Useful Phrases

Site Owner

These are special phrases that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material.

They can be used in spoken or written communication formally or informally.

“I'll get back to you”

We use this expression to say that we need to find some information or do something and will contact the person later.

Spoken
Written
Informal

Example 1

Can you tell me how many students are taking the exam next month?
I'll find out. I'll get back to you.

Example 2

Do you know what has been decided?
Not yet. I'll get back to you on that.

“Keep it up”

We use this expression to encourage someone to continue doing something we think is good.

Spoken
Formal
Written
Informal

Example 1

I've been working hard. I think I'm making progress.
Great. Keep it up.

Example 2

Is this the right way to do it?
Yes, that's it. Keep it up.

“I could do with a ...”

We use this expression to say that we really want or need something.

Spoken
Formal
Written
Informal

Example 1

You've had a really hard day.
Yes, I could do with a drink!

Example 2

You look exhausted.
Yes, I could do with a good night's sleep.

“Suppose”

We use this expression to introduce a question about a possibility, real or unlikely. It is like asking 'what if?' or 'imagine'

Spoken
Informal

Example 1

Suppose you had a million dollars - what would you do?
I think I'd buy a house in the Bahamas.

Example 2

You took Jack's last sandwich? Suppose he finds out?
He won't. I'm not going to tell him.

“You should know”

We use this expression to say that we think someone logically should have the information needed in a specific situation.

Spoken
Informal

Example 1

How do you say 'be quiet' in Spanish?
You should know - you lived in Spain for 6 months.

Example 2

What time did the party finish last night?
You should know - you were the last person to leave!

Site Reviewer

“Suppose”, Mrs. lous0771 didn't post this thread, how would I know about this terrific amount of information?

Site Owner

Well, Sir.Redouane ,"you should know". I often try to share with my colleagues every single useful information.
"I'll get back to you" on more phrases.

Site Owner

“(Not) as far as I know”

We use this expression to say that we think we know something, but we are not completely sure.

Spoken
Formal
Written
Informal

Example 1

Have we got a test tomorrow?

Not as far as I know. I think it's next week.

Example 2

When are we meeting up to go to the theatre? Is it 7.30?

Yes, as far as I know - but I'd check if I were you. Just in case.
Right.

“The whole time”

We use this expression to talk about something that happened, or was true for a long period.

Spoken
Formal
Written
Informal

Example 1

How was your holiday?
It was OK - but it rained the whole time we were there.

Example 2

Did you find your keys?
Yes, they were in my bag the whole time!

“Don't be a stranger”

We use this expression to invite someone to stay in contact with us when they are leaving.

Spoken
Informal

Example 1

Well, goodbye. Nice working with you.
Yes. You too. Don't be a stranger - come and see us when you can.

Example 2

Goodbye then. Don't be a stranger.
Sure - I'll send you an email.

Site Owner

“Don't ask me”

We use this expression to say that we have no reason to know the answer to something.

Spoken

Written

Informal

Example 1

Where's Jackie?
Don't ask me. I don't see her often these days.

Example 2

What's the school's telephone number?
Don't ask me. I've never used it.

Site Owner

“The more, the merrier”

We use this expression to say that we want as many people as possible to do something.

Spoken

Formal

Written

Informal

Example 1

Can I bring a friend to your party?
Sure, the more the merrier.
Example 2

How many people can play this game?
Ten or twenty - the more the merrier, I think.
“It's a date”

We use this expression to accept an invitation or suggestion.
spoken

informal
Example 1

Do you want to come and have lunch tomorrow? 12.30 at my house?
Great - it's a date! See you tomorrow.
Example 2

Why don't we go and see the new Harry Potter film on Saturday afternoon?
It's a date.
“I wouldn't dream of it”

We use this expression to say that we completely refuse a suggestion or idea - often to be polite.

Spoken

Formal

Written

Informal

Example 1

If you found £100 in the street, would you keep it?
I wouldn't dream of it. I'd go straight to the police with the money.
Example 2

Here, you can drop me here and I can walk the rest of the way home.
No. I wouldn't dream of it - it's dark and it's late, so I'll drive you home.
()()(), that's so kind of you

Site Owner

“You can talk”

We use this expression to say that the speaker has no reason to criticise someone or something because they are also bad.

Spoken

Informal

Example 1

Miguel is always late.
You can talk! You arrived at 11.30 today!
Example 2

You're so lazy.
You can talk! You never do any work at home.

“It's up to you”

We use this expression to say that the other person can decide something.

Spoken

Written

Informal

Example 1

Where shall we go on Friday?
It's up to you. I don't mind.
Example 2

Do you want me to finish late tonight or start early tomorrow?
It's up to you. As long as the work is finished by lunchtime.