Browse Chunks

With the intention or purpose of achieving something specific.

with a view to

Tackle a difficult situation firmly and boldly.

grasp the nettle

Expresses inability to attend or participate in an event, meeting, or appointment, used to inform someone politely yet firmly of non-attendance due to prior obligations or circumstances.

I can't make it

Used to acknowledge a point or fact while maintaining one's original position or decision.

all the same

As far as I know, limiting the speaker's certainty

To the best of my knowledge

An emphatic way to say 'I have never...', using subject-auxiliary inversion for dramatic effect.

Never have I

The rate at which someone gains experience or masters new skills; used to indicate either rapid progress or significant difficulty in learning.

learning curve

Appear unexpectedly, increase volume, or be found (e.g., a person arriving late, music being louder, lost item recovered).

turn up

to stay in one place or delay action until a person or thing arrives or an event happens

wait for

A straightforward, casual way to request permission.

Is it okay if I;

To express anxiety or caution about an undesirable outcome; signals avoidance due to potential negative consequence.

for fear of

A broadly accurate guide based on practice rather than theory.

rule of thumb

Indicates the point in time before which something has happened or will happen, often used to sequence events or describe deadlines and routines.

By the time

returns to a previous topic after an interruption or digression

As I was saying

Introduces a honest and possibly surprising fact

The truth is

Emphasizes that something happens very infrequently using subject-auxiliary inversion.

Rarely do we

a period of time during which something happens or is planned to happen

time frame

To erect or install something (e.g., a tent), to accommodate someone for lodging, to raise prices or charges, to offer resistance or defense, or to display a notice.

put up

to want something to happen or be true and think it could happen or be true

hope for;

A polite hedge before asking a potentially personal or sensitive question.

If you don't mind; me asking

For fear that; used to introduce a clause expressing an undesirable event to be avoided

lest

Act recklessly without worrying about consequences.

throw caution to the wind

Used to emphasize that something does not exist or is impossible, often in discussions about abstract concepts.

There's no such thing as

Used to link a new topic or idea that is related to something just mentioned, signaling the speaker’s intention to shift smoothly into discussion about that same subject.

Speaking of

used to express honesty or directness, often before sharing a blunt or potentially controversial opinion

Frankly speaking

An emphatic way to say 'never' or 'no matter what', requiring subject-auxiliary inversion.

Under no circumstances; should/must/will/is

the amount of electrical or thermal power used by a system, device, building, or activity

energy consumption

to demand or request that something happen or be done

call for

to want something very much, especially when it is unlikely or far in the future

long for

A polite, semi-formal request emphasizing gratitude in advance.

I'd appreciate it if you could;

As a precaution; if a possible situation occurs

in case

Hard work done for pleasure, not reward.

a labour of love

Emphatically suggests that something should happen now because it is overdue.

It’s high time

Used to introduce a sudden, fresh insight or memory during conversation, adding an unexpected detail that wasn't previously mentioned.

Come to think of it

used to offer a piece of information or advice, while acknowledging it may not be very important or useful

For what it's worth

A formal prohibition indicating something absolutely forbidden; conveys an authoritative, non‑negotiable ban.

On no account

the total amount of greenhouse gases (e.g., CO₂) released directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, product, event, etc.

carbon footprint

Complete a form; provide information; temporarily replace someone

fill in, fill in for

to give money in exchange for goods or services; also, to suffer consequences

pay for

A very informal, hopeful request for a favor.

Any chance you could

on the condition that; assuming that

Provided that

Wait patiently and take no action until it’s needed.

sit tight

Indicates a temporary or provisional situation, signaling that the current state is not permanent and is likely to change in the future.

For the time being

Used to express that something has just reminded you of a fact, acknowledging the other person’s contribution.

Now that you mention it

not including; except for

With the exception of

Emphasizes that a particular action or method is the only way to achieve something.

Only by; can we

The degree to which customers are happy with a product or service

customer satisfaction

Complete a document or form by providing all necessary details; also figuratively means 'become fuller' (e.g., gain weight).

fill out

to make ready or get ready for a future event

prepare for

A hospitable offer to provide food, drink, or assistance.

Can I get you