English phrases for every day situations

When you are late

Here are some phrases you can use when you are late or can’t come at all.

Sorry I’m late.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Sorry for the delay.

I’m sorry, I couldn’t make it in time.

Asking someone to wait

Here are a few phrases you can use to ask someone to wait.

Hold on.

Hang on.

Hold on a minute.

Wait a minute / second. I’ll be right back.

Just a minute. I’m coming.

Asking someone to keep quiet

Phrases you can use to ask someone to keep quiet.

Please be quiet.

Will you please keep quiet?(Not very polite)

Shut up! (Quite rude)

Silence, please.

Congratulating someone

Here are a few phrases you can use to congratulate somebody.

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your new job!

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

You’ve received a promotion? Congratulations!

People sometimes say Congrats!instead of Congratulations!

You’ve got that promotion? Congrats!

To show that you think someone has done something very well, you can use the following expressions.

Well done, Peter!

Good job! You’ve made us proud.

‘Look. I’ve solved this puzzle.’ ‘Well done!’