Page 155 - English Vocabulary In Use upper intermediet and advance

Everyday expressions

Everyday spoken language is full of fixed expressions that are not necessarily difficult to
understand (their meaning may be quite 'transparent') but which have a fixed form
which does not change. These have to be learnt as whole expressions. These expressions
are often hard to find in dictionaries, so listen out for them.

Conversation-building expressions

These are some common expressions that help to modify or organise what we are saying.
There are many more expressions like these. (See also Unit 100.)
expression meaning/function
As I was saying, I haven't takes the conversation back
seen her for years. to an earlier point
As Vyou say, we'll have to get repeats and confirms something someone
there early to get a seat. has already said
Talking of skiing, whatever starting a new topic but
happened to Bill Jakes? linking it to the present one
If you ask me, she's heading if you want my opinion (even
for trouble. if no-one has asked for it)
That reminds me, I haven't rung something in the conversation reminds
George yet. you of something important
Come to think of it, did he give something in the conversation makes
me his number after all? I think you realise there may be a
he may have forgotten. problemlquery about something

Key words

Some everyday expressions can be grouped around key words. This and that, for example,
occur in several expressions:
This is it. [this is We talked about this and that,
an important point] or this, that and the other.
\ ' [various unimportant matters]

That's it. [that's the / ' So, that's that, then. [that
last thing, we've finished] is agreed, settled, finalised]

Common expressions for modifying statements

If the worst comes to the worst, we'll have to cancel the holiday. [if the situation gets
very bad indeed]
If all else fails, we could fax them. [if nothing else succeeds]
What with one thing and another, I haven't had time to reply to her letter. [because of a
lot of different circumstances]
When it comes to restaurants, this town's not that good. [in the matter of restaurants]
As far as I'm concerned, we can eat at any time. [as far as it affects me 1 from my point
of view]
As luck would have it, she was out when we called. [as a result of bad luck]

English Vocabulary in Use