28 Practice Makes Perfect English Conversation
At least
At least indicates that a situation could be worse.Ooh, it’s so cold outside today! Well at least it isn’t raining.What about...?
What about...? is a way to ask the same question about a different topic.Are you all going to the game?
What about Joe?Yeah, Jack and I are going.
No, he can’t go.I mean
I mean precedes further explanation of the previous information.She keeps her house really clean. I mean, she dusts and vacuums every day!
Other expressions that introduce further explanation include in other words and that is.He studies twenty-four-seven. In other words, he’s a serious student.
She’s a real party animal. That is, she goes out every night.In the first place
In the first place is used to present the first example of why you do or don’t like something.
Second/in the second place or plus can precede the next examples. A final example can be
preceded by not to mention that.We’re not happy in the suburbs.
In the first place, it takes us almost two hours to get to work.
In the second place, when we get home, we’re exhausted.
Plus, we spend so much on gas.
Not to mention that the kids are in day care for more than ten hours!Then
Then can introduce a logical conclusion.I’ve got my tickets, and my bags
are packed.Then you’re all ready to go.Come on
Come on is a way to say that someone is exaggerating a little bit.I have to lose twenty pounds. Come on, Alex, you’re not that overweight!It can also be used to ask for a reconsideration or change of mind.I’m going to drive home. Come on, dude, you’ve had too
much to drink. Give me your
keys!