Browse Chunks

Expresses an involuntary, uncontrollable response or reaction that occurs automatically without conscious effort.

I can’t help but

Finally understand or accept the truth.

see the light

Used to express a strong desire to do something, but being unable or unwilling due to external constraints.

Much as I'd like to

Used to introduce a reservation or contrast after agreeing with part of the previous statement, similar to 'that said'.

Having said that

The main point is not what appears superficially, but another underlying reason or cause; used to re‑orient listeners from an incorrect assumption toward the true explanation.

It is not so much that; as that

Similar to 'to be fair'; used to introduce a balancing point that acknowledges partial truth or mitigates criticism.

In all fairness

repeatedly; very often

time and time again

communicate successfully; make something understood or clear.

get across

to be unable to stop oneself from doing something; expresses an involuntary or instinctive reaction

can’t help; doing

A formula to end a disagreement amicably.

Let's agree to disagree

Expresses surprise or amazement at something positive, often indicating relief.

It’s a wonder that

Immediately; right away

right off the bat

Expresses empathetic understanding or shared emotional resonance.

I know what you mean

Used to describe an action or event that occurs while waiting for something else to happen

In the meantime

Considering the situation (usually a difficult or challenging one)

Given the circumstances

Used to introduce a thought that has just occurred to you.

Come to think of it

Despite very great difficulties or improbability

against all odds

Remove; stop doing; (of an engine) stop suddenly; exclude

cut out

to dislike something very much; to find something unbearable

can’t stand; doing something

A concise admission that someone has made a valid argument.

Point taken

Used to seek confirmation that something works or is adequate; equivalent to 'It works, right?'.

It serves; right

Release pent-up energy or strong emotions.

blow off steam

Used to express that a different outcome would have occurred without someone's or something's help or intervention

If it hadn't been for

During the intervening time; used to refer to a temporary period between two events.

in the interim

Used to soften a potentially offensive or critical statement by pre-emptively disclaiming intent to cause offense.

Without wishing to

Used when something has just reminded you about a related point (similar to 'come to think of it').

Come to mention it

Emphasizes that something is essential or central within a larger context.

at the heart of

make contact by phone; convey an idea or feeling so that someone understands

get through to

to want to do something, often spontaneously or presently

feel like; doing

A discourse marker used to introduce a new, slightly tangential topic.

By the way

There's no reason or purpose behind doing something; it serves no useful function.

What's the point of

Hope for good luck or a positive outcome.

keep ; fingers crossed

Used to express regret about something that was not known earlier, often implying a different course of action could have been taken.

Had I known; I would have

Before, used in formal contexts to indicate sequence of events.

prior to

normally; when things happen as they normally do

In the normal course of events

A polite disclaimer before giving a judgmental statement.

I’m not one to judge, but

something done only to achieve a result, not for its own sake

a means to an end

be careful; search for/view outside

Look out!; look out for

to give permission or make it possible for someone to do something

allow; to

A linking phrase used to connect a new topic to something just mentioned.

Speaking of which

Gentle suggestion or advice

You might want to

Spend all one’s money; be too expensive.

break the bank

Used to express total uncertainty, indicating the speaker has no knowledge or information about a subject, and is often used to speculate rather than express doubt.

For all I know

Following a specific event or action, used in formal contexts to indicate a temporal relationship

subsequent to

used to admit an obvious truth that one might wish to ignore

It would be foolish to deny that

A polite formula used before a statement that might offend or contradict someone.

With all due respect

something that is done or valued solely for its own intrinsic worth, without regard to external benefits

an end in itself

leave or progress from a current situation; change topic or direction; emotionally get over something (often implying closure).

move on; move on to

to request that someone do something

ask; to

Used when something triggers a memory, prompting the speaker to bring up a related thought or task.

That reminds me