Phrases & Expressions

To politely ask for permission to leave a place or a social situation.

• I must excuse myself; I have an early meeting tomorrow.
• She excused herself to answer an urgent phone call.

to feel unhappy or angry because someone has what you want

• He felt jealous of his brother.
• Don't feel jealous of her success.

To feel pity or sympathy for someone who is in a difficult situation.

• I feel sorry for him.
• Don't feel sorry for me.

To understand or solve something through thought.

• Ted couldn't figure out one of his math problems, so he asked his sister for help.
• Susan is sure she'll never figure out why kids today behave the way they do.

To direct your attention to something.

• Let's focus on the main issue.
• She focuses on her studies.

In order to do something different from usual.

• Let's eat out for a change.
• For a change, why not walk to work today?

for a very long time, often used to exaggerate

• I haven't seen you for ages.
• We've been waiting for ages.

Permanently; never to return or change.

• After ten years abroad, he came back home for good.
• I finally quit smoking for good last summer.

Genuinely.

• Are you for real?
• This is happening for real.

Without any doubt; certainly.

• I'll be there on Saturday for sure, don't worry.
• Mike is the most popular guy in school — if he runs for class president, he'll win for sure.