Phrase of the Week: Guess What

“Guess what! We got a new cat!” “Guess what! I brought cookies!” “Guess what! I got 100% on my math test!” “Guess what” tells the listener that you have some exciting news to share. It’s usually good news, but not always: “Guess what happened this morning! I almost...

Phrase of the Week: It’s Been a While

“Nice to see you. It’s been a while!” “Wow, it’s been a while. I used to come here all the time!” You can use this phrase when it’s been a long time since you saw a certain person, went to a certain place, ate a certain food, etc. It’s slightly less informal than...

Phrase of the Week: You Know

“You know, I think I have a copy of that book you need for your class.” “I can’t wait around all day, you know.” At the beginning of a sentence, “you know” can be a thoughtful introduction. At the end of a sentence, it is often used to remind the listener that they...

Phrase of the Week: I Can’t Help It

“Stop shivering.” “I can’t help it. I’m cold!” We use this phrase when we have no choice. It’s impossible not to do something. Here are some more variations: “He couldn’t help but smile when his daughter showed him the picture she’d drawn.” “When I hear this song, I...

Phrase of the Week: On the Other Hand

“I’d like to stay up and watch the end of this movie. On the other hand, I do have a big test tomorrow. I should get plenty of sleep.” “On the one hand, I really like coffee. But on the other hand, I don’t want to drink caffeine so late at night.” You can compare the...

Phrase of the Week: Give It Your All

“The other team is good, but if we give it our all, we can win today!” “I don’t care if you win or not, so long as you give it your all.” Giving something one’s all means to try as hard as possible, to put all your strength and...