Better off
About to (do something)
- to be on the point of doing something
I was about to leave when the phone rang.
According to (someone or something)
- as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in proportion to something
According to our teacher, there will be no class next week.
We did everything according to the terms of our agreement.
We will dress for the hike, according to the weather.
Account for (something)
- to provide an explanation or an answer for something
The bad weather accounts for the fact that few people came to the meeting.
After all
- considering the fact that something happened or happens, something that is usually assumed
"You don't need to phone him. After all, he never phones you."
All of a sudden
- suddenly, without advance warning
All of a sudden, it became cloudy and began to rain.
As a matter of fact
- actually
"As a matter of fact, we have been to the sports stadium many times."
As far as
- to the extent or degree of something
As far as I know, the movie will start in a few minutes.
As for
- with regard to, concerning
"As for myself, I think that I will return home now."
As if
- in the same way that something would be, that
The drink tastes as if it were made with orange juice.
It seemed as if the whole school came to the concert.
As long as
- provided that, on condition that
"As long as you promise to be careful, you can borrow my car."
As soon as
- just after something, when
I phoned my friend as soon as I finished dinner.
As to
- with regard to, according to
"As to your question, I will answer it tomorrow."
The players were put into groups as to their ability.
As well
- in addition, also, too
I plan to take swimming lessons this summer. I plan to take a computer course as well.
As well as (someone or something)
- in addition to someone or something
"Please bring your swimming suit as well as your towel."
B Idioms
Back and forth
- backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other way
The argument with the lawyer went back and forth before the judge made a decision.
better off
- to be in a better situation than before
My friend would be better off if he sold his old car and bought a new one.
break down (something) or break (something) down
- to divide something into parts, to separate something into simpler substances
We tried to break down the problem for further study.
The sugar began to break down soon after it was swallowed.
break up or break up (something) or break (something) up
- to separate, to divide into groups or pieces, to put an end to something
I hope that my favorite band does not break up.
The students did not want to break up their groups.
The coach decided to break the team up into small groups.