EXCELLENT Advanced expressions for daily use | Phrases for daily conversation

Summary

In this advanced English lesson, Harry introduces 10 sophisticated expressions to enhance vocabulary and speaking skills. He emphasizes the importance of practice and recommends Preply, an online language learning platform with over 32,000 teachers, offering a 50% discount for the first lesson. The expressions cover a range of scenarios from 'taking something for granted' to 'keeping in touch,' aiming to improve learners' conversational English.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is an advanced English lesson aimed at improving vocabulary and speaking skills through the use of advanced expressions.
• 🎓 Preply is introduced as an online language learning platform with over 32,000 teachers, offering a 50% discount on the first lesson.
• 📚 The lesson covers 10 advanced expressions for daily use, encouraging practice to enhance English proficiency.
• 🚫 'Take something for granted' means to assume something will always be there or happen, and it's often used in a negative context to caution against such assumptions.
• 🗣️ 'Having said that' is used to introduce a contrasting point or additional information in a conversation.
• 🤔 'Have something in mind' suggests that a person has an idea, suggestion, or plan they wish to propose.
• 🏁 'On the point of' indicates that someone was just about to do something before being interrupted or distracted.
• 👀 'Keep an eye on' is a request to monitor or watch over someone or something, often used in a caretaking context.
• ❌ 'By no means' is used to express that something is not certain or not to be relied upon.
• 🔮 'Turn out to be' describes the eventual result or revelation of something, which may be different from initial expectations.
• 🤨 'Contrary to popular belief' is used to present information that goes against common opinions or misconceptions.
• 📞 'To be taken aback' means to be surprised, often negatively, by an event or piece of information.
• 💌 'Keep in touch' is a common expression used to encourage ongoing communication and updates.

Q & A

What is the main focus of today's advanced English lesson with Harry?

The main focus of today's lesson is to explore advanced expressions for daily use, which can help improve vocabulary and English speaking skills.

What does Harry suggest as the best way to improve vocabulary?

Harry suggests that the best way to improve vocabulary is through practice.

What is Preply and how does it relate to the English learning process discussed in the lesson?

Preply is an online language learning platform that connects students with teachers to improve language skills, including English vocabulary and speaking abilities.

How many teachers does Preply have available to help learners?

Preply has over 32,000 teachers available to help learners.

What does the expression 'to take something for granted' mean, as discussed in the lesson?

To take something for granted means to assume that it's always going to be there or will always happen, without considering the possibility of change or loss.

What is the purpose of using the phrase 'having said that' in a conversation?

The phrase 'having said that' is used to introduce a point or information that contrasts with the previous statement or to add a different perspective.

What does it mean to 'have something in mind'?

To 'have something in mind' implies having a suggestion, idea, or plan that one wants to propose or discuss.

Can you explain the use of 'on the point of' in the context of the lesson?

The phrase 'on the point of' is used to describe being just about to do something or say something, often followed by an interruption or change of plans.

What does it mean to 'keep an eye on' something or someone?

To 'keep an eye on' something or someone means to watch over or monitor them to ensure safety or to prevent something from going wrong.

How is the expression 'by no means' used in the script?

The expression 'by no means' is used to emphasize that something is not certain or not at all guaranteed, often to introduce doubt or uncertainty.

What does the phrase 'turn out to be' signify in the context of the lesson?

The phrase 'turn out to be' is used to describe how something eventually becomes or is revealed to be, often different from initial expectations.

What is the significance of the expression 'contrary to popular belief'?

The expression 'contrary to popular belief' is used to introduce a statement that goes against common opinions or misconceptions, often to correct a widely held belief.

What does it mean to be 'taken aback'?

To be 'taken aback' means to be surprised, often in a negative way, by something that has been said or done.

What is the common use of 'keep in touch' as mentioned in the lesson?

'Keep in touch' is a common expression used to request or express the intention to maintain communication with someone, ensuring they are updated or informed about future developments.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Advanced English Expressions

Harry welcomes viewers to an advanced English lesson focused on expressions for daily use. He emphasizes the importance of practice in improving vocabulary and introduces Preply, an online language learning platform with over 32,000 teachers. Preply offers filters to find the right teacher and allows for easy booking through desktop or mobile apps. Harry encourages viewers to use Preply for a 50% discount on their first lesson to boost their English skills.

05:01

🤔 Exploring Advanced English Phrases

Harry discusses various advanced English expressions, starting with 'taking something for granted,' which means assuming something will always be there or happen. He advises against taking government support for granted and suggests being prepared for changes. The phrase 'having said that' is introduced as a way to introduce contrasting information. 'Having something in mind' is used to suggest an idea or plan, and Harry provides examples of how these phrases can be used in conversations about work, family, and personal life.

10:02

👀 More Advanced English Expressions and Their Usage

Harry continues with more advanced expressions, explaining 'on the point of' as a way to indicate being about to do something. He uses examples of work and personal scenarios to illustrate the phrase. 'Keep an eye on' is another expression he covers, which means to monitor or watch over someone or something. The phrase 'by no means' is used to express uncertainty or to emphasize that something is not certain. Harry provides examples of how this phrase can be used in discussions about sports, promotions, and economic conditions.

15:03

🌟 Wrapping Up Advanced English Lessons

In the final part, Harry talks about 'turn out to be,' which describes how things eventually become or are revealed to be. He gives examples of positive outcomes in cooking, family gatherings, and weather. 'Contrary to popular belief' is another expression he explains, used to challenge common opinions or misconceptions. Harry shares examples involving political figures and personal skills. 'To be taken aback' is described as being surprised in a negative way, and he uses examples of job cuts and city impressions to illustrate this. Lastly, 'keep in touch' is a common expression used to encourage ongoing communication, and Harry provides examples of how to use it in different contexts.

Keywords

💡advanced expressions

Advanced expressions refer to idiomatic phrases or colloquial language that are more complex and nuanced, often used by native speakers. These expressions are crucial for learners to sound more fluent and natural in English. In the video, the theme revolves around teaching these advanced expressions to improve viewers' vocabulary and speaking skills.

💡take something for granted

To 'take something for granted' means to assume that something will always be available or will always happen without questioning it. This phrase is used in the context of advising not to assume that government support or help from others is always guaranteed. It's about appreciating what one has and being prepared for changes.

💡having said that

'Having said that' is a transitional phrase used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said. It's used in the script to give a contrasting view or to add a different perspective to the conversation. It helps to create a more balanced argument.

💡have something in mind

To 'have something in mind' implies that one has a particular idea, plan, or intention that they are considering or wish to propose. It's used in the script to suggest that the speaker is about to offer a suggestion or a solution to a problem, adding an element of anticipation or contribution to the discussion.

💡on the point of

The phrase 'on the point of' is used to describe being just about to do something or being in the process of doing it. In the video, it's used to illustrate an action that was about to happen but got interrupted, emphasizing the immediacy or proximity in time of the intended action.

💡keep an eye on

To 'keep an eye on' means to watch over or monitor someone or something carefully, often to prevent problems or to ensure safety. The script uses this phrase in the context of watching a pot of soup to prevent it from boiling over, symbolizing vigilance and attentiveness in everyday tasks.

💡by no means

The expression 'by no means' is used to emphasize that something is not true or certain at all. It's employed in the script to convey doubt or to challenge assumptions, adding a layer of uncertainty or caution to the statements made.

💡turn out to be

To 'turn out to be' refers to the way in which something eventually happens or becomes, often differing from what was initially expected. The phrase is used in the video to discuss outcomes that may be positive or negative, highlighting the unpredictability of events.

💡contrary to popular belief

The phrase 'contrary to popular belief' is used to introduce a statement that goes against what most people think or expect. It's utilized in the script to challenge common misconceptions and to present alternative viewpoints, encouraging critical thinking and a reevaluation of preconceived notions.

💡to be taken aback

To 'be taken aback' means to be surprised or shocked, often in a negative way. The script uses this term to describe reactions to unexpected news or revelations. It emphasizes the emotional impact of such surprises and the need for adjustment to new information.

💡keep in touch

The expression 'keep in touch' is a common phrase used to encourage ongoing communication and contact. It's mentioned in the video as a friendly reminder to maintain connections, reflecting the importance of relationships and communication in social interactions.

Highlights

Introduction to advanced English lessons with Harry, focusing on expressions for daily use.

Emphasis on the importance of practice for vocabulary improvement.

Introduction of Preply as an online language learning platform.

Mention of Preply's large network of teachers and ease of booking lessons.

Discussion on the expression 'to take something for granted' and its usage.

Explanation of 'having said that' as a contrasting expression.

Description of 'having something in mind' as a way to introduce suggestions.

Use of 'on the point of' to indicate being about to do something.

Advice on 'keeping an eye on' as a way to monitor situations or people.

Clarification of 'by no means' to express uncertainty or doubt.

Explanation of 'turn out to be' for unexpected outcomes.

Discussion on 'contrary to popular belief' to challenge common misconceptions.

Description of 'to be taken aback' for expressing surprise, often negatively.

Encouragement to 'keep in touch' as a way to maintain communication.

Conclusion and invitation for further lessons with Harry.

Transcripts

Hi there, this is Harry and welcome back to  advanced English lessons with Harry, where I try  

to help you to get a better understanding of the  English language. In our advanced English lesson  

today, we're looking at advanced expressions  that we can use in daily use. And with these  

advanced expressions, you're going to be able to  improve your vocabulary and your English speaking.

As I always say, in every lesson, the best way for  you to improve your vocabulary is to practice. I'd  

now like to introduce you to Preply. What is  preparation? Well, Preply is a online language  

learning platform that will help you to improve  your language skills with great confidence. And  

if you're looking for an English teacher, they  will be able to help you to find online teacher  

who work with you and help you to improve your  vocabulary and your English speaking. Preply  

has over 32,000 teachers available to help  you and there are filters that you can use  

to narrow down your choice. Booking a lesson  with Preply is easy, just find a time in your  

busy schedule. And then within seconds, you  can book it using a desktop or mobile app.  

There's nothing better than having a lesson with  a good teacher. And when you get early results,  

and you can see an improvement, then it gives  you great confidence, it's the best way to  

dramatically improve your English and get results.  So it's about time that you checked out Preply,  

make sure that you click on the link  in the description below and get your  

50% reduction in your first lesson purchase.  Thank you Preply for sponsoring this lesson.

Okay, let's get back to our lesson, as I said, an  advanced English lesson using advanced expressions  

for daily use. Okay, so I have 10 of them  in total, and I go through them one by one.

To take something for granted. Well, you can also  take someone for granted to take something for  

granted is to assume that it's going to happen  or to assume that it will always be there. So  

we often use it in the negative we shouldn't take  it for granted that so what should we not take for  

granted, we shouldn't take it for granted that  the government will always be there to help us  

when there are problems with fuel costs or other  energy costs, we shouldn't take it for granted,  

the government might announce that people  shouldn't take it for granted that the government  

are going to step in and pay the difference. So  perhaps we have to cut back on our spending. So we  

shouldn't take it for granted. Sometimes we take  people for granted. Our parents. We take them for  

granted because they're always there when we need  them. And then when they're not, what do we do?  

Yeah, we're feeling a little bit sad or sorry.  So taking something for granted means to assume  

that it's always going to be there, it's never  going to change. And of course, we all know, as  

we get a little bit older, the word does change.  And we should never take anything for granted.

Next, having said that, this is an expression  we use when we're talking about something and we  

want to give some information usually contrasting.  Yeah. Okay. So for example, we could be talking to  

people and say, Okay, guys, I think we need to  get ready for a really difficult time over the  

next few months, having said that, the sales in  the year to date have been really good. I've been  

quite surprised. So we are warning people that  the next few months might be difficult. But having  

said that, we're just going to give them a little  bit of a boost by telling them that the sales in  

the year to date have actually been much more  promising than we had originally expected. Okay,  

so so when we you having said that it's a way  of introducing another point that might be in  

contrast to the point that we have already or  we have just made. Okay, so you might say, Well,  

guys, we're going to work a little bit longer  and harder, perhaps you might have to do some  

overtime. However, having said that, I would  like to remind you that we will still honour all  

holidays and anybody who's got some annual leave  to take, of course, we won't interfere with that  

we're not going to ask you to cancel the holidays.  But you know, when you are working, we may be in  

the situation that we have to work a little longer  and a little harder. Okay, so having said that.

To have something in mind. Well, when we have  something in mind, it's a suggestion that we  

want to make, it's an idea that we have that  we want to raise or introduce or it's some  

information that we want to give some people.  Okay, so you might be talking to your partner,  

your wife, your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend,  and there's some issue with the kids and A school  

and you're trying to discuss what you should do  next. And your partner may turn to you and say,  

Well, have you something in mind? Have you  got something to suggest? And he said, Well,  

actually, yes, I do. What I think we should do  is go down and talk to the head teacher or talk  

to the class teacher, and try and clear  the air. Yes, to have something in mind.

Now, it might be just a simple suggestion you  making for the weekend? Yeah. Or I think we  

should go out on Saturday or Sunday, you know,  the weather forecast is really, really good. So  

why don't we go somewhere? Oh, that'd be great  idea. Do you have something in mind? So do you  

have somewhere that you would like to suggest  or a place we haven't been before, or perhaps  

a place we have been that we liked, and we can  go back there? So do you have something in mind.  

Remember, don't forget to practice, you can do  that with prep, really make sure that you click  

on the link in the description below and get  your discount and start improving your English.

On the point of. Okay, so, on the point of  it is means you're just about or you were  

just going to do something to say something, to  do something to go somewhere on the point of,  

okay. So perhaps you are working late and you're  looking at your watch, it's time to go home,  

and you're begin to clear your desk, and  you're just about to switch off your computer,  

when you get a knock on the door and somebody  sticks the head around the door said,  

have you got 10 minutes? I  just wanted to talk to you.

Well, I was just on the point of wrapping up  for the day and leaving it but if it's quick,  

yes, certainly come in. And  we'll have a talk. Okay,  

so I was just on the point of leaving,  or is just in the point of going home.

Or you get... you're sitting down and your  phone buzzes and you pick up the phone,  

and it's your partner is Ah, I was just on the  point of calling you. You got to me first. Yeah,  

look, I'll be there in 10 minutes. If you're  waiting outside the office, I'll just pull up  

outside on the street, and you can jump in, and  we can head home together now. Okay, so I was  

just on the point of calling you. Okay, so it's  all about something you were just about to do,  

or you're in the process of doing. And so you're  just done the point of calling, you're just in  

the point of going, you're just on the point of  sending. You might get an email on your laptop.  

And when you open it, it's from a customer looking  for some report or something you had promised. And  

you send a quick reply, I was just on the point  of sending it when I got your email, please find  

attached the document or the information that  you had requested. Okay, so on the point of.

Keep an eye on. Well, we can keep an eye on  somebody or something. Can you keep an eye on  

the soup in case it boils over and just have to  run to the shop and get some bread to keep an eye  

on the soup? Don't let it boil over? Don't let it  burn? Can you keep an eye on the kids? They're out  

in the garden. They're there. Okay, but just  in case something happens I I'd be upstairs,  

changing the bed clothes. Okay,  so please keep an eye on somebody  

the kids keep please keep an eye on  something. Keep an eye on the soup.

We should keep an eye on the weather. It looks  like it's going to get a little bit wet later on.  

So perhaps we we might need to think of something  indoors to plan for the weekend. So the weather  

is going to be bad. There's no point heading out  for our usual weekend cycle. So we'll keep an eye  

on the weather forecast to see what is expected or  what's the forecast to be okay to keep an eye on.

By no means. Well, we often use this expression,  by no means certain that it is by no means certain  

that the team is going to survive this year.  Because while they've had a really bad run in the  

last few weeks, and if they keep playing this way,  well, I think they're going to be in a relegation  

fight by the end of the season. So it's by no  means certain that they are safe. It's by no means  

certain that I'll get that promotion. Okay, the  boss is going to support me and he's told me it's  

as good as mine. But we all know what can happen.  New people can change their minds, something can  

happen. blardy blardy blar. Yeah, so it's by  no means certain that is by no means certain  

that we will get through this winter without  any problems because inflation is increasing.  

The energy costs are high. So everybody's going to  have a problem. So it's by no means certain that  

we're going to have a good or as enjoyable  winter, as perhaps we've had in the past.

Turn out to be. Well, things can turn  out to be they can turn out to be a  

little different than we expected,  or things can turn out to be great.

Ah, that meal has turned out to be wonderful.  I mean You know, you haven't cooked it before.  

And wow, it was really tasty, and it looked and  smelled and tasted like a professional. So really,  

really well done. It's great. It's turned  out to be a really good idea now to get the  

family together once a month. I get the family  together at the weekends to turn out to be.

The weather has turned out to be great. Yeah,  the forecast was for lots and lots of rain and  

for that to be wind. But wow, today is wonderful.  We don't even need those heavy jackets we bought.  

But it's, it's, it's really nice. Yeah. So  it's turned out to be better than I expected.

Or if you're doing some renovation or redecorating  in your home. And when you get everything done,  

and all the paintings hanging again, and your  friends come around to see this war. Wow,  

that really changes the room. It really looks  great. So you can see you can smell it. So yeah,  

it's turned out to be really good. I wasn't  expecting it to be so good, but just a few  

little finishing touches. And yeah, those colours  really go well together. So turns out to be.

Contrary to popular belief. So this is a really  well used expression. So we can use it in many,  

many ways. Contrary to popular  belief means going against what  

the popular people think or the  popular thought of people. Yeah.

So contrary to popular popular belief, our  president or prime minister is actually quite  

a hard working individual. People are always  moaning and groaning. But you know, the guy has  

done really great things since he came into power.  I mean, we've introduced better quality bosses,  

better quality public transport, the school  system is working well. There's no more strikes,  

you know. So contrary to popular belief, he's  turned out to be a much better president or prime  

minister than anybody had ever expected. Okay.  Contrary to popular belief, the manager of the  

football team is really made a difference to this  team. When he took over the team we're near the  

bottom of the division, but look at them now that  mid table and looking up rather than looking down  

so contrary to popular belief, he's turned out to  be quite a godsend, quite a influential and good  

person, people manager Contrary to popular belief,  or we can say it in a slightly joking manner.  

You know, people think you can't cook. So Harry,  useless, you know, don't let him near the kitchen.  

It's a disaster. But contrary to popular  belief, I actually can cook pretty well,  

when I have the time. And when people have  tasted what I've cooked they go, Whoa,  

that's that's nice. That's a surprise. So yeah,  contrary to popular belief, I can actually cook.

To be taken aback. This is a little bit more  formal to be... When we're taking the back,  

we are surprised. Okay, when to be taken aback, we  are surprised in a negative way by what has been  

sad or something that has happened, I was really  taken aback by the company announcement that  

they were going to cut over 1000 jobs. I mean,  that's 50%, half of the workforce. Wow. I mean,  

what are those people going to do? It's not a  good time to be looking for a job. So to be taken  

aback is to be taken by surprise. But usually in a  negative way. I was taken aback by their reaction,  

everybody was so negative. Yeah, I was  taken aback by the view of the city,  

when I visited there, I thought it was  going to be really modern. And you're  

really up to scratch in the same level as  other cities that I've visited. But wow,  

it's really dark, dull, depressing, poor. So  I was really taken aback when I arrived there,  

I won't be going there again in a hurry. So to  be taken aback means to be negatively surprised.

And then finally, keep in touch. This is  quite common and quite easy to use. Keep  

in touch is a expression we use every day,  you know, please keep in touch. Meaning,  

please let me know how things are going. We  should keep in touch. So your little hint.  

Will... Don't leave it so long the next time.  Yeah, I'll keep in touch with you. And I'll let  

you know if there are any developments. So  this is just different ways to tell people,  

whether we will contact them but don't wait for  the message or contact you and there's something  

to be said or, you know, please keep in touch.  You really want somebody to keep contacting you  

or I'll be in touch later. I'll keep in touch with  you when things develop. So you're just letting  

them know that you will tell them but it's not  going to be immediate. Okay, so to keep in touch.

Okay, so there are 10 well-used  well-known daily expressions, okay,  

and they're at that advanced level  so you can try and practice them,  

drop them into your conversations, see how  you get on make sure you understand them.

So here they are. Take something for  granted. Take something for granted.  

Having said that, having said that. Have something  in mind, have something in mind. On the point of.  

To keep an eye on. By no means.  

Turn out to be. Contrary to popular  belief, contrary to popular belief.  

To be taken aback, taken aback. And then  finally, keep in touch, keep in touch.

And as always, you know the drill. If there's  something in particular that you want more  

information on, just come back to me, and I'll  give you some other examples. Okay, I really,  

really appreciate you watching this video and  looking around and the lesson and I look forward  

to join you again soon when we have another  lesson. That's Harry saying goodbye for now.