EXPRESSIONS
not in public, in secret
e.g. A film is more than just acting. There's a lot of work that goes on ..., too.
behind the scenes
- Have you seen this movie?
- I ... (see) it before, but I'm not sure.
may/might have seen
He had enough money, but he refused to buy a new car.
(Although/Even though)
Although/Even though he had enough money, he refused to buy a new car.
What's the expression?
'My computer's ... again. I can't get online.'
(not function properly)
acting up
perform better than anyone else
e.g. All the actors were good, but Chris Hemsworth as Thor really ...
stole the show
It's 10 a.m. My parents ... (be) at work now. They can't be at home.
must be
He worked hard, but he couldn’t pass the test.
(Despite)
Despite working hard, he couldn't pass the test.
What's the word?
'The school has had another ... of flu recently.'
(a sudden occurrence usually of disease or violence)
outbreak
be very unsuccessful
e.g. His films are usually very successful. I don't know why his last one ...
was a flop
I can't find my wallet anywhere. I ... (leave) it at home. I'm sure about it.
must have left
He faced many problems, but he didn’t lose hope.
(In spite of)
In spite of facing many problems, he didn't lose hope.
Modals
It seems impossible that she ate two whole burgers for lunch.
She ... (have) two whole burgers for lunch.
can't/couldn't have eaten
consider something to be smaller or less important than it really is
e.g. Don't ... Bob. He's much smarter than you think.
underestimate
That was a very serious accident. You were so lucky. You ... (be) hurt.
could have been
I asked her politely, but she wouldn't answer me.
(though)
(Even) though I asked her politely, she wouldn't answer me.
What's the word?
'I have panic attacks because the competition to get into the school is so ...'
(very strong/intense)
fierce
meeting people and talking to them
e.g. I imagined myself ... the stars of the future in the corridors and becoming the next Salvador Dalí.
rubbing shoulders with
Their parents live in Canada and they've never been to Hungary before. You ... (not/meet) them.
(It's highly possible that you didn't meet them.)
can't/couldn't have met
Although she works three jobs in a day, she can spend quality time with her kids.
(Despite)
Despite working three jobs in a day, she can spend quality time with her kids.
Rewrite.
The film is supposed to be a big hit, but the cinema is nearly empty.
(Despite)
Despite the fact that the film is supposed to be a big hit, the cinema is nearly empty.