Chunks 5-Fixed Expressions

We have learned many essential chunks in previous lessons, but there are many chunks to learn in English. Chunks play an important role in spoken English as well as in written English. 

Definition: Chunks are a group of words, which are found together as fixed expressions. They can be words that are always used together as fixed collocations. Such as:

• Sort of 
• For heavens’ sake. 
• If you ask me. 
• At least

Chunks have different meanings, but we use them as fixed expressions. Chunks are already structured. We cannot change the position of preposition, verb or adverb in chunks. 

Important Chunks in English

In any case 

"In any case" means "anyhow or whatever the situation is or will be". We often (not necessary) use this chunk when ordering someone to do something, no matter what the situation is. 

Example: 

Sentences:

• I want my dress today in any case. 
• I am going to buy my favorite book today in any case. 
• It is raining today, but we are going to a party in any case. 

Conversation: 

• Sarah: I want this report at 8.00 AM tomorrow, in any case.

Ali: Yes, ma'am. I will try my best. 

• Sarah: Did you find out who stole your bag from class? 

Ali: Not yet, but I will find it out in any case. 

No way

“No way” is a chunk which has several meanings. All of them are listed below.

1. We use “no way” to tell someone that something is impossible. 

Example: 

• No way she will not let you get away quickly. 
• Sorry but there’s no way I can help you in this matter. 

1. We can use “No way!” to express surprise or astonishment. 

Example: 

• Amanda: I am getting married this month.
• Helena: No way! Why didn’t you tell me earlier? 

1. It can be used to say No in a forceful way. 

Example: 

• Billy: Janet, please help me with cooking dinner. 
• Janet: No way! I am not usually the one that handles it.

Talk of the devil/speak of the devil.

It is said when someone appears just after they are mentioned in any conversation. This chunk is used humorously. 

Example: 

Conversation: 

• Jerry: Did you know Jimmy fought with his brother in university?

(jimmy appears unexpectedly)

Jerry: Talk of the devil. Here he is. 

Supposed to 

“Supposed to” means “someone is expected to do something” or “to be expected to be something.”

Example: 

Sentences: 

• You were supposed to be at the airport now.
• He is supposed to be fluent in English.
• They are supposed to leave today.
• She was not supposed to leave the room.
• Your dress was supposed to be more beautiful.

It is no bother.

It is used to say that you are happy to help someone or express that you want to do it and it will take no efforts at all. 

Example: 

Sentences: 

• Let me cut salad for you. It is no bother. 
• I will pick your children from school. It is no bother. 
• I will drive you to your home. It is no bother. 

Conversation: 

• Salman: I cannot solve this math problem? Will you solve it for me, please?

Sidra: Yes, it is no bother.

It is beyond me.

This chunk means “it is something which I cannot understand so, I cannot deal with it”. It is often used to express the rejection of some activity.

Example: 

Sentences:

• Online class management is beyond new teachers. 
• I cannot complete this assignment; it is beyond me. 
• Please help me with this task; It is beyond me. 
• I cannot complete any of the math homework. It is beyond me.

 Conversation: 

• John:  why aren’t you working on your coding task which is assigned to you? 

George: I am sorry. It’s beyond me.

Too good to be true.

It means that something is so good that it is hard to believe. It also means that something only seems good but not real. 

Example

Sentences: 

• Amanda’s husband is too good to be true.
• My brother’s result was too good to be true.
• The price of this house is too good to be true. Something must be wrong with it.

Conclusion: 

In this lesson, we have learnt a few more important chunks in English. Most of these chunks and phrases are common, and we use them in our conversations very often. These chunks have specific meanings.  You cannot remember all of them at once, but you can practice them in your conversation with your friends.