1.be due to 由于，因为

例句：The enquiry into the route of the new by-pass to the village was due to take place shortly, and I wanted to know what it was that motivated her.
很快就要进行对新小路的调查了，我想了解一下她反对的原因。

2.by oneself 独自，单独

例句：To be away from people, to be by ourselves," she added.
远离他人，只有我们自己。”她补充说道。

3.hold strong opinions about sth 坚持认为

例句：But as I hold strong opinions about the needs of the community over-riding the opinions of private individuals, I said nothing.
但我坚持认为社区的需要重于个人的意见，所以我没说什么。村里目前的交通，特别是对于老人和小孩来说，尤其危险，所以对我来说他们的安全比这个老年女士的怪念头更重要。

4. a short while 一会儿

例句："Take this tree," she said pausing after a short while.
“拿这棵树来说吧，”她停了一会儿说。