33 skipper

as far as I know: I don't know for sure, but I think...

As far as I know, they are still living in Japan

but all the same: but nevertheless, but despite this

I'm sure they are correct but all the same I'd better have a look at them.

but I'll say this for ...•: but you can't criticise sb/ sth for... (used to balance criticisms that you have made or that another person has just made about sb or sth)

That was the gloomiest restaurant I have ever been to, but I will say this for it, it was remarkably cheap.

but rest assured ...: but I promise you

We are not sure where the meteor is going to hit, but rest assured that, as soon as we know, you'll know.

by the sound of It...: based on what sb has told me/what I have read/heard...

I haven't seen Andy for ages, but by the sound of it, he is doing really well.

from what I can gather/I gather that •...: based on the information I have, I think I am right when I say...

I gather that you are thinking of moving to South Africa.

you'll have a Job doing th ...: it will be difficult for you to do sth

You'll have a job finding their house. It's in the middle of nowhere

how come ...: an informal way of asking' why; followed by clause and not used with an auxiliary

How come you got a bonus and I didn 't?

I don't know about you but I ...: used when you are telling sb what you would II e to do (often used as an indirect way of Inviting sb to join you)

I overheard her talking to Jenny so I know for a fact that she's got the job.

It's all very well ...: it's okay for you but not for me because my circumstances are different (used to criticise or reject sb/sth)

It's all verY well for you to go to bed at 3 a.m. You don't have to go to work in the morning.

I was led to beIIeve that ...•: sb told me that sth was true/possible

I was led to beIIeve that ...•: sb told me that sth was true/possible

I wish to goodness ...: (followed by pronoun + would) I really wish; used when you want sb to do or stop doing sth or when you are complaining about sth annoying that sb habitually does

I wish to goodness you'd hurrY up!

lets face it"...: we must accept that

know it is disappointing that we have to close the shop, but let's face it, there's nothing we can do.

(you) mark my word ...: remember what I am about to say because I am sure it will happen

You mark my words, if they get married, they will be vefYunhappy together

no wonder .../small wonder ...: it's not surprising

The last time you ate was yesterday morning?! No wonder/ small wonder you're hungrY!

to be perfectly honest ...: to be completely truthful

To be perfectly honest, I didn't understand a word of what he said.

sb struck m as ...: it seemedto me that sb was (often used to give your first impressions of sb) [Note: what struck me most ... the thing I particularly noticed]

He struck me as an honest and trustworthy person.

surely you re not (doing sth) ...: I think that sth would be a mistake [Note: surely: I believe that]

Surely you are not going to take them up on their offer.

whatever possessed you to •••?: why did you ...? (used instead of why in order to show great surprise)

Whatever possessed you to suddenly give up your job like that

where/what/who/etc on earth ...: on earth is used after question words to emphasise surprise or anger in a question

What on earth is he complaining about?

with all due respect, ...: (formal) polite way to introduce criticism, contradiction, etc

But sir, with all due respect, you can 't do that. It's only going to cause more problems.