Conversational Phrases/F

Conversational phrases beginning with F. Select a phrase for more details.

fair enough British and Australian English INFORMAL

You can say this if you think what someone says is reasonable enough to accept or believe.

far be it from me to FORMAL

You can say this to make it appear that you don't want to criticize, correct, disagree, etc., even though that's what you're doing.

far from it

You can use this when saying that the opposite of what someone has said is true.

feel free

You can say this to let someone know they have permission to do something.

feel like (1)

You can use this to tell someone what you'd like to do.

feel like (2)

You can use this to tell someone what you want, esp. for food, drinks and activities.

feel like (3)

to feel similar to something or someone else

feel up to

to feel well enough to do something, especially after an illness or a bad experience

fine by me

You can say this if you agree with a suggestion, or you accept what someone tells you.

first of all

You can use this to introduce the first of several things you're going to say.

for a change INFORMAL

You can say this when suggesting or requesting something different.

for a start | to start with INFORMAL

You can use this to introduce the first of several reasons, points, opinions, etc.

for all I care INFORMAL

You can say this if you don't care if the event you're describing happens or not.

for all I know INFORMAL

You can use this to emphasise how little you know by giving an example of what could be true.

for God's sake | for Heaven's sake INFORMAL

You can say this to show you're angry or upset, or to strongly emphasize what you're saying.

for once | just this once

You can say this if you'd like something to happen this time, as it rarely or never happens at other times.

for what it's worth

You can say this if you don't want to appear too arrogant when giving your opinion or sharing some information, or if you're not sure if what you're saying is useful or helpful.

for your information

You can say this when you're telling someone they're wrong about something, esp. if their mistake has annoyed or insulted you.

forget it (1) INFORMAL

You can use this to tell someone not worry about something because it isn't important.

forget it (2) INFORMAL

You can say this when refusing a request or a demand.

from the sound of things | from the sound of it

You can say this if what you're telling someone is based on what you've heard or read.

Contributor: Matt Errey