Phrases Dictionary
A1 phrase reference page for useful beginner expressions, common patterns, and everyday chunks of language.
Phrases Dictionary
Study common A1 phrases, short fixed expressions, and everyday language patterns. The entries below are kept as separate records so we can build future phrase-study tools and quizzes from them.
a few
A small number, used for countable things.
Example
I have a few friends coming over later.
a few minutes
A short amount of time.
Example
Wait a few minutes while I finish my call.
a few times
On several occasions.
Example
I’ve visited Paris a few times.
a few years
Several years.
Example
She lived abroad for a few years.
a good idea
Something that is wise or beneficial to do.
Example
Bringing an umbrella is a good idea since it might rain.
a little
A small amount, used for uncountable things.
Example
Can I have a little sugar in my coffee?
a little help
A small amount of assistance.
Example
Could you give me a little help with this box?
a little money
A small amount of cash.
Example
He has a little money saved for emergencies.
a little sugar
A small quantity of sugar.
Example
She adds a little sugar to her tea.
a lot
A large amount or degree.
Example
I love chocolate a lot.
a lot of something
A large quantity of something.
Example
There’s a lot of noise outside today.
a lot to do
Having many tasks or responsibilities.
Example
I’ve got a lot to do before the weekend.
a period of time
A specific duration.
Example
She studied for a long period of time.
agree with somebody
To share the same opinion or feeling as someone else.
Example
I agree with you. The movie was amazing.
all day
The entire day.
Example
We worked all day and didn’t stop until dinner.
all night
Throughout the entire night.
Example
The baby cried all night.
all over the world
In every part of the world.
Example
This song is popular all over the world.
anyone else
Any other person.
Example
Is anyone else going to the concert tonight?
anything else
Another thing or more things.
Example
Would you like anything else to eat?
around the world
In many different places globally.
Example
They traveled around the world last year.
arrive at...
To reach a smaller place or a specific point.
Example
We arrived at the airport early.
arrive in...
To reach a city or country.
Example
They arrived in London yesterday.
ask for something
To request something.
Example
He asked for help with his homework.
at home
At one’s own house.
Example
I prefer staying at home on Sundays.
at school
At school; studying or attending classes there.
Example
My son is at school right now.
at the beginning of something
At the start of something.
Example
At the beginning of the movie, the main character moves to a new town.
at the end
Near or at the conclusion of something.
Example
At the end of the race, everyone cheered.
at the end of something
Located physically or temporally at the end of something.
Example
There’s a bench at the end of the path.
at the moment
Right now; currently.
Example
I’m busy at the moment, can I call you back?
at the same time
Happening together or simultaneously.
Example
She laughed and cried at the same time.
at university
Studying or located at a university.
Example
He met his best friend at university.
at work
Currently working or present at one’s job.
Example
Sarah is at work until 6 PM.
away from somebody or something
Not near someone or something.
Example
Keep the dog away from the food.
bad for somebody or something
Harmful to someone or something.
Example
Too much sugar is bad for your teeth.
bad news
Information that is unpleasant or unfortunate.
Example
I have some bad news about the trip.
bad thing
Something negative or harmful.
Example
Losing your passport on vacation is a bad thing.
be going to do something
To plan or intend to do something soon.
Example
I’m going to call my mom after dinner.
because of
Due to or on account of.
Example
We stayed inside because of the rain.
begin with something
To start by doing something or having something.
Example
We’ll begin with a warm-up exercise.
best friend
Someone you feel very close to and trust.
Example
Anna has been my best friend since high school.
black and white
Without color; in black and white.
Example
The old photo is black and white.
cell phone
A portable mobile telephone.
Example
Turn off your cell phone during the meeting.
city center
The central part of a city.
Example
We’re meeting in the city center tomorrow.
come from...
To be originally from a place or country.
Example
She comes from Brazil.
come into something
To enter a place or space.
Example
He came into the room quietly.
Good idea!
An expression used to agree with someone’s suggestion.
Example
“Let’s take a walk.” “Good idea!”
in the city center
Located within the central area of the city.
Example
The hotel is in the city center, close to all major attractions.
It’s a good idea to...
Used to suggest that doing something is wise.
Example
It’s a good idea to study before the exam.
on the weekend
During Saturday and Sunday.
Example
Let’s meet up on the weekend.
parking lot
A place where cars are parked.
Example
The parking lot is full, so we need to find another spot.
That’s a good idea!
Used to agree with someone’s suggestion.
Example
“We should try that new restaurant.” “That’s a good idea!”
the bad things about something
The negative aspects of something.
Example
The bad things about the job are the long hours.