Phrases & Expressions

To show respect or express sympathy, especially at a funeral or when visiting someone important.

• Many people came to pay their respects to the late president.
• We went to pay our respects at the memorial service.

To introduce something new gradually over a period of time.

• They phased in the new system over six months.
• The new rules will be phased in over the next two years.

A study of underground rock layers made by sending sound waves into the earth.

• They conducted a seismic survey for oil.
• The seismic survey revealed potential gas deposits.

To stop an audible warning sound in an aircraft.

• Silence the warning after checking the system.
• The crew learned to silence the warning quickly.

Used to say that you accept a situation, even if you do not like it.

• If you must leave, so be it.
• So be it — I'll do it alone.

A state of mental health where someone is able to think clearly and make rational decisions.

• He was of sound mind when he made the will.
• The court must determine if the person is of sound mind.

A list that is not yet final and may be changed later.

• The UNESCO tentative list includes many sites.
• This is just a tentative list of suggestions.

So large or important that its failure would cause major problems for others.

• The bank was considered too big to fail.
• Is any company truly too big to fail?

The ability to speak persuasively.

• He has a silver tongue.
• With his silver tongue, he convinced everyone.

Used in formal writing to refer to information contained within an attached document.

• Per attached, the meeting is at 3 PM.
• Please review the details per attached.