Level Up Your Language: Avoid Common Phrases in English!

Beginner Level | May 13, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

If you want to sound more confident in English, there’s one simple trick: stop using the same old phrases. Many English learners rely on common, overused expressions because they feel safe. But these phrases often make your speech sound boring or unnatural.

Let’s level up your English by learning better alternatives!

What Are “Common Phrases”?

Common phrases are things people say all the time—like “I’m fine,” “I’m busy,” or “Nice to meet you.” While there’s nothing wrong with these phrases, they don’t show your personality or make conversations memorable. If you want to sound more interesting and natural, it’s time to upgrade your language.

Why Should You Avoid Them?

Using the same phrases all the time makes you sound like a robot. More importantly, these phrases don’t lead to better conversations. They end the conversation instead of keeping it going. If you’re trying to build stronger work relationships, stand out in meetings, or just feel more confident, you need better tools.

Try These Upgrades

Instead of saying “I’m fine,” try:

“I’m feeling focused—I’ve got a lot to finish today.”
“A little tired, but excited about the new project.”

An alternative to “I’m busy,” might be:

“My day’s packed with reports and meetings, but I’m making good progress.”
“I’ve been jumping between tasks since 9 a.m.”

Instead of “Nice to meet you,” try:

“It’s great to finally connect.”
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about you—glad we could talk.”

Notice how these sentences feel more alive and real? They also invite more conversation.

Practice Makes Progress

Next time someone greets you or asks how you are, don’t fall into the “fine” trap. Use one of your new phrases. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

Example:
Person A: “How are you?”
You: “I’m feeling energized—just finished a creative session. How’s your day going?”

Remember:

Be real, not perfect.
Avoid the boring phrases.
Add a reason or detail.
Open the door to better conversations.

You don’t need to speak like a native—you just need to speak like yourself. Confident, real, and ready to connect.

Vocabulary List

Common (adjective) — Something seen or used often.
*Example: “‘I’m fine’ is a common phrase in English.”
Overused (adjective) — Used too much.
*Example: “‘Nice to meet you’ is polite but overused.”
Upgrade (verb) — To improve or replace with something better.
*Example: “Try to upgrade your English phrases.”
Alternative (noun) — Another choice or option.
*Example: “Instead of ‘I’m busy,’ use a better alternative.”
Memorable (adjective) — Easy to remember.
*Example: “A unique greeting is more memorable.”
Confidence (noun) — Believing in yourself.
*Example: “Speaking naturally builds your confidence.”
Trap (noun) — A situation that is hard to escape.
*Example: “Don’t fall into the ‘fine’ trap.”
Connect (verb) — To build a relationship or understanding.
*Example: “Real answers help you connect with others.”
Greeting (noun) — A way to say hello.
*Example: “A warm greeting starts the conversation.”
Alive (adjective) — Full of energy and feeling.
*Example: “Honest answers make your English sound alive.”

5 Questions About the Article

What is one reason to avoid using common phrases?
What does it mean to “upgrade” your language?
Why is “I’m fine” not a great answer?
What should you do instead of using overused expressions?
How do real answers help your conversations?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

What do you usually say when someone asks how you are?
Which upgraded phrase do you want to try next?
Can you think of a time when you had a great small talk conversation?
Why do you think people use the same phrases over and over?
How do you feel when someone gives you a real answer instead of “I’m fine”?

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