Level Up Your Writing: Essential Phrases for Impact

Welcome to Abandon British English, the show that helps you move beyond textbook rules and start communicating with real-world impact.

It’s one thing to know a lot of words. It’s another thing to connect them with confidence and skill. The difference between basic English and powerful English often lies in the small phrases that build structure, show contrast, and express nuanced feelings. These are the tools native speakers use without thinking.

Today, we are going to master a set of these essential phrases. We’ll learn how to talk about your mood, describe how people are perceived, and argue a point even when there are challenges. This is not about memorizing grammar; it's about learning the practical structures that will make your writing and speaking more dynamic and persuasive.

Ready to give your English more flow and authority? Let's begin.

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Phrase One: in the mood

Let's start with a very common phrase, "in the mood."

We use this to express that we feel like doing something. It’s about your personal feeling or desire at a particular moment.

Here is the first example.

After a day of fresh air and activity, you should be in the mood for a good meal.

Let me say that again.

After a day of fresh air and activity, you should be in the mood for a good meal.

It connects the day's events to the feeling of wanting to eat.

Here’s another one, about a feeling.

The sun was shining, and I was in the mood to go on an adventure.

Let’s hear that again.

The sun was shining, and I was in the mood to go on an adventure.

So, next time you want to say you feel like doing something, try using "I'm in the mood." It's very natural.

Phrase Two: a form of therapy

Now, let's talk about the word "therapy."

Literally, therapy is professional treatment for health issues. But, we often use it more broadly to describe any activity that makes you feel better, calmer, or happier, especially during stressful times. We often say something is "a form of therapy."

Listen to this example.

Playing pingpong can also be a form of physical therapy to help you recover from high stress levels.

Let me say that one more time.

Playing pingpong can also be a form of physical therapy to help you recover from high stress levels.

Notice how it's not just an activity, but something that heals. Here are a few other ways to talk about managing stress.

For some people, meditation is a form of therapy that helps them avoid experiencing high stress levels.

In other words.

Regular exercise can be a therapy, that prevents you from developing high stress levels.

Using "therapy" in this way elevates the importance of a simple activity. It’s not just a hobby, it's something that restores you.

Phrase Three: infinite

Our next word is, infinite.

Infinite is spelled, I - N - F - I - N - I - T - E.

It is pronounced, infinite.

Infinite means limitless or endless. It describes something that is so large or great, that it cannot be measured or counted.

Here’s a classic example.

The universe is often described as infinite in size.

Let me repeat that.

The universe is often described as infinite in size.

But we can also use it in a more figurative, motivational way.

With enough practice, the possibilities for your improvement are infinite.

Listen to that again. It’s a great thought.

With enough practice, the possibilities for your improvement are infinite.

And here is one more, very poetic example.

The patience of a good mother is often seen as infinite.

That’s a beautiful way to express a deep truth.

Phrase Four: seen as

Let's look at that last phrase we just used, "seen as."

This is a fantastic phrase for writing. We use "seen as" to talk about the general opinion, reputation, or perception of a person, place, or thing. It’s about how something is viewed by others.

Here is an example.

He is seen as the most reliable member of the team.

Let me say that again.

He is seen as the most reliable member of the team.

This means that people, in general, view him this way. Here’s another example.

This city is seen as a hub of culture and innovation.

In other words.

People see this city as a center for culture and innovation.

And one more.

Her leadership style is often seen as decisive and confident.

Let’s hear that again.

Her leadership style is often seen as decisive and confident.

So, when you want to describe a reputation, "seen as" is the perfect tool.

Phrase Five: designated

Next up, the word designated.

Designated is spelled, D - E - S - I - G - N - A - T - E - D.

It is pronounced, designated.

Designated means officially chosen or set aside for a special purpose.

Here’s a simple, clear example.

She was designated as the team leader for the new project.

Listen to that again.

She was designated as the team leader for the new project.

It means she was officially given that role. Here’s another one.

They designated a special area for customer parking.

Let me repeat that.

They designated a special area for customer parking.

Now, here is a very practical, real-life example.

There's a designated area in the supermarket for near-expiry foods, which are usually very cheap.

Let me rephrase that slightly.

I rely on the food from the designated cheap-food area for my daily meals.

That’s a brilliant, specific example of how this word is used in everyday life.

A Look at Symbolism: The Full Moon

Sometimes in writing, an object is more than just an object. It is a symbol. Your notes on the moon are a perfect example of this.

During China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, the full moon is a powerful symbol.

Listen to how you can describe this.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the full moon, round like a plate, symbolizes fullness, happiness, and completeness.

Let me say that again.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the full moon, round like a plate, symbolizes fullness, happiness, and completeness.

That connection between the moon's shape and the feeling of family is what makes writing powerful.

Phrase Six: in spite of

Let's look at a phrase for showing contrast. "In spite of."

"In spite of" means the same as "despite." We use it to show that something happened, even though there was a challenge or obstacle in the way.

Here’s a great example about the festival we just mentioned.

In spite of busy schedules, people travel long distances to reunite with family during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Listen to that again.

In spite of busy schedules, people travel long distances to reunite with family during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Here’s another example from a work environment.

In spite of technical issues, the team completed the project on time.

Now, here is a very personal and strong example.

In spite of the cold weather and my tight budget, I bought sports clothes and went jogging every morning to stay healthy.

Let’s hear that again, because it tells a great story.

In spite of the cold weather and my tight budget, I bought sports clothes and went jogging every morning to stay healthy.

You see? The obstacles were cold weather and a tight budget. The action was jogging. "In spite of" connects them perfectly.

Phrase Seven: as well as

And our final phrase today, "as well as."

"As well as" is a slightly more elegant way to say "and" or "in addition to." It connects two related things.

Here's a simple example.

He is talented in math, as well as science.

Let me say that again.

He is talented in math, as well as science.

Here’s another one.

The chef prepared a delicious meal, as well as a beautiful dessert.

Let's hear that one more time.

The chef prepared a delicious meal, as well as a beautiful dessert.

It can also be used to connect values or ideas.

The company values teamwork, as well as individual creativity.

Now for a very dramatic example.

In the vast Sahara desert, he abandoned his team, as well as his heavy bag, to survive the sandstorm crisis.

Let me repeat that powerful sentence.

In the vast Sahara desert, he abandoned his team, as well as his heavy bag, to survive the sandstorm crisis.

It shows that he left two things behind: the team and the bag.

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And that brings us to the end of today's session on Abandon British English. We've covered some incredibly useful phrases for expressing feelings, describing reputations, and showing contrast.

Your task now is to try using one of these phrases, like "in spite of" or "seen as," in your own writing this week. Practice is what turns knowledge into skill.

Thank you for listening. Keep building your confidence, keep practicing, and join me for the next episode.

@bob