英国语言学家Jeremy Butterfield出版过一本书叫做A Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare。他根据牛津语料库(Oxford University Corpus)中的资料，统计得到英国人最常见的10句套话。

1. At the end of the day 最终;总的来说

Sure we missed our best player but at the end of the day, John, we just didn't play well enough to win the game.

我们最好的选手不能上场，但是最终来说，还是因为我们发挥得不好，所以无法赢得比赛。

2. Fairly unique 相当独特(过度修饰，语义不清)

I am looking for a fairly unique piece of technology.

我在寻找一种独特的技术。

3. I personally 我个人(同义重复)

I personally don't like her.

我不喜欢她。

4. At this moment in time 此刻(语义重复)

What's your favorite song right at this moment in time?

此刻你最喜欢的歌是什么?

5. With all due respect 恕我直言;冒昧的说;我并不想冒犯

With all due respect, I think there are some facts you have not considered.

恕我直言，我想你忽略了一些事实。

6. Absolutely 绝对

It is absolutely impossible.

绝对不可能。

7. It's a nightmare 一场噩梦;太糟糕了

For Publishing, It's a Nightmare Before Christmas.

对于出版业来说，圣诞节前发生的事情就像一场噩梦。

8. Shouldn't of 这个短语等于shouldn't have，意为“不应该”，从语法看，是不正确的，但是在口头表达中经常使用。

I shouldn't of had the beer!

我不该喝啤酒。

9. 24/7 不间断的;全天候的

24/7 support is a critical part of our offer.

一周7天，每天24小时的售后服务，是我们最重要的承诺。

10. It's not rocket science 显而易见的;常见的;另一种说法是it doesn't take a rocket scientist

We're talking basic common sense here - it isn't rocket science.

我们在这里说的是常识，又不是高深莫测的东西。