Phrases & Expressions

Happening or discovered without planning or intention; accidentally.

• I met him by chance.
• We discovered this place by chance.

A response indicating that things are going well enough, without any major problems.

• "How are you doing?" — "Can't complain. Busy but good."
• My health is fine, can't complain.

To record or remember a special or exciting moment.

• Take a picture to capture the moment.
• We hired a photographer to capture the moment at our wedding.

To create the first row of stitches on a knitting needle.

• Cast on 20 stitches for the scarf.
• How do you cast on stitches?

To reach someone who is ahead of you by going faster.

• Go ahead, and I'll catch up with you later.
• He ran fast to catch up with the others.

To pay your bill and leave a hotel.

• We have to check out by 11.
• Guests must check out before noon on Sunday.

To empty a place by removing things you no longer want.

• We cleared out the garage last weekend.
• I need to clear out my wardrobe and give away old clothes.

Used to ask someone to repeat what they just said because you did not hear or understand.

• Come again? I didn't hear you.
• Sorry, come again? Could you speak up?

Whatever happens; in any circumstances.

• We will meet tomorrow, come rain or shine.
• He goes for a run every morning, come rain or shine.

To include someone or something in a plan or activity.

• Count me in — I'd love to come!
• You can count us in for the trip on Saturday.