Common
colloquial expressions for ESL learners
Expressing
an opinion
As I
see it
e.g. As
I see it, this cold weather is going to stay for some time even though
spring has officially come.
e.g.
Well, as I see it, Trump will become the presidential nominee.
If you
ask me
e.g. If
you ask me, the weather is extremely cold and frigid.
e.g
You're all wrong, if you ask me.
The way
I look at it
e.g. The
way I look at it, gas price is going to go up again.
e.g.
They're going to get married, whether you like it or not; that's the
way I look at it.
Expressing
reassurance and support
Get to
the bottom of this.
e.g.
Trust me, we can get to the bottom of this, and find out who
is really behind this.
e.g.
Don't worry; we'll get to the bottom of this. Just leave it to us!
You're
doing the best you can
e.g.
Trust me, you're doing the best you can.
e.g.
You'll ace it; you're doing the best you can.
Expressing
an alternative
All
that's left
e.g. All
that's left is to declare bankruptcy; you've no other option.
e.g.
Take it or leave it; that's all that's left.
If all
else fails
e.g. If
all else fails, turn to your parents for financial help.
e.g.
Talk to the manager. If all else fails, resign and look for another
job.
If
nothing else works
e.g. If
nothing else works, go on a fast to lose those extra pounds.
e.g.
You're doing the best you can. If nothing else works, just
leave it to God.
Expressing
warning
Just a
heads-up
e.g. Just
a heads-up: don't go to that neighborhood at night all by yourself.
e.g.
He's not an honest guy. Just a heads-up if you go out with
him.
You'd
better not
e.g. You'd
better not put all your money on that stock; it's like putting all
your eggs in one basket.
e.g. He
is very persuasive and untrustworthy. You'd better not believe
every word he says.
Read my
book: English Slang and
Colloquial Expressions.
Stephen Lau
Copyright©2018 by Stephen Lau
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