Phrases & Expressions

Used to tell someone to be careful where he or she is walking.

• Watch your step when you walk on the ice.
• Watch your step, the stairs are very steep here.

To move your hand from side to side to say farewell to someone.

• She waved goodbye from the train.
• He waved goodbye to the children.

To become unusable, or to make something unusable, through long or heavy use.

• My old trainers are completely worn out.
• He wore out two pairs of boots on the long trip.

To remove something from a surface by rubbing.

• Wipe off the excess paint with a cloth.
• She wiped the dirt off her shoes before going inside.

To remove spilled liquid or dirt by wiping.

• Wipe up the spilled juice quickly.
• Use a cloth to wipe up the mess.

To answer a letter, email or message in writing.

• Please write back as soon as you can.
• I wrote back to him the same evening.

In a past time that was many years ago.

• Years ago, this was a farm.
• That was years ago.

Used to give strong advice or a warning that something bad will happen if someone does not act.

• You'd better get going, it's late.
• You'd better study for the test.

A strong, unpleasant taste, like coffee or some medicines.

• Some dark chocolate has a bitter taste.
• The argument left a bitter taste in my mouth.

A positive or successful conclusion to a story or situation.

• The movie had a happy ending.
• We hope for a happy ending to this problem.