So, it's that time again. Fresh notebooks, charged laptops, and the slightly awkward small talk at the start of class. Whether you're heading into a physical classroom or logging on from your kitchen table, getting comfortable with classroom English can make the whole experience smoother—and way less stressful.
Let’s be honest: it’s one thing to study grammar and vocabulary at home, and it’s another to speak up when the teacher calls on you and your mind goes totally blank. That’s where this article comes in. Below, you'll find 15 super-useful phrases—some for students, some for teachers, and some that work either way. They're simple, practical, and totally normal to hear in real classrooms in the U.S. and other English-speaking places.
And don’t worry—we’ll sprinkle in some casual expressions and cultural notes along the way, just like a good teacher would.
1. “Can I borrow a pen?”
It’s a classic. Forgot your pen? Happens to everyone. Just lean over and say this with a little smile. You’re not asking to keep it—you’re just borrowing.
You can also say:
“Do you have a spare pen?” (a bit more casual)
“Would you mind lending me a pen?” (a bit more polite)
2. “I forgot my homework.”
Oof. Not ideal, but hey—it happens. Teachers have heard it all before. The key here is tone: say it honestly, without too many excuses.
Bonus tip: You can add,
“I’m really sorry. I’ll bring it tomorrow.”
“I had a family emergency” (Only if true, of course—don’t fake this.)
3. “What page are we on?”
If you zone out for a second—or if your book magically opens to a completely different chapter—this question is your lifeline.
Slightly more formal version:
“Could you tell me which page we’re on?”
4. “I didn’t understand that.”
This one is gold. Seriously, use it. Don’t just nod and pretend. Most teachers love when students speak up like this—it shows you're trying.
You can also try:
“Could you say that again?”
“Can you explain that in another way?”
5. “Excuse me, can you help me?”
Whether you're stuck on an exercise or totally lost during group work, this polite phrase opens the door to support.
Some alternatives:
“Sorry, I’m confused about this part.”
“I think I’m stuck—can I ask a question?”
6. “Can I go to the restroom?”
You might feel weird saying this as an adult, but it’s totally normal in classroom settings. Yes, even in college or evening ESL courses.
Other ways to say it:
“May I use the restroom?” (more formal)
“I’ll be right back—I need to use the restroom.”
7. “Do we have any homework?”
Some people ask this with hope in their hearts. Others ask it with dread. Either way, it’s a solid question—especially if you missed part of the class.
Tip: Ask this before the class ends. Teachers love when you’re proactive.
8. “How do you say ___ in English?”
This one’s your secret weapon. If you’re not sure of a word or phrase, just ask. It turns hesitation into a learning moment.
You can say it like this too:
“What’s the English word for ___?”
“I know it in Spanish, but not in English. How do I say it?”
9. “Could you speak more slowly, please?”
There’s zero shame in this. English moves fast—especially when it’s not your first language. Asking for slower speech is respectful and helps you stay engaged.
Also helpful:
“Can you repeat that more slowly?”
“Sorry, could you go over that again?”
10. “I need more time.”
Timed activities? Tests? Writing exercises? This phrase can give you a little breathing room.
You might also say:
“Could I have a few extra minutes?”
“I’m almost done—can I finish this part?”
11. “Can we work in pairs/groups?”
Some students love group work. Others—not so much. But if you’re more comfortable working with classmates, this phrase is great to suggest it (nicely).
Or say:
“Can we do this with a partner?”
“Could we go over this in small groups?”
12. “Can you check this for me?”
Whether it’s a grammar exercise, a paragraph you wrote, or pronunciation, asking your teacher for feedback helps you grow. Simple as that.
You could also try:
“Is this sentence correct?”
“Can you take a quick look at this?”
13. “What does ___ mean?”
You’re reading or listening, and suddenly there’s a word that stops you. Don’t guess—just ask.
Tip: If you want to sound more natural, say:
“What does ‘deadline’ mean?”
Or even: “What’s deadline?”
14. “Sorry I’m late.”
We’ve all had those mornings. Traffic. Alarms that didn’t go off. Or maybe you just lost track of time. Either way, this little phrase shows respect.
To soften it a bit, you can add:
“Sorry I’m late—my bus was delayed.”
“Sorry, I had a work call that ran long.”
15. “See you next class!”
You made it to the end! This friendly farewell is perfect for saying goodbye to classmates or your teacher. You might hear it with a smile—or a sigh of relief.
Other closings include:
“Have a good day!”
“Take care!”
A Few Bonus Tips (Because Why Not?)
-Start with a smile. Seriously. It makes everything easier.
-Don’t overthink mistakes. Everyone messes up—your teacher doesn’t expect perfection.
-Write down your favorite phrases. Keep them in a notebook or on your phone. That way, you can review them before class.
-Practice saying them aloud. The more your mouth gets used to the rhythm, the more natural you’ll sound.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Learning English isn’t just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists. It’s about learning how to speak—how to connect, ask, answer, joke, apologize, and try again. These phrases? They're part of that. They're not just “school English.” They’re real, everyday, human English.
So next time you're in class, don’t just sit quietly and hope it ends soon. Try one of these phrases. Say it out loud. See what happens.
And hey—if you forget your homework again, at least now you’ll know exactly what to say.
