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C1 ADVANCED: 50 ESSENTIAL PHRASES FOR USE OF ENGLISH
Mastering the C1 Advanced (CAE) Reading & Use of English paper isn’t just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about recognizing precise, rigid lexical patterns. This list of 50 essential C1 phrases, expressions, and structures is organized by how they are actually tested on the exam.
Come to terms with – To accept a difficult situation.
Example: "It took him months to come to terms with the fact that he hadn't got the job."
Come as a surprise (to someone) – To be unexpected.
Example: "It came as a surprise to her when she won the award."
Be taken aback (by) – To be shocked or highly surprised.
Example: "We were taken aback by the sheer scale of the project."
Take exception to – To object to something or be offended by it.
Example: "He took exception to the tone of the email."
On the verge of – Very close to experiencing something.
Example: "Scientists are on the verge of making a major breakthrough."
Keep an eye on – To watch or look after something carefully.
Example: "Could you keep an eye on my luggage while I buy a coffee?"
Take (something) for granted – To assume something is true or will always be there without appreciating it.
Example: "You shouldn't take your health for granted."
In all likelihood – Almost certainly.
Example: "The concert will, in all likelihood, be cancelled due to the rain."
It is only a matter of time (before/until) – Something is certain to happen eventually.
Example: "It is only a matter of time before they find a solution."
Stand a chance of (doing something) – To have a prospect or probability of success.
Example: "She doesn't stand a chance of winning unless she trains harder".
Shed light on – To make something easier to understand.
Example: "This new evidence may shed some light on the mystery."
Make up one's mind – To make a decision.
Example: "I can't make up my mind which route to take".
Be in the mood for / to do – To feel like doing something.
Example: "I'm not in the mood for going out tonight."
Take pride in – To be proud of something.
Example: "They take great pride in their customer service."
Put an end to – To stop something from happening.
Example: "The government wants to put an end to tax evasion."
By no means – Not at all / definitely not.
Example: "The exam is by no means easy, but it is passable with practice."
In the light of – Considering or because of new information.
Example: "In the light of recent events, we have decided to change our policy."
On no account – Under no circumstances (often triggers inversion).
Example: "On no account should you press this button."
With a view to (+ -ing) – With the intention of doing something.
Example: "He bought the house with a view to renovating it."
To be under the impression – To believe something (which is usually incorrect).
Example: "I was under the impression that the meeting had been postponed."
In connection with – Concerning or relating to.
Example: "I am writing to you in connection with your recent application."
In response to – As a reaction to.
Example: "The company released a statement in response to the criticism."
Out of the blue – Completely unexpectedly.
Example: "She called me out of the blue after years of silence."
In the habit of – Doing something regularly as a routine.
Example: "I am not in the habit of waking up early on weekends."
At a loss for words – Unable to think of what to say.
Example: "His sudden proposal left her at a loss for words."
Bring about – To cause something to happen.
Example: "The new law brought about significant social changes."
Put up with – To tolerate.
Example: "I cannot put up with this noise any longer."
Call off – To cancel.
Example: "The outdoor match was called off due to the downpour."
Look down on – To think you are superior to someone.
Example: "She felt that her colleagues looked down on her because of her accent."
Come up with – To suggest or think of an idea/plan.
Example: "They need to come up with a better marketing strategy."
Make up for – To compensate for.
Example: "Nothing can make up for the loss of our pet."
Run out of – To finish your supply of something.
Example: "We have run out of time, so we must stop here."
Keep up with – To stay at the same level as.
Example: "Technology is changing so fast it's hard to keep up with it."
Look up to – To admire and respect.
Example: "He has always looked up to his older brother."
Take after – To resemble a parent or relative in appearance or character.
Example: "She takes after her mother in her love for music."
No sooner... than – Used to show that one thing happens immediately after another.
Example: "No sooner had we stepped outside than it started to pour."
Hardly... when – Meaning identical to "no sooner... than".
Example: "Hardly had the movie begun when my phone rang."
Rarely / Seldom – Emphasizing that something almost never happens.
Example: "Rarely have I witnessed such a spectacular performance."
Not only... but also – Adding emphasis to two related points.
Example: "Not only did she pass the exam, but she also got the highest score."
Little did (someone) realize – Someone had absolutely no idea.
Example: "Little did I realize that the answer was right in front of me."
What (someone) did was...
Example: "What the government did was implement a new tax on plastics."
It was not until... that...
Example: "It was not until the next day that we realized our mistake."
It is / was (X) that...
Example: "It was my sister that suggested we go to Italy, not me."
Despite / In spite of – Followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb (never a subject + verb clause).
Example: "Despite the bad weather, we enjoyed the hike." / "In spite of feeling ill, she went to work."
Much as – Even though / although (highly formal contrast).
Example: "Much as I would like to help, I simply don't have the time."
Whereas – Used to compare or contrast two facts.
Example: "Some people prefer saving money, whereas others prefer spending it."
On the grounds that – Because / for the reason that.
Example: "The proposal was rejected on the grounds that it was too expensive."
No matter how / what / where – Regardless of.
Example: "No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't solve the puzzle."
As far as (something) is concerned – Regarding / with reference to.
Example: "As far as the budget is concerned, we are completely on track."
Provided / Providing (that) – Only if / on the condition that.
Example: "You can borrow my car, provided that you drive carefully."
