📝 Daily Short Practice
🎯 Vocabulary Goal
Learn useful English chunks to add extra information and share facts in conversations.
📚 Words & Phrases
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
by the way |
used to add something new or different to the conversation | By the way, did you see the new movie? |
|
in fact |
used to say something true or to correct information | In fact, I have already finished my homework. |
|
come to think of it |
used when you remember something during a conversation | Come to think of it, I forgot to call her yesterday. |
|
just so you know |
used to give information that someone should know | Just so you know, the meeting is at 3 p.m. |
|
as a matter of fact |
used to emphasize that something is true | As a matter of fact, I like that restaurant very much. |
|
if you ask me |
used to give your opinion | If you ask me, this is the best plan. |
🔍 See It in Context
Talking with a Friend
Anna and Mark are talking about their weekend plans. Anna says, "By the way, do you want to go to the park tomorrow?" Mark replies, "In fact, I already have plans." Anna thinks and says, "Come to think of it, we can meet next week instead." Mark answers, "That sounds good. Just so you know, I am free after 5 p.m." Anna smiles and says, "As a matter of fact, I prefer the evening too. If you ask me, it is better then."
💡 Notice the Pattern
Using 'by the way' and 'in fact' to add information
Use 'by the way' to add new information in a conversation. Use 'in fact' to say something true or to correct.
- By the way, I like your shoes.
- In fact, I finished my work early.
💬 Useful Examples
- By the way, the bus is late today.
- In fact, I don't like coffee.
- Just so you know, the shop closes at 8 pm.
- If you ask me, this book is very interesting.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1.
____, I forgot your birthday last week. (By the way / In fact / Just so you know)
2.
I don’t want to go out. ____ , I prefer to stay home. (Come to think of it / As a matter of fact / If you ask me)
3.
____, the train arrives at 6 p.m., not 5 p.m. (By the way / If you ask me / In fact)
4.
____, I’m busy on Friday afternoon. (Just so you know / Come to think of it / As a matter of fact)
5.
____, I forgot to send you the email yesterday. (If you ask me / Come to think of it / By the way)
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1.
By the way
2.
In fact
3.
Come to think of it
4.
Just so you know
5.
If you ask me
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1.
Which phrase adds new information in a conversation?
2.
Which phrase means to say something is true or correct?
3.
What do you say when you remember something during a talk?
4.
Which chunk do you use to give important information someone should know?
5.
What phrase do you use to give your opinion?
📝 Use It Yourself
Say 'By the way' to add extra information in your next conversation.
Example:
By the way, I have a question for you.
🎙️ Speaking Practice
Practice these sentences aloud.
Say:
By the way, I will visit you tomorrow.
Say:
In fact, I like this song very much.
Ask:
Come to think of it, did you finish your homework?
Say:
Just so you know, the bus comes at 8 o’clock.
🔎 Answer Key
Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. By the way
2. As a matter of fact
3. In fact
4. Just so you know
5. Come to think of it
Exercise 2 – Matching
1. b – Add new information in a conversation
2. c – Say something true or correct information
3. d – Remember something during talk
4. e – Give information someone should know
5. a – Give your opinion
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. By the way
2. In fact
3. Come to think of it
4. Just so you know
5. If you ask me