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Spoken English conversation expressions that matter at the workplace: Master Spoken English Convos at Workplace!

Maryam Poonawala


May 12, 2025. 4 minute Read

Did you ever freeze in the middle of a conversation in English? You’re not alone. Speaking naturally takes more than grammar and vocabulary—it’s about using the right expressions at the right time. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or someone looking to polish your fluency, learning commonly used spoken English expressions will make your conversations smoother and more enjoyable.

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This article is about everyday phrases people use—and how you can use them too. Bonus: We’ve added short real-life scenarios to help you see how these expressions work in real situations.
Learn all that only onThe One Liner. 

Spoken English conversation expressions that matter at the workplace!

1. Conversation Starters That Sound Natural

Starting a conversation can be awkward, but not with these expressions:
  • "How's it going?"
  • "What's up?"
  • "Nice to meet you!"
  • "Any news?"
  • "How's your day been?"

These are super common and vary in formality. If you’re at a job interview, go with “Nice to meet you” or “How are you doing today?” With friends? A simple “What’s going on?” works.

For example; 

Scenario: Meeting a new coworker on your first day at work.

“Hey, I’m Tanvi. Nice to meet you! How’s it going?”

2. Keeping up with the Conversation.

Once the conversation has begun, do not let it fade out. Use phrases like:
  • "That's Intriguing!"
  • "Tell me more about it."
  • "What do you think about…?"
  • "What about you?"

Expressions like these will help you show keen interest and keep the conversation going.

For example; 

Scenario: You’re talking to someone at an event.

“So, how did you get into “Digital Marketing?”

“Oh, wow, that sounds exciting. Tell me more about that!”

This image shows a healthy conversation between two people initiated by an expression.
This image shows a healthy conversation between two people initiated by an expression.
This image shows two people having a healthy conversation in a cafe.
This image shows two people having a healthy conversation in a cafe.

3. Asking for Opinions (The Friendly Way)

Want to invite someone into the conversation? Try these:

  • "What's your take on that?
  • "What do you agree?"
  • "Any thoughts on this?"
  • "How do you feel about it?"

These are great when discussing a topic or making group decisions.

For example; 

Scenario: During a group project meeting:

“We could go with a minimal list theme… What’s your opinion?”

4. Being Polite in English

Politeness matters—especially in English! Use softening phrases like:

  • "Excuse me…"
  • "Do you mind if I…?"
  • "Would it be possible to...."
  • "I was wondering if you could…"

These expressions are well-suited for asking for favors or making requests without being too blunt.

For example; 

Scenario: Requesting assistance from a stranger:

“Excuse me, could you lend me your phone? Mine’s just dead.”

5. Expressing Thanks (More Than Just 'Thanks')

Simple thank-yous are fine, but diversity assists you in expressing real gratitude:
  • "Thanks a lot!"
  • "That's kind of you."
  • "That's sure a great assistance."
  • "I appreciate it greatly."
  • "I'm deeply grateful to you."

For example; 

Scenario: A coworker helps you fix an issue:

“Thank you so much, Yash. You were a saviour—I am so thankful to you!”

6. Replying to Bad News

Not all the time are things all happy and colorful. Use empathetic phrases:

  • "I'm sorry to hear that." It's too bad."
  • "Oh no…"
  • "That's unfortunate."

For example; 

Scenario: A friend who tells you their holidays got canceled:

“Oh no, that’s too bad. I know you were looking forward to it.”

7. Ending Conversations Gracefully

Knowing how to end a chat matters as much as starting it.
  • "It was nice talking to you."
  • "I should get going."
  • "Ask you later."
  • "Have a good one!"

For example; 

Scenario: Finishing a call with a client:

“Thanks for the update. It was nice talking to you—have a good one!”

8. Checking Understanding

Sometimes you need to make sure the other person is following you:

  • "Do you know what I mean?"
  • "Are you following me?"
  • "Just to clarify…"
  • "So, what you're saying…"

For example; 

Scenario: You’re teaching your friend how to use a new app:

“You touch this icon first, then this one. Does that make sense?”

9. Agreeing or Disagreeing (Politely!)

Don’t just nod, but also utilize these to agree or to offer an alternative point of view:

  • "Exactly!"
  • "I see your point."
  • "Well, it depends…"
  • "I have a different opinion."

For example; 

Scenario: While debating casually over lunch:

“Hmm, I don’t know if I disagree. I think there’s more to it than there is.”

10. Changing the Topic Smoothly

Want to steer the conversation in a new direction?
  • "By the way…"
  • "Speaking "of which…"
  • "That reminds me…"
  • "Anyway…"

For example; 

Scenario: After discussing work for too long:

“Anyway, speaking of the “weekend—any fun plans?”

11. Informal Everyday Expressions

These are the ones you’ll hear a lot in casual conversations:

  • "Hang out"
  • "Catch up"
  • "No problem."
  • "You bet!"
  • "What's going on?"

For example; 

Scenario: Texting a friend 

“Hey! Let’s hang out this weekend and catch up!”

 

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Final Thoughts

Learning spoken English expressions is like collecting building blocks for natural conversation. Mix them up, use them in the proper context, and practice them often. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, making a request at work, or just checking in with someone, these phrases will help you sound more fluent—and more you.

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