Phrases & Expressions

Used to state the purpose or aim of an action.

• He works hard in order to support his family.
• In order to succeed, you must try.

By being physically present rather than through other means like phone or email.

• Tim hoped he and Svetlana would get along as well in person as they did online.
• After hearing so much about Donna's boyfriend, I'm looking forward to meeting him in person.

In a way that is easy to understand, avoiding technical terms.

• Can you explain that in plain English?
• The report is written in plain English.

Not in front of other people; without others knowing or hearing.

• Let's talk in private.
• He told me in private.

In a place where other people can see or hear you; not secretly.

• He apologized in public.
• She doesn't sing in public.

Used to summarize something in a few words.

• In short, we failed.
• In short, it was a disaster.

Used to introduce a statement that follows logically from what was just said.

• It's snowing? In that case, you'd better take the bus to school today.
• You forgot your wallet at home today? In that case, you can borrow five bucks from me for lunch.

During the near future, without thinking about later effects.

• Cutting staff may save money in the short run.
• In the short run, prices are likely to rise.

During a particular time in the past.

• In those days, we didn't have smartphones.
• Life was very different in those days.

Of a person, very healthy and fit.

• At eighty, he's still in tip-top shape.
• She trains every day to stay in tip-top shape.