Phrases Dictionary
A2 phrase reference page for useful expressions, common patterns, and level-appropriate chunks of language.
Phrases Dictionary
Study common A2 phrases, fixed expressions, and useful language patterns. The entries below are kept as separate records so we can build future phrase-study tools and quizzes from them.
a bit
A small amount
Example
I’m a bit tired after work.
a couple of something
Two of something (often informal)
Example
Can I borrow a couple of dollars?
a large number of something
A high quantity of something
Example
A large number of birds migrate south in winter.
a long time ago
Refers to something that happened far in the past
Example
A long time ago, people traveled by horse.
a long way
A great distance or progress
Example
We’ve come a long way since last year.
a number of something
Several or many of something
Example
A number of students failed the test.
able to do something
Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
Example
She was able to fix the car by herself.
add to something
To contribute or increase something
Example
Your comment adds to the confusion.
again and again
Repeatedly; many times
Example
He kept knocking on the door again and again.
all about…
Concerning or regarding something/someone
Example
This movie is all about friendship.
all kinds of…
Many different types of something
Example
The shop sells all kinds of snacks.
all over the world
In every part of the globe
Example
Coffee is grown all over the world.
all over…
Everywhere in or on something
Example
Paint was splattered all over the floor.
all sorts of…
Various types of things
Example
She collects all sorts of vintage hats.
all the time
Always; continuously
Example
He listens to music all the time.
apply for something
Submit a formal request for something
Example
I applied for a job yesterday.
art gallery
A building where paintings and sculptures are shown
Example
We visited an art gallery downtown.
as a result
Therefore; because of that
Example
It rained heavily, and as a result, the match was canceled.
as a result of something
Because of something
Example
The fire started as a result of faulty wiring.
as part of a team
As one member among others working together
Example
She worked as part of a research team.
as part of something
Being included within a larger plan or activity
Example
We visited the museum as part of our school trip.
as soon as
Immediately when; the moment that
Example
Call me as soon as you arrive.
as well
Also; in addition
Example
She speaks Spanish as well.
as well as somebody or something
In addition to someone or something
Example
He plays football as well as tennis.
at first
At the beginning
Example
At first, I didn’t like the idea, but now I love it.
at least
Not less than; at minimum
Example
Try to read at least 20 pages a day.
at that time
During a previously mentioned period
Example
At that time, mobile phones were not common.
at the age of…
When someone is a certain number of years old
Example
She started painting at the age of five.
at the start of something
At the beginning of something
Example
At the start of the race, everyone was nervous.
at the time
During a particular period
Example
I was living abroad at the time.
at the time of something
During the occurrence of something
Example
At the time of the accident, he was asleep.
at the top
On the highest point or rank
Example
She works at the top of a tall building.
at the top of something
At the uppermost part of something
Example
The flag was planted at the top of the mountain.
based on something
Developed or created using something as a foundation
Example
The film is based on a true story.
be allowed to do something
Have permission to do something
Example
Students are not allowed to use phones during class.
be made of something
What something consists of or is constructed from
Example
This table is made of wood.
believe in somebody or something
Have confidence in the value or truth of someone or something
Example
I believe in hard work and honesty.
belong to somebody
Be owned by someone
Example
This book belongs to Maria.
belong to something
Be a part of a group or category
Example
This species belongs to the cat family.
by the end of something
Not later than the end of something
Example
Please finish your homework by the end of the week.
care about something
Be interested in or concerned about something
Example
Do you really care about the environment?
carry on
Continue doing something
Example
Please carry on with your work.
carry on with something
Continue with an activity
Example
They carried on with their journey despite the storm.
carry something out
Perform or complete something (like a task)
Example
Scientists carried out important experiments.
check in
Arrive and register at a hotel, airport, etc.
Example
We checked in at the hotel early in the morning.
check in at…
Register arrival at a specific place
Example
You need to check in at the airport counter.
check out
Leave a hotel after settling payment, or examine something
Example
We checked out of the hotel at noon.
check out of something
Depart from a place (usually a hotel)
Example
Guests must check out of the hotel by 11 AM.
check something in
Leave luggage at an airline desk
Example
I need to check my bag in before boarding.
climate change
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns
Example
Climate change is affecting ecosystems worldwide.
close to somebody or something
Near someone or something physically or emotionally
Example
She lives close to the city center.
come back
Return to a place or person
Example
He will come back tomorrow.
Come on!
Expression used to encourage or urge action
Example
Come on, let’s get going!
connected to something
Linked or attached to something
Example
This device is connected to the internet.
connected with somebody or something
Related or associated in some way
Example
He is connected with the finance department.
credit card
Plastic card used to buy things instead of cash
Example
I paid with my credit card.
deal with somebody
Interact with or manage someone
Example
She finds it difficult to deal with rude customers.
deal with something
Handle or manage something (especially problems)
Example
He knows how to deal with stress.
depend on somebody or something
Rely on someone or something
Example
Children depend on their parents.
depend on somebody or something for something
Rely on someone/something to provide something
Example
Many families depend on tourism for income.
depend on something
Be determined by something
Example
Whether we go depends on the weather.
do well
Achieve success; perform effectively
Example
She did very well in her exam.
each one
Every individual item or person in a group
Example
Each one of these books is valuable.
end with something
Finish by doing or having something
Example
The meal ended with a delicious dessert.
even more difficult
A higher level of difficulty
Example
Math became even more difficult this semester.
even more exciting
Much more thrilling or interesting
Example
The second part of the movie was even more exciting.
even more…
Used to emphasize an increased degree
Example
Today is even more exciting than yesterday.
everyone else
All other people besides those already mentioned
Example
Everyone else went home, but I stayed behind.
except for
With the exception of; apart from
Example
The house was empty except for a few chairs.
fall in love
Begin to feel romantic feelings
Example
They fell in love at first sight.
fall in love with somebody
Start to love someone deeply
Example
He fell in love with his colleague.
fall off
Drop or descend from something
Example
The picture fell off the wall.
fall off something
Fall from a surface or object
Example
The child fell off the chair.
far away
At a distant location
Example
Her hometown is far away from here.
feel good
Experience physical or emotional well-being
Example
Exercise makes me feel good.
feel like something
Resemble something in texture, appearance, or sensation
Example
This fabric feels like silk.
fill something in
Complete a form or provide information
Example
Please fill in the application form.
find it difficult to do something
Have trouble doing something
Example
I find it difficult to understand him sometimes.
first of all
Used when making a point that comes before all others
Example
First of all, we need to decide on a budget.
focus on somebody or something
Concentrate attention or effort on something
Example
Focus on your goals and ignore distractions.
followed by somebody or something
Coming after someone or something
Example
The letter was followed by a phone call.
for the rest of something
For the remaining part of something
Example
Let’s enjoy the rest of the evening.
for this reason
Because of this fact or situation
Example
For this reason, we decided to cancel the event.
get back
Return to a place or recover something
Example
What time did you get back last night?
get better
Improve in health or quality
Example
She’s getting better after surgery.
get lost
Become unable to find your way
Example
Tourists often get lost in the old town.
get out
Leave a place or escape from somewhere
Example
Get out of the house—it’s dangerous!
get out of something
Escape from something or avoid doing something
Example
He tried to get out of paying taxes.
give something up
Stop doing something (habitually)
Example
He gave up smoking two years ago.
give up
Stop trying; abandon
Example
Never give up on your dreams.
go and get help
Travel to obtain assistance
Example
Go and get help from the teacher.
go and…
Go somewhere to do something
Example
I’ll go and get something to eat.
go away
Leave a place
Example
Please go away and let me rest.
go down
Move downward or decrease
Example
Prices are going down this month.
go down something
Move along a path or street
Example
Go down the road until you see the store.
Go down the road.
Instruction to move forward on a route
Example
Go down the road, then turn left.
go for a walk
Take a short journey on foot for pleasure
Example
Let's go for a walk in the park.
go for something
Choose or support something; try to achieve something
Example
I think I’ll go for the red dress.
go up
Move upward or increase in value
Example
Prices tend to go up during inflation.
good luck
Wishing someone success
Example
Good luck on your job interview!
happen to somebody or something
Occur to someone or something (usually unexpected)
Example
What happened to your car?
happy with somebody or something
Satisfied or pleased with someone or something
Example
I’m happy with the results.
have a look
Take a quick glance or examine
Example
Can I have a look at your phone?
have a look at something
Examine or inspect something
Example
Have a look at this report before sending it.
have got to
Must do something; obligation
Example
I’ve got to finish this today.
Have you ever…?
Asking about past experiences
Example
Have you ever visited Paris?
health problems
Issues affecting physical or mental well-being
Example
He has serious health problems due to smoking.
hear about somebody or something
Receive information about someone or something
Example
Did you hear about the new policy?
I didn’t enjoy it at all.
Strongly disliked something
Example
The movie was boring—I didn’t enjoy it at all.
I don’t care
Expression showing indifference
Example
“It might rain tomorrow.” – “I don’t care.”
I don’t think so
Disagreement or doubt
Example
“Is he going to call?” – “I don’t think so.”
I guess
Expressing a belief or opinion tentatively
Example
I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
I mean
Used to clarify or correct what was said
Example
I meant to say Monday, not Tuesday.
I think so
Agreement or confirmation based on belief
Example
“Will it snow tomorrow?” – “I think so.”
I’m afraid…
Introducing bad news or disagreement politely
Example
I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.
if necessary
Used when something may be needed under certain conditions
Example
Bring an umbrella if necessary.
if you want to
Giving permission or suggesting conditionally
Example
You can leave early if you want to.
in business
Being actively operating as a company or enterprise
Example
That store has been in business for 50 years.
in danger
At risk of harm or loss
Example
The animals are in danger of extinction.
in history
In the recorded events of the past
Example
This event will go down in history.
in hospital
Receiving medical treatment in a hospital
Example
My uncle is still in hospital after the surgery.
in love
Feeling romantic affection
Example
They’ve been in love for years.
in love with somebody
Deeply emotionally attached to someone
Example
I think she’s in love with her boss.
in prison
Confined in a jail or correctional facility
Example
He has been in prison for ten years.
in some cases
Sometimes or under certain circumstances
Example
In some cases, the illness shows no symptoms.
in the air
Existing but not yet settled or confirmed
Example
There’s a sense of excitement in the air.
in the end
Eventually; after everything else
Example
In the end, we decided not to go.
in the middle
Central point or part of something
Example
He stood in the middle of the room.
in the middle of something
Right in the center or most intense part of something
Example
We were in the middle of dinner when the power went out.
in the same way
Similarly; using the same method
Example
Children learn by doing things in the same way.
in this way
By means of this process or action
Example
In this way, we can improve our understanding.
instead of
In place of; rather than
Example
She drank tea instead of coffee.
it all depends
Same as above, used more conversationally
Example
“Are you coming tonight?” – “It all depends how I feel.”
it depends
The outcome varies according to circumstances
Example
Whether we go hiking depends on the weather.
kilometres per hour
Unit of speed in countries using metric system
Example
The car was going 120 kilometres per hour.
lead to something
Cause or result in something
Example
Lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration.
less than…
Smaller in amount or degree
Example
Less than half the students passed the test.
Let me help you.
Offering assistance
Example
Let me help you carry those bags.
let me know
Requesting information or updates
Example
Let me know when you arrive.
Let me…
Used before expressing intention or request
Example
Let me check my notes.
look after somebody or something/yourself
To take care of someone or something
Example
Please look after my cat while I'm away.
look back at something
Reflect on past events
Example
Looking back at my childhood brings back many memories.
Look back at your notes.
Instruction to review previously written material
Example
Look back at your notes before the exam.
look something up
Search for information (e.g., in a dictionary or online)
Example
Look up the word in the dictionary.
make a mistake
Do something incorrectly
Example
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
make money
Earn income
Example
She makes money by freelancing online.
make sense
Be logical or understandable
Example
Your explanation doesn’t make sense.
make sure
Ensure something happens or is true
Example
Make sure the windows are closed.
make sure of something
Confirm or verify something
Example
Make sure of the schedule before leaving.
make sure that…
Ensure a condition or action takes place
Example
Make sure that everyone gets an invitation.
miles per hour
Unit of speed in countries using imperial system
Example
The speed limit is 60 miles per hour.
much better
Significantly improved
Example
I feel much better after taking the medicine.
no way
Informal: Impossible or not happening
Example
No way am I going there alone!
No way!
Expression of disbelief or refusal
Example
“You got tickets for free?” – “No way!”
not at all
Not in any way; completely negative
Example
“Did you enjoy it?” – “Not at all!”
Oh dear
Mild expression of disappointment or worry
Example
Oh dear, I forgot to lock the door.
Oh well
Acceptance of a disappointing situation
Example
Oh well, maybe next time.
on earth
Used for emphasis, especially in questions
Example
What on earth did you say?
on the ground
Physically located on the floor or surface
Example
The keys are on the ground.
on the other side
On the opposite side of something
Example
The house is on the other side of the river.
on the other side of something
Across a line or boundary
Example
The school is on the other side of the street.
on the wall
Attached to or hanging on a wall
Example
The painting is on the wall.
on time
Punctually; not late
Example
Please arrive on time for the meeting.
on top of something/somebody
Above something or someone physically or in control
Example
The cat is sitting on top of the fridge.
one or two
A small number
Example
I have one or two questions to ask.
ordinary people
Regular individuals, not famous or powerful
Example
This law affects ordinary people the most.
pay attention
Focus on something carefully
Example
Pay attention to the teacher.
pay attention to somebody or something
Give careful thought or notice to someone or something
Example
You should pay attention to your health.
per hour
Rate per hour
Example
She earns $20 per hour.
pick somebody or something up
Lift or collect someone or something
Example
I'll pick you up at 6 PM.
police officer
Law enforcement official
Example
The police officer helped direct traffic.
police station
Building where police work and reports are made
Example
Go to the police station to file a report.
Prices are going down.
Prices are decreasing
Example
Prices are going down due to lower demand.
Prices are going up.
Prices are increasing
Example
Prices are going up because of higher production costs.
public transport
Transportation services available for use by the public
Example
I use public transport to get to work.
put something on
Wear clothing or play media
Example
Put on your jacket before going out.
quite a lot
A significant amount or number
Example
I’ve traveled quite a lot.
quite a lot of something
A considerable quantity of something
Example
There’s quite a lot of noise outside.
reasons why
The causes or explanations for something
Example
Here are the reasons why I disagree.
refer to somebody or something
Mention or describe someone or something
Example
Scientists refer to this process as photosynthesis.
refer to somebody or something as something
Call or name someone/something in a particular way
Example
Historians refer to him as “The Iron Chancellor.”
report on something
Write or speak formally about something
Example
Journalists reported on the election results.
respond to something/somebody
React or reply to something or someone
Example
How did he respond to the question?
save money
Put aside funds for future use
Example
I’m trying to save money for a vacation.
science fiction
Fiction dealing with futuristic science or technology
Example
I enjoy reading science fiction novels.
search for something/somebody
Try to find something or someone
Example
Rescue teams searched for survivors.
so that…
In order to; for the purpose of
Example
Study hard so that you pass the exam.
solution to something
Answer or method to solve a problem
Example
Recycling is a solution to pollution.
sort of something
Kind or type of something
Example
I like that sort of music.
sound like somebody or something
Resemble in sound
Example
That sounds like a good idea.
start with somebody or something
Begin with someone or something
Example
Let’s start with the introduction.
such a good idea
A highly positive suggestion
Example
“Let’s go for a picnic.” – “Such a good idea!”
such a/an…
Used before adjectives and nouns for emphasis
Example
Such a beautiful day!
take care of somebody or something/yourself
Look after someone or something
Example
Make sure to take care of yourself.
take off
Remove clothing or fly upwards (airplane)
Example
It’s hot—take off your jacket.
take part
Participate in an activity
Example
She took part in the debate.
take part in something
Join in or participate in something
Example
Do you plan to take part in the competition?
take place
Happen or occur
Example
The ceremony will take place next week.
take something off
Remove something from a surface or body
Example
Take the lid off the jar.
Tell me all about it.
Requesting someone to explain everything
Example
“How was your trip?” – “Tell me all about it!”
the best thing
The most favorable option or outcome
Example
The best thing about the trip was the food.
the best thing to do
The wisest or most beneficial course of action
Example
The best thing to do is talk to them calmly.
the first thing
The initial point or item
Example
The first thing I noticed was the smell.
the first thing I did
The initial action taken
Example
The first thing I did was turn on the lights.
the first time in history
For the very first occasion ever known
Example
It's the first time in history that Mars has been reached.
the following day
The day after a mentioned or understood day
Example
I finished the report the following day.
the following…
The ones listed or mentioned next
Example
The following items need immediate attention.
the important thing
The most significant point or factor in a situation
Example
The important thing is that everyone is safe.
the most important thing
The key or top priority in any matter
Example
The most important thing is to stay calm.
the other side of something
The opposite side of something
Example
The bank is on the other side of the river.
the other side of the world
A very distant place, often geographically opposite
Example
She moved to the other side of the world for work.
the rest of something
The remaining part of something
Example
You can have the rest of the cake.
the rest of the world
All other parts of the world apart from one being discussed
Example
While Europe was at war, the rest of the world watched closely.
There is no way (that)…
Emphatic denial or impossibility
Example
There is no way he could have done that.
these days
At the present time; nowadays
Example
These days, many people work remotely.
They say you can’t buy happiness.
Common saying suggesting money cannot bring true joy
Example
“She spends so much on luxury items.” – “They say you can’t buy happiness.”
they say…
Used when reporting what others believe or claim
Example
They say practice makes perfect.
throw something away
To get rid of something unwanted
Example
Don’t throw that book away — it’s valuable!
turn something off
Stop the operation or supply of something (e.g., water, electricity)
Example
Turn the lights off before leaving.
turn something on
Start the operation or supply of something
Example
Please turn the heater on — it’s cold.
up and down
Moving in both directions along a line or scale
Example
The prices go up and down all the time.
What sorts of things do you…
Question asking about preferences or habits
Example
What sorts of books do you enjoy?
Why not…?
Suggesting an idea or action
Example
“We should try that new restaurant.” – “Why not?”
work out
Exercise; calculate; be successful
Example
I go to the gym to work out every morning.
worried about somebody or something
Feeling anxious or concerned
Example
She’s worried about her exam results.
would love to do something
Polite expression showing strong desire
Example
I would love to join you for dinner.
write something down
Record information in writing
Example
Write down the important points from the meeting.
Yes
Affirmative response; agreement
Example
“Do you want to come?” – “Yes!”