Chunks 4

In writing or speaking, we use many phrases, clauses, and chunks such as count me in, a lot of, you know, mark my words, for heaven's sake etc. Most of these chunks and phrases are common, and we use them in our conversations very often. These chunks have specific meanings.  

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:

• Mark my words.
• Honestly speaking. 
• On the other hand. 
• Like it or not.

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.

We have learned the meaning of essential chunks in previous lessons, but there are still a few more important chunks that you need to know at the beginner level. 

Important Chunks Used in Sentences/Conversation

1.  It is none of your business. 

We use this chunk to tell someone not to get involved in something or tell someone that it is private information, and you don't want to share it with them. It also means to tell someone to stay out of something. It is often used in rude behavior. We can use it with other personal pronouns as well, such as 'it is none of her business' or 'it is none of his business.'

Sentences:

• When my brother tried to ask about my friend's relationship, I had to let him know that this is none of his business. 
• Suzan was angry when I told her that my marriage is none of her business. 
• Helena should avoid things that are none of her business. 

Conversation: 

• Emma: Why did your brother leave medical college?

Mason: It is none of your business Emma. 

• Emma: You shouldn't wait for him. He is not coming. 

Mason: It is none of your business. 

1. I’ll leave you to it. 

“I’ll leave you it” means to allow somebody to do something without any interference or involvement. Or to withdraw from someone and leave them to finish something if they are busy.

Sentences: 

• I had to ask something about the test, but you are busy, so I’ll leave you to it. 
• You are painting the wall, so I’ll leave you to it. 
• Your laptop is fixed now. I’ll leave you to it now.

Conversation:

• Lily: If you are busy, I can fix your motor. 

Grace: Ok! I’ll leave you to it. 

• Lily: I need your help. 

Grace: I am busy.

Lily: I’ll leave you to it. I will come tomorrow. 

1. I must say. 

“I must say” is used to emphasize a statement or opinion. It means "I must admit" or "I cannot restrain from saying". We often use it at the end of the statement, but one can use it at the start of the sentence.

Sentences: 

• I must say he is an honest man.
• Your dress is beautiful, I must say.
• I am not happy with your decision, I must say.

Conversation: 

• Sarah: I didn't like her dress. Did you?

Anna: I liked her dress, I must say.

• Sarah: How was your visit to your in-laws?

Anna: Well, they were very kind to me, I must say. 

1. At least 

The chunk "At least" has several meanings. We can use it in many contexts. It means "at last", "to emphasize that something is better than nothing" or "used to say that you should do something small rather than nothing". It also means "despite the disadvantage or problem". So, there are a lot of meanings of "At least". However, they are a bit similar too. 

Sentences: 

• You should at least clean your room. 
• At least you are trying.
• At least I am studying. 

Conversation: 

• Caroline: I am divorcing him. 

Emma: At least. 

• Caroline: I don't like this house. It is so small. 

Emma: Yes, it is small, but at least it is furnished very well. 

1. Watch out. 

It is used to warn someone of danger or to warn someone to be careful because something terrible is likely to happen, such as an accident. 

Example:

• Watch out! It’s wet. 
• Watch out! You could have cut your finger. 
• Watch out! You nearly hit the baby with your car. Slow down now. 

1. I dare say/I daresay. 

“I dare say” is used at the start or end of a sentence to indicate that you believe that something is probably right.

Example: 

• I dare say, you have heard about his death. 
• You know everything about my past, I daresay. 
• If Helena had visited this place, I daresay she would have loved it. 

1. I hope so/I think so/I hope not. 

“I think so” is used to say that one believes that something will happen, or something is right. “I hope so” is somehow similar to, “I think so”. It is used to say that ‘One wishes or thinks that something could happen or want it to happen. Whereas ‘I hope not’ is opposite to ‘I hope so’. 

Conversation: 

• George: Do you think you will pass the exam?

Elena: I hope so. 

• George: So! you are not going to Dubai.

Elena: I think so.

1. Wonders will never cease.

It is an expression of surprise or astonishment when something unexpected happens. One says it when he/she is happy with something good. 

Sentences:

• Lynda was on time for work. Wonders will never cease!
• Jack has been assigned as a manager of the restaurant. Wonders will never cease!

1. That is news to me.

It is used to say in response to something someone didn’t know at first.  It means “ I am hearing it for the first time”.

Conversation: 

• Aleena: Akon’s concert is cancelled. Did you know?

Ahmed: No! This is new to me. 

Conclusion: 

In this lesson, we have learnt essential chunks which are almost like expressions. Chunks help us to express something in a better way. It enables the listener or writer to understand something in a better way.