Expressions needed (not idioms)

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maicart
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Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2019 5:18 pm
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Expressions needed (not idioms)

Post by maicart »

Hello,

I'm looking for a textbook, pdf or website where I can find examples of English expressions. Examples:

for what it's worth, on the verge of, to be on good terms with, so much for, if only, out of consideration for, to the best of my knowledge, etc

Please note I don't need "idioms" (e.g. beat around the bush, cry over spilt milk, etc).

Can you help? Thanks
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Joe
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Re: Expressions needed (not idioms)

Post by Joe »

This is the closest I can think of right now:

Conversational Phrases (with examples)

Here are some examples from the XYZ page:

yeah, right INFORMAL
You can say this if you don't believe what someone has said, or doubt or disagree with them.

yes and no
You can say this if there's no simple "yes" or "no" answer to a question.

you can't go wrong
If you're giving someone instructions or advice, you can say this to give them confidence.

you can't imagine | you have no idea
You can use this to emphasize the truth of what you're saying.

you could've fooled me INFORMAL
You can say this if you don't believe or accept what someone has just told you.

you don't say
You can say this if you're surprised by what someone's told you, esp. if it's good news.

you get
You can say this instead of "There is", "There are", "There can be", etc. when describing what exists or happens at a certain place or time.

you just can't win INFORMAL
You can say this if you feel you can't succeed, or can't please someone, no matter what you do.

you know (1) INFORMAL
You can say this to let someone know you really mean what you're saying.

you know (2) INFORMAL
You can say this at any point in a sentence if you need time to think before going on.

you know (3) INFORMAL
You can add this to a statement if you're annoyed because of what someone has said, assumed or implied.

you know what? | you know something? INFORMAL
You can say this to get someone's attention, esp. before explaining or clarifying something.

you never know (1) INFORMAL
You can use this to remind someone that anything's possible in the future.

you never know (2) INFORMAL
You can say this if you think something could exist, or be happening, that you don't know about.

you said it! INFORMAL
You can say this if you agree with someone, esp. if they say something negative that you'd never dare say yourself.

you shouldn't have
This is a polite thing to say after someone has given you a gift, or done something to please you.

you took the words right out of my mouth
You can say this if someone says what you were about to say.

you win INFORMAL
You can say this if you're tired of trying to convince someone of something.

you wish! INFORMAL
You can say this to someone if they're hoping something very unlikely will happen.

you wouldn't believe how/what/who... INFORMAL
You can say this if you're telling someone something that's unusual, surprising, or hard to imagine.

you'd better
You can use this to advise somebody, or to threaten somebody.

you'd better believe it!
You can use this to emphasize the truth or seriousness of what's being said.

you'd better not
You can use this to warn somebody not to do something.

you'll never guess who/what/how... INFORMAL
You can use this when telling someone something exciting or interesting.

you'll see INFORMAL
You can say this if you think someone will eventually understand or see that what you've told them is true.

you're joking | you're kidding | you can't be serious INFORMAL
You can say this if someone says something surprising or ridiculous.

you're welcome
A polite thing to say after someone has thanked you.
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

eBooks: English Prepositions List | Essential Business Words | Learn English in Seven
maicart
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Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2019 5:18 pm
Status: Teacher of English

Re: Expressions needed (not idioms)

Post by maicart »

Thanks a lot, that's exactly what I was looking for.
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