505 Phrase List

505 Phrase List is a listing of the most common multiword expressions in English of a certain type, intended to be used as a complement to existing lists and instruments of second language instruction that use them. The list was created by Ron Martinzez and Norbert Schmitt using the 100 million word British National Corpus. The list is divided into 10 groups which are introduced in word frequency order. We hope that you find the list useful.

503 words / 10 topics

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Definition

go somewhere to collect someone, typically in one's car.

She dropped by to pick up her friend.

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Definition

used to describe that something is partly true but it’s not the entire explanation. Or that something is difficult to explain entirely.

Your answer is sort of correct but there’s a bit more to it that that.

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used to emphasize the great degree of something

She had such a strange sense of humor.

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to happen, especially after previously being arranged or planned

No one was sure exactly why it took place there.

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shows that a particular thing always happened or was true in the past

We don’t go to the movies now as often as we used to.

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to take action to do something, especially to solve a problem

The police had several issues to deal with.

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because of

Many people believe it is due to global warming.

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used to show that you must do something

I exercise because I have to.

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with the purpose or intention of doing or achieving something

We shared a room in order to reduce costs

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in addition to, and

We have a responsibility to our community as well as to our families.

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in other words

It’s fine, but, I mean, is it worth the price?

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to be an introduction to or the cause of something

Excessive smoking can lead to heart disease.

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to be likely to do something or to happen in a particular way

I tend to think it’s actually a political matter.

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used an idea, a fact, a situation, etc. as the point from which something can be developed

Based on the reports, it seems it was an accident.

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used to show what somebody intends to do in the future

"I'll be going to Wembley this Saturday.

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used to show what aspect of a subject you are talking about or how you are thinking about it

If history is any kind of indicator, by 2013 we'll return to money defined in terms of something real.

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used to describe that something exists or is in a certain place

There is a temple on the top of the hill

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with regard to, according to

There was some confusion as to its whereabouts.

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in a way that suggests something

They walked together as if no time had passed.

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Definition

to not be able to do what you are trying to achieve or are expected to do

The secretary failed to call the customer and the company lost the account

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to indicate that you are giving more detailed information about what you have just said.

Painters who are in fact anything but unsophisticated

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to search for someone or something

We are looking for a partner in a new business venture.

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Definition

used to say that something which was possible or true before, is not now

Fortunately, it is no longer a concern now.

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Definition

anyway; the good thing is that

We've run out of coffee, but at least we still have tea.

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to a small degree or somewhat

"I am a little hungry, so let us buy some snacks."

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definitely or as might be expected

"Of course, I will be at the party!"

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to arrange, organize or prepare

"I need to set up a sound system for tonight's party."

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Definition

used to say that two related statements are true

Not only is she pretty, but she's also very smart.

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Definition

small in number

"I bought a few things at the convenience store."

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Definition

the thing or things that you are about to mention

The following items were found – a ring, a wallet, and a watch.

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one only

A single customer was left in the shop.

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used for saying that one thing is preferred to another or happens instead of another

She wants us to meet her here rather than go to her apartment.

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Definition

done or experienced in the past, but no longer done or experienced

We don’t go to the movies now as often as we used to.

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Definition

not any person

I called twice, but no one answered.

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(not used as the subject of a sentence) the other person, or any or all the other people in a group

The couple kept looking at each other and smiling.

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a large number; a bunch

"She smiles a lot when she's happy."

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to perform; to do

The soldiers are going to carry out their mission tonight.

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for example

"I listen to music such as rock and classical."

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used to introduce a clause of purpose

Park it so that the wheels are curbed.

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a small amount of something

There was a bit of drama today at the office.

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to indicate that something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation

That disease is known to be likely to cause death.

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to continue doing something or being in a situation

I'm all right here. Go on with your work.

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used to express an action which will happen (in the future)

Obama is to address the media this afternoon.

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Definition

an unspecified number of; several or many

A number of concerns were raised.

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(used for emphasis) in any way; to any extent.

I'm afraid I have nothing at all to say.

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used when talking about a time in the past to say what happened later

The message was to be transmitted worldwide.

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Definition

people who

He would defend those who had no voice.

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Definition

You use have got to when you are saying that something is necessary or must happen in the way stated.

I'm not happy with the situation, but I have got to accept it.

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Definition

in addition; too

They advertised the new movie on television, and in newspapers as well.

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Definition

indicating a maximum amount

The process is expected to take up to two years.

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Definition

used in present tense situations usually in informal writing and in ordinary speech

I have got 3 dogs and 2 cats.

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505 Phrase List

Most frequent

2nd most frequent

3rd most frequent

4th most frequent

5th most frequent

6th most frequent

7th most frequent

8th most frequent

9th most frequent

10th most frequent

pick up

sort of

such

take place

used to

deal with

due to

have to

in order to

as well as

I mean

lead to

tend to

based on

be going to

in terms of something

there is

as to

as if

fail to

in fact

look for

no longer

at least

a little

of course

set up

not only

a few

following

a single

rather than

used to

no one

each other

a lot

carry out

such as

so that

a bit of

to be likely to

go on

is to

a number of

at all

was to

those who

have got to

as well

up to

have got