Phrases & Expressions

Used to give a second reason, usually after 'for one thing'.

• I'm not taking the job: for one thing, the pay is low, and for another thing, the commute is two hours.
• Why don't I like the flat? Well, for one thing it's tiny, and for another thing, it's miles from the station.

According to how you personally see or judge a matter.

• From my point of view, online lessons can be just as effective as classes in a real classroom.
• Try to look at the problem from the customer's point of view before you decide on a solution.

To take some food or drink for yourself without waiting for someone to serve you.

• Guests at the conference were invited to help themselves to coffee and pastries during the break.
• There's plenty of food in the kitchen, so please help yourself to anything you like.

Used before saying something that you feel slightly embarrassed or unwilling to say.

• I must admit that I found the first term of the course much harder than I had expected.
• I must admit, the online classes turned out to be far more useful than I thought they would be.

Used to ask someone, often with some irritation, to start or stop doing something.

• I wish you would tell me when you're going to be late, because I always end up worrying.
• I wish you wouldn't leave your wet towels on the bathroom floor every single morning.

(informal) in a very short time; very soon.

• The kettle has just boiled, so the tea will be ready in a sec.
• Wait for me, I'll be ready in a sec.

A polite way of ending a formal letter or email, showing that you hope the reader will reply.

• Please let me know whether a refund is possible; I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
• We look forward to hearing from you and hope to welcome you to our summer language course.

To relax and behave as comfortably as you would in your own house when you are a guest.

• Come in and make yourself at home — there's tea in the kitchen if you want some.
• Our host family told me to make myself at home, so I soon felt comfortable enough to cook my own meals in their kitchen.

Used after a number or period of time to show that it is approximate.

• Fifty or so students gathered outside the library to protest against the fee increase.
• For the last decade or so, more and more people have been working from home.

Used at the end of a list to mean 'or anything similar'.

• You can pay by card, cash, bank transfer or whatever – it really doesn't matter to us.
• If you need time off for a doctor's appointment or whatever, just let your manager know.