Mastering English Idioms: Improve Your Fluency

Common Idioms and Their Usage

Capable
Many people believe that Edison is capable of winning the world championship in judo.

Gained
The burglars may have gained entry/access by forcing open a fire exit.

Get
I need to get my passport renewed because I'm going abroad this summer.

Wondering
I was wondering if you were willing to look after my dog while I'm away on holiday?

Point
I can see no point in that old computer being repaired.

Just
It's just as much fun singing in a choir as it is playing the drums.

Having
Clara denied having seen the missing letter.

Knowing
If he doesn't get that job, there's no knowing what he'll do!

Should
Under no circumstances should you let anyone else use your identity card.

Taken
An experienced accountant has taken over the running of the football club.

Up
Leo's decision to give up basketball came as a disappointment to me.

Granted
He dislikes being taken for granted by his friends.

Account
Everyone's opinion must be taken into account before a final decision is made.

Interest
According to the chairman, it is in the company's interest to look after its customers.

Get
Kelvin should get those broken roof tiles repaired by a builder.

Delight
Much to her delight, Lucy was given the award.

Not
Fernanda said that she would not wear her sister's old dress.

Touch
'Don't forget to keep in touch,' Marta said as she waved goodbye to her friend.

Lookout
Police are warning people to be on the lookout for forged notes which are currently in circulation.

Drawn
Plans are being drawn up to reroute the traffic to reduce congestion.

Could
Much to our horror, we could see smoke coming out of the bedroom windows.

Rather
Would you rather I hadn't let the staff know about your resignation?

Loss
Brian was at a loss to explain how the stolen computer got into the boot of his car.

Result
These drastic measures are likely to result in the government losing some support.

Highly
It is highly likely that the film will win an award.

Likely
It is likely that the parking ban in the city center will be a very unpopular move.

Part
Quick action on the part of the police prevented a fight between rival groups developing.

Across
How can I get it across to him that I don't want to see him any more?

Wondering
I was wondering if/whether you would be willing to look after my dog while I'm away on holiday?

Such
Once one member of a team makes a mistake there is no such thing as team spirit.

Track
Sorry, I lost track of time.

Event
In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the product, your money will be refunded.

Made
Roger was made responsible for health and safety in the factory.

Taken
I was taken by surprise/was taken aback when my colleagues organized a farewell party on my last day.

Danger
If he keeps disagreeing with his boss, he's in danger of getting sacked/fired from his job.

Placed
The Government have placed the blame on the worldwide economic slowdown for our problems.

Impression
I had the impression that the job was mine if I wanted it.

Why
Hilary was asked to explain why she made the mistake.

Of
Lisa has no intention of giving up her independence to get married.

Result
Failure to pay on time will result in your booking being cancelled.

Come
How difficult it is to come up with new ideas for the festival every year!

Every
The company stands every chance of getting the contract.