Phrases Dictionary
C1 phrase reference page for useful expressions, common patterns, and level-appropriate chunks of language.
Phrases Dictionary
Study common C1 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.
above all
Most importantly or primarily.
Example
Above all, prioritize safety during the experiment.
all but
Nearly everything except; almost entirely.
Example
All but the final chapter of the book is complete.
all the more
To a greater extent or degree.
Example
Her determination made her all the more inspiring.
as far as somebody or something is concerned
Regarding someone or something.
Example
As far as the budget is concerned, we’re on track.
as of…
Starting from a specific time or date.
Example
As of today, smoking is banned indoors.
as opposed to
In contrast with.
Example
She prefers writing emails as opposed to making calls.
as such
In the capacity or role that something is.
Example
He’s a teacher, and as such, he supports lifelong learning.
as to how…
Concerning the method or way something happens.
Example
We debated as to how the event would proceed.
as to something
Regarding or concerning something.
Example
There’s confusion as to the meeting’s location.
as to whether…
Regarding the possibility or uncertainty of something.
Example
There’s no decision yet as to whether the project will continue.
at the expense of somebody or something
At the cost or loss of someone/something else.
Example
His success came at the expense of his health.
at the hands of somebody
By the actions of someone (often negative).
Example
The artwork was destroyed at the hands of vandals.
back and forth
Moving repeatedly between two points or opinions.
Example
The debate went back and forth for hours.
be attributed to somebody
To credit or blame someone for something.
Example
The discovery is attributed to Marie Curie.
be entitled to something
To have the right or claim to something.
Example
Employees are entitled to fair wages.
be found to do something
To be discovered or proven to perform an action.
Example
The company was found to violate environmental laws.
be meant to do something
To be intended or designed for a purpose.
Example
This tool is meant to simplify calculations.
be nothing to do with somebody or something
To have no connection with someone/something.
Example
The accident was nothing to do with the driver’s actions.
be reported to be something
To be described or stated as something (often in news).
Example
The suspect is reported to be armed.
be reported to have something
To be said to possess something (often in news).
Example
The company is reported to have a billion-dollar budget.
be said to be something
To be rumored or claimed to have a quality.
Example
She’s said to be the best surgeon in the city.
be said to have something
To be rumored or claimed to possess something.
Example
The castle is said to have hidden treasure.
bear in mind that…
To remember a fact when considering something.
Example
Bear in mind that deadlines are non-negotiable.
bear somebody or something in mind
To remember or consider someone/something.
Example
Bear my advice in mind when you make your decision.
bring something about
To cause something to happen.
Example
The protest brought about policy changes.
bring something up
To raise a topic or mention something.
Example
She brought up the issue during the meeting.
by means of something
Using a particular method or tool.
Example
The message was delivered by means of a letter.
by no means
Not at all; absolutely not.
Example
This solution is by no means perfect.
call on somebody
To visit someone or request help.
Example
The manager called on experts to resolve the issue.
call on somebody to do something
To urge someone to take action.
Example
Activists call on the government to act on climate change.
consistent with something
In agreement or harmony with something.
Example
The results are consistent with previous studies.
dedicated to something
Devoted or committed to a cause or activity.
Example
She’s dedicated to environmental conservation.
deprive somebody or something of something
To take something away from someone/something.
Example
The storm deprived the region of power.
dispose of somebody or something
To get rid of or deal with something.
Example
How should we dispose of the waste?
follow something up
To pursue further or investigate.
Example
The team will follow up on the lead.
for that matter
Used to add a related point or emphasize similarity.
Example
He doesn’t like coffee. For that matter, he avoids all caffeine.
for the benefit of somebody
For someone’s advantage or well-being.
Example
The charity event was held for the benefit of orphans.
for the sake of somebody or something
For the benefit of someone or something, or in order to help them.
Example
They stayed calm for the sake of the children.
get away with something
To escape punishment for something.
Example
He thinks he can get away with lying.
given that…
Considering or because of something.
Example
Given that the data is incomplete, we’ll delay the report.
have nothing to do with somebody or something
To be unrelated to someone/something.
Example
This error has nothing to do with the software update.
have somebody or something in mind
To be thinking of a specific person or thing.
Example
Do you have a candidate in mind for the job?
have somebody or something in mind for something
To plan or intend someone/something for a purpose.
Example
I have a gift in mind for your birthday.
his best work to date
The finest achievement so far.
Example
This is his best novel to date.
How shall I put it?
A phrase to introduce a careful or tactful statement.
Example
How shall I put it? Your work needs improvement.
in a position to do something
Having the ability or authority to act.
Example
The CEO is in a position to approve the budget.
in accordance with something
In agreement or compliance with something.
Example
The decision was made in accordance with the law.
in any case
Regardless of the situation.
Example
In any case, we’ll proceed with the plan.
in conjunction with somebody or something
Working together with someone/something.
Example
The study was conducted in conjunction with local hospitals.
in connection with somebody or something
Related to someone/something.
Example
The interview focused on his work in connection with climate change.
in effect
Actually or currently in operation.
Example
The new policy is now in effect.
in full
Completely or entirely.
Example
The terms were explained in full.
in light of something
Because of or considering something.
Example
In light of your feedback, we’ll make changes.
in line with something
Matching or consistent with something.
Example
The proposal is in line with company goals.
in practice
In reality or actual use.
Example
The theory works in principle, but not in practice.
in respect of something
Concerning or regarding something.
Example
The rules apply in respect of all employees.
in such a way (that)…
Done in a particular manner.
Example
Speak in such a way that everyone understands.
in the absence of somebody or something
Without someone/something.
Example
In the absence of evidence, the case was dismissed.
in the course of…
During the progress of something.
Example
In the course of the experiment, we noticed errors.
in the event of something
If something happens (used for planning).
Example
In the event of a fire, follow the evacuation plan.
in the face of something
Despite or confronting a challenge.
Example
They remained calm in the face of danger.
in the hands of somebody
Controlled or managed by someone.
Example
The project is in the hands of experts.
in the light of something
Considering new information.
Example
In the light of recent events, we’ve revised the schedule.
in the meantime
During the interval before something happens.
Example
Finish this task, and in the meantime, I’ll prepare the report.
in the midst of something
In the middle of an activity or situation.
Example
She left in the midst of the meeting.
in the presence of somebody
When someone is present.
Example
Children behave better in the presence of adults.
in the presence of something
When something exists or occurs nearby.
Example
Plants thrive in the presence of sunlight.
in the wake of somebody or something
Following or as a result of something.
Example
In the wake of the scandal, the CEO resigned.
involvement in something
Participation or engagement in an activity.
Example
His involvement in charity work is admirable.
keep in mind that…
To take a fact into account.
Example
Keep in mind that not everyone agrees with the plan.
keep somebody or something in mind
To remember or consider someone/something for future use.
Example
Keep this candidate in mind for future roles.
let alone
Used to emphasize something even more unlikely.
Example
He can’t afford a car, let alone a house.
little more than…
Almost nothing except; barely.
Example
The room was little more than a storage closet.
live on something
To survive or depend on something.
Example
Many families live on a single income.
may well
Likely to or possibly will.
Example
The delay may well cause further problems.
not to mention
In addition to something already mentioned.
Example
The trip was expensive, not to mention exhausting.
nothing like
Not similar to something.
Example
This dessert is nothing like the original recipe.
on behalf of somebody
Representing or acting for someone.
Example
I’m speaking on behalf of the team.
on the part of somebody
Done by someone (emphasizing responsibility).
Example
The mistake was on the part of the technician.
over the course of…
During a period of time.
Example
Over the course of a year, sales doubled.
put it
To express something in words.
Example
How should I put it? She’s very direct.
seek to do something
To try or attempt to achieve something.
Example
The company seeks to expand globally.
set to do something
Ready or prepared to begin something.
Example
The team is set to launch the campaign tomorrow.
the extent to which…
The degree or range of something.
Example
The extent to which the policy affects us is unclear.
to date
Until now or up to the present.
Example
No evidence has been found to date.
up against something
Facing a challenge or obstacle.
Example
Small businesses are up against fierce competition.
with regard to somebody or something
Concerning or regarding someone/something.
Example
With regard to your request, we’ll review it shortly.
with respect to something
In relation to something.
Example
With respect to the budget, we need revisions.
with the exception of somebody or something
Except for someone or something.
Example
Everyone passed the exam, with the exception of one student.