Useful Phrases to Start a Conversation in English

Often you want to start a conversation in English but not quite know how. Making what is called “small talk” is an excellent way to improve your English because it help you use a language in an informal way. Well, there are many common English conversation starters that can used for almost all occasions.

A. Talking about the weather

Sentences such as “It’s a ____ today” or “What a _____ day it is today!” could help you start a conversation when you fill in the blank with the weather. Though it may sound silly, it is a great way to open the door to further conversation.

B. Giving a Compliment

Sentences such as “I really like your _____” or “What a nice _____ you are wearing!” could also become quite useful. People usually like to hear compliments and this is the easy way to start a conversation. The blank is obviously something the person has or is wearing. For example, you can talk about the tie a man is wearing, or a skirt a lady is wearing. It works 90% of the time. If the person is walking a dog, for example. You can talk about how much you like the dog too.

C. How are you today?

By far, the most common greeting to start a conversation is this one: “how are you today?” There are many sentences similar to this or have the same effect. For example, “how are you doing today?” or “Is everything good for you today?”.

Next time when you meet an English speaking stranger, you can practice these lines to see if it work for you.