Chunks-Fixed Expressions

As human beings, most of us cannot remember words individually. Instead, we prefer to follow short patterns for everything. According to research, Neuroscience has found that the human brain is more likely to recognize short patterns of a maximum of four terms.

No matter how many words you remember but you can’t retrieve them at the time you need them the most. That’s why we prefer patterns to recognize instead of words.  That’s why we need chunks in writing and speaking.

Chunks

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:

• In my opinion.
• By the way.
• At the end of the day.
• At my expense.

Speakers and writers use chunk to sound more fluent and natural. Chunks are also known as language chunks, lexical chunks, lexical bundles, lexical phrases, and collocations. We can use chunks in speaking and writing. In speaking, it will help the speaker and listener to understand what they are trying to say. In writing, chunks help a writer to structure what they want to write.

Collocations:

Collocations are a group of words that are usually used together.

Chunks that are not collocations

• Out of my mind
• By the way
• Up to now
• If I were you
• A long way off
• Upside down

Chunks that are collocations

• Totally convinced
• Strong accent
• Terrible accident
• Sense of humour
• Sounds exciting
• Brings good luck

Important Chunks used in sentences/conversation:

Now we will learn a few of the chunks which are used commonly and that are very important to learn to sound natural in English.

By the way

The chunk ‘by the way’ is used to add some details and to introduce a less important topic. Let’s see how:

Sentences:

• I bought my new car. By the way, it isn’t as expensive as yours.
• I think I am done for today with this subject. By the way, what time is it?
• By the way, are you going shopping today?
• I am very fatigued today. By the way, do we have another class after this one?
• By the way, I found my book in case if you were still finding it at your place.

Conversation:

Alice: Den is this dress good?

Den: yes it is, by the way, it is the most expensive dress in the store. Would you still buy it?

Tom: Oh, by the way, Bella, did you attend George’s Birthday party last night?

Bella: No, I didn’t. I was busy last night.

You know what?

This chunk ‘you know what’ is used to get someone’s attention or it is used to emphasize the upcoming statement.

Sentences:

• You know what? I passed the CSS exam.
• I never trusted her, but you know what? I really liked her.
• I failed the exam, but you know what? This doesn’t matter anymore because I have got a job.
• You know what? I am sad today.
• You know what? I hate that girl.

Conversation:

Alice: Hey, den! I am sick today, but you know what? I bought a new car yesterday.

Den: Oh, may you get well soon, and that’s excellent news. Then when are you taking me for a ride?

Tom: Hey Bella, you know what? Emilie met an accident yesterday and passed away.

Bella: What! Are you serious?

It goes without saying

This four-word phrase is also a chunk, which means obvious. Something is clear; you don’t need to say that.

Example:

• It goes without saying that you will be paid for your work.
• It goes without saying that you will pass the exam if you study now.
• And of course, it goes without saying that if you need anything, just call me.
• It goes without saying that you must check the tickets of all passengers.

Conversation:

Alice: Den, will they give my bag back to me?

Den: Of course, it goes without saying that they will give your back to you once they are done checking. Don’t worry!

I don’t know, but.

We use this chunk when we are trying to say something, but we don’t want to say it clearly.

Conversation:

Alice: Tom, do you know when the exams will start?

Tom: I don’t know, but they will start sooner or later.

Den: Do you know that person?

Bella: I don’t know, but I have heard he’s a thief.

The thing is.

We use this chunk in our conversation when we want to come to the main point.

Example:

I am not going to school today. The thing is I don’t like children there. They are annoying.

The thing is I don’t like him anymore.

The thing is, I don’t like meat.

Conversation:

Alice: Den, why are you not talking to him?

Den: The thing is we both are no more friends.

Or something.

It is an informal phrase that is used to refer to some previous thing or relate to that thing.

Example:

• You like you have been bitten by dog or something,
• She looks like she has been running or something.
• Do you need coffee or something?
• Tom looks like he just climbed a mountain or something.

And rest of the things.

This chunk is used when you expect that other things are obvious or the person you are talking to knows the rest of the stuff.

Example:

• I went to the party, met my friends and you know the rest of the things.
• I bought a bag, a uniform and you know the rest of the stuff for school.
• I went mosque, read the Holy Quran, offered prayer, and you know the rest of the things.

Conclusion: 

These are a few of the necessary chunks that we use in our daily life. You don’t need to get confused between them; all of them are used in speaking and writing.