Phrases & Expressions

A fairly large number of people or things, often more than expected.

• It took me quite a few attempts to pass my driving test.
• The survey found that quite a few employees would accept lower pay in exchange for working from home.

Used when pouring a drink or serving food, asking the other person to stop you at the right amount.

• 'Would you like some milk in your tea? Say when,' my host said as she began to pour.
• 'Say when,' the waiter said as he began grating fresh cheese over my pasta.

An informal way of saying a very large amount or number of something.

• She's got tons of experience with children, so she'd be perfect for the nursery job.
• We took tons of photos on holiday but never got round to printing any of them.

Used to ask what the problem is with someone who seems unhappy or unwell.

• What's up with Ali? He walked straight past me without saying hello.
• You look really pale. What's up with you? Are you feeling ill?

A casual way of speaking directly to two or more people, whether male or female.

• Are you guys ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes to look at the menu?
• Thanks for coming, you guys; I couldn't have organised the charity event without your help.

Used to show that you are very surprised by something or think it is unreasonable.

• Fifty pounds for a cinema ticket? You must be joking – I'll wait until the film is on TV.
• Twenty chapters to read before tomorrow's seminar? You must be joking – there's no way I can finish that!

Used before a noun to make a problem or criticism sound less serious.

• Finding a flat near the university was a bit of a nightmare.
• The final question was a bit of a shock – none of us had studied that topic.

A large amount or number of something, often crowded or mixed together.

• In spring, the hillside becomes a mass of wild flowers in every colour imaginable.
• The report contains a mass of data, but very little analysis of what it means.

Used to say that some accidents cannot be avoided, often to comfort someone.

• When my son knocked over his juice at the restaurant, the waiter just smiled and said, 'Accidents will happen.'
• Even in the safest workplaces accidents will happen, which is why first-aid training is so important.

As the only remaining option, after all other methods have been tried without success.

• Doctors usually treat back pain with exercise and physiotherapy, and recommend surgery only as a last resort.
• I only use my credit card as a last resort, because the interest rates are so high.