Word

look up word

I’ve looked up the word in every dictionary and I still don’t know how to use it!

say word

He ignored us. He just walked by without saying a word.

understand word

It was supposed to be an introductory talk about computing, but I couldn’t understand a word of it.

find word

It’s sometimes very difficult to find the right word to express precisely what you want to say.

send word

No, she’s not here yet. She sent word that she would be about an hour late.

breathe word

What I just told you is private and confidential so please don’t breathe a word of it to anyone.

choose word

In order not to upset him, she chose her words with great care.

exchange word

The Queen shook hands and exchanged a few words with the sinner of the competition.

go back on word

She has gone her word and decided not to lend me the money after all.

get a word in word

She talks so much it’s impossible for anybody to get a word in edgeways.

take down word

Reporters took down every word of the Prime Minister’s speech.

get out word

If word gets out bout affair, the President will have to resign.

quick word

Can I have a quick word before the meeting starts? It’ll only take a few minutes.

single word

You haven’t been listening to a single word I’ve been saying for the past ten minutes!

four-letter word

The play is full of four-letter words. Why do modern writers need to use so many swear words?

own word

Take your time and in your own words tell the court exactly what happened.

exact word

I can’t remember the teacher’s exact words, but he said something along those lines.

overused word

‘Nice’ is a very overused word. Can’t you think of a better word?

kind word

Teachers sometimes forget that a few kind words at the right time can make all the difference to a student’s confidence.

right word

Is this the right word that fits in this sentence?

a word of warning

Just a word of warning before you go out – these streets can be dangerous at night.

word of mouth

All the orders were given by word of mouth to avoid leaving any written evidence which might be discovered later.

words of encouragement

He wasn’t looking forward to the exam, but he brightened up at the teacher’s words of encouragement.

words of apology

My brother muttered a few words of apology for his appalling behavior, then left the room.

words of comfort

After the funeral, a lot of people came and offered words of comfort to members of my family.

 

Notes

• If you ‘have a word’ with someone, it means you have spoken to them for some purpose:

I’ll have a word with Alex and ask him if he can pick you up before the meeting.

If you ‘have words’ with someone, it means you have had a disagreement or argument:

Have you and your father had words?

• If you have to give a speech, this expression is very useful:

Good morning, I’d just like to say a few words.

• Notice the following expression:

I was so shocked. I was lost for words.

He left in the middle of the meeting – without a word.

He’s not good at putting his ideas into words.

Give me your word you won’t be late back tonight. (give your word = promise)