Vocabulary (B1) - Lesson 2: Common Fixed Expressions for Conversation
Use these common phrases to make your conversations flow naturally.
🤔 The Hook: What's a "Fixed Expression"?
In our last lesson, we learned about idioms, where the meaning is surprising (like "break a leg"). Today, we're learning about "fixed expressions." These are phrases that are a bit more direct, but they are still "fixed"—we always say them in the same order.
Think of them as useful tools or signposts1 that help you guide a conversation. They make your English sound much more fluent and natural.
📚 The Expression Bank: Six Conversational Tools
Here are six fixed expressions that you will hear and use all the time in daily conversations.
| Expression | Meaning (Khmer & English) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| on the other hand | ម្យ៉ាងវិញទៀត Used to introduce a contrasting2 point. |
"Siem Reap is beautiful. On the other hand, it can be very hot in April." |
| as far as I know | តាមដែលខ្ញុំដឹង Used to say what you think is true, showing some uncertainty3. |
"As far as I know, the museum closes at 5 PM, but you should check." |
| sooner or later | មិនយូរមិនឆាប់ Eventually4; at some point in the future. |
"You need to fix the leak in your roof. Sooner or later, it's going to cause a big problem." |
| by the way | និយាយអញ្ចឹង Used to introduce a new subject that is not related to the current topic. |
"I really enjoyed the movie last night. Oh, by the way, did you remember to call your mother?" |
| in general | ជាទូទៅ Used to talk about something as a whole, or usually. |
"I like most fruits, but in general, I prefer sweet fruits over sour ones." |
| all of a sudden | ភ្លាមៗនោះ Suddenly; without any warning. |
"We were walking by the riverside when, all of a sudden, it started to rain heavily." |
💡 Usage Note: Signposts for Your Listener
Think of these expressions as signals you give to your conversation partner. They help the other person follow your ideas easily.
- When you say "on the other hand," you are preparing your listener for an opposite idea.
- When you say "by the way," you are telling them, "Okay, I'm changing the topic now!"
- When you say "as far as I know," you are being honest that you are not 100% sure of your information.
Using these correctly shows a high level of conversational skill.
💬 In Conversation: Planning a Weekend
Here is a short dialogue between two friends, Piseth and Chanlina, discussing their plans.
Piseth: I'm so glad it's Friday! Any plans for the weekend?
Chanlina: Not really. I was thinking of just relaxing. In general, my weekends are for resting.
Piseth: That's a good idea. I was thinking of going to the market. On the other hand, it's probably going to be very busy.
Chanlina: It usually is. Oh, by the way, is that new coffee shop near Pub Street open yet?
Piseth: As far as I know, it opens next week. We should go then!
Chanlina: Definitely. My brother wants to visit it too. He knows he has to study for his exams, but he said he'll have to take a break sooner or later.
✔️ The Drill: Check Your Understanding
Instructions: Choose the best expression to complete each sentence. Click "Show Answer" to see the correct response.
1. The bus should be here at 2 PM, ________, but sometimes it's late.
Show Answer
Answer: C) as far as I know
This expression correctly shows that you believe the information is true but are not 100% certain.
2. I love living in Cambodia because the weather is warm. ________, the traffic can be really bad sometimes.
Show Answer
Answer: A) On the other hand
This expression is used to introduce a contrasting idea (warm weather vs. bad traffic).
3. If you keep practicing every day, ________ you will become a great guitar player.
Show Answer
Answer: B) sooner or later
This means "eventually" or "at some future time."
4. We were watching the football match, and ________ the lights went out!
Show Answer
Answer: C) all of a sudden
This correctly expresses that something happened suddenly and unexpectedly.
🎯 The Mission: Use What You've Learned
Instructions: Try these activities to make these expressions a part of your active vocabulary.
- Active Listening: Find a YouTube video or podcast of two native English speakers having a conversation. Listen for 5 minutes and write down any of today's fixed expressions that you hear.
- Write a Paragraph: Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about your opinion on online learning versus classroom learning. Try to use "in general" and "on the other hand" in your paragraph.
- Start a Conversation: Next time you are speaking English with a friend, try to use "by the way" to change the topic naturally.
Glossary
- Signpost: (n.) In conversation, a word or phrase that shows the listener what you are about to do (e.g., change topic, give an example). (ពាក្យសញ្ញា)
- Contrasting: (adj.) Showing a very obvious difference between two things. (ផ្ទុយគ្នា)
- Uncertainty: (n.) The feeling or state of not being sure about something. (ភាពមិនប្រាកដប្រជា)
- Eventually: (adv.) In the end; after a period of time or series of events. (នៅទីបំផុត)