12 Popular American Expressions
Are you struggling to sound more natural in English conversations? These popular expressions can help!
As a non-native English speaker, you may feel like you can handle formal conversations, but when it comes to casual chats with native speakers, things get tricky.
Ever feel like you’re missing the flow or that certain phrases go over your head? You're not alone—many professionals share this challenge.
To truly boost your fluency and feel confident in conversations, one of the best things you can do is familiarize yourself with popular American expressions.
These idiomatic phrases will help you sound more natural and at ease when interacting with native speakers.
Here’s a list of popular expressions to get you started:
I’m good. / All set. / All good.
I’m ok. / No, thanks. I have everything I need.
-Would you like more coffee?
-I’m good, thanks.
To be free
To be available
-Are you free this weekend?
-Yep, I’m free.
That sucks.
That’s not good. / What a shame.
It sucks that it’s raining. I really wanted to go for a run.
Fingers crossed.
I hope it happens. / I hope it doesn’t happen.
Good luck on your interview. Fingers crossed!
Tell me about it.
I agree. / I understand. / I know what you mean.
-Traffic was terrible today.
-Tell me about it!
Spit it out.
Just say what you need to say.
Quit beating around the bush. What do you want? Spit it out already!
It’s not rocket science.
It’s not that hard.
It’s not rocket science. Just google it, and figure it out.
I’m not buying it.
I don’t believe that reason or excuse.
-My girlfriend rarely texts me because she’s always busy.
-I’m not buying it. I think she may be cheating on you.
To go above and beyond / To go the extra mile
To do more than is expected.
You really went above and beyond helping me plan this party. Thank you so much!
Scoot over.
Move over. / Move to the side.
Can you scoot over so I can sit here?
Period.
That’s it. / That’s my final decision.
I’m not buying you five toys. You can get two. Period.
I wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.
I don’t want to touch that.
-Can you clean that up for me?
-Ew, no! I wouldn’t touch that with a ten foot pole. Clean it yourself!
To each their own.
Let everyone do what’s best for them. (Even if I may not understand.)
I don’t get why they do that, but to each their own.
I can’t even.
I can’t believe it. / I can’t deal with this situation or information.
He just texted me, but I can’t even. I’ll respond later.
I’m dying. / I’m dying laughing.
That’s so funny. / That’s so embarrassing. / I’m laughing so hard.
Did you see that? Oh my god, I’m dying. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this hard!
To run errands
Doing things like grocery shopping, going to the bank, going to the dry cleaners, etc.
I’m not doing anything special this weekend, just running some errands.
Can you believe it?
Rhetorical question (no answer expected) to add emphasis.
He told me he’d pay me back last week, but hasn’t paid me back yet. Can you believe it?
It’s worth it. / It’s not worth it.
It’s something you should (or should not) do based on the value and effort.
-I’m thinking about going to Italy this summer.
-It’s not worth it. It’s too hot to enjoy it. You should go in the fall!
To grab something / to grab a drink
To get (buy) something. We also use this expression for invitations.
Do you wanna grab a bite to eat?
Keep Learning
Don’t stop here—take your communication skills even further with these 43 Business Expressions You Should Know that will boost your confidence and fluency. Click here to dive in!
Also, download your free audio training of the three must-know leadership communication skills for non-native speakers here.
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