B1 // vocabulary set

easy-going

Pronunciation:
/ˌiːzi ˈɡəʊɪŋ/

Definition:
Relaxed, calm, and not easily worried or annoyed.

Synonyms:

laid-back — расслабленный, невозмутимый
relaxed — спокойный, расслабленный
carefree — беззаботный

Laid-back is very close in meaning and informal. Carefree focuses more on not having worries or responsibilities.

Context gap:
She's very __________ and doesn't get stressed when plans change.

Collocations:

• an easy-going person

• an easy-going personality

• very easy-going

• easy-going attitude

• easy-going nature

Translation:
easy-going — спокойный / лёгкий в общении / непринуждённый

open-minded

Pronunciation:
/ˌəʊpən ˈmaɪndɪd/

Definition:
Willing to consider different ideas, opinions, or ways of living without judging them immediately.

Synonyms:

tolerant — терпимый
receptive — восприимчивый, готовый принять новую идею
non-judgemental — непредвзятый, не осуждающий

Open-minded is broader than receptive and often refers to attitudes towards people, ideas, or lifestyles. Tolerant can suggest accepting something you may not personally agree with.

Context gap:
He's very __________ and enjoys meeting people with completely different views.

Collocations:

• an open-minded person

• an open-minded attitude

• be open-minded about something

• remain open-minded

• keep an open mind

Translation:
open-minded — открытый к новым идеям / непредвзятый

Important note:
Common structure: be open-minded about + noun: Try to be open-minded about other people's choices.

down-to-earth

Pronunciation:
/ˌdaʊn tə ˈɜːθ/

Definition:
Practical, natural, and unpretentious, especially despite being successful or important.

Synonyms:

unpretentious — непретенциозный
grounded — здравомыслящий, уравновешенный
humble — скромный

Down-to-earth often describes someone who is easy to talk to and behaves like an ordinary person. Humble focuses more on not being proud or arrogant.

Context gap:
Despite being a successful actress, she's incredibly __________.

Collocations:

• a down-to-earth person

• very down-to-earth

• a down-to-earth attitude

• seem down-to-earth

• surprisingly down-to-earth

Translation:
down-to-earth — простой, без пафоса / земной

Important note:
Usually used as a positive description of someone's personality.

good-natured

Pronunciation:
/ˌɡʊd ˈneɪtʃəd/

Definition:
Naturally kind, friendly, and not easily annoyed or offended.

Synonyms:

kind-hearted — добросердечный
good-humoured — добродушный, незлобивый
amiable — приветливый, дружелюбный

Good-natured especially suggests that someone remains pleasant even when things go wrong. Amiable is more formal.

Context gap:
He's so __________ that he rarely gets angry, even when people make mistakes.

Collocations:

• a good-natured person

• a good-natured smile

• a good-natured laugh

• good-natured humour

• good-natured teasing

Translation:
good-natured — добродушный / доброжелательный

self-assured

Pronunciation:
/ˌself əˈʃʊəd/

Definition:
Confident in your abilities and decisions without needing approval from others.

Synonyms:

confident — уверенный в себе
self-confident — уверенный в себе
assured — уверенный, спокойный

Self-assured often sounds more controlled and mature than simply confident. It suggests inner confidence rather than showing off.

Context gap:
She came across as calm and __________ during the interview.

Collocations:

• a self-assured person

• seem self-assured

• look self-assured

• sound self-assured

• calm and self-assured

Translation:
self-assured — уверенный в себе / внутренне уверенный

hard to read

Pronunciation:
/ˌhɑːd tə ˈriːd/

Definition:
Difficult to understand what someone is thinking or feeling from their behaviour or expressions.

Synonyms:

unreadable — непроницаемый, которого трудно понять
reserved — сдержанный
enigmatic — загадочный

Hard to read is very common and conversational. Reserved means someone doesn't openly express their feelings, while enigmatic suggests that someone is mysterious.

Context gap:
He's really __________ — I can never tell what he's thinking.

Collocations:

• be hard to read

• seem hard to read

• emotionally hard to read

• a hard-to-read person

• be difficult to read

Translation:
hard to read — которого трудно понять / чьи эмоции трудно прочитать

Important note:
Usually refers to someone's emotions, intentions, or thoughts rather than their general personality.

focused

Pronunciation:
/ˈfəʊkəst/

Definition:
Giving your full attention to one particular task, goal, or activity.

Synonyms:

concentrated — сосредоточенный
attentive — внимательный
single-minded — целеустремлённый, полностью сосредоточенный на одной цели

Focused is the most natural everyday choice. Single-minded is stronger and can sometimes suggest that someone is excessively focused on one goal.

Context gap:
She's incredibly __________ and never lets small distractions interrupt her work.

Collocations:

• stay focused

• remain focused

• highly focused

• focused on something

• focused approach

Translation:
focused — сосредоточенный / сконцентрированный

Important note:
Common structure: be/stay/remain focused on + noun/-ing: She stays focused on achieving her goals.

composed

Pronunciation:
/kəmˈpəʊzd/

Definition:
Calm and in control of your emotions, especially in a difficult or stressful situation.

Synonyms:

calm — спокойный
collected — собранный, невозмутимый
level-headed — здравомыслящий, рассудительный

Composed focuses on staying calm under pressure. Level-headed focuses more on making sensible decisions.

Context gap:
Everyone else was panicking, but she remained completely __________.

Collocations:

• remain composed

• stay composed

• calm and composed

• look composed

• appear composed

Translation:
composed — спокойный и собранный / невозмутимый

Important note:
Especially common when describing someone's reaction under pressure.

driven

Pronunciation:
/ˈdrɪvən/

Definition:
Highly motivated and determined to achieve your goals.

Synonyms:

ambitious — амбициозный
motivated — мотивированный
determined — решительный, настроенный добиться своего

Driven suggests a strong internal motivation to succeed. Ambitious describes wanting success, while determined focuses on not giving up.

Context gap:
She's extremely __________ and will work as hard as necessary to achieve her goals.

Collocations:

• a driven person

• highly driven

• ambitious and driven

• driven by success

• driven to succeed

Translation:
driven — целеустремлённый / амбициозный

Important note:
Common structures: driven by + noun and driven to + verb: He's driven by a desire to succeed.

articulate

Pronunciation:
/ɑːˈtɪkjələt/

Definition:
Able to express ideas and feelings clearly and effectively.

Synonyms:

eloquent — красноречивый
expressive — выразительный
well-spoken — хорошо говорящий, умеющий хорошо выражаться

Articulate focuses on expressing ideas clearly. Eloquent suggests especially impressive or persuasive language. Well-spoken is often used for someone's general speaking style.

Context gap:
She's incredibly __________ and always manages to explain complicated ideas clearly.

Collocations:

• highly articulate

• an articulate speaker

• articulate your thoughts

• articulate your ideas

• articulate an opinion

Translation:
articulate — умеющий ясно выражать мысли / красноречивый

Important note:
As a verb, articulate means “clearly express”: He struggled to articulate his feelings.

something gets in the way

Pronunciation:
/ˌsʌmθɪŋ ɡets ɪn ðə ˈweɪ/

Definition:
Something causes a problem or prevents you from doing what you want to do.

Synonyms:
interfere — мешать, препятствовать
cause problems — создавать проблемы
be an obstacle — быть препятствием

Get in the way is very natural and conversational. It suggests that something becomes an obstacle and makes a situation more difficult.

Context gap:
I’d love to have a serious relationship, but somehow __________.

Collocations:

• work gets in the way

• life gets in the way

• distance gets in the way

• fear gets in the way

• something always gets in the way

• don’t let something get in the way

Translation:
something gets in the way — что-то мешает / становится препятствием

Important note:
You can use it without saying what it prevents:
We try to see each other regularly, but work always gets in the way.

come off as

Pronunciation:
/kʌm ɒf æz/

Definition:
To seem to other people to have a particular quality or personality.

Synonyms:

seem — казаться
come across as — производить впечатление
appear — казаться / выглядеть

Come off as and come across as are very similar and focus on the impression you give other people. Appear is more formal.

Context gap:
I don't want to __________ as rude, but I disagree with you.

Collocations:

• come off as rude

• come off as arrogant

• come off as confident

• come off as desperate

• come off as friendly

Translation:
come off as — производить впечатление / казаться

Important note:
Use come off as + adjective/noun: She comes off as confident.

come across as

Pronunciation:
/ˌkʌm əˈkrɒs əz/

Definition:
To give other people a particular impression of your personality or behaviour.

Synonyms:
seem — казаться
appear — представляться, казаться
come off as — производить впечатление

Come across as focuses on how other people perceive you. Come off as is very similar but can sound slightly more informal and is particularly common when the impression is unintended or negative.

Context gap:
He __________ quite aloof at first, but he’s actually incredibly approachable.

Collocations:

• come across as confident

• come across as arrogant

• come across as approachable

• come across as too pushy

• come across as a nice person

Translation:
come across as — производить впечатление / казаться каким-либо

Important note:
Use come across as + adjective/noun: She comes across as very self-assured.

overdressed

Pronunciation:
/ˌəʊvəˈdrest/

Definition:
Wearing clothes that are too formal or elegant for a particular occasion.

Synonyms:
too formally dressed — слишком официально одетый
dressed too smartly — слишком нарядно одетый
overly dressed up — чрезмерно нарядившийся

Overdressed means your clothes are more formal or elaborate than the situation requires.

Context gap:
Everyone else was wearing jeans and trainers, so I felt really __________ in my dress and heels.

Collocations:

• feel overdressed

• look overdressed

• be slightly overdressed

• be completely overdressed

• feel overdressed for an occasion

Translation:
overdressed — слишком нарядно / слишком официально одетый

Important note:
Usually used with for when you mention the occasion:
I think I’m a bit overdressed for this party.

underdressed

Pronunciation:
/ˌʌndəˈdrest/

Definition:
Wearing clothes that are not formal or smart enough for a particular occasion.

Synonyms:
too casually dressed — слишком повседневно одетый
not dressed formally enough — недостаточно официально одетый
inappropriately dressed — одетый неподходящим образом

Underdressed specifically means that your clothes are less formal than the situation requires, whereas inappropriately dressed can refer to many different problems with someone’s clothes.

Context gap:
I turned up in jeans and immediately realised I was completely __________ for the event.

Collocations:

• feel underdressed

• look underdressed

• be slightly underdressed

• be completely underdressed

• be underdressed for an occasion

Translation:
underdressed — слишком просто / недостаточно нарядно или официально одетый

Important note:
Compare:
I was overdressed for the barbecue. → Я была слишком нарядно одета.
I was underdressed for the wedding. → Я была одета недостаточно нарядно.

roller coaster

Pronunciation:
/ˈrəʊlə ˌkəʊstə/

Definition:
A fairground ride with small cars that travel very quickly along a track with steep slopes and sharp turns.

Synonyms:
amusement ride — аттракцион
fairground ride — аттракцион в парке развлечений

Roller coaster specifically refers to the ride with a track, steep drops and turns. It is also very commonly used metaphorically for an experience involving dramatic emotional changes.

Context gap:
I absolutely love theme parks, but I’m terrified of going on __________.

Collocations:

• go on a roller coaster

• ride a roller coaster

• a roller-coaster ride

• an emotional roller coaster

• a roller coaster of emotions

• life is a roller coaster

Translation:
roller coaster — американские горки; перен. эмоциональные качели

Important note:
As a metaphor, it describes something involving lots of dramatic ups and downs:
The whole relationship was an emotional roller coaster.

haunted house

Pronunciation:
/ˌhɔːntɪd ˈhaʊs/

Definition:
A house believed to contain ghosts, or an attraction designed to frighten people with scary characters, sounds and effects.

Synonyms:
ghost house — дом с привидениями
haunted attraction — хоррор-аттракцион
scare attraction — пугающий аттракцион

A haunted house can mean either a supposedly real house where ghosts are believed to appear or an entertainment attraction designed to scare visitors.

Context gap:
I love horror films, but you’d never get me inside a __________ at a theme park.

Collocations:

• go into a haunted house

• visit a haunted house

• explore a haunted house

• a supposedly haunted house

• a haunted-house attraction

Translation:
haunted house — дом с привидениями; аттракцион «дом ужасов»

Important note:
The plural is haunted houses. Notice the pronunciation change in house → houses: /haʊs/ → /ˈhaʊzɪz/.

call off the wedding

Pronunciation:
/ˌkɔːl ɒf ðə ˈwed.ɪŋ/

Definition:
To cancel a planned wedding before it takes place.

Synonyms:
cancel the wedding — отменить свадьбу
break off the engagement — расторгнуть помолвку
decide not to go through with the wedding — решить не доводить дело до свадьбы

Call off the wedding is used when a wedding has already been planned but one or both partners decide that it will not happen.

Context gap:
They had already booked the venue and sent out the invitations when she suddenly decided to __________.

If you found out your partner had been hiding something serious from you, would you __________?

Everyone was shocked when they __________ just three days before the ceremony.

Collocations:

• suddenly call off the wedding

• decide to call off the wedding

• threaten to call off the wedding

• call off the wedding at the last minute

• call off the wedding days before the ceremony

Translation:
call off the wedding — отменить свадьбу

Important note:
Call off is a separable phrasal verb: call the wedding off is also possible. With a pronoun, separation is required: call it off, not call off it.

put a ring on it

Pronunciation:
/ˌpʊt ə ˈrɪŋ ɒn ɪt/

Definition:
To make a serious romantic commitment to someone, especially by proposing marriage or getting engaged.

Synonyms:
propose to someone — сделать кому-то предложение
get engaged — обручиться
commit to someone — серьёзно связать себя отношениями с кем-то

Put a ring on it is an informal and often playful expression referring to making a relationship official through engagement or marriage.

Context gaps:

1. They’ve been together for nearly ten years, and her friends keep asking when he’s finally going to __________.

2. If you’re completely sure you want to spend the rest of your life with her, why not __________?

3. He spent years saying he wasn’t ready for marriage, but eventually he decided to __________.

Collocations:

• finally put a ring on it

• be ready to put a ring on it

• decide to put a ring on it

• want someone to put a ring on it

• refuse to put a ring on it

Translation:
put a ring on it — сделать предложение; решиться на брак; «надеть кольцо»

Important note:
This is a very informal, playful expression rather than a neutral synonym for propose. It is especially associated with the idea that someone should stop hesitating and make the relationship official.

develop feelings for someone

Pronunciation:
/dɪˌvel.əp ˈfiː.lɪŋz fə ˌsʌm.wʌn/

Definition:
To gradually start having romantic or emotional feelings for someone.

Synonyms:
fall for someone — влюбиться в кого-то
become attracted to someone — начать испытывать влечение к кому-то
start to have feelings for someone — начать испытывать чувства к кому-то

Develop feelings for someone suggests that romantic feelings appear gradually, often when you did not originally see the person as a potential romantic partner.

Context gaps:

1. We started off as just friends, but after spending so much time together, I began to __________.

2. Would you tell your best friend if you suddenly __________ them, or would you keep it to yourself?

3. She knew dating a colleague could make things complicated, but she couldn’t help __________ him.

Collocations:

• gradually develop feelings for someone

• start to develop feelings for someone

• unexpectedly develop feelings for someone

• develop strong feelings for someone

• realise you’ve developed feelings for someone

Translation:
develop feelings for someone — начать испытывать чувства к кому-то; постепенно влюбиться в кого-то

Important note:
Develop feelings for someone usually implies romantic feelings, even though the word feelings itself can refer to emotions more generally.

stir up drama

Pronunciation:
/ˌstɜːr ʌp ˈdrɑː.mə/

Definition:
To cause or encourage unnecessary conflict, arguments or emotional tension.

Synonyms:
cause trouble — создавать проблемы
create conflict — создавать конфликт
provoke an argument — провоцировать ссору

Stir up drama is usually used negatively when someone creates tension or makes an already difficult situation more emotional or complicated.

Context gaps:

1. Everything was going fine until she mentioned his ex and started to __________.

2. I don’t want to __________, but I think she deserves to know what actually happened.

3. He has a habit of __________ whenever the group is finally getting along.

Collocations:

• deliberately stir up drama

• constantly stir up drama

• try to stir up drama

• stir up unnecessary drama

• stir up drama between people

Translation:
stir up drama — разжигать конфликт; провоцировать драму; создавать напряжение

Important note:
Stir up literally suggests making something active by disturbing it, which explains expressions such as stir up trouble, stir up controversy and stir up emotions.

have something in common

Pronunciation:
/ˌhæv ˌsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ˈkɒm.ən/

Definition:
To share the same interests, experiences, opinions or characteristics with another person.

Synonyms:
share similar interests — иметь похожие интересы
have shared interests — иметь общие интересы
be similar in some ways — быть в чём-то похожими

Having something in common often helps people connect, although people can have successful relationships without sharing all the same interests or opinions.

Context gaps:

1. We’d only known each other for ten minutes when we realised we __________.

2. Do you think couples need to __________ for a relationship to last?

3. On paper they seem completely different, but once you talk to them, you realise they actually __________.

Collocations:

• have a lot in common

• have very little in common

• have nothing in common

• have more in common than you think

• realise you have something in common

Translation:
have something in common — иметь что-то общее

Important note:
Very common variations are have a lot in common, have little in common and have nothing in common.

walk down the aisle

Pronunciation:
/ˌwɔːk daʊn ði ˈaɪl/

Definition:
To walk towards your partner during a wedding ceremony; more generally, to get married.

Synonyms:
get married — пожениться
tie the knot — связать себя узами брака
get hitched — пожениться

Walk down the aisle can describe the literal moment during a wedding ceremony or be used figuratively to mean getting married.

Context gaps:

1. She suddenly started crying as she was about to __________.

2. They’ve been together for twelve years but still have no plans to __________.

3. Would you __________ if you still had serious doubts about the relationship?

Collocations:

• be ready to walk down the aisle

• finally walk down the aisle

• prepare to walk down the aisle

• be about to walk down the aisle

• dream of walking down the aisle

Translation:
walk down the aisle — идти к алтарю; вступать в брак

Important note:
Don’t confuse aisle with isle. Aisle is a passage between rows of seats; isle means a small island.

drift apart

Pronunciation:
/ˌdrɪft əˈpɑːt/

Definition:
To gradually become less close to someone over time.

Synonyms:
grow apart — отдалиться друг от друга
become distant — стать менее близкими
lose touch — потерять связь

Drift apart usually describes a gradual process rather than a relationship ending because of one specific argument or event.

Context gaps:

1. Nothing dramatic happened between us — over the years, we simply __________.

2. Do you think it’s normal for childhood friends to __________ as their lives change?

3. They used to be inseparable, but after moving to different countries, they slowly started to __________.

Collocations:

• gradually drift apart

• slowly drift apart

• start to drift apart

• drift apart over time

• naturally drift apart

Translation:
drift apart — постепенно отдаляться друг от друга

Important note:
Drift apart focuses on gradual emotional distance. Fall out, by contrast, usually means that people stop being friendly because of an argument or disagreement.

to your own detriment

Pronunciation:
/tə jɔːr əʊn ˈdet.rɪ.mənt/

Definition:
In a way that causes harm, disadvantage or negative consequences to yourself.

Synonyms:
to your disadvantage — себе в ущерб
at your own expense — за свой счёт / в ущерб себе
at a cost to yourself — ценой собственного благополучия

To your own detriment is used when something you do ultimately harms you, even if you are trying to help someone else or achieve something positive.

Context gaps:

1. She constantly puts everyone else’s needs before her own, often __________.

2. He kept forgiving behaviour that made him unhappy, ultimately __________.

3. Being supportive is important, but you shouldn’t do it __________.

Collocations:

• act to your own detriment

• do something to your own detriment

• work to your own detriment

• ultimately to your own detriment

• sometimes to your own detriment

Translation:
to your own detriment — себе во вред; в ущерб себе

Important note:
The possessive changes depending on the person: to my own detriment, to her own detriment, to their own detriment.

make a confession

Pronunciation:
/ˌmeɪk ə kənˈfeʃ.ən/

Definition:
To admit or reveal something that you have previously kept secret.

Synonyms:
admit something — признаться в чём-то
come clean — признаться / рассказать правду
reveal the truth — раскрыть правду

Make a confession often introduces information that is personal, secret, embarrassing or potentially difficult for another person to hear.

Context gaps:

1. The night before the wedding, he told his best friend that he needed to __________.

2. She gathered everyone together and __________ that completely changed the atmosphere.

3. If you had been hiding something important from your partner, would you __________ before getting married?

Collocations:

• make a shocking confession

• make a surprising confession

• make an emotional confession

• decide to make a confession

• have a confession to make

Translation:
make a confession — сделать признание; признаться

Important note:
A very natural conversational pattern is I have a confession to make, especially when introducing something surprising or slightly embarrassing.

make a scene

Pronunciation:
/ˌmeɪk ə ˈsiːn/

Definition:
To behave loudly, angrily or emotionally in public in a way that attracts unwanted attention.

Synonyms:
cause a scene — устроить сцену
make a fuss — поднять шум / устроить скандал
create a disturbance — устроить переполох

Make a scene usually implies that someone’s emotional reaction is very public and makes the people around them uncomfortable.

Context gaps:

1. She was furious when she saw her ex at the wedding, but she didn’t want to __________ in front of everyone.

2. If your partner embarrassed you in public, would you confront them immediately or avoid __________?

3. He started shouting across the restaurant and completely __________.

Collocations:

• make a huge scene

• make a scene in public

• make a scene in front of everyone

• not want to make a scene

• cause / make an embarrassing scene

Translation:
make a scene — устроить сцену; устроить скандал

Important note:
The fixed expression is make a scene or cause a scene. Here, scene refers to an embarrassing public display, not a scene in a film or play.

feel taken for granted

Pronunciation:
/ˌfiːl ˌteɪ.kən fə ˈɡrɑːn.tɪd/

Definition:
To feel that someone does not appreciate you, your efforts or the things you do for them.

Synonyms:
feel unappreciated — чувствовать, что тебя не ценят
feel undervalued — чувствовать себя недооценённым
feel underappreciated — чувствовать недостаток признательности

If you feel taken for granted, you feel that another person has become so used to your support, effort or presence that they no longer properly appreciate it.

Context gaps:

1. I’m always the one making an effort in this relationship, and lately I’ve started to __________.

2. She eventually left because she had __________ for years and nothing ever changed.

3. What would you do if you began to __________ by someone you loved?

Collocations:

• start to feel taken for granted

• constantly feel taken for granted

• feel completely taken for granted

• feel taken for granted by your partner

• make someone feel taken for granted

Translation:
feel taken for granted — чувствовать, что тебя не ценят; чувствовать, что тебя воспринимают как должное

Important note:
Compare take someone for granted and feel taken for granted: He takes me for granted describes his behaviour; I feel taken for granted describes your experience of it.

bring up the past

Pronunciation:
/ˌbrɪŋ ʌp ðə ˈpɑːst/

Definition:
To start talking again about previous events or problems, especially unpleasant ones.

Synonyms:
revisit old issues — возвращаться к старым проблемам
dig up the past — ворошить прошлое
mention old problems — снова упоминать старые проблемы

Bring up the past often has a negative meaning when someone repeatedly mentions previous mistakes, arguments or problems that were supposedly already resolved.

Context gaps:

1. Every time they have an argument, she starts to __________ and remind him of mistakes he made years ago.

2. If you’ve genuinely forgiven someone, is it fair to keep __________ whenever you’re angry?

3. We were trying to resolve the current problem, but he suddenly __________ and the argument became much worse.

Collocations:

• constantly bring up the past

• keep bringing up the past

• unnecessarily bring up the past

• refuse to bring up the past

• bring up painful memories from the past

Translation:
bring up the past — ворошить прошлое; снова поднимать старые проблемы

Important note:
Bring up means introduce a topic into a conversation. Compare: bring up an issue / a problem / a sensitive subject / the past.

I’m still on the fence about whether...

Pronunciation:

/aɪm stɪl ɒn ðə fens əˈbaʊt ˈweðə/

Definition:

Used when you have not yet made a decision because you can see reasons for both options.

Synonyms:

I haven’t made up my mind yet — я ещё не определился
I’m undecided about... — я не определился насчёт...
I’m torn between... — я разрываюсь между...

On the fence suggests neutrality or hesitation between alternatives. Undecided is more neutral and slightly more formal. Torn between usually implies a stronger emotional conflict between two attractive or difficult options.

Context gap:

1. I’m still ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ to accept the offer.

2. I’m still ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ moving abroad is the right decision.

3. I’m still ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ we should book the trip now or wait.

Examples:

1. I’m still on the fence about whether I want to do a master’s degree.

2. I’m still on the fence about whether to tell her what happened.

3. I’m still on the fence about whether working remotely actually suits me.

Collocations:

be on the fence about something
be on the fence about whether...
still be on the fence
sit on the fence
get off the fence

Translation:

be on the fence about whether... — не мочь определиться, стоит ли... / колебаться насчёт того, ...

Important note:

After whether, use either a clause (whether I should go) or to + infinitive (whether to go). On the fence is common and conversational. Sit on the fence can be more critical, suggesting that someone is deliberately avoiding taking a position.

That said

Pronunciation:

/ðæt ˈsed/

Definition:

Used to introduce a point that contrasts with, qualifies, or limits what you have just said.

Synonyms:

having said that — при этом / тем не менее
nevertheless — тем не менее
on the other hand — с другой стороны

That said is concise and natural in both conversation and writing. Having said that is slightly fuller and often more conversational. Nevertheless is more formal. On the other hand explicitly introduces a contrasting perspective.

Context gap:

1. The job is demanding. ___ ___, I’m learning a huge amount.

2. I wouldn’t normally recommend the course. ___ ___, it might suit someone who already has experience.

3. The city is incredibly expensive. ___ ___, the quality of life is excellent.

Examples:

1. I enjoy working from home. That said, I do miss seeing my colleagues.

2. The film was far too long. That said, the performances were excellent.

3. She probably needs more experience. That said, I’d still invite her for an interview.

Collocations:

That said, I think...
That said, I can see why...
That said, it’s worth...
That said, there are...
That said, I wouldn’t...

Translation:

That said, ... — при этом / тем не менее

Important note:

It normally refers back to the whole previous idea, not to one specific noun. It is particularly useful for making an opinion more nuanced: X is true. That said, Y is also worth considering.

when it comes to..

Pronunciation:

/wen ɪt ˈkʌmz tə/

Definition:

Used to introduce the particular subject or area you are going to talk about.

Synonyms:

as for... — что касается...
regarding... — касательно...
in terms of... — с точки зрения / в плане...

When it comes to is very natural in conversation and focuses attention on a particular area. Regarding is more formal. In terms of usually introduces a specific aspect or criterion rather than simply a topic.

Context gap:

1. ___ ___ ___ ___ managing stress, everyone seems to have a different strategy.

2. I’m quite disciplined ___ ___ ___ ___ work, but not with exercise.

3. ___ ___ ___ ___ choosing a place to live, location matters most to me.

Examples:

1. When it comes to money, I tend to be quite cautious.

2. She’s confident in meetings, but when it comes to public speaking, she gets nervous.

3. When it comes to learning vocabulary, regular retrieval practice makes a huge difference.

Collocations:

when it comes to work
when it comes to relationships
when it comes to choosing...
when it comes to dealing with...
when it comes to making decisions

Translation:

when it comes to... — когда речь идёт о... / что касается...

Important note:

To is a preposition here, so use a noun or -ing form: when it comes to making decisions, not when it comes to make decisions.

I subscribe to the belief that..

Pronunciation:

/aɪ səbˈskraɪb tə ðə bɪˈliːf ðæt/

Definition:

Used to say that you accept or support a particular belief or principle.

Synonyms:

I believe that... — я считаю, что...
I’m of the view that... — я придерживаюсь мнения, что...
I hold the belief that... — я придерживаюсь убеждения, что...

Subscribe to the belief/view that is more deliberate and formal than simply believe and often suggests agreement with an existing idea or philosophy. I’m of the view that is formal but neutral. Hold the belief that is also formal and emphasizes having a particular conviction.

Context gap:

1. I ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ people do their best work when they feel trusted.

2. I’ve always ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ education should encourage curiosity rather than conformity.

3. I don’t ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ success has to involve constant sacrifice.

Examples:

1. I subscribe to the belief that confidence comes largely from experience.

2. She subscribes to the belief that children should be given plenty of independence.

3. I don’t subscribe to the belief that being busy automatically means being productive.

Collocations:

subscribe to the belief that...
subscribe to the view that...
subscribe to the idea that...
fully subscribe to the belief that...
not subscribe to the belief that...

Translation:

subscribe to the belief that... — придерживаться убеждения, что... / разделять мнение, что...

Important note:

This use of subscribe to means agree with/support an idea, not “подписываться”. It is relatively formal and is particularly useful in discussions, essays and in

If anything, ...

Pronunciation:

/ɪf ˈeniθɪŋ/

Definition:

Used to correct, strengthen, or reverse a previous idea, often meaning that the opposite is actually closer to the truth.

Synonyms:

if anything, the opposite is true — если уж на то пошло, всё наоборот
in fact — на самом деле
if anything at all — если вообще что-либо

If anything is especially useful when rejecting an assumption and replacing it with a stronger or opposite claim. In factsimply adds or corrects information and does not necessarily imply contrast. If anything at all can have a different meaning: “если вообще хоть что-нибудь”.

Context gap:

1. The experience didn’t make me less ambitious. ___ ___, it made me more determined.

2. I don’t think she was offended. ___ ___, she seemed amused.

3. Working from home hasn’t reduced my workload. ___ ___, I probably work more now.

Examples:

1. I’m not tired of travelling; if anything, I want to do more of it.

2. The criticism didn’t discourage him. If anything, it motivated him.

3. She hasn’t become less independent since moving back home. If anything, she’s become more so.

Collocations:

if anything, it made...
if anything, I’d say...
if anything, the opposite...
if anything, even more...
if anything, rather than...

Translation:

if anything — если уж на то пошло / скорее наоборот

Important note:

A very useful pattern is: X didn’t happen. If anything, the opposite happened. Do not automatically translate it literally as если что-нибудь.

so to speak

Pronunciation:

/ˌsəʊ tə ˈspiːk/

Definition:

Used after a word or phrase to show that you are using it in an unusual, figurative, or not completely literal sense.

Synonyms:

figuratively speaking — образно говоря
in a manner of speaking — в некотором смысле / так сказать
if you like — если хотите / можно сказать

So to speak is a compact idiomatic marker often attached to a metaphor. Figuratively speaking is more explicit and slightly more formal. In a manner of speaking often signals that a statement is only partly or loosely true.

Context gap:

1. After ten years in the company, she knows where all the bodies are buried, ___ ___ ___.

2. Social media has become our public diary, ___ ___ ___.

3. He became the unofficial face of the movement, ___ ___ ___.

Examples:

1. We’re all in the same boat, so to speak.

2. The project has finally found its feet, so to speak.

3. She became the glue holding the whole team together, so to speak.

Collocations:

metaphor + so to speak
the face of..., so to speak
the glue..., so to speak
in the same boat, so to speak
behind the scenes, so to speak

Translation:

so to speak — так сказать / образно говоря

Important note:

It usually comes after the figurative expression it comments on. It can sound slightly self-conscious or playful, so there is often no need to use it when the metaphor is already completely conventional.

Speaking of

Pronunciation:

/ˈspiːkɪŋ əv/

Definition:

Used to introduce a related topic because something in the previous conversation has reminded you of it.

Synonyms:

that reminds me... — кстати, это мне напомнило...
on the subject of... — раз уж речь зашла о...
while we’re on the subject... — раз уж мы об этом заговорили...

Speaking of is very common and conversational. That reminds me introduces something triggered by the previous comment but not necessarily the same topic. On the subject of and while we’re on the subject are slightly more explicit topic-management phrases.

Context gap:

1. ___ ___ holidays, have you booked anything for December?

2. ___ ___ your new job, how are you finding your manager?

3. ___ ___ university, did you ever finish that research project?

Examples:

1. Speaking of work, I need to tell you what happened in yesterday’s meeting.

2. Speaking of travel, have you decided where you’re going this winter?

3. Speaking of Anna, have you heard from her recently?

Collocations:

speaking of work
speaking of which
speaking of people
speaking of your...
speaking of something completely different

Translation:

speaking of... — раз уж заговорили о... / кстати, о...

Important note:

Speaking of which refers back to the whole preceding topic: I need a holiday. Speaking of which, have you booked the hotel yet? It is especially common in informal spoken English.

if you will

Pronunciation:

/ɪf ju ˈwɪl/

Definition:

Used to signal that the word or description you have chosen is unusual, approximate, metaphorical, or open to interpretation.

Synonyms:

so to speak — так сказать
if you like — если хотите / можно сказать
in a sense — в некотором смысле

If you will often sounds more rhetorical or intellectual than so to speak. So to speak typically flags figurative language. In a sense means that something is true from one particular perspective rather than literally or completely.

Context gap:

1. Social media has become a kind of public stage, ___ ___ ___, where everyone performs a version of themselves.

2. She acts as the emotional anchor, ___ ___ ___, of the whole family.

3. It was a psychological safety net, ___ ___ ___, rather than a practical solution.

Examples:

1. He became the architect, if you will, of the company’s new identity.

2. We’re creating a small ecosystem, if you will, where people can exchange ideas freely.

3. Her office became a refuge, if you will, from the chaos downstairs.

Collocations:

a kind of..., if you will
the architect, if you will, of...
a metaphor, if you will
a sort of..., if you will
the beginning, if you will, of...

Translation:

if you will — если хотите / если можно так выразиться

Important note:

This discourse-marker use is different from conditional if you will.... It often appears parenthetically between commas and is more common in reflective, academic, interview, or rhetorical speech than in very casual conversation.

to some extent

Pronunciation:

/tə ˌsʌm ɪkˈstent/

Definition:

Used to say that something is partly, but not completely, true.

Synonyms:

to a certain extent — до определённой степени
to some degree — в некоторой степени
partly — частично

To some extent and to some degree are very close. To a certain extent can sound slightly more deliberate or formal. Partly is shorter and more direct but does not work as naturally as a discourse marker in every context.

Context gap:

1. ___ ___ ___, I agree that social media has changed the way we communicate.

2. Success depends on talent, but ___ ___ ___ it also comes down to opportunity.

3. We’re all influenced by other people’s expectations ___ ___ ___.

Examples:

1. To some extent, your environment shapes the person you become.

2. I can understand her reaction to some extent, although I think she overreacted.

3. All relationships require compromise to some extent.

Collocations:

agree to some extent
true to some extent
depend to some extent on...
influence something to some extent
understand something to some extent

Translation:

to some extent — до некоторой степени / в какой-то мере

Important note:

It is a useful hedging device for making claims less absolute. It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence: To some extent, I agree. / I agree to some extent.