A Sure-fire Way to Learn Expressions

[EnglishLCI]

Learning expressions is definitely not simple. Many people who enroll in ESL programs often wonder what the best way to overcome this barrier is. Want to know the secret? Take a look at these great tips:
• Think of them as individual blocks or chunks.
• Try to recognize them when you see or hear them. You need to become aware of expressions.
• Revise what you learn regularly. Practice using new expressions in context as soon as possible after learning them. Use them in sentences.
• Learn expressions in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam).
• Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and expressions in context and naturally.
So, now you know. To get you started here is a practical list of time expressions:
*ahead of time: before the agreed upon time. I think we'll get there ahead of time.
Wow, we're ahead of time today. Let's keep it up!

*all in good time: within a reasonable amount of time. Her professor kept on saying that she'd be successful, but that it would be all in good time.

*at all times: always. Make sure to keep your seatbelts fastened at all times.

*at the appointed time: at an agreed upon time. Did you get into the doctor's office at the appointed time?

*behind the times: not fashionable, not up on current fashions. She dresses like it was the 70s; she's behind the times!

*to bide one's time: to wait. I'm biding my time until he arrives.

*from time to time: occasionally. I like playing golf from time to time.

*have the time of one's life: have a fantastic experience. My daughter had the time of her life in Disneyland.

*live on borrowed time: live dangerously. She felt she was living on borrowed time because she smoked.

*out of time: not have any more time available. I'm afraid we're out of time for today.

*pressed for time: not have a lot of time to do something. She couldn't see me because she was pressed for time.

*Time is money: Expression meaning that someone's time is important. Remember that time is money, let's hurry up.

*when the time is ripe: when it is the proper time. Don't worry you'll be successful when the time is ripe.

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