This site focuses on common expressions used in English conversations for various situations and functions that English speakers encounter on a daily basis. The expressions can be easily learned and used immediately by beginning and intermediate speakers of English. Each topic covered has three or four basic components. First, the common expressions themselves that can be easily learned and used immediately by students. Second, specific vocabulary that may be needed for a particular function or situation. Third, a sample dialogue that students can use as a model when speaking with others. Forth, is a practice activity (usually a role playing exercise) that students can use to practice the language and vocabulary used in the lesson.

Situations are setting that speakers are in that may have specific expressions or vocabulary to communicate successfully in that particular setting. The situations covered are: at a bank, at a grocery store, at a airport, at a hotel, at a store, at a restaurant and on a telephone.

Functions are communication events that have a specific goal or purpose and the language or vocabulary needed to accomplish that goal. The functions covered are: greeting, introductions and farewells, talking about likes and dislikes, lending and borrowing, asking for and giving instructions and directions, making comparisons, talking about schedules and routines, asking for and giving help and advice, extending and accepting/declining invitations, describing people and things, asking for and expressing opinions and saying large numbers.

English conversations contain many idioms. This site also contains many common idiomatic expressions that are used frequently in daily conversations by native speakers. Idiomatic expressions are expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the meanings of the words that make it up. Just click on the Idioms button on the menu to see them. A new idiom is added every couple of days.