Common English Phrases – 120 Useful English Phrases for Everyday Use | Lesson 2
25. about to (do something) means to be on the point of doing something
Example: I was about to leave when the phone rang.
26. according to (someone or something) means as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in proportion to something
Example: According to our teacher, there will be no class next week. We did everything according to the terms of our agreement.
27. account for (something) means to provide an explanation or answer for something
Example: The bad weather accounts for the fact that few people came to the meeting.
28. after all means considering the fact that something happened, something that is usually assumed “You don’t need to phone him.
Example: After all, he never phones you.”
29. all of a sudden means suddenly, without advance warning
Example: All of a sudden it became cloudy and began to rain.
30. as a matter of fact means actually
Example: “As a matter of fact, we have been to the history museum many times.”
31. as far as means to the extent or degree of something
Example: As far as I know the movie will start in a few minutes.
32. as for means with regard to, concerning
Example: “As for me, I think that I will return home now.”
33. as if means in the same way that something would be, that
Example: The drink tastes as if it were made with orange juice. It seemed as if the whole town came to the concert.
34. as long as means provided that, on condition that
Example: As long as you promise to be careful you can borrow my car.
35. as soon as means just after something
Example: when I phoned my friend as soon as I finished dinner.
36. as to means with regard to, according to
Example: “As to your question, I will answer it tomorrow.” The players were put into groups as to their ability.
37. as well means in addition, also, too
Example: I plan to take a computer course this summer as well.
38. as well as means in addition to
Example: “Please bring your swimming suit as well as your towel.”
39. back and forth means backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other way
Example: The argument went back and forth before the judge made a decision.
40. better off means to be in a better situation than before
Example: My friend would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.
41. break down (something) means to divide something into parts, to separate something into simpler substances
Example: We tried to break down the problem for further study. The sugar began to break down soon after it was swallowed.
42. break up means to separate, to divide into groups or pieces, to put an end to something
Example: Nobody wanted to break up their groups. We usually break up into small groups during our class.
43. by the way means incidentally
Example: By the way, could you please bring your laptop computer tomorrow
44. carry out (something) means to put something into action, to accomplish something, to do something
Example: The scientist wanted to carry out several experiments before discussing the new medicine.
45. come on means please, hurry, go faster
Example: “Come on, I only have a few minutes before I must go.” “Come on, stop doing that.”
46. come up means to happen unexpectedly
Example: I will not be able to go to the party if something else comes up.
47. come up with (something) means to produce or find a thought/idea/answer
Example: I tried to come up with a name for the new magazine.
48. deal with (something) means to be concerned with something, to take action about something
Example: We will deal with the boxes tomorrow.
49. end up (doing something or going somewhere) means to do something that one had not planned to do, to go somewhere one had not planned to go
Example: We ended up going to a restaurant after the movie last night.
50. figure out (someone or something) means to try to understand someone or something, to solve something
Example: I finally figured out how to use the new DVD player.
Learn more: 120 Common English Phrases for everyday use
For those who love learning with video
Read more:
