Understanding English Phrases and Sentence Patterns

Posted on Jan 30, 2025 in English

Common English Phrases and Sentence Structures

Everyday Expressions

  • Mr. Green prides himself on his beautiful garden.
  • It came as no surprise to her that she had been fired.
  • There’s no point in trying to open it with that key.
  • Mozart has been credited with writing this symphony.
  • Many people will go to great lengths to get rich.
  • Harold and his wife appear to have nothing in common.
  • Many ecologists have shown their concern about the new problem.
  • The river burst its banks during the storm.
  • Young people take everything for granted.
  • The van was being driven by Bill, not Jim, when it crashed.
  • Your brother bears a resemblance to Elvis.
  • He isn’t competent to do his job.
  • John imposed coming to the party on us by coming to the party uninvited.
  • The letter is none of your concern.
  • I was always short of money as a student.
  • I am not cut out for the outdoor life.
  • The computer room was at postgraduate students’ disposal whenever they needed it.
  • I was rather taken aback by failing the exam.
  • Without a timetable, I’ve no knowing when the bus will come.
  • Everyone came to the party with the exception of Karen.
  • The defendant insisted on not answering questions without his lawyer.
  • I am not to blame for the bus’s late arrival.
  • Jack didn’t give any explanation for his absence the previous day.
  • She took offence when you told him she was fat.
  • Ballroom dancing is not so popular with people nowadays.
  • There is a lot of demand for computers these days.
  • We knew Mary was responsible for painting the graffiti on the wall.
  • Everyone who is in favor of the excursion should say so.
  • The play fell short of my expectations.
  • Asking does no harm.
  • Jim’s mother didn’t take notice of his silly behavior.
  • The artist’s later work is in contrast to his earlier style.
  • There is no prospect of rain today.
  • Dr. Smith’s lecture was food for thought for us.
  • If you make a mistake in this job, you…
  • It has had a serious effect on his health.
  • Mark can be relied on to do the job.
  • There may be no connection between two events.
  • It never occurred to me to take a taxi during the bus strike.
  • He received a life sentence for the murder.
  • There is controversy about genetic engineering nowadays.
  • I was discouraged from being a pilot.
  • His career took priority over his family.
  • Is apt to go wrong.
  • Subject to change from day to day.
  • Please yourself and don’t watch the play.
  • Kim’s command of Japanese is extraordinary.
  • There’s nothing I would like more than to visit the art gallery again.
  • The boys took no notice of me when I shouted at them to stop throwing stones.
  • There was a lack of clarity in what the lecturer said at times.

Advanced Sentence Constructions

  • It was not until darkness fell that Paolo decided to make his way back home.
  • Only as a last resort will the company employ unqualified staff.
  • The care which was taken with the preparation for the event ensured it was a memorable day for everyone.
  • Having too much time to think may make it difficult to reach a decision.
  • Entrance to the exhibition is restricted to those who have booked online.
  • But for Stevie’s prompt action in putting out the fire, there might have been more damage to the kitchen.
  • There is every likelihood that taxes will rise next year.
  • Much as she disagreed with it, Chloe had no choice but to accept the management’s decision.
  • We have got into the habit of going to the cinema on Fridays.
  • Don’t let yourself be taken in by Sarah’s carefree attitude; she’s an extremely conscientious worker.
  • Fred waited for Sophie to finish her homework before telling her his news.
  • Although I am angry about what happened, the last thing I’d want is for anyone to intervene on my behalf.
  • The company is rumored to have sustained a loss of 20 million during the price war.
  • It would have been better if I’d had the roof repaired in the summer rather than leaving it until the autumn.
  • Alex kept in touch with his parents by phone while traveling abroad.
  • Providing there is no change in Sam’s plans over the weekend, we’ll leave early on Monday morning.
  • I’ve no grounds to suppose Simon won’t be here on Thursday.
  • At no time was there official acknowledgement of the role the PR company played in securing the government contract.
  • On no account are the passengers allowed to cross the railway track.
  • I’m at a loss to understand why my email bounced back.
  • Felix has no intention of making the same mistake again.