PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
| Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| at any rate | used when you are stating one definite fact in a situation that is uncertain or unsatisfactory [= anyway], e.g. They've had technical problems - at any rate that's what they told me. |
| at first glance | when you first look at something |
| at the very most | used to say that you think an amount cannot be larger than the amount you are mentioning, e.g. They've got 50 employees at the very most (=they probably have fewer employees) |
| at the latest | no later than the time mentioned |
| on the contrary | used to add to a negative statement, to disagree with a negative statement by someone else, or to answer no to a question, e.g. It wasn't a good thing; on the contrary it was a huge mistake. |
| on second thoughts | used to say that you have changed your mind about something |
| on reflection | after thinking carefully about it, e.g. At first I disagreed, but on reflection, I realized she was right. |
| in practice | used when saying what really happens rather than what should happen or what people think happens,e.g. In practice women receive much lower wages than their male colleagues. |
| in no circumstances | used to emphasize that something must definitely not happen |
| in particular | especially, e.g. We're proud of our products, Christmas baubles in particular. |
| as a last resort | what you will do if everything else fails, e.g. This kind of transport should be used only as a last resort. |
| up to a point | partly, but not completely, e.g. I agree with you up to a point. |
| off the top of my head | if you say something off the top of your head, you say it immediately, without thinking carefully about it or checking the facts, e.g. Just off the top of my head, I'd say they've got about 50 employees. |