Phrase of the Week: Find Out

“Did you find out if you passed the exam yet?” To find out something is to learn or come to know it. We often use “find out” when we actively seek out information: “Go and find out if the mail has come.” But it can also be more...

Phrase of the Week: I hate to tell you

“I hate to tell you this, but we’re out of gas.” “I hate to tell you” is a phrase we can use to prepare someone for bad news. It’s not pleasant to give someone bad news, so this set phrase assumes the speaker doesn’t enjoy...

Phrase of the Week: On the Whole

“The lines were long, but the kids loved the theme park. On the whole we had a great time.” “There were a few awkward sentences but on the whole the book is very well written.” “On the whole” is used to make a generalization about...

Phrase of the Week: I Changed My Mind

“I thought you weren’t coming to this party.” “I wasn’t, but I changed my mind.” “At first Dad didn’t want to get a dog, but now he’s changed his mind.” When your opinion changes or you change a decision you...