There are many expressions
used in everyday communication that are an essential part of spoken English and
you may wish to use these in any written work involving dialogue. Some of these
expressions are interjections (often followed by an exclamation mark) that are
used to express emotion or reaction, such as excitement, surprise, annoyance,
disgust, joy, pain, etc. Sometimes
interjections consist of single words, sometimes they consist of short phrases
or very short sentences, and sometimes they consist of just a sound. In many
cases interjections provide the links that help conversation to move along
smoothly.
A speaker simply
cannot be considered fluent without having the ability to use some of these
everyday phrases. Yet it can be difficult to acquire information about this
feature of English. Dictionaries, especially the smaller ones, do not provide
such information and even the larger ones do not necessarily cover this subject
in enough detail.
Of course,
listening skills come in useful here and you can learn a great deal from
listening to English-language radio and television programmes. When doing so it
will be helpful to make your own list of everyday phrases, memorize them and
then try them out in a conversation. This is an excellent way of increasing
your knowledge of the vocabulary of spoken English but some extra help will
prove valuable and this is provided in the list that follows.
about time too!
You use this rather rude
expression to indicate that someone has arrived late or has taken a long time
to do something.
Locksmith: That’s all the locks on
your doors and windows changed.
Mrs Smith: About time too! I didn’t think it would take
that long.
Locksmith: I worked as fast as I could. There are a lot
of windows in this house.
ah!
You use this interjection in various ways. It can be used to express a
variety of
emotions such as pleasure, surprise or disagreement.
Bill: Ah! That was a really delicious meal.
Mary: It certainly was. The new
chef has made a huge difference.
ahem!
A sound like a short cough made by someone who
is trying to attract attention, sometimes in a difficult or embarrassing
situation.
Jill: Let’s ask John to organize
the meeting. He’s not working at the moment and has plenty of free time.
John: Ahem! I heard that and it’s not
true. I’m working freelance and I’ve got
plenty to do.
Jill: Sorry, John! I didn’t see
you there.
alas
This expression can be used to show that you are
sad or sorry about something, but it is sometimes used ironically or
humorously.
Bob: I was going to offer to pay
half the restaurant bill, but, alas,
my brother paid it before I had a chance
to offer.
Ken: That’s fair enough, isn’t
it? He’s a wealthy lawyer and you’re still a student.
all right
You use this expression when you wish to say Yes to something that someone has asked
you.
Sue: I’m going shopping. Do you want to come?
Katie: All right. I need a new dress, anyway.
as a matter of fact
You can use this expression in two ways. You can
use it to add a piece of interesting or surprising information to what has just
been said.
Jack: I don’t think this firm can
last much longer. I think we should start looking for other jobs.
Will: You’re right. As a matter of fact, I’ve already
started looking. I’ve made an
appointment with a recruitment agency.
You can also use this expression to indicate
that the truth about a situation is the
opposite of what has just been stated.
Amy: Was the air fare very
expensive?
Jill: No, as a matter of fact, it was surprisingly cheap. It cost a lot more
last year.
believe it or not
You use this expression when you are mentioning
something that is true but very unlikely or surprising.
Matthew: Have you found a flat yet?
Ken: Yes.
Believe it or not, we’ve found quite a cheap one in the city centre.
The owner’s abroad and just wants someone to take care of it.
Matthew: That was lucky.
believe you me
You use this expression in order to stress the
truth of what you are going to say or have said.
Jane: Believe you me, Joe will regret not going
to university.
Mark: I think you’re right, but
he’s really keen on this job he’s been offered. Jane: That’s just because it’s quite well paid and he wants to get
some money fast. It doesn’t offer
very good promotion prospects.
by all means
You use this expression when you are telling
someone that you are happy for them to do something.
Jade: Please can I leave work a
bit earlier today? It’s my father’s sixtieth birthday and we’re giving him a surprise party.
Boss: By all means take us much time as you need
and give your father my best wishes.
by the way
You use this expression when you mention
something which is connected in some way with what has just been said.
Jack: I visited Sam yesterday. By the way, he’s moving to a new flat.
Harry: Can you give me his new address?
Jack: Of course. I’ve got it
right here.
come on!
You say this expression to someone when you want
them to hurry or to do something.
Joe: Come on, Tom! We’ll miss the plane!
Tom: We’ll be there in a minute.
We’ve still got plenty of time.
Joe: No we haven’t. It’s the
rush hour!
come to think of it
You use this expression when you have just
thought of or remembered something.
Michael: Apparently, Ben’s not very
well. He’s going to the hospital for some
tests.
George: I’m sorry to hear that. Come to think of it, he’s not been
going to the gym recently but I just
thought he was busy. I didn’t know he was ill.
don’t bank on it
You use this expression when you want to advise
someone not to rely on something happening.
Mary: Sue said that she’d help me
look after my sister’s baby tomorrow. I was
feeling a bit nervous about it.
Emma: I wouldn’t bank on it. Sue doesn’t always keep her
promises.
don’t say that!
You use this expression when someone says
something that you don’t want to be true.
Pete: I’ve had a quick look at your car and I think
it might need a new engine.
Bill: Don’t say that! That’ll cost a fortune!
Pete: I could be wrong but you’d better get a
mechanic to look at it right away.
dream on!
You use this expression in an informal context
to indicate to someone that something is not at all practical or not at all
likely to happen. Tara: I’d love to
have a flat overlooking the park.
Mark: Dream on! The monthly rent would be more than your annual
salary.
You use this expression when you are very annoyed or surprised.
Mother: For goodness’ sake, Lisa, get up and get
dressed. We’ve got guests coming to
lunch.
Lisa: OK, I’m just getting up.
There’s plenty of time.
Mother: No there isn’t. I need you
to help me tidy the house.
good!
You use this expression to show that you approve
of something or are pleased about something.
Rory: The builder said the work
on the house is nearly finished. We can move in next week.
Gillian: Good! I’m tired of living in this
small flat.
good grief!
You use this expression to show great surprise or shock.
Sally: Good grief! It’s been snowing! I’ve never known it to snow here before.
Meg: And look how deep it is!
You use this expression when you are surprised
about something. You can also use Heavens!
in the same way.
Jane: Good heavens! There’s our neighbour over
there.
Jim: So it is. Imagine coming
halfway across the world and meeting someone we know.
good question!
You use this expression in reply to a question
to which it is difficult to find an answer.
Dan: I hear you’re going to
Jim’s wedding in New Zealand next year. How’re you going to afford it?
Ken: Good question! I’m hoping to get an evening
job to earn some extra money. If
not, I might get a loan.
great!
You use this expression to indicate that you are very pleased about
something.
Tom: I’ve found us a flat near the town centre.
Karen: Great! When do we move in? I can’t
wait to get out of here.
You can also use the
expression ironically to indicate that you are not at all pleased about
something, but are disappointed, upset, etc.
Harry: The landlord’s putting the
rent up.
Joe: Great! Where am I going to find the
extra money? I’ve just taken out a loan
on a car.
hang on!
You use this expression when you want to ask someone to wait for you.
Hannah: I’m just going to the
library. I’ll see you later.
Rose: Hang on! I’ll come with you. I’ve got
some books to return.
You can also use this expression to ask someone
to stop what they are doing or thinking.
Ben: It must have been Matt who
set fire to my garage. He wanted revenge. I’m going to call the police.
John: Hang on, Ben. You’ve no proof it was
Matt.
hardly!
You use this expression when
something seems very unlikely in your opinion. Kate: Is Tom taking you to that new French restaurant?
Liz: Hardly! He couldn’t possibly afford
it. It’s very expensive.
having said that
You use this expression before you add something
that makes what you have said less strong.
Bob: Dave doesn’t seem to treat
his wife very well. Having said that,
I don’t think she’s an easy person
to get along with.
Mike: No, she isn’t. I think they
deserve each other.
heavens! see good heavens!
heaven knows!
Use this expression to emphasize that you do not
know something or that it is difficult to find an answer to something.
Jackie: The landlord’s given us a month’s notice on
our flat. It is such a blow.
We’ve been so happy there.
Mary: Where will you live?
Jackie: Heaven knows! Flats are difficult to find
around here.
You can use this informal
phrase when asking someone how they are. Ken:
Hi, George, how’s it going?
George: OK. I’m a bit tired because
I’ve been working late every night this week.
I can’t tell you
You use this expression when you wish to
emphasize what strong feelings you have about something.
Diane: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your
help. I simply couldn’t have coped
without it.
Jane: I’m just glad I was able to
help.
I can’t think why
An everyday expression used to emphasize that
you do not understand something at all.
Ben: Jim’s decided to leave his
job.
Joe: Yes, I heard that, but I can’t think why. It’s a well paid
job and he’s been so happy there.
Ben: He says he can’t stand his
new boss.
I could do without
You use this expression when you want to
emphasize that you do not want to do something or have someone or something.
Sue: I could do without working late tonight. I have
guests coming for dinner. Lucy: I’ve
got to work too and my parents-in-law are coming round to see the kids. They won’t be pleased.
I dare say
You use this expression when you want to say
that something is probable or likely.
Alicia: I dare say Jenny thinks that she’s doing
the right thing moving in with her
parents, but I think she’ll regret it. She doesn’t get on with them very well. Diana: Well, she doesn’t think she’s
got a choice. Both her parents have got health
problems.
You use this expression when
you want to stress how bad you consider a situation is or might be.
Ken: My wife wants us to go on a
world cruise when I retire.
Bill: That’ll be nice, but I hate to think what it’ll cost you.
I’m afraid
This expression does not mean
that you are feeling fear. You use it when you are apologizing or when you are politely
telling someone something that may upset or annoy them.
Ken: Do you have two single rooms for one night?
Hotel receptionist: I’m afraid we don’t have any vacancies. It’s the middle of the tourist season and we’re very
busy.
Anne: This TV set keeps switching
itself on and off. Can you have a look at it? Repairman: I’ve had a look and
I’m afraid I can’t repair it. You’re going to have to get a new one.
I must say
You use this expression when you want to
emphasize how you feel about something or what you think about something. Fiona: I must say that meal was
absolutely delicious.
Bob: Yes, it was. And it wasn’t
very expensive.
I suppose so
You use this expression when
you say that you agree with someone but rather reluctantly.
Mark:
It’s getting late and we’re tired. I think we should leave the rest of this job until tomorrow.
Tom: I suppose so, but I wish we could have
finished it tonight.
I thought as much
You use this expression when you find out that something you suspected
turns
Derek:
It’s the cat next door that’s been digging up the plants in our front garden. I’ve just seen it doing it.
Lisa: I thought as much but when I spoke to its owner she said it was
never out at the front of the house.
I thought I’d
Use this expression when you
want to tell someone what you are planning to do. Janet: What are you going to do on your day off? Wendy: I thought I’d go and look for a
present for Sally.
Janet: That’s a good idea. I’ve got to find something
as well.
I told you so
You use this expression when
you are reminding someone that you had warned them that something bad or
unfortunate would happen before it did.
Jim: I wish I hadn’t bought this cheap TV. The
quality of the picture’s terrible.
George: I told you so. I said that you only get what you pay for.
if you don’t mind my saying
so
You use this expression when
you are going to say something that criticizes someone in some way or is likely
to annoy or upset them.
Mrs Brown: If you don’t mind my saying so, that child should be in bed
by now.
Mrs Smith: It’s got nothing to do with you, and anyway she usually goes to bed much earlier than this but we were
visiting my mother and we missed the last bus.
I’ve no idea
You use this expression to
emphasize that you do not know anything about something.
Debbie: We’ve run out of petrol.
How far is it to the next town?
Lyn: I’ve no idea, but I’m pretty sure it’s too far to walk, especially in these shoes.
Debbie: We’ll just have to hope
that someone comes along to help.
I was wondering if/whether
... ?
You use this expression as a polite way of asking somebody something.
Sophie: I was wondering if I could borrow your laptop this evening for a
couple of hours? My computer’s being repaired.
Dorothy: Sure! It’s on the desk in my study.
it’s beyond me
You use this expression when you want to stress
that you do not understand something.
Will: My daughter’s on the phone
again—and to her best friend. It’s
beyond me what they find to say to each other. They’re at school together
all day.
Ron: My daughter’s just the
same. She’s always on her mobile phone, either talking or texting.
it’s just that
You use this expression when you are giving a
reason or explanation for something.
Lucy: It’s a pity you can’t go on
holiday with us.
Amy: Yes, I’m so sorry but it
can’t be helped. It’s just that I
can’t get away from the office at
that time of year.
it’s no big deal
You use this expression to indicate that something is not at all
important.
Mary: Thanks very much for
offering to help me move all these books.
Bob: It’s no big deal! I wasn’t doing anything else
anyway.
let me see/let’s see
You use this expression when you are thinking about something.
Tourist: Excuse me, do you know of a
good seafood restaurant in this area?
Peter: Let me see. There are two or three, but the one I like best is the
one down on the shore. It’s called
the Crab Shell. It’s very good.
Tourist: Excuse, me. Can you tell me where the nearest
bank is, please?
Bill: Let’s see. Some of them have closed
down recently. The nearest one’s in George
Street, just off Main Street. Do you know where that is? Tourist: Yes, I do. Many thanks.
listen
You often use this interjection
when you want someone to pay attention or if you want to interrupt someone.
It’s usually not meant rudely and is often followed by sorry.
Salesman: Hello, sir. Can I ask if you’ve ever thought about the doors and windows in your home and whether ... ?
Tim: Listen. Sorry to stop you there,
but I am not at all interested in double
glazing and I don’t want to waste your time.
look!
You use this interjection when you want someone
to pay attention to what you are going to say, often when you are annoyed.
Martin: Look! I forgot I was supposed to be
meeting you and I’ve said I’m sorry.
What more do you expect me to do?
Tina: You could say sorry as
though you meant it.
lookout!
You use this interjection to warn someone of possible danger.
Neil: Lookout! This pavement’s very icy.
Caroline: Thanks for the warning.
I’ll be careful.
me too
You use this expression when you wish to agree
with someone or when you wish to be included in something.
Liz: I’m furious that they’re pulling
down that lovely old building.
Helen: Me too. It’s disgraceful. I’m going
to organize a protest!
never mind
You use this expression when you want to tell
someone that something is not important.
Tara: I broke one of your mugs
when I was stacking the dishwasher. Sorry. I’ll replace it.
Nancy: Never mind! It wasn’t an expensive one
and I’ve got plenty of other mugs.
Nathalie: I’m sorry I can’t come to
the meeting tonight. I promised to have dinner
with my parents.
Jim: Never mind. I’ll let you know what
happens and you can come to the next one.
Use this expression when you think that it is
extremely unlikely that something will happen.
Jill: Do you think Tom and Sally
will get back together?
Lucy: No chance! She said it’s definitely
over. She discovered he was cheating on
her with her best friend.
no fear!
You use this expression in informal contexts to
stress that you are definitely not going to do something or that something is
not going to happen. Sarah: Are you
going on holiday with your parents?
Tom: No fear! They like to wander round
museums and old churches. I just want
to go and lie on a beach somewhere.
Donald: Will Jim really leave his job do you think?
He’s always saying he will.
William: No fear! He’s far too well paid to do that.
no way!
You use this expression to emphasize that you are not going to do
something or
that something is not likely to happen.
Tom: Are you going to apologize
to Anne?
Ryan: No way! I didn’t do anything wrong.
no wonder
You use this expression when you consider that
something is not at all surprising or that it is to be expected.
Harry: Jack’s really furious with
me.
Charles: No wonder. You borrowed his bike
without asking him and then damaged
it.
Sue: No wonder Jane’s feeling miserable. Her dog’s just died.
Elizabeth: And she adored it. She’d had it since it was a
puppy.
not on your life!
You use this expression when you want to stress
that you are definitely not going to do something.
Bill: Are you going to help Bob
move house tomorrow?
Sam: Not on your life! I’m exhausted after a week’s hard work. I need a
rest.
And Bob never does anything to help other
people.
Bill: That’s true. I don’t think I’ll help him
either.
not to worry/don’t worry
You use this expression to show that you do not
think that something is important.
Martha: I’m so sorry but I can’t
come to the cinema tonight. The boss’s asked me to work late.
Joe: Not to worry. We can go some other time.
I’ll give you a ring.
oh dear!
Use this expression when you are disappointed, upset or worried.
Kate: Oh dear! We’ve just missed a bus.
We’ll have to wait an hour for the next
one.
Diana: We might as well go and have some coffee.
Where’s the nearest café?
oops!
You use this expression when you drop something
or nearly drop something, when you have made a mistake, or accidentally
revealed a secret. Jessica: Oops! I’ve
dropped a contact lens. Can anyone see it?
Paula: There it is, over there. I’ll get it.
ouch!
You use this interjection when you feel a sudden pain.
Simon: Ouch! I’ve been stung by a wasp.
Tanya: I’m going inside. I hate
wasps.
You might also use ouch if
someone has hurt your feelings.
Janice: That dress does nothing for you.
Jenny: Ouch! At least you’re honest, I suppose.
ow!
You can also use this interjection when you feel a sudden pain.
Malcolm: Ow! That hurt my arm. Don’t throw
the ball so hard.
James: Sorry! But you were
supposed to catch it.
phew!
This interjection can be used in several
situations. You can use it to indicate that you are feeling tired.
Pete:
Phew! That climb was
much harder than I thought.
You can use it to indicate that you are feeling hot.
Alice: Phew! I find this heat unbearable. I’m going inside.
You can also use it to indicate that you are
feeling very relieved because something did not happen.
Luke: Phew! I’m glad the teacher didn’t
ask me any questions about the play. I haven’t
read it yet!
quite right too!
You use this expression to emphasize how much you agree with something.
Joan: I’m thinking of moving to a bigger flat. This
place is just not big enough.
Catherine: Quite right too! You need a lot more space.
rather you than me!
You use this expression to stress that you would
certainly not want to be involved in something that someone else is going to
do.
Tim: Are you really going to
swim in the sea at this time of year?
Rather you than me! It will be freezing.
Jack: I know, but the others are
going to do it and I don’t want to look like a coward.
really?
You say this in response to something that you
hear that surprises you or interests you very much.
Sarah: I’ve just met Wendy. She’s
just got married.
Kate: Really? I didn’t even know that she
was seeing someone.
right you are
This is quite an old-fashioned expression that
is used when you agree to do as someone has suggested.
John: I’m going to be a bit late
so I won’t have time to come for a drink before the meal. I’ll meet you at the restaurant.
Martin: Right you are, John. See you there.
roll on ... !
You use this expression when you want something that you know you will
find
Craig: I’m so tired. I’ve been
working late and coming in early every day this week.
Ian: So have I. Roll on the weekend so we can get a
rest!
same here
You use this expression to indicate that you
share someone else’s opinion or feelings or that you are in a similar situation
to theirs.
Annette: It seems to take me much
longer to get to work these days.
Joanne: Same here. The traffic’s got much
worse in the morning for some reason.
search me!
You use this expression when you want to stress
that you do not know the answer to a question.
Joe: Why’s the boss looking so
angry?
Thomas: Search me! He’s been in a terrible mood
all morning but I can’t think why.
Joe: Maybe he’s had a row with
his wife.
shh!
You use this expression to ask someone to be quiet or make less noise.
Molly: Shh! I’ve just got the baby to
sleep.
Mark: Sorry. I hope I didn’t wake
her.
shoo!
You use this interjection to tell an animal or
someone who is annoying you to go away.
Donald: There’s that cat again from
across the road. I’m going to try and get rid of it. Shoo!
Robbie: It’ll just come back again.
It seems to like your garden more than its
own!
so what?
This expression is rather rude. You use it when
you think that something someone has said is not relevant or important.
Sally: You were a bit late getting
to the students’ meeting.
Pamela: So what? These meetings are a complete waste of time. I
wish I hadn’t
so what’s new?
You use this expression in an informal context
to stress that you do not think that something is at all surprising or
unexpected. Craig: My computer’s
crashed again.
Ken: So what’s new? It’s always breaking down. You need to get a new one. That one’s ancient!
some hope!
You use this expression to
emphasize that you think that there is very little, or no, chance of something
happening.
Jackie: Do you think there’s any
chance we’ll get a pay raise this year?
Monica: Some hope! Sales are down and profits are at an all-time low. We’ll
be lucky if we get to keep our jobs.
speaking of
You use this expression when
you want to say something more about a person or thing that has just been
mentioned.
Debbie: Sue won’t be at work this
week. She’s on holiday.
Mary: Speaking of holidays, are you still thinking of going to Australia this year?
Debbie: Yes. I’m going to visit my
sister.
suit yourself!
You use this expression
rather rudely to tell someone that they can do what they want to do when you
are annoyed with them for not doing what you want them to do.
Helen: Jill’s having a party tonight. Do you want to
come with me?
Rose: Sorry, I can’t. I’ve an
English essay to finish.
Helen: Suit yourself! I’ll get Anne to come but it would do you good
to have some fun for a change.
sure!
You use this expression when you mean yes or yes, certainly.
Jim: Are you going to work by
car today?
Adam: Yes. I’m just about to
leave.
Jim: Could you possibly give me a ride? My car
won’t start and I need to be at
work for an important meeting.
Adam: Sure! Come round right away.
talk about ... !
You say talk about ... when
you want to emphasize something.
Carole: Talk about stinginess! Joe’s just asked me for the money
for the coffee
he bought me yesterday.
Laura: That’s typical of him!
that’s all I need!
You use this expression when
a problem or difficulty arises when you are already having several other
problems or difficulties to cope with.
Jerry: That’s all I need!
Bill: What’s wrong?
Jerry:
My car won’t start and the boss has just rung to say he needs me in the office right away. Before that I
spilled coffee on my shirt and had to change it and then I slipped on the
stairs and hurt my ankle.
Bill: Calm down! You can come in my car. I work
quite near you.
Jerry: Thanks!
that’s fine by me
You use this expression when
you are indicating that you agree to do something which has been suggested.
Peter: The film starts very early. We could go to the
cinema first and eat later.
Alicia: That’s fine by me. I’m not very hungry, anyway.
that’s news to me
You use this expression when
you hear about something that you did not know, often when you feel that you
should have known about it earlier.
Ben:
Apparently they’re going to renovate our office and we need to move while the work gets done.
Garth: That’s news to me. Who told you?
Ben: The office manager.
Garth: Well, she should have told me as well. I’ve
got a lot of stuff to move.
that’s OK with me
You use this expression when
you are indicating that you agree to something which has been suggested.
Lisa:
We’re going to have to go by train. My car’s broken down and they can’t repair it till tomorrow.
Maria: That’s OK with me. I love going by train and I sometimes get sick
in a car.
that’s too bad
You use this expression when you want to say that something is
unfortunate.
Hugh: The picnic’s been cancelled because of the
rain.
Lisa: That’s too bad. The kids will be upset. They were really looking forward to it.
Hugh:
We’re organizing some indoor games for them. That should cheer them up!
there’s no doubt about it
You use this expression to
emphasize that something is definitely true or certain. Frank: I can’t believe that Bob would steal money from the company.
He seems such an honest guy.
Mike:
It does seem amazing, but there’s no
doubt about it. The police have proof
and Bob has confessed. Apparently, he has huge gambling debts and stole the
money to pay them off.
there you go/are
You use this expression when
you are giving something to someone or have done something for them.
Customer: A kilo of red apples,
please.
Shopkeeper: There you go. A kilo of my very best
apples. Enjoy.
Customer: Thank you.
though
You use this word at the end
of a sentence when you want to make the previous statement less strong or less
important.
Ken:
I’ve got to work on Saturday. It’s annoying because I’d made plans. I’ve got an extra two days off next week, though.
John:
That’s not too bad. It’s good to get some time off during the week sometimes.
too true!
You use this expression when you want to stress how true you consider a
statement to be or how much you agree with it.
Trisha: It’s time that women factory workers got the
same pay as the men.
Patsy: Too true! After all, they’re doing the same kind of work.
Jane: It’s so cold in this office. They should
really put the heating on.
Betty: Too true! My hands are freezing. I can scarcely work my
keyboard.
tut!/tut,tut!
You use this sound to show that you disapprove
of something. It is often used humorously.
Mrs Brown: Tut! Look at what those children
are doing. They’re disturbing everyone.
You’d think their parents would stop them.
Mrs Smith: They’re not paying any
attention to them. Some parents just don’t
care.
Bob: Tut,
tut! What
are you doing here, Jennifer? Aren’t you meant to be at work?
Jennifer: No, I took the day off to
come to the fair. How about you, Bob?
Bob: I’ve just come for an hour.
It’s my lunch break.
ugh!
You use this expression to show that you dislike
something very much or that it disgusts you.
Alison: Ugh! This sauce has mushrooms in
it. I hate them!
Barbara: I think it’s delicious.
uh-huh
You make this sound when you are agreeing with someone or saying yes.
Barry: Are you going to Pam’s party tonight? Most of
our friends are going.
Susan: Uh-huh, but I might be a bit late.
what about?
You use this expression when you are making a
suggestion to someone about something.
Alex: I’ve had a hard day at the
office. I quite fancy going out.
Meg: Me, too. What about going to the cinema?
Alex: Good idea! I’ll see what’s
on.
what about it?/how about it?
You use this expression in an informal context when you are asking
someone if
they agree with a suggestion that you have made.
Lucy: You can have my spare room
for a month if you give me some help with
childcare. What about it?
Alice: Yes, thanks. It will be
great to have somewhere to stay until I can move into my new flat.
what did I tell you?
You use this expression after you have warned
someone that something bad or unfortunate might happen and it does happen.
Patrick: Sally’s just found out that
her new boyfriend is married with two children.
Luke : What
did I tell you? I said there was something deceitful about him.
what if?
You use this expression when you want to mention
something that might happen, especially something bad or unhelpful.
Tom: We have to change planes in
London and we don’t have much time between
the flights.
Pete: What if we miss our connection?
Tom: We’ll just have to hope
that we don’t.
what’s more
You use this expression when you wish to add
something to what you have just said, often something very important or
relevant.
Pam: I’m not taking a holiday
this year. I’m very busy at work and,
what’s more, I can’t really afford to go away.
Tessa: Neither can I. I’ve just
spent a lot of money on the house.
what’s the use?
You use this expression when you want to stress
that doing or saying something will have no effect.
Harry: I should try to warn Sue
that Bill’s not to be trusted.
Wendy: What’s the use? She wouldn’t believe you.
She’s madly in love with him.
Harry: She’s going to get hurt.
Wendy: Well, there’s nothing we
can do.
what’s up?
You use this expression to find out if something bad or unfortunate has
happened. You can add with to find out why someone is upset.
Jack: The local shop’s not open. What’s up?
Sally: There was a breakin last
night and the owner got hurt.
Jack: Poor man. Is he going to be
all right?
Sally:
He’s fine, but he’s in shock. The shop’ll be closed for the rest of the week at least.
why don’t ... ?
Use this expression to make suggestions.
Larry: It’s a glorious day. Why don’t we go to the beach?
Peggy: Good idea. I’ll go and put
a picnic together.
Larry: And I’ll take the car to
get more petrol.
wonders will never cease!
You use this expression when
you want to express great surprise. It is often used ironically.
Myra: Wonders will never cease! I actually found a parking place in the town centre.
Jane: You were lucky! Parking there’s getting more
and more impossible.
wouldn’t you know it?
You use this expression when
something unexpected has happened and caused problems or difficulties for you.
Sometimes the expression is wouldn’t you
just know it?
Mark: Wouldn’t you know it? I usually arrive early at the
station and the train is usually late.
Today I was slightly later and the train was early. Joe: Did you miss it?
Mark: Yes, the train was just leaving the platform
as I got there.
you could always
You use this expression when you are making a suggestion to someone.
Other
personal pronouns, such as I, he, she, or a noun can be used instead of you.
Will: The last train leaves quite early in the
evening but you could always stay
tonight with me and get the first train in the morning. It leaves very
early.
Sam: Thanks for the invitation.
I think I might just do that.
you’ll never guess!
You use this expression when you are about to tell someone something
very
Sally: You’ll never guess who I’ve just seen!
Anne: I can’t think who. Why don’t
you tell me?
Sally: It was Rob Brown.
Anne: I thought he was in prison
for fraud.
Sally: He was but he’s out. It
seems he was innocent all along.
you never know
You use this expression when you think that it
is just possible that something might happen, although it is very unlikely.
Alan: You
never know.
Mike might pass the English exam, although he’s not very good at English and some of the questions were very
difficult.
Dave: I would be very surprised if he passed. He
didn’t do much studying for it.
yuck!
You use this expression to indicate that
something tastes unpleasant or disgusting.
Mary: Yuck! This soup has far too much
salt in it.
Jade: So it does. It tastes
horrible.
