15 Expressions everyone should know
Are you learning English and sometimes wonder what are some essential expressions that you should know? Maybe you have an intermediate level of English and wonder what are some expressions you should know at this level.
Well, today I have put together a list of 15 useful expressions that everyone should know. They are specifically for people with a B1 or intermediate level of English.
In this episode I will share the expression with you and then give you the definition as well as an example sentence. You can also check out the Spanish translation below.
Let’s take a look at 15 expressions everyone should know.
Watch the episode here
As soon as
Definition: Immediately
“As soon as we land, we will take a taxi to the hotel"
Pay attention to
Definition: note or notice
“You should really pay attention to your customers’ needs if you want to be successful.”
Can’t believe my eyes
Definition: disbelief in what I am seeing
“When I saw the CEO shouting at all the other board members, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Everyone was so uncomfortable.”
Take advantage of
Definition: profit from
“We really need to take advantage of this lovely weather and go for a walk outside.”
To be dying for
Definition: To desire
“I am dying for an ice-cold can of coke because it's so hot today.”
To do by mistake/accident
Definition: accidently
“I sent the customer the wrong order by mistake. I will need to call them and sort it out.”
Drag and drop
Definition: move with a mouse on a PC
“To complete this exercise, you need to drag and drop the correct word into the space in the text."
Make/pull a face
Definition: make a strange expression on your face
“When I told my boss, I was taking 3 days personal leave, he pulled a face and left the room.”
Have something done (cleaned/fixed etc)
Definition: Get a service completed by a professional
“We are having the house painted at the moment.”
Can’t help + gerund
Definition: inevitable
“I can’t help thinking that this is a bad idea. We should reconsider the terms of the agreement.”
Help yourself to
Definition: take something
“I couldn’t believe it, John just helped himself to all the food in the fridge without even asking."
Keep in touch
Definition: maintain contact
“Keep in touch while you are away for the next few weeks.
Make up your mind
Definition: Decide
“I hate people who can’t make up their mind because it's very frustrating."
Do on purpose
Definition: Intentionally
“You stepped on my foot on purpose. Why would you do that?”
Can’t stand
Definition: Dislike
“I can’t stand the cold weather.”
Spanish translation
Now that you understand everything in context in English. Let me help those of you who speak Spanish, by giving you the Spanish translation.
English | Spanish |
|---|---|
As soon as | Tan pronto como |
Pay attention to | Prestar atención a |
Can’t believe my eyes | No me lo creo |
Take advantage of | Aprovechar |
To be dying for | Me muero de ganas |
To do by accident | Hacer sin querer |
Drag and drop | Arrastrar y soltar |
Pull a face | Poner cara |
Have something done | Tener algo hecho |
Can’t help | No poder evitar |
Help yourself to | Servirse uno mismo |
Keep in touch | Mantener el contacto |
Make up your mind | Decidirse |
Do on purpose | Hacer algo a propósito |
Can’t stand | No soportar |
Final thoughts
Concluding today, if you are in the process of learning English then this list of 15 expressions are a great place to start. They are very commonly used and easy to understand in context and put into practice.
Let me know what you think. Are there any expressions that you would add?
Well, that is it from me on this week’s episode. See you all next.
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Andrew Ambrosius
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂