Common Expressions In English

I’ve heard that + (subject + verb)

You can use this structure to tell somebody that you are aware of something that is taking place. This structure can also be used to talk about something that has already happened or something that is going to happen in the near future.

  • I’ve heard that you’re looking for a new job.
  • I’ve heard that you’re getting married.
  • I’ve heard that you’ve got a new job.
  • I’ve heard that Sophie is expecting.
  • I’ve heard that you’re a great actor.
  • I’ve heard that your wife is a singer.

Good at / bad at / clever at

The expression good at is used to talk about things that you enjoy or excel at doing. After good at, we can use a noun or an –ing form. Note the preposition: we use at, not in.

  • I am good at basketball. (NOT I’m good in basketball.) (NOT I’m good with basketball.)
  • Is she good at acting?
  • She isn’t very good at singing.
  • He is good at sketching.
  • That boy is quite good at sports and games.
  • She is very good at speaking.
  • I’m not very good at performing.
  • Are you good at dancing?

Bad at

Bad at is the opposite of good at.

  • She is very bad at dancing. (= She can’t dance at all.)
  • I’m not bad at chess.
  • Susie is bad at acting.

Clever at

Clever at has a similar meaning to good at.

  • He is very clever at painting.
  • I’m not very clever at cooking.
  • Sam is very clever at chess.
  • He is very clever at drawing.