Monday, 2 June 2008
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Phrasal Verbs in Alphabetical Order
Phrasal Verbs in Alphabetical Order
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
gamble on | get down to | go without
H
hang back (from) | help off/on with
I
J
K
L
linger on | look over | look up to | lose out (to)
M
N
O
P
parcel out | pass as/for | piece together | plan out | put about | put up
Q
R
S
scrape along/by (on) | sell off | set out
T
take up on | thumb through | turn against
U
V
W
Y
Z
Idioms in Alphabetical Order
Idioms in Alphabetical Order
A
a blessing in disguise | a foregone conclusion | (as) blind as a bat | at a (single) glance | at your earliest convenience
B
be (dead) set against | behind bars | blot one's copybook | break even | burn the midnight oil | by degrees
C
come out of the closet | compare notes (with) (on)
D
E
F
feel/go hot and cold (all over) | first and foremost | fly off the handle | for keeps | forty winks
G
go downhill | grease somebody's palm
H
I
J
K
L
lay down the law | let the cat out of the bag
M
N
O
on cloud nine | out of the blue
P
pay through the nose (for) | prefer/press charges (of) (against)
Q
R
S
see red | straight from the shoulder
T
the gift of the gab | tighten one's belt | toss and turn | turn over a new leaf
U
under the weather | ups and downs
V
W
Y
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
BEC Downloadable Materials
BEC Downloadable Materials
- BEC Handbook (PDF, 3.89 MB)
- BEC Preliminary Information for Candidates (PDF, 678 KB)
- BEC Preliminary Sample Papers (ZIP, 11.9 MB)
- BEC Vantage Information for Candidates (PDF, 549 KB)
- BEC Vantage Sample Papers (ZIP, 15.6 MB)
- BEC Higher Information for Candidates (PDF, 575 KB)
- BEC Higher Sample Papers (ZIP, 13.9 MB)
TOEIC Downloadable Materials
TOEIC Downloadable Materials
- TOEIC Examinee Handbook Listening & Reading (PDF, 735 KB)
- TOEIC Examinee Handbook Speaking & Writing (PDF, 1.34 MB)
GRE Downloadable Materials
GRE Downloadable Materials
GRE General Test
- GRE General Test Practice Book (PDF, 2.36 MB)
- An Introduction to the Analytical Writing Section of the GRE General Test (PDF, 320 KB)
- Math Review for Practicing to Take the GRE General Test (PDF, 1.42 MB)
GRE Subject Test
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test Practice Book (PDF, 2.69 MB)
- Biology Test Practice Book (PDF, 3.73 MB)
- Chemistry Test Practice Book (PDF, 2.27 MB)
- Computer Science Test Practice Book (PDF, 901 KB)
- Literature in English Test Practice Book (PDF, 3.91 MB)
- Mathematics Test Practice Book (PDF, 3.14 MB)
- Physics Test Practice Book (PDF, 2.85 MB)
- Psychology Test Practice Book (PDF, 5.95 MB)
SAT Downloadable Materials
SAT Downloadable Materials
- SAT Preparation Booklet 2007-08 (PDF, 2.19 MB)
- SAT Subject Tests Preparation Booklet 2006-07 (PDF, 2.28 MB)
IELTS Downloadable Materials
IELTS Downloadable Materials
- IELTS Information for Candidates 2007 (PDF, 492 KB)
- IELTS Handbook 2007 (PDF, 1.54 MB)
- IELTS Annual Review 2006 (PDF, 874 KB)
TOEFL Downloadable Materials
TOEFL Downloadable Materials
- TOEFL iBT Bulletin 2007-08 (PDF, 1.79 MB)
- TOEFL iBT Score Comparison Tables (PDF, 981 KB)
- TOEFL iBT Tips: How to Prepare for the TOEFL iBT (PDF, 2.35 MB)
- TOEFL iBT Writing Sample Responses (PDF, 142 KB)
CPE Downloadable Materials
CPE Downloadable Materials
- CPE Information for Candidates (PDF, 2.17 MB)
- CPE Handbook (PDF, 489 KB)
- CPE Sample Papers (ZIP, 23.8 MB)
FCE Downloadable Materials
FCE Downloadable Materials
- FCE Information for Candidates (PDF, 1.15 MB)
- FCE Handbook (PDF, 383 KB)
- FCE Handbook - for examinations from December 2008 (PDF, 2.84 MB)
- FCE Sample Papers (ZIP, 19.3 MB)
CAE Downloadable Materials
CAE Downloadable Materials
- CAE Information for Candidates (PDF, 1.62 MB)
- CAE Handbook (PDF, 403 KB)
- CAE Handbook - for examinations from December 2008 (PDF, 2.95 MB)
- CAE Sample Papers (ZIP, 22.8 MB)
PET Downloadable Materials
PET Downloadable Materials
- PET Information for Candidates (PDF, 776 KB)
- PET Handbook (PDF, 131 KB)
- PET Sample Papers (ZIP, 24.9 MB)
KET Downloadable Materials
KET Downloadable Materials
- KET Information for Candidates (PDF, 764 KB)
- KET Handbook (PDF, 84 KB)
- KET Sample Papers (ZIP, 17.9 MB)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Agreeing and Disagreeing
Agreeing and Disagreeing
1. Agreement
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I agree completely (with what you say).
- That's just/exactly what I think/believe.
- In my opinion, you are right/correct.
- That's my opinion, too.
- I couldn't agree more.
- There's no doubt about it.
- You can say that again!
- You bet!
2. Disagreement
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I disagree with what you're saying.
- I don't agree with you/think so/see it that way.
- I couldn't agree less.
- I couldn't disagree more.
- You've got to be joking/kidding!
- You can't really be serious!
- Come off it!
3. Polite disagreement
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I respect your opinion/You have a right to your opinion, but I think...
- I'm not sure I can agree with what you say about...
- I understand what you're saying but...
- You could be right, but...
- But I thought...
- Yes, but...
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
Expressing Opinions
Expressing Opinions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I'm of the opinion that...
- As far as I am concerned...
- From my point of view...
- In my opinion...
- I think/believe/feel that...
- It seems to me that...
- As I see it...
- If you ask me...
- To be (quite) honest/ (Quite) honestly...
Asking People to Express Their Opinions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I'd be interested to know your thoughts on/what you think about...
- What's your point of view on...
- What's your opinion on/of/about...
- What do you think about...
- How do you feel about...
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Friday, 18 January 2008
Expressing Sympathy and Responding
Expressing Sympathy and Responding
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: I am/was deeply/truly sorry to hear about your grandmother. I understand what you're going through right now.
B: Thank you very much. I'm deeply moved/touched.
- A: I was sorry/shocked/upset to hear you didn't win the scholarship. I know how disappointed you must feel.
B: I appreciate your sympathy/kindness. I hope I'll do better next year.
- A: How shocking/awful to hear about your accident. Are you OK?
B: It's very nice/kind of you to be so concerned but really, I'm fine now.
- A: Too bad you didn't get the raise. I was hoping you would!
B: Thanks for your support. Sometimes things don't go the way we want, do they?
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Offering to Help and Responding
Offering to Help and Responding
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: May/Can I help you?
B: (positive) Yes, please. I'd like to buy some jewelry.
B: (negative) No, thank you. I'm just looking/browsing.
- A: Would you like/Do you need some help?
B: (positive) Yes. That would be great. Thank you.
B: (negative) Thank you for offering, but I think I can manage it.
- A: It looks/You look as if you could do with some help!
B: (positive) I sure could! I'm glad you came along.
B: (negative) Thanks. I think I've got it.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Making and Responding to Requests
Making and Responding to Requests
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Could I trouble/bother you to lend me $200?
B: (positive) Of course, it's no problem/trouble (at all).
B: (negative) It's impossible for me because I've only got $150.
- A: Could you please take me to the airport tomorrow morning?
B: (positive) Certainly.
B: (negative) I wish I could, but I've got an appointment at 8:30.
- A: Will you help me fix this error, please?
B: (positive) Sure. I'll be glad to.
B: (negative) I'm afraid I can't. I don't know anything about computers.
- A: Would you mind letting me borrow your book?
B: (positive) No, not at all.
B: (negative) I'm sorry, but I need it for next week's exam.
- A: I'd like you to pick up some oil on the way home, if you have time.
B: (positive) No problem.
B: (negative) I can't do that because I won't be back until 11:00.
- A: How/What about cleaning your room today?
B: (positive) No sweat.
B: (negative) Sorry. I'm going out with Lucy.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Asking for Information and Giving Directions
Asking for Information and Giving Directions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Pardon me. Could you please tell me the way to the nearest post office?
B: Go two blocks west and turn left. It's opposite the supermarket.
- A: Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
B: In fifteen minutes, at 8:00.
- A: Can you help me? Is there a bank near here?
B: Yes, beside the movie theater.
- A: Excuse me. How much is a ticket?
B: $90 one way.
- A: Do you have the time?
B: Fifteen to four.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
Getting Attention
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Pardon me/Excuse me, Dr. Scott.
B: Yes? What can I do for you?
- A: Waiter?
B: Yes? Can I help you?
- A: Hey, Ben.
B: Yeah?
Interrupting a Conversation
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Pardon the interruption/Pardon me/Excuse me, but...
B: What can I do for you?
- A: I don't want to/hate to interrupt you, but...
B: It's all right. How can I help?
- A: I'm sorry, but...
B: It's OK.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
1. Compliments on successes
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: I would like to compliment you on your recent achievement.
B: Thank you for saying so, but it was the work of the whole team.
- A: The essay you wrote was superb. I'd like to use it as a model for other students.
B: Thank you. I'd be so honored.
2. Compliments on possessions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: That's a nice T-shirt you're wearing.
B: I appreciate the compliment. It was a birthday present from one of my classmates.
- A: Your new car looks terrific.
B: Thank you. It's very economical.
3. Compliments on appearance
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: I think your new hairstyle is lovely.
B: That's nice of you to say so. I love yours, too.
- A: I really like your blue eyes. They make you look like a movie star.
B: Thank you. That's a nice compliment.
4. Compliments on skills
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: I've never heard any singer perform that song so beautifully.
B: Thank you. It's really nice to hear that from someone with your experience.
- A: The chicken was delicious.
B: Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Monday, 14 January 2008
Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: I hope you'll forgive me for being late. I had a flat tire.
B: That's quite all right/I understand completely. It can happen to anyone.
- A: Please accept my apologies for the mistakes in the report. I forgot to check it.
B: You don't need/have to apologize. But next time, try to concentrate better.
- A: I (would like to) apologize for shouting at you yesterday. I lost control of myself.
B: Don't worry about it. I just hope you'll keep your temper from now on.
- A: Excuse me! I didn't realize this was your seat/newspaper.
B: That's OK. I'm leaving anyway/I've finished reading it.
- A: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep your book so long.
B: No problem/No big thing. I won't need it until next semester.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
1. Thanking for directions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Thank you so much for your directions. You've been a tremendous help.
B: It was my pleasure.
- A: Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. I hope it wasn't too much of a bother.
B: Not at all. It was the least I could do.
- A: Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it.
B: You're welcome. Good luck.
- A: Thanks a million!
B: Forget it/Don't worry about it.
2. Thanking for invitations
Sample phrases
- A: Thank you for inviting me. Of course I'll come.
B: Great! We're sure to have a lot of fun.
- A: Thanks for your invitation, but I'm afraid I won't be able to come. I've got an appointment.
B: I'm sorry to hear that. We'll certainly miss you.
3. Thanking for gifts
Sample phrases
- A: Thank you very much for the flowers. They look so beautiful. Are they from your garden?
B: Yes. I'm glad you like them. Happy anniversary!
- A: Thanks a lot, but you really shouldn't have.
B: Well, I just wanted to show my appreciation for your kindness.
4. Thanking for favors
Sample phrases
- A: Thank you so much for lending me your bicycle.
B: Don't mention it. Let me know if you need it again.
- A: Thanks for doing the washing-up.
B: It was nothing. I enjoyed helping you.
5. Thanking for offers of help
Sample phrases
- A: Can I take you to the airport?
B: Thank you. That would be great.
- A: Do you need help carrying these suitcases?
B: Thanks, but I'll manage OK by myself.
6. Thanking for expressions of sympathy
Sample phrases
- A: I'm sorry to hear your grandmother is ill.
B: Thank you. I hope she'll be all right.
- A: That's too bad about your car.
B: Thanks. I think the police will find some clues.
7. Thanking for compliments and wishes of success
Sample phrases
- A: You are such a good cook!
B: Thanks. I learned a lot from my mother.
- A: Good luck with your exams!
B: Thanks. I'll need it!
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
1. Making Invitations
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I would like to invite you to dinner next Sunday at my home.
- - I was wondering if you'd like to come to dinner on Wednesday evening.
- - Would you like/care to have dinner with us on Saturday?
- - What/How about dinner tonight?
- - Let's go to our place for dinner.
2. Accepting Invitations
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - Thanks for your invitation. I'd be delighted to.
- - Thank you. I'd love to.
- - Yes, thanks. That would be great/wonderful.
- - Sounds great/like fun.
- - OK/All right.
3. Refusing Invitations
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - I'm awfully/terribly sorry. I have other plans for that night.
- - I'd really like to, but I have an appointment that day.
- - Thanks for asking, but I'm afraid I'm busy.
- - I can't. I've got a lot of work to do.
- - Sorry. I'm already tied up.
4. Hesitating
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- - Thank you, but I'll have to check my calendar. Do you mind if I tell you on Monday?
- - I'm not sure what my plans are. Could I get back to you tomorrow?
- - I might be busy. I'll let you know later.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Friday, 11 January 2008
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye
1. Preclosings and Responses
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
a. Time-Related Expressions
- A: Well, I'm afraid I have to be going.
B: Thank you for coming.
- A: I've got to go/run. It's getting late.
B: All right. Take care of yourself.
b. Pleasantries
- A: It's been a wonderful evening.
B: Yes, I've enjoyed it.
- A: I've enjoyed talking to you.
B: Me, too.
c. Wishes to Keep in Touch
- A: Why don't we get together sometime?
B: I'd like that.
- A: Drop by and see me sometime.
B: Sure thing.
2. Closings and Responses
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Goodbye.
B: Goodbye.
- A: Have a nice day.
B: You, too.
- A: See you later/around.
B: So long.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
Making and Responding to Introductions
Making and Responding to Introductions
1. Third-party introductions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: It's my pleasure to introduce Dr. Smith.
B: How do you do?
C: How do you do?
- A: I'd like to introduce Mr. Thomson.
B: I'm glad to meet you.
C: The pleasure is mine.
- A: Let me introduce you to Tony Brown.
B: Pleased to meet you.
C: Nice meeting you, too.
- A: I'd like you to meet Barbara.
B: Good to meet you.
C: I've heard so much about you.
- A: This is Sam.
B: Nice to meet you.
C: Same here.
2. Self-introductions
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: May I introduce myself? I'm Timothy Johnson.
B: It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Mary Leslie.
- A: Hello. My name is Gordon Brown.
B: How do you do? I'm Helen Bradley.
- A: I don't think we've met. I'm Pat.
B: Good to meet you. I'm Lisa.
- A: Hi. I'm Ted.
B: Hi. I'm Sandy.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Good day, Mr. Smith. How are you?
B: I'm fine, thank you. And you?
- A: Good evening, Mrs. Baker. How are you tonight?
B: Great, thanks. What about you?
- A: Hello, Barry. How're you doing?
B: Okay, I guess. You doing all right?
- A: 'Morning, Laura. Are you doing okay?
B: Can't complain. How about you?
- A: Hey, Ted. How's it going?
B: Couldn't be better! Yourself?
- A: Hi, Joe. What's happening?
B: Not much. You?
See also:
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing