A. What are fixed phrases?
There are many groups of words which you need to learn as complete phrases, because they
often have a meaning which is different from the words on their own. Many of these are called
idioms.
- They arrived out of the blue [I didn’t know they were coming; it was unexpected].
- Does the name Merchant ring a bell [sound familiar]?
- You’ll have to make up your mind soon. [make a decision]
Some fixed phrases are easier to understand, but the same idea may be expressed in a
different way in your language.
- I think we’ll have to get rid of some of this furniture. [remove it, e.g. sell it, throw it away, give it away, etc.]
- I’m afraid I can’t talk to you now; I’m (just) about to leave. [I am going to leave very soon]
- I don’t know what Martin said, but Natalie burst into tears [suddenly started crying]. She was very upset.
- Everyone was there apart from Yasmine.[not including Yasmine; syn except for]
B. Time phrases
- He’s leaving in four days’ time [four days from now; also in three weeks’/six months’/two years’ time, etc.].
- I got here the week before last [during the week/month, etc. before the previous one].
- The course is fine so far [up until now].
- I rang our local doctor and fortunately she was able to come at once [now, immediately; syns right away / straight away].
- He’s so busy at work; he comes home late night after night [every night; also day after day, etc.].
C. Pairs of words
A number of fixed phrases consist of two words, usually joined by and, and sometimes or.
- I go to the theatre now and again [occasionally; syns now and then].
- Andy had one or two [a few] suggestions.
- I’ve got a house in the country, and I like to go there whenever possible for a bit of peace and quiet [a calm situation without noise].
- I’ve been up and down the street, but I can’t find their house. [first in one direction, then the other]
- I’ve been to Paris once or twice [a few times].
- I’ll finish this report sooner or later [I don’t know when, but I’ll finish it].
D. Introducing advice, opinions, etc.
Many fixed phrases are used to introduce advice, an opinion, an example, etc.
- If I were you [in your situation], I’d accept the job they offered you.
- In general [usually, or in most situations; syn on the whole] the summers are quite warm in this part of the country.
- There were lots of questions. For instance [for example], how much will it cost?
- I’m sure you’ll have a great holiday. By the way, what time does the train leave? (used to introduce a new subject to the conversation)
- To be honest, I didn’t like her boyfriend very much. (used to say what you really think)
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