45 Phrases Students Say Way Too Often

I guarantee every teacher reading this can recognize their students in at least 25% of the phrases! Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, you likely hear these common phrases dozens of times a day. While we can’t make students stop saying these things, or give you a dime each time you hear them, sometimes it just helps to know that others understand and can relate.

1. What are we supposed to do again? –Erin E.

Because we didn’t just get done explaining it!

2. Does spelling count? –Kara B.

Gif of a box being checked next to the word "yes"

Yes. Today and always.

3. Can we do something fun today? –Maria M.

Gif of a woman saying "brilliant" -- phrases students say

Isn’t every day fun?

4. Do we dress out today? –Daniel C.

Gif of a woman saying "yes"

Is it a day that ends in “day”?

5. Wait, we had homework? –Sandra L.

Gif of Stitch from Lilo and Stitch putting his head in his hands-- phrases students say

Yes. And it’s due now!

6. But you didn’t tell me to turn it in. –Amanda B.

Gif of a man putting his head in his hands -- phrases students say

But did you do it?

7. Can I go to the bathroom? –Lisa C.

Gif of kittens dancing on their hind legs.

Yes. The pass is right there.

8. Is it time for snack/lunch/recess yet? –Katie M.

Gif of a clock moving quickly -- phrases students say

The schedule is right there!

9. Is this for a grade? –Karen S.

Gif of a child giving a thumbs up.

Yes. Yes it is.

10. I don’t know what we’re supposed to do. –Beckah H.

Gif of a panda putting its head in its hands -- phrases students say

Let me tell you again …

11. I didn’t know we had a test today. –Sandra L.

Gif of a person saying "do we though?"

I hope you still studied!

12. I don’t get it. –Jessica A.

Gif of a man attempting to do mental math -- phrases students say

Perhaps your classmate can tell you?

13. Do we have to write this down? –Michelle H.

Gif of a student putting her head in her hands -- phrases students say

I would suggest it!

14. But I was just… –Miranda K.

Gif of a woman giving a motion of affirmation.

…

15. I can’t find my pencil. –Lauren F.

Gif of a cartoon frog looking angry.

Borrow one from a friend please!

16. Did I miss anything while I was gone? –Linda C.

Gif of a man giving the symbol for "mind blown"
Just a little.

17. Can you tie my shoe? –Keri S.

Gif of a man nodding his head.

Yes, let me just squat down right here.

18. You didn’t tell us that! –Amanda D.

Gif of Will Ferrel saying "I don't believe you"
I’m pretty sure I did!

19. I wasn’t talking. –Lisa C.

Gif of a cartoon character saying "whatcha doin?"
But, I was listening!

20. What page are we on? –Jen W.

Gif of man saying "turn to page 394" -- phrases students say

Sigh.

21. I didn’t know it was due today. –Debra A.

Gif of cartoon man scratching his head in confusion.
But at least we don’t have a test!

22. I wasn’t on my phone. I was just checking the time. –Lisa C.

Gif of old woman saying "liar!"
Mmmm, hmmmm.

23. Can I get a drink of water? –Kristin H.

Gif of a woman saying "My answer is I'll think about it"

Sigh again.

24. I can’t see the board. –Jack A.

Gif of a cartoon character narrowing his eyes.
Time to rearrange seats!

25. I forgot my book in my locker. –Katie H.

Gif of Pinocchio's nose growing-- phrases students say
Please go get it!

26. Do I have to put my name on it? –Jessica K.

Gif of a man putting his hands on his head from frustration.
I highly suggest it.

27. I didn’t have time to do my homework. –Eunice W.

Gif of a puppet saying "The lie detector determined that was a lie" -- phrases students say
And that’s whose fault?

28. Are we doing anything today? –Shani H.

Gif of a man saying "uh, yeah"

Yep. Strap in!

29. He cutted. –Jessica D.

Gif of Taylor Swift looking angrily.
Of course he did.

30. My mom forgot to put my homework in my backpack. –Miriam C.

Gif of a child putting her hand on her head.
Pretty sure that’s not her job!

31. Can I get extra credit for that? –Kimberly H.

Gif of a woman saying "oh, yes. of course. definitely." -- phrases students say
Was it assigned?

32. What is the date today? –Alexa J.

Gif of a man looking at a calendar -- phrases students say

Now’s the time to check your phone!

33. You never told us that! –Sharon H.

Gif of a woman putting her head in her hands.

Where is the recorder when I need it.

34. It wasn’t me. –Regina R.

Gif of Lion King characters looking at each other -- phrases students say

Mmmm. Hmmmmmm. (Again!)

35. You never gave me that. –Sharon H.

Gif of Ariel from The Little Mermaid putting her head in her hands -- phrases students say
Pretty sure I did.

36. But she did it, too! –Krystal K.

Gif of a cartoon character saying "I blame you!"
I don’t doubt that.

37. What time do we get out of this class? –Rachael A.

Gif of a clock slowly zooming in.
Same time as yesterday.

38. Ewwwwwww! –Kimberly M.

Gif of a man saying "Mm..." -- phrases students say
I agree!

39. I’m all done. What should I do now? –Suzette L.

Gif of a Flintstones character scratching his head -- phrases students say

Silent work, please!

40. When is this due? –Ann C.

Gif of a man saying "You're late."

Probably today.

41. I’m bored. –Stace H.

Gif of Judge Judy rolling her eyes.

I bet I can cure that.

42. I was only texting my mom. –Mike F.

Gif of a dog twisting his head back and forth -- phrases students say

Hopefully, she doesn’t respond.

43. Do we have to write in complete sentences? –Robyn S.

Gif of a cartoon gecko with his head in his hands.
Always!

44. Teacher. Teacher. Teacher. –Janet B.

Gif of a puppet saying "teachers are the best!"
Yes. Yes. Yes.

45. Why do I need to learn that? –Naomi L.

Gif of a toddler rolling her eyes -- phrases students say
Because I promise one day you will use it!

What phrases students say do you hear all too often? Share on our WeAreTeachers Facebook page!

Also, 42 Little Things that Drive Teachers Crazy!

45 Phrases Students Say Way Too Often