Essential English Idioms, Phrases, and Writing Tips
Bitte, off Moret Chew, one can have – Wanting to do more than one can / Kick-Bite Somebody’s head off – Respond abruptly and rudely / (To be) Food for thought – Something to think about / (Chorus) Get a word in edgeways – Unable to speak because someone else is talking too much / Have cake and eat it – Wanting to have everything / I’ll eat my hat if… – I’m certain something won’t happen / Not my cup of tea – Not something I enjoy / (To be a) Piece of cake – Something easy / Put all your eggs in one basket – Risk everything on one thing / Sell like hotcakes – Sell quickly and easily / Speak your mind – Say what you think / Take (something) with a pinch of salt – Not believe something completely
Phrasal Verbs
- Bring back – Return (Give back)
- Bring down – Reduce (Cut down)
- Bring forward – Reschedule
- Bring in – Earn money; Invite
- Bring on – Cause
- Bring out – Publish; Release
- Bring up – Raise (a subject); Educate
See (someone) into – Accompany someone to the entrance
- See (someone) off – Say goodbye to someone leaving
- See (someone) out – Accompany someone to the exit
- See through (someone) – Understand someone’s true intentions
- See to – Take care of; Attend to
Turn away – Refuse entry; Turn (head, face)
- Turn in – Go to bed; Submit
- Turn into – Convert
- Turn on – Attack; Switch on (Put on, switch on); Open (tap)
- Turn out – Result; Switch off (Switch off, turn off)
- Turn round/around – Turn
Collocations
- Have a go – Try
- On the go – Be active
- Go broke – Run out of money
- Go mad – Become insane
- Go bald – Lose one’s hair
- Go from bad to worse – Deteriorate
- The next best thing – A good alternative
- The real thing – Authentic
- No such thing – Impossible
- Make a big thing about – Exaggerate
- Have a thing about – Be obsessed with
- Just the thing – The most appropriate
American English vs. British English
- Cookie (A) / Biscuit
- Drugstore (A) / Chemist / Pharmacy
- French fries (A) / Chips
- Two weeks / Fortnight
- Yard / Garden
- Purse / Handbag
- Sidewalk / Pavement
- Mail / Post
- Faucet / Tap
- Shopping cart / Trolley
- Pants / Trousers
- Subway / Underground
- Closet / Wardrobe
For and Against Essay
Describes two sides of an argument and concludes with a personal opinion.
Structure:
- Introduction: Introduce the topic (one paragraph)
- Body: Present arguments in agreement (benefits – one paragraph) and arguments in disagreement (cons – one paragraph) with examples.
- Conclusion: Your opinion.
Common Vocabulary:
In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, However, Nevertheless, Although, While, On the one hand… On the other hand…, Firstly…, In conclusion, To sum up, In short, In a nutshell, Besides, As well as, Even though, Despite, In spite of, Whereas, It is important to…, I believe that…, In my opinion…
Review Essay
Aims to convince the reader of your viewpoint.
Structure:
- Introduction: Introduce the topic and your opinion.
- Body: Provide reasons, facts, and examples to support your opinion.
- Conclusion: Summarize the topic and reaffirm your opinion.
Common Vocabulary:
Because (of), Since, As, As a result, Therefore, In my opinion, As I see it, It seems to me that, Due to (the fact that), As a result of, Owing to, Consequently, For this reason, I think/feel/believe that, It is clear that…
Formal Letter
Written without contractions and avoids irrelevant details.
Structure:
- Details: Your address, date, recipient’s name and address
- Greeting: Salutation
- Reason: Clearly state the reason for writing
- Body: Relevant personal details and qualifications
- Final Remarks: Request a response
- Closing: Formal closing
Common Vocabulary:
So, So as to, Dear Sir/Madam (when you don’t know the name), In order to, Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. (when you know the name), I am writing in reply to…, I am writing in order to apply for…, I would like to apply for…, I hope you will consider my application favorably, Enclosed please find…, Please contact me if you require further information, I look forward to hearing from you in the near future, Yours sincerely (when you know the name), Yours faithfully (when you don’t know the name)