone bought the fake Louis Vuitton bag, only later to realize that it was fake, they could say, “Oh no, I got ripped off!”.
-
I better…
This is another way to say “I should…”
E.g. “I better go buy groceries before the market closes”.
-
Can’t make it
This phrase simply means “can’t attend”. For E.g. “ I can’t make it to the soccer game. I’ve already made other plans”.
-
Cheesy / corny
This is used to describe things that are overused, unoriginal, and obviously sentimental, especially certain films, music, and chat-up lines. For E.g. “My friend is being cheesy just because I asked her to watch a movie with me a few days ago” or “This music is so corny, it’s always playing on the radio.”
-
Chill / chill out
While “chill” can be used similarly to “hang out”, but not necessarily requiring a company, “chill”, “chill out” and “calm down” can also mean to relax after feeling upset, angry or excited. They are often used imperatively when someone thinks someone is overreacting. For example: “Karen, you need to chill! It’s not that big of a deal”
-
Coulda / shoulda / woulda
Short for “could have” / “should have” / “would have”.
-
Couldn’t care less
You can probably work out the meaning of this one. If you really don’t care about a topic and someone asks your opinion, this is the right phrase for you. For example: “She couldn’t care less about his opinion on Le burger week.”
-
Doesn’t matter / Don’t mind/ Don’t care
These phrases can be used when you have been asked for your preference between different options, but you really have no preference. They are short for, “I don’t mind”, “I don’t care” and “It doesn’t matter”. For E.g. “Do you want to watch an action movie or a romantic movie?” Response: “I don’t mind”.
-
Don’t worry about it /No worries / No problem
These are informal ways to say “You’re welcome”.
-
Down to earth
This is a phrase used to describe people who are practical, realistic, and not arrogant or overly dramatic. In other words, humble. “You would never know she’s a millionaire because she’s the most down to earth person you’ll ever meet”
Hope this helps alleviate your knowledge of common language usage.
Good luck!