Phrases, patterns and collocations Part 1 Flashcards
(give) an account of
To recount information about someone or something to one
Ex: All witnesses have to give the police an account of what they saw the night of the burglary.
take account of
consider (something) along with other factors before reaching a decision.
Ex: “he would be willing to accept minor changes to take account of new technology”
on account of
because of
Ex: President declined to deliver the speech himself, on account of a sore throat.
by all accounts
according to what one has heard or read.
Ex: “by all accounts he is a pretty nice guy”
(hang) in the balance
uncertain; at a critical stage.
Ex: “his survival hung in the balance for days”
upset/alter/redress the balance
to disturb the normal state, course, or stability of
Ex: to upset the balance of nature.
on balance
with all things considered.
Ex: “but on balance he was pleased”
off balance
not even, stable, or in correct proportions.
Ex: “slightly off-balance performances by the show’s leads”
on the basis of
according to, based on
Ex: Students were chosen/selected on the basis of their grades and test scores.
contrary to popular belief
to introduce a statement that is the opposite to what is thought to be true by most ordinary people.
Ex: Contrary to popular belief, bread is not the best thing for birds.
pick sb’s brain
to ask someone who knows a lot about a subject for information or their opinion
Ex: I was picking Simon’s brains about which computer to buy.
the brains behind something
The person responsible for a certain plan or idea.
Ex: Sheila is the brains behind our new environmental initiative, so she deserves all the credit.
bring sth to a conclusion
to bring (something) to a finish, to end (something)
Ex: The case was finally brought to a conclusion last week.
come to/arrive at/reach a conclusion
to decide (something) after consideration
Ex: I’ve come to the conclusion that we need to try a different method.
jump/leap to conclusion
Form an opinion or judgment hastily
Ex: Wait till you have the facts; don’t jump to a conclusion
