Expressions and Phrases with "self"
Art is one of the most powerful forms of _____, allowing people to share their thoughts and emotions without using words.
a) self-serving
b) self-doubt
c) self-expression
c) self-expression
“I have a headache,” she said.
She said (that) she had a headache.
People say that the company is closing soon.
It is said that the company is closing soon.
The company is said to be closing soon.
I rarely go out on weekdays.
RARELY
Rarely do I go out on weekdays.
When you mix all the colors, what color do you get?
White
Many people saw his speech as ____, since it focused more on promoting his own achievements than helping others.
a) self-serving
b) self-doubt
c) self-preservation
a) self-serving
He promised, “I’ll tell you the truth when the time is right.”
He promised that he would tell me the truth when the time was right. (verb + that clause)
He promised to tell me the truth when the time was right. (verb + to infinitive)
Everyone knows that exercise improves mental health.
It is known that exercise improves mental health.
Exercise is known to improve mental health.
You will only understand the message when you read it carefully.
ONLY WHEN
Only when you read it carefully will you understand the message.
Which metal is found the most at the center of the Earth?
Iron
Out of a deep instinct for ____, she chose to distance herself from the toxic environment, even though it meant leaving behind people she cared about.
a) self-deprecating
b) self-indulgence
c) self-preservation
c) self-preservation
The coach said to players, “Keep practicing every day!” ENCOURAGE
The coach encouraged the players to keep practicing every day. (verb + object + to infinitive)
People expect that the project will be finished by June.
It is expected that the project will be finished by June.
The project is expected to be finished by June.
The manager didn’t realize the mistake until it was too late.
NOT UNTIL
Not until it was too late did the manager realize the mistake.
How many hearts does an octopus have?
3
Despite his remarkable talent, he often used ____ humor to downplay his achievements and make others feel more comfortable around him.
a) self-indulgence
b) self-deprecating
c) self-doubt
b) self-deprecating
My friend said, “You should try the new Italian restaurant.” RECOMMEND
My friend recommended trying the new Italian restaurant. (verb + gerund)
My friend recommended (that) I (should) try the new Italian restaurant. (verb + that + object + should + infinitive without to))
Economists think that inflation will continue to rise next year.
It is thought that inflation will continue to rise next year.
Inflation is thought to continue to rise next year.
Students should not use their phones during the exam.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
Under no circumstances should students use their phones during the exam.
What is the name of Elsa and Anna's kingdom in Frozen?
Arendelle.
What began as a well-deserved break soon turned into pure ____, as he spent days ignoring his responsibilities and giving in to every whim.
a) self-indulgence
b) self-doubt
c) self-confidence
a) self-indulgence
She said, “Great job getting promoted!” CONGRATULATE
She congratulated me on getting promoted. (verb + object + preposition + gerund)
Critics say that the film captures the complexity of modern relationships brilliantly.
It is said that the film captures the complexity of modern relationships brilliantly.
Film is said to capture the complexity of modern relationships brilliantly.
The moment she entered the room, everyone stopped talking.
NO SOONER...THAN
No sooner had she entered the room than everyone stopped talking.
What was the first country to use paper money?
China