Phrases & Expressions

A single example or case of something happening.

• The report describes several instances of cheating in online exams last year.
• This is just one instance of how social media can spread false health advice quickly.

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.

Because of something that happened before.

• She was late as a result of the traffic.
• As a result of the storm, the event was canceled.

Extremely quiet, making almost no noise at all.

• The new student sat at the back of the class, as quiet as a mouse, for the whole first week.
• My new flatmate is as quiet as a mouse, which is perfect when I'm trying to study.

In the present situation, if nothing changes.

• As things are, many rural schools do not have enough qualified science teachers.
• We would love to move abroad, but as things are, we simply can't afford it.

Extremely pale, usually because of shock, fear or illness.

• The passenger next to me went as white as a sheet when the plane suddenly dropped.
• You've gone as white as a sheet — sit down and I'll get you a glass of water.

Spotlessly white and clean, suggesting purity.

• The hotel sheets had just been washed and were as white as snow.
• The dentist promised that after the treatment my teeth would be as white as snow.

To connect one thing with another in your mind.

• Many people associate the colour green with nature and environmental protection.
• Many older people still associate tattoos with sailors, whereas younger generations often see them as a form of art.

Very quickly, in a way that makes people worried.

• Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate because of logging and farming.
• House prices in the capital have risen at an alarming rate, pushing many young families out of the city.

With very little warning before something happens.

• She had to travel at short notice for a family emergency.
• They cancelled the meeting at short notice.