Expressions Used in Everyday Communication

Часто при изучении английского языка возникают трудности восприятия разговорной речи из-за незнания наиболее употребительных каждодневных выражений и высказываний. Это так называемый informal language.

     Ниже приведен небольшой текст, в котором красным цветом выделены такие выражения. Если заглянете дальше, то сможете прочитать значение этих выражений и увидите примеры их употребления.

The Day Out That Never Happened

It was a holiday weekend and the Brown family were planning a day out. Over breakfast they discussed where to go.

     'Basically, we have to think of somewhere that we'll all enjoy,' said Mr Brown as everyone made suggestions.

     'Easier said than done,' replied Mrs Brown. We all enjoy different things. What will suit the younger children might not suit the older ones, not to mention the grandparents.

     Well, don't let's waste the day thinking about it,' said Mr Brown. 'Let's see. What about a visit to the zoo? It's a long time since we've all been there.'

     'You're wrong there, Dad. As a matter of fact I was there just last week,' said Jane, the Browns' youngest daughter. We went on a school outing. I don't want to go again so soon.'

    'In all honesty, I'm not very keen on zoos,' said Mrs Lane, Mrs Brown's mother. 'I know that the animals are well looked after, but I can't bear to think of wild creatures being locked up.'

    'I agree with Gran,' said Anne, the Browns' middle daughter. 'It's horrible to think of animals being shut up. In any case, the zoo will be horribly crowded today. It's a lovely day and I dread to think how many people will have decided to spend the day there.'

   'OK, so that's the zoo out,' replied Mr Brown. 'Any other ideas? Where would you like to go, Mark?' he asked his elder son.

   'I'm easy!' said Mark, 'but I have to be back by 5 o'clock at the latest. I'm going to a barbecue at Jack's house.'

   'I'll have to be back early, too,' said Mary, the Browns' elder daughter. 'I promised to go to the cinema with Sara.'

   'For goodness sake!' said Mr Brown. There's no point in going anywhere if we have to be back that early. I think we should forget the day out and you can all do what you want. I'm going to read the paper in the back garden.

Useful Expressions

basically

You use basically when you are referring to the main or most important point or feature of a situation:
"Why did Anne decide not to marry Jim ?' 'Basically, because she fell out of love with him.'
Basically, Jim has recovered well from the accident, although he still has a slight limp.

Basically is often used almost meaninglessly as an introduction to what you are going to say:
Basically, we have no holiday plans as yet.

case

in any case

You use in any case when you want to say that a fact or situation remains the same whatever happens or has happened:
The flight may be delayed, but we've to check in at the usual time in any case.
I'll give you a lift to the city, if you want. I'm going there today in any case.

dread

I dread to think

You say I dread to think to emphasize how bad you think a situation is or might be:
I dread to think what would happen if there was a fire in this building. The fire doors are all locked.
I dread to think what my father will say when he hears that I crashed his car.

easier

easier said than done

You say easier said than done when you think that what has been suggested is very difficult:
Try not to worry about your daughter.' 'That's easier said than done. She's over three hours late and she always phones if she's going to be late.'

easy

I'm easy

You say I'm easy in an informal context when you are offered a choice of things and you do not mind which choice is carried out:
"Would you rather go to the theatre than the cinema?' 'I'm easy! You choose.'
"Would you like tea or coffee?' 'I'm easy! I'll have what you're having.'

fact

as a matter of fact

You use as a matter of fact when you are saying what the truth about a situation is, this often being the opposite of what has just been mentioned or suggested:
'Your hotel was in the middle of town and so I suppose it was rather noisy.' 'No, as a matter of fact it was very quiet.'
'I suppose your daughter will have left home by now.' 'No, as a matter of fact she's still at home. She's studying at the local university.'

You can also use as a matter of fact when you wish to add a piece of information, often something which you think is interesting or surprising, to what you have just said:
I've decided to accept the job offer. As a matter of fact I start on Monday.

goodness

for goodness' sake

You use for goodness' sake when you are very surprised, shocked or annoyed by something:
For goodness' sake, Jane. You can't go to a formal party wearing those jeans.
For goodness' sake, hurry up. We'll miss the plane if we don't leave now.

honesty

in all honesty

You say in all honesty to emphasize that what you are going to say is completely true:
Jade studies hard, but, in all honesty, he's not a good enough student to get into university.
You can certainly apply for the job, but, in all honesty, I don't think you'll get it.

mention

not to mention

You say not to mention when you wish to add a piece of information to emphasize what you are saying:
Jim has a lot of property. He owns three flats in London, not to mention a house in the south of France and one in Scotland.
Why are you buying more clothes? You have a wardrobe full of them, not to mention the ones in the attic.

see

let's see

You say let's see when you are thinking about something or trying to remember something:
You say that you're looking for accommodation for the night. Let's see. You could try the George Hotel on the High Street.
'Can you recommend a good local restaurant that's not too expensive?' 'Let's see. There are two or three, but I think Shrimps by the harbour is the best—if you like fish.'

You can also use let me see in the same way:
Let me see. Where did I put my purse?


EXERCISE

1. Insert the word missing from each idiom below. 

For ____________________ sake, turn the television off—I'm trying to study.

Jack wasn't rude to me. As a _________________ of fact he was extremely polite.

My boss asked me to get an emergency plumber to fix the leak in the pipes but that's _______________ said than done. All the ones I've tried are busy.

2. Fill in each blank with a suitable idiom from the passage.
 

Workers have many complaints about the company—poor working conditions, bad management, _____________________ low wages.

______________________________,Tom is not qualified to do the job, although he tries very hard.

"Would you prefer red or white wine?'

'__________________. I like both.'

3. Replace the words in colour with idioms from the passage which are similar in meaning.

Whatever happens, I need to be home by tomorrow.
Tom can be charming, but, to be honest, I don't really like him.
I hate to think how late we're going to be when the traffics so heavy.
Let me see. The quickest way for you to get to Bills house is by going through the park.