Everyday English (Unit 11) · New Headway Upper Intermediate Vocabulary List

used to convey that something seems to be true based on the available evidence or information

"Apparently he did not receive my message."

"Apparently he did not receive my message because his phone was turned off all day yesterday."

used to show that the opinion someone is giving comes from their own viewpoint

"Personally, I like it."

"Personally, I believe that investing in education will yield the best long-term societal benefits."

used to say that the something is believed to be true based on available information or evidence

"Presumably he forgot about our meeting."

"Presumably he will arrive later today because his flight was delayed due to bad weather in Chicago."

used to show likelihood or possibility without absolute certainty

"She will probably be late."

"She will probably be late for the meeting because there is a lot of traffic on the highway this morning."

in a certain way

"She will definitely win."

"I will definitely call you later tonight after I finish my homework and eat dinner with my family."

in a way that is easily understandable or noticeable

"He obviously did not know the answer."

"He obviously did not know the answer because he kept looking at the ceiling and avoiding eye contact."

used to indicate that something is mostly the case or generally true

"By and large the project was successful."

"By and large the project was successful even though we faced some unexpected challenges along the way."

used to introduce a statement that presents a truth or reality, often to clarify or emphasize something

"As a matter of fact, I know her well."

"As a matter of fact I have been to Paris several times and I love the city."

despite what has been said or done

"It is all the same."

"She decided to go for a walk, and all the same, she felt a little worried about the storm."

used to introduce a statement that provides a reason or justification

"After all we are family."

"After all we are family so we should support each other no matter what happens in life."

used to emphasize a fact or the truth of a situation

"Did you actually see?"

"I thought it was a rumor, but he actually confirmed the surprising news himself."

in a manner showing absolute confidence in the statement

"You will surely pass."

"You will surely pass the test if you study hard and review all the material before the exam day."

even if nothing else is done or true

"You should at least try."

"You should at least try to finish your homework before playing video games with your friends."

despite what has been said or done

"He is still here."

"Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, the suspect maintained his innocence and is still professing his alibi."

in a way that emphasizes sincerity of belief or opinion

"Honestly I do not know the answer."

"Honestly I do not know the answer to that question so please ask someone else for help."

used when ending a conversation, or changing, or returning to a subject

"Anyway, let's go."

"I know you're upset about the delay, but anyway, we need to finish this task today."

used to express a situation or condition that is most desirable

"Ideally we should arrive early."

"Ideally we should arrive early to avoid the crowds but if you are late it is not a big problem."

used for expressing that one hopes something will happen

"Hopefully we will win."

"Hopefully we will arrive on time if there is no traffic on the highway this evening."

in an assured manner, leaving no room for doubt

"You can certainly stay here."

"You can certainly stay here for the night if you have nowhere else to go."

used to state one's opinion while emphasizing or summarizing its most important aspects

"Basically, it's a good idea."

"Basically, the entire project will fail if we don't secure additional funding within the next month."

in a total or complete way

"You are absolutely right."

"You are absolutely right about that and I completely agree with everything you just said."