no matter: regardless of Examples of NO MATTER No matter what, I’m going to get to the front row of the concert. You will be home before nine, no matter what.

would rather: prefer to (also: would just as soon) Examples of WOULD RATHER I would rather go biking than running, because biking is easier on my knees. He would rather go to the salad bar, but she wanted to go to the steakhouse.

to change one’s mind: to alter one’s decision or opinion Examples of CHANGE ONE’S MIND I tried to change his mind, but he insisted on leaving the office early on Friday. It’s easy for Kelly to change her mind; it seems like she never sticks with any one thing very long.    

to cut short: to make shorter, to interrupt Examples of TO CUT SHORT The moderator asked the speaker to cut short his talk because there wasn’t much time remaining for questions from the audience. We were very unfortunate when we received bad news from home that forced us to cut our trip short.

to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect Examples of MAKE A DIFFERENCE The sociology student just wanted to make a difference in the lives of the poor. “I can’t figure out how to make a difference in this community,” the frustrated politician thought to himself.  

to be about to: to be at the moment of doing something, to be ready (often used with the adverb just) Examples of TO BE ABOUT TO I was just about to send you the email you requested. I am about to lock the doors and turn the lights off in the shop.