English Classroom Phrases
A handful of set phrases carry you through any English lesson: one to say you are lost, one to ask the teacher to repeat or slow down, one to check a new word, and one to make a polite request. Learn them first and you can take part.
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Level: A1. A language class only works if you speak up. These are the set phrases that let you say you are lost, ask to hear something again, check a new word, and ask for what you need. Learn them first and you can take part in any English lesson with confidence.
By the end of this page you can…
…say you don’t understand, ask the teacher to repeat or slow down, ask how to spell or say a word, and make polite classroom requests.
When you don’t understand
Being lost is normal, and saying so is what good learners do. Never just nod — tell the teacher.
| Phrase | When to use | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Sorry, I don’t understand. | you are lost | neutral polite |
| I don’t understand the question. | you heard it but it is unclear | neutral |
| What does this word mean? | one word is new | neutral |
| Could you explain that again? | you need another try | polite |
| I’m not sure what to do. | the task is unclear | neutral |
Asking to repeat, slow down or spell
If you miss something, ask straight away. A short polite question is always welcome.
| Phrase | When to use | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Could you repeat that, please? | you missed what was said | polite |
| Could you say it more slowly? | it was too fast | polite |
| How do you spell it? | you want to write a word down | neutral |
| How do you say this in English? | you know the idea, not the word | neutral |
| What’s this called in English? | pointing at an object | neutral |
| Can you write it on the board? | you need to see it | neutral |
Classroom requests and needs
Make a request with Can I…? or the more polite Could I…?, and add please.
| Phrase | When to use | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Can I go to the toilet, please? | you need a break | neutral polite |
| Could I open the window? | the room is hot | polite |
| Can I ask a question? | before you ask | neutral |
| Sorry I’m late. | you arrive after the start | polite |
| I’ve finished. | you are done with the task | neutral |
| Can we work in pairs? | checking how to do the task | neutral |
Teacher instructions you will hear
You also need to understand what the teacher says. These are the most common classroom instructions.
| Instruction | It means |
|---|---|
| Open your books to page… | turn to that page |
| Listen and repeat. | say it after me |
| Work in pairs. | do it with one other student |
| Put your hand up. | raise your hand to answer |
| Read it out loud. | say the text so we can hear |
| Fill in the gaps. | write the missing words |
A short conversation
Teacher: Open your books to page ten and read the first text. Student: Sorry, I don’t understand this word. What does “borrow” mean? Teacher: It means to take something and give it back later. Student: Thank you. How do you spell it? Teacher: B-O-R-R-O-W. Student: Got it. Can I ask another question?
Example sentences
Play each line and say it along. These are the exact phrases you will use in class.
- Sorry, I don't understand.You are lost and want to say so politely.
- I don't understand the question.You heard it, but it is not clear.
- Could you repeat that, please?You missed what the teacher said.
- Could you say it more slowly?It was spoken too fast for you.
- What does this word mean?One word on the page is new to you.
- How do you spell it?You want to write a new word down correctly.
- How do you say this in English?You know the idea but not the English word.
- What's this called in English?Pointing at an object you can't name.
- Could you explain that again?You need the teacher to go over it once more.
- Can you write it on the board?You need to see the word, not just hear it.
- Can I ask a question?Checking before you ask the teacher.
- Can I go to the toilet, please?Asking politely to leave for a moment.
- Could I open the window?The room is hot and you want air.
- Sorry I'm late.You arrive after the lesson has started.
- I've finished.You have completed the task.
- Can we work in pairs?Checking how the teacher wants the task done.
- I'm not sure what to do.The instructions are not clear to you.
- Could you check my answer?Asking the teacher to look at your work.
Quick recap before you practise.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Repeat, please. → ✅ Could you repeat that, please? — make it a full, polite question.
- ❌ What means this word? → ✅ What does this word mean? — questions use does + base verb.
- ❌ How do you write it? → ✅ How do you spell it? — spell is the verb for saying the letters.
- ❌ I can go to the toilet? → ✅ Can I go to the toilet, please? — put can before I in a question.
- ❌ I am finish. → ✅ I’ve finished. / I have finished. — use the present perfect, not am.
Usage notes
- Can I…? / Could I…?: both ask permission; could is a little more polite and formal, but can is fine in class.
- toilet (BrE) / bathroom / restroom (AmE): all mean the same place; use whichever your class uses.
- Sorry, I don’t understand: the single most useful classroom phrase — say it early, not after the lesson.
- spell vs write: spell = say or give the letters (B-O-O-K); write = put it on paper.
- For the grammar behind polite requests, see the lessons at the bottom of this page.
Practice
Classroom phrases practice
Try each one, then press Check. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere — it all runs in your browser.
1 Match each situation to the right phrase.
- You are lost
- You missed what was said
- A word is new
- You need a break
Show answer
- You are lost → Sorry, I don't understand.
- You missed what was said → Could you repeat that, please?
- A word is new → What does this word mean?
- You need a break → Can I go to the toilet, please?
Each classroom moment has its own set phrase.
Hint: the verb for saying it a second time
Show answer
repeat — 'Could you repeat that, please?' asks the teacher to say it again.
Hint: the verb for meaning
Show answer
mean — Use 'does' + base verb: What does this word mean?
5 Put the words in order to ask for spelling.
Show answer
how do you spell it? — The question is: How do you spell it?
Quiz
Classroom phrases quiz
11 questions · pick an answer and you'll see straight away if it's right.
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Show answer
Sorry, I don't understand. — Telling the teacher you are lost is exactly what good learners do.
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Show answer
Could you repeat that, please? — 'Could you repeat that, please?' is clear and polite.
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Show answer
How do you spell it? — 'How do you spell it?' asks for the letters of the word.
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Show answer
What does this word mean? — Questions with a main verb use does + base verb: What does this word mean?
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Show answer
Could you say it more slowly? — 'Could you say it more slowly?' asks politely for a slower pace.
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Show answer
Sorry I'm late. — 'Sorry I'm late' is the natural apology for arriving late.
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Show answer
work with one other student — A pair is two people, so you work with one classmate.
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Show answer
I've finished. — Use the present perfect: I've finished / I have finished.
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Show answer
Could I open the window? — 'Could I…?' is a polite way to ask permission.
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Show answer
How do you say this in English? — 'How do you say this in English?' asks for the English word you need.
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Show answer
Can I ask a question? — 'Can I ask a question?' politely opens your question.
Recap cheat-sheet
| Situation | Say |
|---|---|
| You are lost | Sorry, I don’t understand. |
| Say it again | Could you repeat that, please? |
| Too fast | Could you say it more slowly? |
| New word | What does this word mean? / How do you spell it? |
| Need a break | Can I go to the toilet, please? |
| You are done | I’ve finished. |
Next
- Next phrase set: English Complaint & Problem Phrases
- Grammar for these phrases: Requests with can and could · Question words
- More phrase sets: English Phrases
- New here? Start with Start Learning English Here
All English phrases topics
Vocabulary, pronunciation, phrases, practice and exam help, ordered by level. Pick a topic and go straight to it. New lessons go live every day, so topics marked Coming soon fill in over the next weeks.
Phrases
A1 4 topics · 4 ready
- 01 50 English Survival Phrases
- 02 English Greetings & Goodbyes
- 03 English Politeness & Please/Thank-You
- 04 English Classroom Phrases You are here