Phrases & Expressions

A polite way to introduce a question or request, often used when you are about to ask something personal or potentially inconvenient.

• Could I ask you something?
• Could I ask a quick question?

To need or want something (used with could).

• I could do with a coffee.
• The house could do with a fresh coat of paint.

To deliver someone or something to a place, usually by car.

• Can you drop me off at the station?
• I need to drop off this parcel at the post office.

To become dry, or to make something dry, after being wet.

• Dry off with a towel.
• The dog shook to dry off.

To eat at a restaurant rather than at home.

• We eat out on Fridays.
• Let's eat out tonight.

To eat all of something.

• Eat up your vegetables, or there's no dessert.
• The kids ate up every piece of the cake.

Sometimes, but not regularly.

• I visit my parents every now and then.
• Every now and then I treat myself.

In order to do something different from usual.

• Let's eat out for a change.
• For a change, why not walk to work today?

for a very long time, often used to exaggerate

• I haven't seen you for ages.
• We've been waiting for ages.

Without any doubt; certainly.

• I'll be there on Saturday for sure, don't worry.
• Mike is the most popular guy in school — if he runs for class president, he'll win for sure.