Resolutions - Advanced

We all make promises and resolutions from time to time. Especially around the New Year, people promise to give up bad habits and improve their lives. Here are ten phrases.

10 expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing: 
  1. I guess I'd better stop overspending..
  2. I suppose I really ought to go to the gym
  3. I really should diet, but then again...
  4. There's nothing for it. I'll have to do it
  5. I promise I'll try harder to arrive early
  6. I have every intention of passing the test
  7. Never again will you catch me snoring..
  8. Nothing is going to stop me finishing..
  9. No matter what happens, I'm going to win..
  10. Come hell or high water, I'll pay it back
How To Use These Phrases In Your English: 
  1. Phrases 1 and 2 are really quite weak. The expressions 'Iguess' and 'I suppose' show the speaker's unwillingness.
  2. Phrase 3 sounds stronger at first but the second part 'but then again' could be introducing a different plan.
  3. Phrase 4 suggests that the speaker must do this (no choice) but he / she doesn't really like the idea.
  4. In phrase 5, the speaker is only promising to try, which suggests the possibility that she / he might fail to do it.
  5. Phrases 6 and 7 are much stronger resolutions. But with more marked intonation indicates that the speaker is less sure.
  6. Phrases 8, 9 and 10 are very strong resolutions. They all show strong determination to complete the task.
  7. Phrase 3 is often followed by sentences containing modals could, may, might
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