Intermediate · B1–B2
Fixed Expressions
Fixed expressions are phrases whose form is set — they cannot be changed without sounding unnatural. They include greetings, discourse phrases, and formulaic language.
What are fixed expressions?
Fixed expressions (also called formulaic language) are multi-word phrases with a conventionalised form and meaning. Unlike idioms, their meaning is usually literal — but the words cannot be rearranged.
Social and conversational fixed expressions
| Expression | Use |
|---|---|
| How do you do? | Formal greeting (first meeting) |
| Nice to meet you. | Greeting on introduction |
| Not at all. | Response to thanks or apology |
| That's all right. | Accepting an apology |
| It goes without saying. | Something obvious |
| As a matter of fact. | Introducing a contrasting fact |
Discourse-organising fixed expressions
| Expression | Function |
|---|---|
| Last but not least | Introducing the final (important) point |
| To cut a long story short | Summarising quickly |
| At the end of the day | Ultimately / when everything is considered |
| As far as I'm concerned | Giving a personal view |
| To be perfectly honest | Introducing a frank statement |
| In the long run | Over time / eventually |
Academic and professional fixed expressions
| Expression | Function |
|---|---|
| It is worth noting that | Drawing attention to something |
| With reference to / With regard to | Introducing a topic |
| In light of | Given / considering |
| As opposed to | Contrasting |
| By the same token | Similarly / for the same reason |
Tip: Fixed expressions are memorised as complete units. Trying to change their grammar usually sounds wrong: at the end of the day ✓ / at the end of a day ✗ (in this idiomatic sense).