Dive into Native Phrases: English Expressions You Need to Know!

Intermediate Level | July 23, 2025

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

Do native English speakers confuse you with their casual phrases and expressions? You’re not alone. Learning vocabulary is one thing—but understanding real English conversations is another. That’s why today’s blog post is all about native English expressions that will help you sound more natural and understand others better.

Whether you’re chatting with coworkers, reading emails, or watching TV shows, mastering native English expressions will boost your confidence.

What Are Native Phrases, Anyway?

Native phrases are expressions that sound completely normal to native speakers—but can be confusing for learners. They’re not always literal. They’re often idiomatic, cultural, or just… fast and casual. Think of phrases like “catch up,” “out of the loop,” or “hang in there.”

These expressions carry meaning beyond the individual words. So if you translate them word by word, you might miss the point.

Why Native English Expressions Matter for Professionals

In professional settings, native expressions pop up more than you think:

“Let’s touch base next week.”
“We’re on the same page.”
“She’s swamped right now.”

If you don’t understand these, you might miss key details—or worse, seem out of touch. But if you use them, even just a few, you sound more fluent and more connected.

10 Native English Expressions You Should Know

Here are ten expressions you’ll hear often at work—and how to use them:

Touch base – (verb phrase) To connect or talk briefly.
- Let’s touch base tomorrow to review the report.
On the same page – (idiom) To have the same understanding.
- Before the meeting, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.
Out of the loop – (idiom) Not informed.
- I’ve been out of the loop—can you catch me up?
Take it offline – (idiom) To continue a conversation privately or later.
- Let’s take that offline and discuss after the call.
Circle back – (phrasal verb) To return to a topic or task later.
- I’ll circle back to you after I get approval.
Heads-up – (noun) A warning or early notice.
- Thanks for the heads-up about the deadline.
Hang in there – (phrase) Don’t give up; stay strong.
- It’s a tough week, but hang in there—we’re almost done.
Put it on my radar – (idiom) To make someone aware of something.
- Can you put this on their radar before the meeting?
Low-hanging fruit – (idiom) Easy tasks or goals.
- Let’s handle the low-hanging fruit before tackling the complex issues.
Loop someone in – (phrasal verb) To include someone in a conversation or email.
- Loop me in once you get the update from the client.

Practice These Native English Expressions at Work

Try using two of these phrases in your next team meeting or email. You’ll be surprised how natural they feel—and how quickly people respond more positively. Remember, it’s not about sounding perfect. It’s about making real connections.

Vocabulary List

Phrase (noun) – A small group of words with meaning.
- “Touch base” is a common English phrase.
Idiom (noun) – A phrase with a meaning different from the individual words.
- “Out of the loop” is an idiom that means not informed.
Phrasal verb (noun) – A verb combined with a preposition or adverb.
- “Circle back” is a phrasal verb meaning to return later.
Swamped (adjective) – Very busy.
- I’m swamped with tasks today.
Catch up (phrasal verb) – To get up to date.
- Let’s catch up later this week.
Deadline (noun) – The final date to complete something.
- We have a tight deadline for this project.
Approval (noun) – Official permission or agreement.
- I need approval before I send the proposal.
Reminder (noun) – A note or message to remember something.
- I sent her a reminder about the meeting.
Include (verb) – To add someone or something.
- Please include all stakeholders in the update.
Conversation (noun) – A spoken or written exchange of ideas.
- We had a great conversation after the meeting.

5 Questions About the Article

What is a native phrase?
Why is it important to understand these expressions in business?
What does “circle back” mean?
How can using native expressions help you at work?
What’s the meaning of “low-hanging fruit”?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Have you heard any of these phrases at work before?
Which native phrase do you want to try using first?
What’s one expression you’ve heard that confused you at first?
How do native phrases make conversations feel different?
What are some native expressions in your language that might confuse English speakers?

📢 Want more tips like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here to join us!

Want to finally Master English but don’t have the time? Mastering English for Busy Professionals is the course for you! Check it out now!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips