Do you want to improve your English and make your conversations more interesting? Picking up some advanced expressions can really spice up your communication. In this article, we’ll take a look at 13 B2-level English phrases that will enable you to express your ideas more clearly and creatively. Let’s jump into these expressions and discover how to use them effectively!
To spice up something means to add excitement or interest. This expression is perfect for making a story, speech, or performance more lively. For example, you might say, “Spice up the story a little bit, Jesus Christ!” Here, it implies adding some intriguing details or energy to the narrative.
When you say, “I have a lot on my plate,” it means you’re busy with many tasks or projects. It often conveys that you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. For instance, “I can’t go out tonight. I have a lot on my plate with work and studying.” If you want to express that you already have enough to handle, you might say, “I have enough on my plate.”
To wrap your head around something means to understand a complex concept or situation. It’s not just about understanding, but grappling with something difficult. For example, “It’s hard to wrap my head around quantum physics!” implies that quantum physics is a challenging subject to comprehend.
Come rain or shine means no matter what happens or what the circumstances are. This phrase can be used literally for weather conditions or figuratively for any situation. For example, “I’ll be at your picnic come rain or shine” suggests unwavering commitment regardless of the weather.
When you say, “I can relate,” it means you understand someone’s situation because you have experienced something similar. For instance, “You’re stressed about your exams. I can totally relate.” This expression helps in showing empathy and understanding.
If you can’t help doing something, it means you can’t stop yourself from doing it. For example, in Elvis Presley’s song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the phrase describes an irresistible feeling. You might also say, “I can’t help laughing at your jokes. They’re so funny!”
The phrase under the sun refers to everything that exists or is possible. For instance, “I think I’ve tried every diet under the sun,” means you’ve tried every conceivable diet. It’s a way to emphasize the vastness of options or experiences.
So far so good indicates that things are going well up to the present time. For example, “How’s everything going with your new job?” “So far, so good,” suggests that the situation is currently favorable, though it may change.
To speak your mind means to express your thoughts and opinions honestly. This can be either positive or negative. For example, “Karen is not shy. She always speaks her mind,” suggests Karen is forthright with her opinions.
To take someone or something for granted means to fail to appreciate them adequately. For example, “Don’t take your friends for granted. They’re always there for you.” This expression highlights the importance of showing appreciation.
When you give an answer off the top of your head, it means you are speaking from memory without checking the facts. For instance, “There are some great restaurants around here, but I can’t think of their names off the top of my head.” This suggests a spontaneous or immediate response.
The phrase out of nowhere means something happens suddenly and unexpectedly. For example, “The mouse appeared out of nowhere and scared me.” It’s used to describe surprising or abrupt occurrences.
To feel under the weather means to feel slightly ill or unwell, often with symptoms like a cold or flu. For example, “I’m feeling under the weather, so I’m going to stay home today.” It’s a polite way of saying you’re not feeling well.
In conclusion, adding these B2-level expressions to your English vocabulary can greatly improve your communication skills. Whether you’re talking about your hectic schedule, showing empathy, or sharing unexpected moments, these phrases will bring more vibrancy and clarity to your conversations. Give them a try in your daily chats to make your English more lively and engaging!
