Temporal Expressions, Place or Extent, Clarifying & Informing and 6 More Topics · English Collocations: Compound Adverbs

from the beginning or continuously throughout a period of time

"He knew the truth all along."

"He knew the truth all along but he chose to keep it a secret to protect his family."

used to indicate that something is happening or being done in the usual or customary way

"As per usual he was late."

"As per usual he was late to the meeting and everyone was already waiting for him."

up to the present time

"As yet no decision has been made."

"As yet no decision has been made about the new policy so we just have to wait and be patient."

used to indicate that something will happen or be accomplished eventually or after a period of time

"By and by the sun came out."

"By and by the sun came out and the children were finally able to go outside to play."

used to refer to a point in the future or a specific moment that is coming soon

"There is a gas station up ahead."

"There is a gas station up ahead so we can stop there to fill up the tank."

at the current moment or during the existing time

"At present I am busy."

"At present I am busy with another project so I cannot take on any additional work right now."

for a limited period, usually until a certain condition changes

"Stay here for the time being."

"For the time being stay here and do not go anywhere until I come back to get you."

at the appropriate or expected time, without rushing or delay

"It will happen in due time."

"Don't worry about the results; the truth will be revealed in due course."

used to explain the main reason or starting point of a situation

"Why did you start?"

"Why did you go there in the first place if you knew it was dangerous and forbidden?"

only a few moments before it is still possible to get something done or avoid something bad from happening

"He arrived in the nick of time."

"He arrived in the nick of time and caught the train just as the doors were closing."

used to indicate that something will happen immediately after a certain condition or event occurs

"Call me as soon as you land."

"As soon as the bell rings the students run out of the classroom happily."

used to emphasize the present moment in relation to the topic under discussion

"We cannot help at this point in time."

"We cannot help you at this point in time because our office is closed for the holiday."

used to emphasize a specific moment or period in history or a past event

"At that point in time I was scared."

"At that point in time I was too scared to move so I just stood there frozen."

exactly at the specified time, neither late nor early

"Please arrive on time."

"Please arrive on time for the meeting because we have a lot to discuss and the schedule is very tight."

in a short amount of time

"I will be with you in a tick."

"I will be with you in a tick as soon as I finish this phone call."

used to indicate that something is not expected to happen in the near future or immediately

"The bus won't arrive anytime soon."

"The doctor said that the patient will not be discharged from the hospital anytime soon because he needs more tests."

used to express that a condition must be met for something to happen or be true

"You can go as long as you are quiet."

"You are welcome to borrow the book as long as you promise to return it in good condition by the due date."

after a period of time

"He arrived in time."

"Fortunately, the ambulance arrived in time to provide critical medical assistance to the injured cyclist."

near a particular location or object

"There is a store close by."

"There is a grocery store close by so you can buy food and supplies within walking distance."

used to convey that something has occurred or happened very recently or narrowly

"He only just arrived five minutes ago."

"He only just arrived five minutes ago so you have not missed him if you hurry."

used to indicate a partial or limited level of something

"To some extent I agree with you."

"To some extent I agree with you but I still have some doubts about the plan."

used to specify the degree or extent to which one thing is influenced or determined by another thing or condition

"It depends to the extent that you agree."

"His success was limited to the extent that he lacked the necessary resources to fully implement his ambitious ideas."

used to indicate that something is true or applicable only to some extent or degree

"His success was in part due to luck."

"His success was in part due to luck but mostly it came from his hard work and dedication."

indicating that something has had a partial impact or influence

"In some measure we are all responsible."

"In some measure we are all responsible for what happened because we did nothing to stop it."

in a particular manner or fashion, often used to describe a specific aspect or perspective

"In a way you are correct."

"In a way you are correct but there is another perspective that you have not considered."

used to indicate the degree or extent to which something has reached a particular level or condition

"He cried to a point that nobody could help."

"The tension in the room escalated to a point that made everyone feel incredibly uncomfortable and anxious."

staying within the bounds of rationality

"You can do anything within reason."

"You can do anything you want within reason but do not break any laws or hurt anyone."

in many different locations or scattered over an area without a specific pattern

"His toys were all over the place."

"His toys were all over the place and his mother asked him to clean up his room."

used to mean that something can no longer be seen

"The boat is out of sight."

"The boat is out of sight now and we can no longer see it on the horizon."

in a direction or location that is beyond the established limits

"That area is out of bounds."

"That area is out of bounds for students so do not go there or you will get into trouble."

used to refer to the specific matter or topic being discussed or considered

"As far as money is concerned, I am fine."

"As far as the project is concerned, we need more time to finish it properly."

used to express one's uncertainty about the statement one has made as there might be something that makes it untrue

"As far as I know, she left."

"As far as I know, the meeting has been postponed until next Friday afternoon."

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."

used to introduce a statement that provides factual information or clarifies a point with accuracy

"In point of fact, he was late."

"As a point of fact, the historical records indicate that the event actually occurred several years earlier than commonly believed."

used to introduce a statement that provides additional information or emphasizes the truth or reality of a situation

"In fact I have never been there."

"In fact I have never been there before so I do not know what to expect."

used to introduce further information

"In addition he volunteers at the hospital."

"In addition to his job he also volunteers at the hospital on weekends to help sick children."

used to contrast with appearances or assumptions, emphasizing the actual state of affairs or the way things truly are

"In reality he is not that tall."

"In reality he is not that tall but the camera angle made him look much bigger than he is."

used to emphasize that something is being expressed honestly or genuinely, often revealing the real facts or feelings

"In truth, I was scared."

"In truth, the project was much more challenging than anyone had initially anticipated."

used to introduce an explanation or clarification of a point just made

"He is lazy that is to say he avoids work."

"He is lazy that is to say he avoids work whenever possible and always finds excuses."

used to indicate something that is typically or generally true or customary

"As a rule I wake up early."

"As a rule I wake up early but today I slept in because I was very tired."

used to connect two related statements, showing that the same reasoning or principle applies to both

"He is lazy and by the same token unreliable."

"By the same token we should also consider the opinions of the younger employees."

used to begin a statement that may disagree with or criticize someone while still being polite

"With all due respect I disagree."

"With all due respect I think you are wrong and here is why I believe that."

used to give enthusiastic permission or encouragement to do something

"By all means come to the party."

"By all means come to the party and bring your friends because the more the merrier."

used to indicate that what is about to be mentioned is so obvious that it does not require further explanation

"Needless to say he was late again."

"Needless to say, the team's star player was instrumental in their victory, scoring the winning goal."

used to introduce a statement or idea that should be considered because of the information or context just discussed

"With that in mind let us begin."

"With that in mind let us begin the meeting and discuss the agenda for today."

used to indicate that the statement being made is a significant understatement or that there is much more that could be said about the topic

"It was difficult, to say the least."

"The journey through the dense jungle was challenging and exhausting, to say the least, with constant obstacles and unforeseen dangers."

used to emphasize that the speaker is being sincere and truthful in their statement

"In all honesty I do not know."

"In all honesty I do not think you are ready for this responsibility yet but you can prove me wrong."

used to indicate that something is so obvious that it does not need to be explicitly mentioned

"It goes without saying."

"It goes without saying that we will support you fully in this important endeavor."

used to emphasize that the speaker is about to be completely honest in what they are going to say

"To tell the truth I forgot."

"To tell the truth I forgot about our appointment and I am very sorry for that."

used to emphasize that the speaker is revealing something honestly or openly

"Truth be told, I lied."

"Truth be told, I was not entirely convinced by his explanation, and I still have some lingering doubts about the situation."

used to provide a single-word summary or description of something

"In a word no."

"In a word no I will not lend you any more money until you pay me back what you owe."

used to signal the end of a discussion or presentation by summarizing the main points

"In conclusion I thank everyone."

"In conclusion I thank everyone for their hard work and I look forward to our continued success in the future."

used to provide an alternative or clearer way of expressing the same idea

"He is lazy in other words."

"He is lazy in other words he does not like to work and always finds excuses to avoid it."

in a way that efficiently captures essential details without unnecessary elaboration

"In short he failed."

"In short the experiment failed and the scientists must redesign their approach before they can try again."

used to provide a brief and straightforward explanation of the main points or ideas

"In summary the project was successful."

"In summary the project was successful because the team worked well together and met all of their deadlines."

used to introduce a simplified version of a statement

"To put it simply you are wrong."

"To put it simply you are wrong and you need to admit your mistake."

used to provide a general summary of a situation

"All in all it was a good trip."

"All in all it was a good trip even though we had some problems with the weather."

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 indicate that something is generally true or applies in the majority of cases

"For the most part the students behaved well."

"For the most part the students behaved well but a few of them were very disruptive."

used to provide a general assessment of a situation

"On the whole it was a good day."

"On the whole it was a good day even though a few things went wrong in the morning."

used to get to the most important parts of something

"In essence, it is simple."

"In essence, the author's argument boils down to the fundamental importance of empathy in fostering a harmonious society."

used to describe a situation where something or someone succeeds despite facing very difficult or unlikely circumstances

"Against all odds he won the race."

"Against all odds he won the race even though everyone thought he would lose."

used to highlight the differences between two or more things or people

"In contrast, she likes tea."

"The city is very busy and noisy; in contrast, the countryside is peaceful and quiet, which makes it a perfect place to relax."

used to indicate that the opposite or a different viewpoint is true in response to a previous statement

"On the contrary I think you are wrong."

"On the contrary I think you are wrong and the evidence clearly supports my position on this matter."

used to introduce a contrasting aspect of a situation

"On the flip side it could rain."

"On the flip side it could rain tomorrow so bring an umbrella just in case."

used to introduce one aspect of a situation, often followed by a contrasting statement

"On the one hand it is cheap."

"On the one hand it is cheap but on the other hand it is not very good quality."

used to introduce a contrasting aspect of a situation, especially when comparing it to a previous point

"On the other hand this option is cheaper."

"On the other hand this option is cheaper and faster but it is also less reliable than the first one."

used to reconsider something after gaining more information or experience

"In retrospect I should have studied harder."

"In retrospect I should have studied harder for the exam because I barely passed."

used to indicate that the speaker is moving on to another point or topic

"At any rate, let's eat."

"The initial discussion was lengthy, but at any rate, we need to move on to the main agenda items now."

used to highlight differences or similarities when comparing two or more things or people

"In comparison, this is better."

"By comparison, the new model of the car is much more fuel-efficient than the older version we used to drive."

used to introduce a specific point or reason in a discussion or argument

"For one thing it is too expensive."

"For one thing it is too expensive and for another it is not even very good quality."

used to indicate that something is far from reaching a particular level, distance, or quality

"The work is nowhere near finished."

"The work is nowhere near finished so we will have to stay late tonight to complete it."

used to introduce an example of something mentioned

"For instance many birds fly south in winter."

"For instance many birds fly south for the winter to escape the freezing cold temperatures up north."

used to introduce information or an event that is relevant to the current topic or situation

"As it happens, I saw him."

"As it happens, I was just discussing that very topic with a colleague earlier this morning before you arrived."

used to indicate that something is done in the same way as previously described

"He acted in a similar fashion."

"He dressed in a similar fashion to his father and people often mistook them for brothers."

used to indicate that something is being done or explained in a way that resembles what was mentioned previously

"In like manner, we should act."

"In like manner we should help others when they are in need just as they help us."

in a similar or related manner

"In the same vein, he sang."

"In the same vein her previous album this new release explores themes of love and loss."

despite a preceding statement or circumstance, indicating a contrasting perspective or outcome

"It was hard, even so."

"Even so I still love you and I want to be with you no matter what."

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."

used to refer to a specific situation or scenario being discussed

"In that case we should leave now."

"In that case we should leave now because there is no point in waiting any longer."

used to indicate that something is being considered or planned for a specific possible occurrence or situation

"In the event that he calls tell him I am busy."

"In the event that the power goes out we have candles and flashlights ready."

used to acknowledge that a particular action or situation is influenced by the existing conditions or context

"Under the circumstances, we waited."

"Under the circumstances we cannot go on vacation because we do not have enough money."

used to indicate the outcome of a preceding action or situation

"As a result, he won."

"The company invested heavily in new technology; as a result, their productivity significantly increased."

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."