Phrases & Expressions

According to what is written or officially stated, but perhaps not in reality.

• On paper, the plan looks perfect.
• He's an average player on paper.

To decide that something is not possible or not suitable.

• Don't rule out any options yet.
• Doctors ruled out a serious illness.

To describe the main points of something briefly.

• Let me sum up our discussion.
• How would you sum up the film?

To mention a subject briefly.

• The report only touches on the environmental impact.
• He touched on his past experiences.

Considering something, especially new information, when making a decision or judgment.

• In light of recent events, we'll postpone.
• In light of new evidence, the case was reopened.

To try to find out more about something by examining it carefully.

• Reporters began to dig into the company's finances.
• Let's dig into the details of the plan before we decide.

To jump head first into water.

• He dived into the swimming pool head first.
• The boy dived into the sea from the rocks.

Something that truly happened in the past and can be proven with evidence.

• The book is based on historical fact.
• We learned many historical facts.

Approximately; without exact details or precision.

• Roughly speaking, it will take an hour.
• Roughly speaking, there were fifty people.

To change a number to the nearest lower whole number or simpler value.

• If you round down 7.8, you get 7.
• The calculation should be rounded down.