Browse Chunks

Expresses a hypothetical condition: 'It would be [something]; if [condition]'.

It would be + ADJ + if + SUBJ + PAST / WOULD

Join a popular trend or activity, often critically.

jump on the bandwagon

It is fortunate that something happened because an alternative would have been undesirable.

It's just as well that

according to; in accordance with, typically in business or formal contexts

as per

Reminds the listener or reader to consider an important fact before proceeding with further advice or conclusion.

Keeping in mind that

A formal admission that one was wrong after being shown the correct information.

I stand corrected

Because of; considering (new information).

in light of

Start doing something seriously; focus on a task after delay or distraction.

get down to

to give support, confidence, or hope to someone so that they will act on a particular activity.

encourage; to

A pre‑emptive phrase used at the start of a sentence or clause to remind listeners that an important detail should not be forgotten.

Before I forget

Something is not going to happen; it’s not an option

There is no question of

A sudden realization of an unpleasant reality.

a rude awakening

Expresses a belief that someone is capable, often with negative connotation, of doing or being involved in something questionable or surprising.

I wouldn't put it past; to

conforming to; consistent with

in line with

The simple existence of this fact demonstrates something.

The mere fact that; shows

A polite way to express doubt or mild disagreement.

I’m not entirely convinced

to take full advantage of something, usually an opportunity or resource

make the most of

resemble (family member) in appearance or character

take after

to make someone do something they do not want to do, using power or strength

force; to

A phrase used to resume a previous topic after an interruption or digression.

As I was saying

Never during a specific period; emphatically denying an action or state.

At no time; did; will

to endure or survive a difficult situation or period

ride out the storm

Introduces a specific aspect or topic within a broader context, used for clarification or emphasis.

When it comes to

Used to formally state a purpose or objective.

for the purpose of

used to indicate that something goes against common or widespread beliefs.

Contrary to what; think

Used to say that something appears a certain way, but the reality may be different.

On the surface

to gradually accept and deal with a difficult situation

come to terms with

To convey or transmit information, an offer, decision, or responsibility to another person; also used as a euphemism for dying.

pass on

To make someone decide or agree to perform a specific action by presenting compelling reasons, arguments, or evidence.

persuade; to

A standard way to signal that you're about to leave.

Well, I'd better; be going

Used to emphasize that something must not happen under any circumstances; expresses strong prohibition or impossibility.

On no account

Fully listening and ready to hear.

all ears

Expresses a strong preference for one option over another, often with a sense of urgency or intensity.

I'd sooner; than

to attempt to achieve a specific goal, often implying difficulty or challenge

in an effort to

the initial and often most important observation is that

The first thing to note is that

To accept something as it seems without deeper analysis.

at face value

Despite facing a difficult situation, showing resilience or courage.

in the face of

Represent or symbolize something, often with a strong sense of principle or intolerance (e.g., refusing to tolerate wrongdoing).

stand for

to allow or permit someone to do something

let

A fairly formal or British way of announcing you need to leave.

I must be off.

Expresses that something is essential or necessary; without it, an outcome would not occur.

Were it not for

Saving money is as good as earning it.

a penny saved is a penny earned

Used to clarify that one explanation is less accurate or important than another, emphasizing the true cause.

It's not so much that; as that

Used to indicate that an action is done with a deliberate purpose or intention, often emphasizing conscious planning.

with the aim of

by chance; used to introduce a fact that is interesting because of its coincidence or relevance

As it happens

Generally speaking; on the whole.

by and large

To be logical or expected; used when something follows naturally from given information

it stands to reason

Lean back comfortably; indicate that you will not actively participate or take action.

sit back

to force or cause someone to do something

make; someone; do

A casual, polite way to indicate you'll leave soon.

I should get going.