Phrases & Expressions

Grieving for a dead person, often shown by wearing dark clothes.

• The family is in mourning after their loss.
• He wore black for a year while in mourning.

Being talked about at the moment; already mentioned.

• The person in question has not yet replied.
• On the night in question, she was at home.

Used to introduce a short statement that gives only the main points of something.

• In summary, the project was a great success.
• In summary, regular exercise is good for both body and mind.

Without achieving the desired result; unsuccessfully.

• She waited all evening in vain for a phone call.
• He tried in vain.

To continue trying to do something difficult.

• Keep at it, you'll succeed.
• Learning a language is hard, but if you keep at it, you'll improve.

To regularly give someone the latest news or information about something.

• Keep me posted about your summer plans — if you'll be at your lake cottage, I'd love to visit.
• Good luck selling your house — keep me posted about how much you get for it.

To hope that something will happen as you want it to.

• Keep your fingers crossed for me!
• I'll keep my fingers crossed.

to treat something as less important or serious than it is.

• Don't make light of his concerns.
• She made light of her illness.

A combination of contradictory emotions, both positive and negative, about something.

• When our houseguests decided to stay another week, I had mixed feelings — I enjoyed their company, but I was tired of cooking.
• I have mixed feelings about our company president — he's great with clients but nasty to employees.

A polite way to introduce your recommendation or opinion.

• My advice would be to wait.
• My advice would be to accept the offer.