Common prepositional phrases 1-used in speech 2-used in more formal speech and writing

after all 1

in spite of expectations

among other things

one of several things

as a result/consequence 2

introduces a result

as a matter of fact 1

adds more details

at any rate 1

anyway

at hand

close, available

beneath contempt

not deserving respect

by and large

generally

by coincidence

not planned

by no means

not at all

by rights 1

describes what should happen

by the way 1

to change subject

in addition 2

plus, as well as

in any case 1

whatever happens

in conclusion 2

giving a summary

in fact

adds something surprising

in hand

under control

in practice

to say what really happens

in short

to summarise

in the event

to emphasise what really happens

in the meantime

between two events

off the cuff

spontaneous

on approval

for a short time, to check sth is right

on hand

close, available

on the contrary

disagrees with a previous statement

on the other hand

adds a contrast

on the whole

generally

out of hand

out of control

out of practice

no longer skilled in

out of the ordinary

unusual, strange

to hand

close, within reach

under age

not old enough

under the counter 1

bought and sold secretly

under the weather 1

feeling ill

without a doubt

certainly

without delay

immediately

without exception

nobody/nothing can be exempted