The first 30 sentences for English beginners

A beginner starts speaking much sooner with a few ready-made sentences than by memorising single words. The 30 sentences below cover meeting people, asking for things, and saying you don't understand.

Meeting people (10 sentences)

Hello. / Good morning. / My name is… / What's your name? / Nice to meet you. / I'm from Turkey. / Where are you from? / I live in… / I'm a student. / I'm a teacher.

Asking for things (10 sentences)

Can I have some water, please? / How much is it? / Where is the toilet? / I'd like a coffee. / Can you help me? / What time is it? / Is this free? / Can I pay by card? / A table for two, please. / One ticket, please.

Keeping the conversation going (10 sentences)

Sorry, I don't understand. / Can you repeat that, please? / Can you speak more slowly? / What does … mean? / How do you say … in English? / I'm learning English. / Just a moment. / Yes, please. / No, thank you. / Thank you very much.

How to practise them

Choose five sentences each day and say them out loud. The next day, repeat those five and add five new ones. Within a week you will have used all thirty. Changing the sentences to fit your own life lasts longer than memorising them.

To keep going, see Am, is, are in English: how to use the verb to be and Polite English: asking, thanking, and apologising.

Frequently asked questions

Is it enough to memorise these sentences? Memorising is a start, but adapting the sentences to your own life and using them aloud is what makes them last.

Should I say “Can I” or “Could I”? Both are correct; “Could I…?” sounds a little more polite. For a beginner, “Can I…?” is understood everywhere.