Preparing usage notes, please check back later
across the pond
US
UK
- Phrase
- Referring to the Atlantic Ocean, especially when contrasting the UK and the US.
- From the UK to the US.
act on
US /ækt ɑn/
UK /ækt ɔn/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To have an effect on something.
- To take formal action or make a decision regarding something.
- Phrasal Verb
- To take action as a result of information received.
- To have an effect on something.
B1Moreas per
US
UK
- Preposition
- According to; in accordance with.
- As specified by; in the manner of.
A2Moreat 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.
C2Moreattend
US /əˈtɛnd/
UK /əˈtend/
- Transitive Verb
- To take care of someone in need
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To listen or watch carefully; to concentrate
- To be present at an event
B1TOEICMorebasically
US /ˈbesɪkəli,-kli/
UK /ˈbeɪsɪkli/
- Adverb
- Used before you explain something simply, clearly
- In essence; when you consider the most important aspects of something.
A2Morebear
US /bɛr/
UK /bɛː/
- Transitive Verb
- To accept (responsibilities or duties)
- To give birth to a child; to produce fruit
- Countable Noun
- Large brown animal with fur that lives in forests
- Someone who expects stock market to fall
A2Morecharged with
US
UK
- Transitive Verb
- To be officially accused of something
- To entrust someone with a duty or responsibility
B1Morecome from
US /kʌm frʌm/
UK /kʌm frɔm/
- Phrasal Verb
- To have as your native country or city
A1Morecome up
US /kʌm ʌp/
UK /kʌm ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To come closer to someone; approach
- (Of sun) to rise into the sky in the morning
A1Morecomment
US /ˈkɑmɛnt/
UK /'kɒment/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Something you say, giving an opinion; remark
- An explanatory note in a computer program.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To say something that gives your opinion
- To add explanatory notes to a computer program.
A2Morecompliment
US /ˈkɑmpləmənt/
UK /'kɒmplɪmənt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Remark saying someone looks nice, plays well, etc.
- A formal expression of respect or admiration.
- Transitive Verb
- To say someone looks nice, plays well, etc.
B2Moreconfusion
US /kənˈfjuʒən/
UK /kən'fju:ʒən/
- Uncountable Noun
- Not knowing what to do; state of disorder
B1Morecourt
US /kɔrt, kort/
UK /kɔ:t/
- Transitive Verb
- To act in a way to shows you wish to marry someone
- To encourage dangerous behavior
- Noun
- Place king or queen meet people, makes laws etc.
- Place where legal cases are decided
A2TOEICMoredatum
US /ˈdetəm, ˈdætəm, ˈdɑtəm/
UK /ˈdeɪtəm/
- Noun
- Item of factual information
B1Moredebate
US / dɪˈbet/
UK /dɪ'beɪt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- General public discussion of a topic
- A formal event where two sides discuss a topic
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To consider options before making a decision
- To take part in a formal discussion
A2TOEICMoredefinition
US /ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən/
UK /ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Explanation of word's meaning, as in dictionaries
- The sharpness of an image on a screen
A2TOEICMoredenote
US /dɪˈnot/
UK /dɪ'nəʊt/
- Transitive Verb
- To represent or have a meaning of something
B1Moredespite the fact
US
UK
- Preposition
- In spite of; notwithstanding.
- Conjunction
- Even though; although.
A2Moredisagree with
US /ˌdɪsəˈɡri wɪð/
UK /ˌdisəˈɡri: wið/
- Phrasal Verb
- To have a different opinion from someone else.
- Intransitive Verb
- To cause someone to feel ill or uncomfortable.
A1Moredistinction
US /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
UK /dɪˈstɪŋkʃn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Special quality that makes something different
- A prize of award for a high level of achievement
A2TOEICMoreelite
US /iˈliːt/
UK /iˈliːt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- The richest, most powerful, best-educated, or best-trained group in a society
- A person of the elite class.
- Adjective
- Belonging to the richest, most powerful, best-educated, or best-trained group in a society
B2Moreevolve
US /ɪˈvɑlv/
UK /ɪ'vɒlv/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To develop certain features
- To develop or change slowly over time
B1Moreexpression
US /ɪkˈsprɛʃən/
UK /ɪk'spreʃn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Act of making your thoughts and feelings known
- Group of words that have a specific meaning
A2TOEICMorefeel like
US
UK
- Intransitive Verb
- To have a desire or inclination for something.
- To have a particular quality or sensation; resemble.
A1Morefor instance
US /fɔr ˈɪnstəns/
UK /fɔ: ˈinstəns/
- Adverb
- As an example.
- Phrase
- As an example.
- As an illustration or case in point
B1Morefor some reason
US /fɔr sʌm ˈrizən/
UK /fɔ: sʌm ˈri:zən/
- Phrase
- For a reason that is not known or not easily explained.
A1Morefound out
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To learn or discover something, often after some effort.
- To become known; be revealed.
B2Moregive up
US /ɡɪv ʌp/
UK /ɡiv ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To lose hope or admit defeat
- To decide to not start to try solving a problem
A1Morehave to
US /hæv tu/
UK /ˈhæv tə/
- Auxiliary Verb
- Must do
A1Morehypothetical
US /ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/
UK /ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkl/
- Adjective
- Thought up, as an example; not being a real case
- Of the nature of a hypothesis; conjectural; provisional.
- Noun
- A hypothetical example or case.
- A hypothetical situation or scenario.
B2Morein court
US /ɪn kɔrt/
UK /in kɔ:t/
- Phrase
- Present or being discussed during a legal trial or hearing.
A1Morein danger
US /ɪn ˈdendʒɚ/
UK /in ˈdeindʒə/
- Phrase
- Exposed to the risk of harm, injury, or loss.
- At risk of experiencing something negative or harmful.
A1Morein 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 hot water
US
UK
- Idiom
- In trouble; in a difficult situation.
- Experiencing disapproval or facing punishment for one's actions.
A1Morein mind
US /ɪn maɪnd/
UK /in maind/
- Phrase
- Being aware of or considering something.
- To remember or consider something.
A2Morein question
US /ɪn ˈkwɛstʃən/
UK /in ˈkwestʃən/
- Adjective
- Being doubted or disputed; under discussion.
- Referring to someone or something that has already been mentioned.
A1Morein reality
US /ɪn riˈælɪti/
UK /in riˈæliti/
- Phrase
- Actually; in fact; truly.
B2Morein terms of
US
UK
- Phrase
- With regard to; concerning a particular aspect.
A1Morein the middle of
US
UK
- Phrase
- In the central part or point of something.
- Engaged or occupied with something.
A2Moreinvolve
US /ɪnˈvɑlv/
UK /ɪn'vɒlv/
- Transitive Verb
- To have or be included as a part of something
- To cause (a person or group) to take part in an event or activity.
A2TOEICMoreirrelevant
US /ɪˈrɛləvənt/
UK /ɪˈreləvənt/
- Adjective
- Not important; not related to the topic
A2TOEICMoreissue
US /ˈɪʃu/
UK /'ɪʃu:/
- Transitive Verb
- To make something available to be used or sold
- To deliver a statement, etc. in an official manner
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Important topic discussed, debated or argued over
- Single edition of a magazine
A2TOEICMorelawyer
US /ˈlɔjɚ/
UK /ˈlɔ:jə(r)/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Professional who helps people with the law
- A person who advises on legal matters and can act on their behalf.
B1TOEICMorelie in
US /lai ɪn/
UK /lai in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To stay in bed later than usual in the morning.
A2Moreliterally
US /ˈlɪtərəli/
UK
- Adverb
- In a literal manner or sense; exactly as stated.
- Used for emphasis to describe something that is actually true, often to highlight surprise or intensity.
B1Morelook at
US /lʊk æt/
UK /luk æt/
- Phrasal Verb
- To use your eyes to focus on something
- To focus your eyes on something carefully
A1Moremajor general
US
UK
- Noun
- A high-ranking officer in the army, above a brigadier general and below a lieutenant general.
B1Moremate
US /met/
UK /meɪt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A friend who you work, live, or go to school with
- Partner in a (sexual) relationship
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To pair a male and female so they have children
- To join or fit two things together
B1Moreno matter
US
UK
- Conjunction
- Regardless of; it does not matter.
- Adverb
- Regardless of; it is not important
A1Moreof course
US /ʌv kɔː(r)s/
UK /ɔv kɔː(r)s/
- Adverb
- Sure ; Certainly
- Phrase
- For sure; certainly
A2Moreon the other hand
US
UK
- Phrase
- Considering a different aspect of the matter; alternatively.
A1Moreon the table
US /ɑn ði ˈtebəl/
UK /ɔn ðə ˈteibl/
- Phrase
- Located on the surface of a table.
- Available for consideration or discussion.
A1Moreoutright
US /ˈaʊtˈraɪt, -ˌraɪt/
UK /ˈaʊtraɪt/
- Adjective
- In a complete manner; totally
- Open and direct; not concealed.
- Adverb
- In a clear and direct manner
B2Moreover time
US /ˈovɚ taɪm/
UK /ˈəuvə taim/
- Phrase
- Gradually; as time passes.
- During a long period.
- Adverb
- Gradually; as time passes.
B1Moreparliamentary
US /ˌpɑ:rləˈmentri/
UK /ˌpɑ:ləˈmentri/
- Adjective
- Related to, or suitable for, a parliament
B1Moreplan on
US /plæn ɑn/
UK /plæn ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To intend to do something; to expect to do something.
A1Morepolite
US /pəˈlaɪt/
UK /pəˈlaɪt/
- Adjective
- Showing good manners or respect for other people
A2TOEICMorepoll
US /pol/
UK /pəʊl/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Process of gathering opinions by asking questions
- Polls where you go to cast your vote in elections
- Transitive Verb
- To ask a group of people in a vote or election
B1TOEICMoreprestigious
US /prɛˈstidʒəs, -ˈstɪdʒəs/
UK /preˈstɪdʒəs/
- Adjective
- Respected as being important and with high status
B2Moreprevious
US /ˈpriviəs/
UK /ˈpri:viəs/
- Adjective
- Existing or happening before the present time
- Existing or occurring immediately before in time or order.
- Noun
- A button or link that allows navigation to a preceding item or page.
A2TOEICMoreprocedure
US /prəˈsidʒɚ/
UK /prəˈsi:dʒə(r)/
- Noun
- A medical operation
- Usual or standard steps taken to do something
B1TOEICMorepronounce
US /prəˈnaʊns/
UK /prə'naʊns/
- Transitive Verb
- To state something in a legal or official way
- To give your opinion or decision about something
B1Morerespect
US /rɪˈspɛkt/
UK /rɪ'spekt/
- Transitive Verb
- To follow the established rules
- To think very highly of another person
- Noun
- Behavior that follows the established rules
- Regard or admiration for someone or something
A2TOEICMorerole
US /rol/
UK /rəʊl/
- Noun
- Character played by an actor
- Part you play in an activity; job; responsibility
A2Moresee in
US /si ɪn/
UK /si: in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To accompany someone to the entrance of a building or room.
A1Moresolicitor
US /səˈlɪsɪtɚ/
UK /səˈlɪsɪtə(r)/
- Countable Noun
- Type of lawyer who does not speak in court
B2Moresteer clear of
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To avoid someone or something that seems unpleasant, dangerous, or likely to cause problems.
A2Moresupreme
US /sʊˈprim/
UK /su:ˈpri:m/
- Adjective
- Greatest in degree/nature/quality; absolute best
- Holding the highest power, status or authority
B1Morethe following
US
UK
- Adjective
- Next in order or sequence.
- Uncountable Noun
- What is about to be said or written.
B1Morethink 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
A1Morethumbs up
US
UK
- Noun
- A gesture of approval or agreement, indicated by holding a fist with the thumb extended upwards.
- A positive rating or vote on social media or online platforms.
- Noun (plural)
- Multiple gestures of approval or agreement made by extending the thumbs upward.
A1Moreto do with
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To be about something; concern
A1Moreto the point
US /tu ði pɔɪnt/
UK /tu: ðə pɔint/
- Adjective
- Expressing something directly and without unnecessary detail.
- Phrase
- Relevant and pertinent to the matter at hand.
A2Moretone in
US /toʊn ɪn/
UK /təʊn ɪn/
- other
- To adjust or harmonize one’s tone to match others.
C1Moretouch down
US /tʌtʃ daʊn/
UK /tʌtʃ daun/
- Phrasal Verb
- (Of plane) to land on the ground
A1Moreturn in
US /tɚn ɪn/
UK /tə:n in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To produce or achieve a good performance
- To go to bed
A1Moreunderstate
US /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/
UK /ˌʌndəˈsteɪt/
- Transitive Verb
- To describe as smaller/less important than reality
B2Moreup there
US /ʌp ðɛr/
UK /ʌp ðɛə/
- Adverb
- In or to a higher place or position; far away.
- In heaven.
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 all due respect
US /wɪð ɔl du rɪˈspɛkt/
UK /wið ɔ:l dju: risˈpekt/
- Phrase
- A polite phrase used to express disagreement or criticism.
B1More
