Phrases Dictionary
B1 phrase reference page for useful expressions, common patterns, and level-appropriate chunks of language.
Phrases Dictionary
Study common B1 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 more
Slightly more than before
Example
Can I have a bit more time to finish?
a bit of something
A small amount of something (uncountable)
Example
Could you spare a bit of sugar?
a day or two
One or two days
Example
I'll call you back in a day or two.
a great deal
A large amount (used without "of" for emphasis)
Example
She learned a great deal from her travels.
a great deal better
Much improved
Example
I feel a great deal better today.
a great deal of something
A lot of (used for uncountable nouns)
Example
She has a great deal of experience.
a job for life
A permanent position
Example
Teaching used to be considered a job for life.
a kind of…
A type or category of something
Example
This is a kind of fruit I’ve never seen before.
a little bit
A small amount
Example
She’s a little bit shy at first.
a little more
Slightly additional quantity
Example
I need a little more salt in this soup.
a lot more
Much greater in amount or degree
Example
He needs a lot more practice to improve.
a moment or two
A short period of time
Example
Wait a moment or two, please.
a pound or two
A small quantity of money or weight
Example
This bag weighs a pound or two.
a range of something
Several types or varieties of something
Example
The store offers a range of eco-friendly products.
a rise in the number of visitors
More people arriving somewhere
Example
The park experienced a rise in the number of visitors last year.
a variety of something
Many different types of something
Example
The shop sells a variety of snacks and drinks.
a wide range of something
A large variety of something
Example
The museum has a wide range of historical artifacts.
access to something
The right or ability to use or enter something
Example
All students should have access to good learning resources.
after all
Despite what was said or done; in the end
Example
He passed the test after all.
aim to do something
Intend or plan to achieve something
Example
The school aims to improve student performance.
along with somebody or something
Together with someone or something
Example
She brought her dog along with her sister.
alternative to something
Another option instead of something
Example
Biking is a healthy alternative to driving.
and so on
Used to suggest that a list could continue
Example
We bought fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and so on.
apart from
In addition to/except for
Example
Apart from English, she speaks French and Spanish.
as if nothing had happened
Acting normally despite an unusual or upsetting event
Example
He walked out as if nothing had happened.
as if…
Used to describe how something seems
Example
She talks as if she knows everything.
as much as
To the same degree or level
Example
I don’t like coffee as much as tea.
as soon as possible
At the earliest opportunity
Example
Please reply as soon as possible.
at last
Finally
Example
After hours of waiting, the train arrived at last.
at risk
In danger of harm or loss
Example
Children are particularly at risk during heatwaves.
at times
Sometimes; occasionally
Example
At times, he can be very difficult to work with.
attached to somebody or something
Emotionally connected to someone or something
Example
She's very attached to her childhood home.
be about to do something
Going to do something very soon
Example
I was just about to call you.
be going on
Happening or taking place
Example
What’s going on outside?
be in touch
To stay connected or communicate regularly
Example
Let me know when you arrive — be in touch!
be known as somebody or something
Be called or named something
Example
Paris is known as the City of Light.
be supposed to be something
Believed or expected to be something
Example
The movie is supposed to be really scary.
be supposed to do something
Expected or required to do something
Example
You're supposed to wear a uniform at work.
be the case that…
To state that something is true.
Example
It might be the case that the project is delayed.
be to do with somebody or something
To be connected or relevant to something.
Example
The issue is to do with outdated software.
benefit from something
Gain an advantage from something
Example
Students benefit greatly from online learning tools.
break up
End a relationship or separate into pieces
Example
They broke up after five years of dating.
break up with somebody
End a romantic relationship with someone
Example
She decided to break up with him after the argument.
by the time (that)…
Before or when something happens
Example
By the time we arrived, the show had already started.
can’t afford something
Cannot pay for or manage something
Example
I can’t afford a new car right now.
can’t afford to do something
Cannot allow oneself to do something due to consequences
Example
We can't afford to make any mistakes this time.
care for somebody
Look after or take responsibility for someone
Example
She cares for her elderly mother every day.
caused by something
Resulted from something
Example
The accident was caused by icy roads.
check somebody or something out
Examine or inspect someone/something
Example
The mechanic checked the car out before the trip.
choose to do something
Decide to perform an action
Example
I choose to believe the best in people.
clean something up
Make something clean
Example
Please clean your room up before guests arrive.
clean up
Make something clean or tidy
Example
It’s your turn to clean up the kitchen.
click on something
Use a mouse to select something on a screen
Example
Just click on the icon to open the app.
come up with something
Think of or produce an idea or solution
Example
The team came up with some excellent suggestions.
compared with something
When measured against another thing
Example
Life here is easier compared with life in the city.
concentrate on something
Focus attention on one thing
Example
Try to concentrate on your studies.
consist of somebody or something
Be made up of something or someone
Example
The group consists of ten members.
decide on something
Choose something
Example
We need to decide on a topic for our project.
developing countries
Nations with lower industrialization and economic development
Example
Aid money is often sent to developing countries.
due to somebody or something
Because of someone or something
Example
The delay was due to bad weather.
economic growth
An increase in the production of goods and services
Example
Economic growth has slowed down this year.
end up
Eventually reach a place or situation
Example
If you keep walking, you’ll end up lost.
even if
Despite the fact that
Example
I'll go even if it rains.
even though
Although
Example
Even though it was raining, we went hiking.
exactly the same
Identical
Example
Their twins look exactly the same.
experience in something
Knowledge or skill gained through doing something
Example
Do you have experience in marketing?
fail to do something
Not succeed in doing something
Example
He failed to complete the task on time.
fall asleep
Begin to sleep
Example
She fell asleep during the movie.
far more
Much more than usual or expected
Example
This method is far more effective than the old one.
far more important
Significantly more significant
Example
Listening is far more important than talking.
far more opportunities
A significantly larger number of chances
Example
Big cities offer far more job opportunities.
far too
Much more than acceptable or appropriate
Example
This bag is far too heavy to carry.
far too much homework
Excessive academic work given to students
Example
Teachers sometimes give far too much homework.
fed up
Annoyed or tired of something
Example
I’m fed up with traffic jams.
for a while
For a short period of time
Example
Let’s rest for a while.
for free
Without cost
Example
The museum entrance is for free every Sunday.
for instance
For example
Example
Some animals, for instance lions, live in groups.
for life
Forever; for the rest of one's life
Example
He was sentenced to prison for life.
for long
For a long time
Example
I didn’t stay there for long.
for some time
For a certain unspecified period
Example
She studied abroad for some time.
get in touch
Contact someone
Example
Please get in touch if you need help.
get on with somebody
Have a good relationship with someone
Example
She doesn’t get on well with her brother.
get to know somebody
Become familiar with someone over time
Example
It took me a while to get to know my neighbors.
get used to doing something
Become comfortable doing something regularly
Example
I’m getting used to waking up early.
get used to something
Become accustomed to something
Example
It took a few weeks to get used to the new time zone.
global warming
The gradual increase in Earth's overall temperature
Example
Scientists warn about the dangers of global warming.
go ahead
Proceed with permission
Example
Go ahead and start the meeting.
go ahead with something
Start or continue with something planned
Example
They decided to go ahead with the concert despite the rain.
go wrong
Fail; not work as expected
Example
Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
growth in something
Increase in a particular area or field
Example
There has been steady growth in the tech industry.
have no idea
Not know anything about something
Example
I have no idea where my keys are.
have something in common
Share interests, experiences, etc.
Example
They have a lot in common.
have something in common with somebody
Share something with someone
Example
I have a lot in common with my sister.
have something in common with something
Be similar to something
Example
These two theories have several ideas in common.
have to do with somebody or something
To concern or relate to something.
Example
Her decision has a lot to do with her family.
hear of somebody or something
Know about someone or something by reputation
Example
Have you ever heard of this author?
heart disease
Illness related to the heart
Example
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide.
high street
Main shopping street in a town
Example
There are many shops on the high street.
higher education
University or college-level study
Example
Many students go into debt to afford higher education.
I didn’t even see it
Emphasizing complete lack of experience or knowledge
Example
“Did you notice the mistake?” – “I didn’t even see it.”
I didn’t mean to
Used to apologize for an unintended action
Example
“That hurt!” – “I didn’t mean to!”
I had a kind of feeling this might happen.
Expressing a vague sense or intuition about something
Example
I had a kind of feeling this might happen, so I prepared.
I wonder if…
Thinking about the possibility of something
Example
I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.
if I were you
Used to give advice
Example
If I were you, I’d accept the job offer.
in a way that…
In a particular manner
Example
Speak in a way that others can understand.
in addition
Also; furthermore
Example
In addition to his salary, he gets a company car.
in addition to somebody or something
Including something extra
Example
In addition to math, she studies physics.
in case…
To prepare for possibility
Example
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
in charge of somebody or something
Responsible for someone or something
Example
Sarah is in charge of the finance department.
in contrast
Compared and showing differences
Example
In contrast to summer, winter is cold and snowy.
in contrast to somebody or something
Compared to someone/something else, showing differences
Example
In contrast to winter, summer is full of sunshine.
in favour of somebody or something
Supporting or approving of something
Example
Are you in favour of the new policy?
in general
Usually; broadly speaking
Example
In general, people enjoy weekends more than weekdays.
in order of something
Organized according to rank, size, or importance
Example
The names were listed in order of score.
in order to do something
For the purpose of doing something
Example
She studied hard in order to pass the exam.
in other words
Said differently for clarity
Example
He’s not interested — in other words, he said no.
in particular
Specifically; especially
Example
I like fruit, bananas in particular.
in public
In a place where people can see you
Example
He proposed to her in public, which surprised everyone.
in recent years
In the past few years
Example
In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly.
in response to something
As a reaction to something
Example
The government introduced new laws in response to protests.
in terms of something
When considering a specific aspect or area
Example
In terms of cost, this option is better.
in the case of something
Regarding a particular situation
Example
In the case of fire, use the emergency exit.
in the form of somebody or something
Shaped or presented as someone or something
Example
The award was given in the form of a certificate.
in the way (that)…
In the manner that something happens
Example
Try to speak in the way that others can understand.
in this case
In this situation
Example
In this case, we should wait for further instructions.
in time
Soon enough; eventually
Example
You’ll understand everything in time.
in time for something
Early enough for something
Example
We arrived just in time for dinner.
in time to do something
Early enough to do something
Example
He got up early in time to catch the train.
in touch
Having communication with someone
Example
Keep in touch while you're abroad.
in touch with somebody
Communicating with someone
Example
I’m still in touch with my high school friends.
just in case…
To be safe or prepared
Example
I’ll bring an extra shirt, just in case.
keep in touch
Continue communicating
Example
Don’t forget to keep in touch after graduation.
leave somebody or something out
Fail to include someone or something
Example
Don’t leave anyone out of the group activity.
likely to do something
Probably going to do something
Example
It’s likely to rain later today.
look forward to something
Be excited about something coming soon
Example
I look forward to meeting you next week.
look out
Be careful or watchful
Example
Look out — there's a car coming!
make a difference
Have an important effect
Example
Your support makes a big difference.
make something up
Invent something untrue, or compose something
Example
He made up an excuse to avoid going.
manage to do something
Succeed in doing something difficult
Example
I managed to finish the project on time.
mean to do something
Intend to do something
Example
I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
more and more
Increasingly; becoming greater in amount or frequency
Example
More and more people are using electric cars.
move on
Go to another subject or place; progress
Example
Let’s move on to the next topic.
move on to something
Proceed to something else
Example
After finishing math, she moved on to science.
no longer
Not anymore; ceased
Example
He no longer works here.
no more than…
Only; at most
Example
There were no more than 20 people at the meeting.
not any longer
Same as above, used for emphasis
Example
I can't wait any longer.
not even
Not including the most basic example
Example
I didn’t even see him—he left too quickly.
not necessarily
Possibly not; not always
Example
Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better.
not only
Used before listing one item among more
Example
She speaks French, not only English.
not only… but also…
Both things are true
Example
He is not only smart but also kind.
on a regular basis
Frequently or routinely
Example
She exercises on a regular basis.
on my own
Alone; without help
Example
I cooked dinner on my own.
on the other hand
Contrast with what was previously said
Example
Japanese is easy to read, but on the other hand, it's difficult to write.
on the street
Located physically in the street
Example
There were many vendors on the street.
on the streets
Homeless or living outdoors
Example
Many animals live on the streets.
on the way
Coming soon
Example
The pizza is on the way — it should arrive in ten minutes.
on their own
Without outside assistance
Example
The children walked home on their own.
on your own
By yourself
Example
Can you solve this problem on your own?
or somebody
Or someone else, possibly
Example
Ask Sarah or somebody else for help.
or something
Used when unsure of exact wording
Example
He said he was tired or something like that.
or somewhere
Used when giving a possible location
Example
He must be around here or somewhere.
or two
A small number added for uncertainty
Example
I'll be ready in a minute or two.
ought to
Should do something (slightly formal)
Example
You ought to see a doctor if you’re feeling sick.
out there
Existing or located somewhere distant or unknown
Example
The answer is out there — we just need to find it.
over the years
During a long period of time
Example
Over the years, our friendship grew stronger.
over time
Gradually, as time passes
Example
The pain lessened over time.
participate in something
Take part in something
Example
All students are encouraged to participate in the debate.
point of view
A person's opinion or perspective
Example
From his point of view, the movie wasn’t exciting.
point out
Bring attention to something
Example
She pointed out a mistake in the report.
point out that…
Mention something important
Example
He pointed out that the plan had flaws.
point something out
Indicate or mention something noteworthy
Example
Can you point out the main idea?
prepared to do something
Ready to do something
Example
Are you prepared to take on this challenge?
primary school
School attended by younger children
Example
My daughter just started primary school.
prime minister
Head of government in certain countries
Example
The prime minister gave a speech today.
put something up
Hang or raise something
Example
Put up the poster on the wall.
quite a good player
A very good player
Example
He's quite a good player for his age.
quite a long time
A fairly extended period
Example
It took quite a long time to fix the car.
quite a…
Fairly large or impressive
Example
That was quite a performance!
raise money
Collect funds for a cause
Example
The charity raised money through a bake sale.
raise money for something
Collect funds for a specific purpose
Example
They raised money for disaster relief.
rather than
Instead of
Example
I prefer tea rather than coffee.
reaction to something
Response to something
Example
Her reaction to the news was shock.
relate to something/somebody
Understand or connect with something or someone
Example
Young people can relate to this music.
related to something/somebody
Connected in some way
Example
She’s related to the mayor.
relating to something/somebody
Connected with something or someone
Example
This chapter is relating to environmental issues.
respect for somebody or something
Admiration or regard for someone or something
Example
Show respect for your elders.
result in something
Lead to something happening
Example
Poor diet can result in health problems.
rise in something
An increase in something
Example
There has been a rise in crime rates.
run out
Become exhausted or unavailable
Example
We’ve run out of sugar — can you buy more?
run out of something
No longer have any of something
Example
I’ve run out of ideas.
search engine
Online tool for finding information
Example
Use a search engine to look up the answer.
secondary school
An educational institution attended after primary school, typically for students aged 11–18.
Example
She started attending secondary school last year.
set something up
To establish or organize something (e.g., a system, business, or event).
Example
They set up a new committee to address the issue.
slow down
To reduce speed or pace.
Example
The car slowed down when it began raining.
so far
Up to the present moment; until now.
Example
We haven’t received any complaints so far.
some kind of…
An unspecified or unclear type of something.
Example
He muttered some kind of excuse and left.
succeed in doing something
To achieve something successfully.
Example
She succeeded in winning the scholarship.
suffer from something
To experience harm, pain, or disadvantage due to something.
Example
Millions suffer from hunger worldwide.
sure to do something
Certain or likely to happen.
Example
This plan is sure to impress the clients.
take somebody or something on
To accept a challenge, responsibility, or competition.
Example
He decided to take on the leadership role.
take something up
To raise or discuss a topic.
Example
The manager agreed to take our concerns up with the team.
take up golf
To start playing golf as a hobby.
Example
After retiring, he took up golf to stay active.
take up something
To begin studying, practicing, or engaging in an activity.
Example
She took up painting during lockdown.
take up too much room
To occupy excessive space.
Example
The sofa takes up too much room in the small living room.
tell the truth
To speak honestly.
Example
The witness promised to tell the truth in court.
tend to be something
To be generally characterized by a quality or state.
Example
These meetings tend to be short and focused.
tend to do something
To regularly or habitually perform an action.
Example
I tend to forget names easily.
thanks to somebody or something
Because of someone or something.
Example
Thanks to the volunteers, the event was a success.
that’s it
A phrase indicating conclusion or finality.
Example
That’s it—no more arguments!
the case
A situation or fact being true.
Example
In this case, we’ll need a backup plan.
the fact that…
Used to emphasize a specific detail or reality.
Example
The fact that she lied ruined her credibility.
There are those who say…
A phrase introducing differing opinions.
Example
There are those who say the policy is too strict.
those who…
People who possess a certain quality or perform an action.
Example
Those who persist often achieve their goals.
to do with somebody or something
Related to someone or something.
Example
What does this have to do with the main topic?
together with
In addition to or accompanied by someone/something.
Example
She left the room together with her friend.
too bad
Expresses disappointment or regret.
Example
Too bad we missed the concert.
try and…
(Informal) To attempt to do something.
Example
Try and call me later!
turn out
To prove to be true or to result in a certain way.
Example
The event turned out better than expected.
turn out to be something
To ultimately be discovered as something.
Example
The mysterious figure turned out to be her neighbor.
turn something up
To increase volume or discover something.
Example
Could you turn the radio up? They also turned up new evidence.
unable to do something
Not having the ability or opportunity to do something.
Example
The team was unable to complete the task on time.
up to 60 miles per hour
Reaching a maximum speed of 60 mph.
Example
The car can accelerate up to 60 miles per hour in seconds.
up to something
Responsible for deciding or being suitable for something.
Example
It’s up to you whether we go or stay.
way of life
A habitual or cultural manner of living.
Example
Fishing is a traditional way of life in this village.
well known
Famous or widely recognized.
Example
The town is well known for its annual festival.
What’s going on?
Asking what is happening
Example
“Why is everyone whispering?” – “What’s going on?”
work on something
To spend time improving or completing something.
Example
She’s working on her presentation for tomorrow.
work something out
To solve a problem or plan details.
Example
Let’s work out the budget before proceeding.
wrong with somebody or something
A problem or fault in someone or something.
Example
Is there something wrong with the printer?
you see
Used to emphasize understanding or explanation.
Example
He didn’t show up—you see, he never got the message.