82 Practice Makes Perfect English Conversation
For a start
For a start is an expression that precedes the first suggestion related to a plan.We both want to buy a new house, but for a start, we need to see if we have enough money.Alternatives to this expression are for starters and to begin with.I will consider your marriage proposal, but for starters, we need to work out some of our
problems.
Let’s talk about our plans for the new house. To begin with, we need to decide exactly what
we want.Plus
Plus introduces a second, third, or further point in a positive or negative argument.I loved that movie. It was a western; Clint Eastwood was in it; plus, it lasted three hours.
I hated that movie. It was a western; Clint Eastwood was in it; plus, it lasted three hours.In addition
In addition introduces a second, third, or further point in a positive argument. In the following
example, it is understood that the speaker likes westerns, likes Clint Eastwood, and was happy
that the movie was long.I loved that movie. It was a western; Clint Eastwood was in it; in addition, it lasted three
hours.Besides
Besides introduces a second, third, or further point in a negative or defensive argument. In the
following example, it is understood that the speaker does not like westerns, does not like Clint
Eastwood, and was unhappy that the movie was long.I hated that movie. It was a western; Clint Eastwood was in it; besides, it lasted three hours.As if that weren’t enough
As if that weren’t enough introduces a final point at the end of a series of positive or negative
arguments.It was a terrible date. He arrived late. He was rude to my parents. And as if that weren’t
enough, he was in a bad mood the whole evening.At least
At least indicates a minimum possible amount.You have at least $100 in your pocket (possibly more).
He has at least three cars!At least can introduce a comment intended to show that something is good, in spite of other
negative information.It’s cold and rainy, but at least I have my umbrella.