Preparing usage notes, please check back later
above ground
US /əˈbʌv ɡraʊnd/
UK /əˈbʌv ɡraʊnd/
- Preposition
- Located on or higher than the earth's surface.
B2Moreacross the line
US /əˈkrɔs ðə laɪn/
UK /əˈkrɒs ðə lain/
- other
- To behave beyond acceptable or permitted boundaries.
B2Moreage up
US /edʒ ʌp/
UK /eidʒ ʌp/
- other
- To make someone or something appear older than they are.
C2Moreall along
US /ɔl əˈlɔŋ/
UK /ɔ:l əˈlɔŋ/
- Adverb
- From the beginning; all the time.
- Phrase
- In a line parallel to something long.
A2Moreapart from
US /əˈpɑrt frʌm/
UK /əˈpɑ:t frɔm/
- Preposition
- Except for; not considering
- In addition to; as well as
as anything
US /əz ˈɛnɪθɪŋ/
UK /əz ˈeniθɪŋ/
- other
- Used to emphasize intensity or degree of a quality or action.
B2Moreas soon as
US /æz sun æz/
UK /æz su:n æz/
- Phrase
- In a short time after (something happens)
- Without any delay; immediately
- Conjunction
- At the moment that, or immediately after.
A1Moreat home
US /æt hom/
UK /æt həum/
- Phrase
- In one's own residence or country.
- Adjective
- Feeling comfortable and relaxed.
at least
US /æt list/
UK /æt li:st/
- Adverb
- As a minimum
- Not less than
- Phrase
- No less than; at the minimum
- Used to indicate that something is positive in a bad situation.
C2Moreat night
US /æt naɪt/
UK /æt nait/
- Phrase
- During the night; in the nighttime.
A1Moreat war
US /æt wɔr/
UK /æt wɔ:/
- Phrase
- Engaged in a war; fighting
A2Moreback up
US /bæk ʌp/
UK /bæk ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To save a copy of your computer data
- To confirm the truth of what someone says
A1Morebelow the surface
US /bəˈloʊ ðə ˈsɝfɪs/
UK /bɪˈləu ðə ˈsɜ:fɪs/
- other
- Hidden emotions or issues not immediately visible.
B2Morebetween the lines
US
UK
- Phrase
- To understand the hidden meaning or intention in something.
A1Morebeyond belief
US /biˈɑnd bɪˈlif/
UK /biˈjɔnd biˈli:f/
- Adjective
- Too improbable to be believed; incredible.
- Adverb
- To an extent that is difficult to believe; astonishingly.
B2Morebreak in
US /brek ɪn/
UK /breik in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To wear new (shoes, etc.) to make them comfortable
- To interrupt someone's conversation, task
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To interrupt a conversation or activity.
- To wear something new until it becomes comfortable.
A1Morecarry on
US /ˈkæri ɑn/
UK /ˈkæri ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To engage in an activity, e.g. a conversation
- To continue or keep doing something
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To continue doing something
A1Morecave in
US /kev ɪn/
UK /keiv in/
- Intransitive Verb
- To give in to pressure
- To collapse inwards.
- Phrasal Verb
- To collapse or fall inward.
- To yield or give way under pressure.
B1Morecheck out
US /tʃɛk aʊt/
UK /tʃek aut/
- Phrase
- Phrasal Verb
- To find out information about something
- To take books out of a library
A1Morecold feet
US /kold fit/
UK /kəuld fi:t/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- To be nervous or scared before doing something important.
A1Morecome about
US /kʌm əˈbaʊt/
UK /kʌm əˈbaut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To turn a boat around; (of boat) to turn around
- To take place; happen
A1Morecome from
US /kʌm frʌm/
UK /kʌm frɔm/
- Phrasal Verb
- To have as your native country or city
A1Morecome together
US /kʌm təˈɡɛðɚ/
UK /kʌm təˈɡeðə/
- Phrasal Verb
- To assemble or unite; to start working together.
- To form a close relationship or bond.
A1Moredawn on
US /dɔn ɑn/
UK /dɔ:n ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- If something dawns on you, you realize it for the first time.
B2Moredig in
US /dɪɡ ɪn/
UK /diɡ in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To start eating eagerly and enthusiastically.
- To establish a defensive position; to entrench oneself.
B1Moredown and out
US /daʊn ənd aʊt/
UK /daun ænd aut/
- Adjective
- Without money, a job, or a place to live; destitute.
- Defeated and dispirited; in a state of despair.
- Noun
- A person who is destitute and homeless.
A1Moredown under
US /daʊn ˈʌndɚ/
UK /daun ˈʌndə/
- Proper Noun
- A colloquial term for Australia and New Zealand.
- Adverb
- Below or underneath something.
A1Moredue to
US /du tu/
UK /dju: tu:/
- Preposition
- Because of; owing to
- Adjective
- Attributable to; caused by.
A1Moreend up with
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To have something as a result.
A1Moreengage in
US /ɪn'gedʒ ɪn/
UK /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To participate or become involved in something.
B1Morefamily members
US
UK
- Noun (plural)
- People related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
A1Morefight back
US /faɪt bæk/
UK /fait bæk/
- Phrasal Verb
- To make your point more strongly against opponent
A1Morefor example
US
UK
- Phrase
- As an illustration or instance.
for sure
US /fɔr ʃʊr/
UK /fɔ: ʃuə/
- Adverb
- Definitely; certainly; without a doubt.
- Used to emphasize a statement.
- Interjection
- An expression of strong agreement or affirmation.
A2Morefor the last time
US /fɚ ðə læst taɪm/
UK /fə ðə lɑ:st taɪm/
- other
- Used to emphasize that something is said or done finally or repeatedly.
A2Moreforce in
US /fɔrs ɪn/
UK /fɔ:rs ɪn/
- other
- To enter a place by applying physical force.
B2Morefrom home
US
UK
- Phrase
- Working or operating from one's residence.
- Originating or coming from one's own house or country.
A1Morefrom now on
US /frʌm naʊ ɑn/
UK /frɔm nau ɔn/
- Phrase
- Starting at this moment and continuing indefinitely into the future.
A1Moreget back to
US /ɡɛt bæk tu/
UK /ɡet bæk tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To get in contact with someone again
- To return to someone or something; to respond at a later time.
A1Moreget the better of
US /ɡɛt ðə ˈbɛtɚ ʌv/
UK /ɡet ðə ˈbetə əv/
- other
- To defeat or overcome someone or something, especially emotions.
B2Morego back to
US /ɡo bæk tu/
UK /ɡəu bæk tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To return to a starting point
A1Moregoing on
US /ˈɡoɪŋ ɑn/
UK /ˈgəʊɪŋ ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue doing something
- To happen (usually negative)
A1Moregot to
US /ɡɑt tu/
UK /gɔt tu:/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To arrive at some place
- To have the opportunity or permission to do something
- Phrasal Verb
- To appeal to the emotions of; move
- To finally begin to start something after a delay
A1Morehate on
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To criticize or express dislike for something, often unfairly or excessively.
A2Morehave on
US /hæv ɑn/
UK /hæv ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To be wearing something.
- To deceive or trick someone, often in a playful way.
A1Morehave to
US /hæv tu/
UK /ˈhæv tə/
- Auxiliary Verb
- Must do
A1Morehide behind
US /haɪd bɪˈhaɪnd/
UK /haɪd bɪˈhaɪnd/
- other
- To avoid responsibility or truth by using something as an excuse.
- To put oneself out of sight by staying at the back of something.
B1Morein fact
US /ɪn fækt/
UK /in fækt/
- Adverb
- Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that contrasts with or contradicts something else.
- Used to introduce a more detailed or surprising piece of information.
- Phrase
- Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that is surprising or contrary to what might be expected.
C1Morein keeping with
US
UK
- Phrase
- In agreement with; consistent with.
- Following or adhering to a particular custom or tradition.
in love with
US //ɪn lʌv wɪð//
UK
- Adjective
- Feeling romantic love for someone.
- Extremely enthusiastic about or fond of something.
A1Morein perspective
US /ɪn pɚˈspɛktɪv/
UK /in pəˈspektiv/
- Phrase
- Considered in relation to other things, so as to judge what is truly important.
- Adverb
- Judged in relation to other things and so not seeming as bad or extreme.
C1Morein practice
US /ɪn ˈpræktɪs/
UK /in ˈpræktis/
- Phrase
- In reality or actual use; as opposed to in theory.
A1Morein some places
US
UK
- Phrase
- In certain locations or areas, but not all.
A1Morein the air
US
UK
- Phrase
- Present or circulating in the atmosphere.
- Felt or sensed by many people; circulating as a rumor or feeling.
- Adjective
- Being broadcast on radio or television.
A1Morein the middle of
US
UK
- Phrase
- In the central part or point of something.
- Engaged or occupied with something.
A2Morein the midst of
US
UK
- Phrase
- Surrounded by; in the middle of.
- During; while something is happening.
A1Morein the open
US /ɪn ði ˈopən/
UK /in ðə ˈəupən/
- Phrase
- Publicly; not secret.
- Outdoors; not inside a building or covered space.
A1Morein the trenches
US /ɪn ðə ˈtrɛntʃɪz/
UK /ɪn ðə ˈtrentʃɪz/
- other
- Engaged directly and actively in difficult work or conflict.
B2Morein the world
US /ɪn ði wɜrld/
UK /in ðə wɜː(r)ld/
- Phrase
- Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
- Used to indicate the extent or degree of something, often in a superlative sense.
A1Morein with
US /ɪn wɪð/
UK /in wið/
- Phrase
- Fashionable or popular at the moment.
- Having influence or favor with someone.
- Phrasal Verb
- To introduce or bring something new into a system or organization.
A1Moreinstead of
US /ɪnˈstɛd ʌv/
UK /inˈsted ɔv/
- Preposition
- When one thing is replaced by another
- Adverb
- As a substitute or alternative.
A1Morejoin in
US /dʒɔɪn ɪn/
UK /dʒɔin in/
- Phrasal Verb
A1Morekeep body and soul together
US /kip ˈbɑdi ænd soʊl təˈɡɛðɚ/
UK /ki:p ˈbɒdi ænd səul təˈgeðə/
- other
- Manage to survive, especially financially or physically.
B2Morekick about
US /kɪk əˈbaʊt/
UK /kik əˈbaʊt/
- other
- To spend time relaxing or playing informally.
B2Morelather up
US /ˈlæðɚ ʌp/
UK /ˈlɑ:ðə ʌp/
- other
- To cover something with a frothy layer of soap or foam.
B1Morelook around
US /lʊk əˈraʊnd/
UK /luk əˈraund/
- Phrasal Verb
- To explore a place; search for something.
A1Morelook at
US /lʊk æt/
UK /luk æt/
- Phrasal Verb
- To use your eyes to focus on something
- To focus your eyes on something carefully
A1Morelost for words
US
UK
- Phrase
- Unable to think of anything to say, especially because you are very surprised, shocked, or impressed.
- Not knowing what to say due to a lack of vocabulary or understanding.
make up
US /mek ʌp/
UK /meik ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To invent or create a story
- To add up to
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To invent a story, excuse, etc.
- To compensate for something lost, missed, or deficient.
A1Moremight well
US
UK
- Modal Verb
- Used to indicate a good possibility or likelihood.
- Used to suggest a sensible or advisable course of action.
A1Moremove around
US /muv əˈraʊnd/
UK /mu:v əˈraund/
- Phrasal Verb
- To change position or location; to go from place to place.
- Intransitive Verb
- To spread or circulate (e.g., information, rumors).
move into
US /muv ˈɪntu/
UK /mu:v ˈɪntuː/
- Phrasal Verb
- To start living in a new house or building
- To start being involved in a new area of business or activity.
no man's land
US /no mænz lænd/
UK /nəʊ mænz lænd/
- other
- An unoccupied or disputed area, often dangerous.
B2Moreno two ways about it
US /no ˈtu weɪz əˈbaʊt ɪt/
UK /nəʊ ˈtwuː weɪz əˈbaʊt ɪt/
- other
- Absolutely certain or undeniable.
B2Moreof course
US /ʌv kɔː(r)s/
UK /ɔv kɔː(r)s/
- Adverb
- Sure ; Certainly
- Phrase
- For sure; certainly
A2Moreof ours
US /ʌv ˈaʊɚz/
UK /əv ˈaʊəz/
- other
- Belonging to us; associated with us.
A2Moreon earth
US /ɑn ɚθ/
UK /ɔn ə:θ/
- Phrase
- Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise or anger.
- Used to emphasize that something is not possible or will not happen.
A1Moreon the ground
US
UK
- Phrase
- Located on the surface of the earth.
- Present and available in a particular place, especially to deal with a situation.
on the whole
US /ɑn ði hol/
UK /ɔn ðə həul/
- Phrase
- Considering everything; generally.
- In summary; taking everything into consideration.
A1Moreon to
US /ɑn tu/
UK /ɔn tu:/
- Preposition
- Toward something; forward
- Aware of someone's activities.
- Adjective
- Aware of someone's deception or illegal activities.
A1Moreout of action
US /aʊt ʌv ˈækʃən/
UK /aut ɔv ˈækʃən/
- Phrase
- Not working or able to be used.
A1Moreout of it
US /aʊt ʌv ɪt/
UK /aut ɔv it/
- Adjective
- Unconscious or not completely alert; dazed or confused.
- Not able to think clearly or react quickly; not with it.
A1Moreout of practice
US /aʊt ʌv ˈpræktɪs/
UK /aut ɔv ˈpræktis/
- Adjective
- Having declined in skill or ability due to lack of recent practice.
A1Moreover the top
US /ˈovɚ ði tɑp/
UK /ˈəuvə ðə tɔp/
- Adjective
- More than what is considered normal or suitable; exaggerated.
- So extreme that it is offensive.
- Adverb
- To an excessive degree; excessively.
A1Moreover to
US
UK
- Preposition
- Used to hand over to someone else to speak
- The responsibility is now yours
over your head
US
UK
- Adjective
- Too difficult to understand.
- Adverb
- Without consulting or informing someone who should have been involved.
A1Morepeter out
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To gradually become smaller, weaker, or less before stopping or disappearing completely.
A1Morepush through
US /pʊʃ θru/
UK /puʃ θru:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue with a plan or activity despite difficulties or opposition.
- To make progress by pushing people or things aside.
B1Morered hot
US /rɛd hɑt/
UK /red hɔt/
- Adjective
- Extremely hot; heated to a point of glowing red.
- Very exciting, popular, or successful.
A1Morerun for it
US /rʌn fɚ ɪt/
UK /rʌn fə ɪt/
- other
- To escape quickly from danger or unwanted situation.
B1Moreset up
US /sɛt ʌp/
UK /set ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To make arrangements for something; establish
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To arrange or prepare something for use.
- To start a business, organization, etc.
A1Moreshortly afterwards
US
UK
- Phrase
- A short time after something.
B1Moreshout out
US /ʃaʊt aʊt/
UK /ʃaut aut/
- Noun
- A public expression of greeting or praise.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To publicly mention or acknowledge someone or something.
- To publicly acknowledge or thank someone.
A2Moresick to death
US
UK
- Adjective
- Extremely annoyed or bored with someone or something.
A2Moresnow in
US /snoʊ ɪn/
UK /snəu in/
- other
- To be trapped inside due to heavy snowfall blocking exits.
B2Morestand up to
US /stænd ʌp tu/
UK /stænd ʌp tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To resist or fight someone who is being aggressive
A1Moresuffer from
US /ˈsʌfɚ frʌm/
UK /ˈsʌfə frɔm/
- Intransitive Verb
- To experience pain or distress; to be badly affected by.
A1Morethe following
US
UK
- Adjective
- Next in order or sequence.
- Uncountable Noun
- What is about to be said or written.
B1Morethe time is ripe
US /ðə taɪm ɪz raɪp/
UK /ðə taɪm ɪz raɪp/
- other
- The right or favorable moment to do something.
B2Morethink about
US /θɪŋk əˈbaʊt/
UK /θiŋk əˈbaut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To consider something carefully.
- To remember or call to mind.
A1Morethink of
US /θɪŋk ʌv/
UK /θiŋk ɔv/
- Phrasal Verb
- To look on as (being something specific); consider
- To consider or remember something.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To imagine or call something to mind
A1Moreto death
US /tu dɛθ/
UK /tu: deθ/
- Phrase
- Extremely; to a great degree
- Until death
B1Moreto the bone
US /tu ði bon/
UK /tu: ðə bəun/
- Phrase
- Thoroughly; completely; to the innermost part.
- Extremely; utterly; to a great degree.
turn into
US /tɚn ˈɪntu/
UK /tə:n ˈɪntuː/
- Phrasal Verb
- To change to become something else
- To change your direction to go into a place
A1Moreused to
US /juzd tu/
UK /ˈju:st tə/
- Adjective
- Did regularly before, but don't do now
- Auxiliary Verb
- Have done before, but do not do now
A1Morewith it
US /wɪð ɪt/
UK /wið it/
- Adjective
- Intelligent, alert, and up-to-date.
- Understanding and knowledgeable about current trends or information.
A1Morewith just
US
UK
- Phrase
- Using only; with no more than.
- Barely; by a narrow margin.
A2Morewithout doubt
US /wɪðˈaʊt daʊt/
UK /wiˈðaut daut/
- Phrase
- Certainly; definitely; without any question.
A2Morework at
US /wɚk æt/
UK /wə:k æt/
- Phrasal Verb
- To have a job at a particular place or organization.
- To make an effort to improve something.
A1More
