Useful Expressions
Level: Elementary Intermediate Advanced
Being positive in bad situations
Keeping a stiff upper lip and remaining positive no matter how bad the situation is supposed to be a part of the British national character. Here are some typical phrases we use to
Ten Expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing
- Look on the bright side.
- Every cloud has a silver lining.
- All being well, ...
- We've turned the corner.
- Nothing lasts for ever.
- There's a light at the end of the tunnel.
- It's not all doom and gloom
- It could be worse.
- Worse things happen at sea.
- April showers...
How To Use These Phrases In Your English
- Phrases 1 and 2 are saying that there will probably be a positive result of something negative.
- We follow phrase 3 with something good we expect. e.g. All being well it'll stop raining later.
- Phrase 4 suggests that a negative downward trend has finished and that good times are returning.
- Phrase 4 is reminding us that every bad situation will end eventually.
- Phrase 6 is a metaphor to show that you can see an improvement coming even if it's far in the future.
- Phrase 7 can introduce a small piece of good new after a number of bad pieces of news.
- People use phrases 7 and 8 to make people feel lucky that their misfortune is not in fact even greater.
- Phrase 9 is a traditional saying and suggests that how ever bad your situation is, it's not as bad as situations typically faced by professional sailors.
- The whole phrase 'April showers bring May flowers' suggest that a bad event will have a good result.