12 English Phrases Native Speakers Use Every Day (That Most Textbooks Never Teach)
Updated: Jul 16
If you've ever watched an English movie, listened to a podcast, or spoken with a native speaker and thought, “I understand every word, but I would never say it like that,” you're not alone.
Many learners spend years studying grammar and vocabulary but still struggle to sound natural. The difference isn't usually grammar—it's everyday expressions.
Below are the first 12 phrases from our complete guide, including what they mean, when to use them, common mistakes, and pronunciation tips.
1. What's up?
Meaning: A casual greeting meaning “How are you?” or “What’s happening?”
Example:
James: “Hey, what’s up?”
Emily: “Not much! Just finished work.”
When to Use It:
Friends, classmates, coworkers, and other informal situations.
Common Mistake: Don't give a long explanation. Short replies like “Not much,” “Pretty
good,” or “Just relaxing” sound natural.
Pronunciation Tip: Often pronounced “Whassup?” with the T almost disappearing.
2. How’s it going?
Meaning: A relaxed alternative to “How are you?”
Example: Sarah: “Morning! How’s it going?”
Mike: “Pretty good! How about you?”
When to Use It: Everyday conversations with friends, coworkers, neighbours, or shop
assistants.
Common Mistake: Don't answer “Yes.” It's asking how you're doing.
Pronunciation Tip: Often sounds like “Howzit goin’?”
3. How’ve you been?
Meaning: Used when asking how someone has been since you last saw them.
Example: “Hi Anna! How’ve you been? It’s been ages!”
When to Use It: Someone you haven't seen for weeks, months, or years.
Common Mistake: Don't use it if you saw them yesterday.
Pronunciation Tip: Native speakers contract “How have” into “How’ve”.
4. Long time no see!
Meaning: A friendly expression used after not seeing someone for a long time.
Example: “Long time no see! It’s great to see you again.”
When to Use It: Old friends, relatives, classmates, or coworkers.
Common Mistake: Don't use it if you met recently.
Pronunciation Tip: Stress LONG and SEE.
5. Good to see you!
Meaning: Shows you're happy to see someone.
Example: “Good to see you! How have things been?”
When to Use It: Friends, family, colleagues, returning students.
Common Mistake: Don't confuse it with “Nice to meet you.”
Pronunciation Tip: Often becomes “Good t’see ya!”
6. Absolutely.
Meaning: A stronger, more enthusiastic way to say “Yes.”
Example: “Do you think this course is worth it?”
“Absolutely!”
When to Use It: When you completely agree.
Common Mistake: Don't overuse it—mix it with other expressions.
Pronunciation Tip: Stress the LUTE syllable.
7. Definitely.
Meaning: Shows strong agreement or certainty.
Example: “Are you coming tomorrow?”
“Definitely.”
When to Use It: When you're certain.
Common Mistake: Don't confuse it with “Exactly.”
Pronunciation Tip: Often pronounced “Def’nitly”.
8. Exactly.
Meaning: Used when someone says precisely what you were thinking.
Example: “I think we need more speaking practice.”
“Exactly!”
When to Use It: During discussions when you strongly agree.
Common Mistake: Exactly = agreement; Definitely = certainty.
Pronunciation Tip: Stress ACT.
9. You got it.
Meaning: Means “Certainly,” “No problem,” or “I’ll take care of it.”
Example: “Could you send me the file?”
“You got it!”
When to Use It: When happily agreeing to do something.
Common Mistake: It doesn't only mean “You understood.”
Pronunciation Tip: Often sounds like “Ya got it.”
10. That’s true.
Meaning: A polite way to agree that someone has made a valid point.
Example: “Learning pronunciation takes time.”
“That’s true.”
When to Use It: Conversations and discussions.
Common Mistake: It's softer than “Exactly.”
Pronunciation Tip: Stress TRUE.
11. No way!
Meaning: Shows surprise, disbelief, or excitement.
Example: Emma: “I won free concert tickets!”
Liam: “No way! That’s amazing!”
When to Use It: Reacting to unexpected news.
Common Mistake: Usually expresses surprise, not literal disbelief.
Pronunciation Tip: Stress WAY.
12. Seriously?
Meaning: Used when you're surprised or want confirmation.
Example: James: “The meeting starts at 6 a.m.”
Olivia: “Seriously?”
When to Use It: Surprising or shocking information.
Common Mistake: Meaning changes depending on your tone.
Pronunciation Tip: Stretch the first syllable: “Seeeeeriously?”
Want the Other 38 Phrases?
Download our 50 English Phrases Native Speakers Use Every Day Guide, to learn the remaining expressions with meanings, examples, pronunciation tips, and common learner mistakes.
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Which of these phrases are completely new to you?
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