Giving Explanation: English Vocabulary List

used to introduce additional information or a comment that is related to the main topic but not essential to it

"As a side note, I ate."

"As a side note the movie was great and I highly recommend it to everyone."

used to indicate that, according to various sources or opinions, something is generally accepted as true or accurate

"By all accounts he is good."

"By all accounts he is a good man and everyone who knows him speaks highly of him."

used to introduce a new topic or information that is related to the ongoing conversation

"By the way I like your shirt."

"By the way have you seen my new phone because I cannot find it anywhere."

used to introduce a thought or realization that occurred to one during a conversation

"Come to think of it I owe you money."

"Come to think of it I owe you money from last week so I will pay you back today."

used to specify or emphasize a particular aspect or detail within a broader context

"I like all fruit in particular apples."

"I like all kinds of fruit in particular apples and oranges because they are sweet and refreshing."

used to refer to a specific aspect of the topic being discussed

"In this regard, we agree."

"In this regard we have no problem because we already have a solution in place."

used to smoothly transition from one topic to another, often when the second topic is related to or follows naturally from the first

"Speaking of which, I'm hungry."

"Speaking of which where is John because I have not seen him all day?"

used to indicate that something is being done or stated with a specific purpose or goal in mind

"To that end, we worked hard."

"To that end we need more money so we will have to ask for donations from the community."

used to describe a situation where something has reached a particular level or condition, often implying that it has become excessive or extreme

"Tired to the point that he slept."

"He was tired to the point that he fell asleep standing up and nearly fell over."