Phrases and Idioms Archives - Basic English Speaking

as soon as

as soon as -> at the same time or a very short time after; just after. Example: As soon as she saw me, she started to cry. I’ll be with you as soon as I finish this job. I jumped out of bed as soon as the alarm clock went off. I’ll come as soon […]

to be in charge

to be in charge (of something) means to manage, to have responsibility for something. Example: Who is the person in charge here? I’m in charge of the sales department.

wake up

To wake up is to become awake and conscious after sleeping, or to cause someone to stop sleeping. Example: He often wakes up early. What time do you wake up? Please wake me up at 6:30. I woke up with a slight headache. I often wake up at midnight.

English Phrasal Verb “Pay Attention” – Meaning and Example Sentences

“Pay Attention” – meaning and example sentences to pay attention to (something/somebody): to look at, listen to, or think about something or someone carefully; to concentrate. Example: You don’t have to pay attention to what he says. Most car accidents happen because drivers don’t pay attention. We must pay attention to environmental problems. You […]

to be about to

to be about to do something: to be at the moment of doing something, to be ready. We use this expression to refer to something that will happen very soon in the future. Example: The plane is about to take off. I don’t want what I’m about to say to be recorded. The sun is […]

figure out

“To figure out” means to solve, to find a solution for a problem or to understand something. Example: I can’t figure out how to solve this problem. I can’t figure out how to open this suitcase. I can’t figure out why he didn’t tell the truth. I can’t figure out what the writer is trying […]

would rather (‘d rather)

would rather (do something): prefer to We use “would rather” or “’d rather” to talk about preferring one thing to another. Example: I would rather stay here. I’d rather stay at home than go out. I’d rather walk than take a bus.

had better

had better (do something): should, ought to, be advisable to do something. It is most commonly used to make recommendations. We use it if we think there will be negative results if someone does not do what is desired or suggested. It is most often used in contracted form: ‘d better Example: The chair is broken. […]

on time

“on time” -> exactly at the correct time, punctually. This phrase is used to describe something that arrives, happens, or is done when it should and is not late. Example: We managed to get there on time. I want to emphasize the need to get this done on time. As far as I know, he’s […]

get over

to get over: to recover from an illness; to accept a loss or sorrow. Example: It took me three weeks to get over the flu. Sooner or later, she’ll get over the shock.

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