Wednesday, 28 December 2011

♥ English 31

Keep someone posted
Definition:
Give someone information when there are new developments
Example:
“Please keep me posted on the project’s progress.”

The day before yesterday
Definition:
NOT yesterday before yesterday
Example:
“I was not feeling well the day before yesterday, but right now, I’m feeling great.”

Once a year
Definition:
NOT one year one time
Example:
“Let’s celebrate New Year together! It only happens once a year!”

♥ English 30

Can I ask what it’s regarding?
Definition:
Ask this to learn why someone wants to speak to someone.
Example:
A: “May I speak to Mr. Valen?”
B: “Can I ask what it’s regarding?”
A: “It’s regarding his account with Charta Bank.”

Has nothing to do with something/ someone
Definition:
Does not concern or involve someone/ something
Example:
“It has nothing to do with you. It was my own problem and I have settled it.”

Can’t make it
Definition:
Not able to attend
Example:
“I can’t make it on Friday. Is it possible that the outing postpone to Sunday?”

Make sure
Definition:
Confirm; ensure
Example:
“Make sure you finish your homework before you go out and play.”

An hour late
Definition:
NOT late an hour
Example:
“Hey, I’m stuck in traffic. I will be 30 minutes late. Sorry for the inconvenient.”

Dressed up
Definition:
Wearing their best clothes
Example:
“She only dressed up when she need to attend special event.”

Must be
Definition: 
Say this when you are 95% sure about something.
Example:
“I called Mina a few times but no one answered the phone. Her phone must be in silent mode again.”

On the other hand
Definition:
Say this before you give an opposite or contrasting idea.
Example:
“Teaching is fun. On the other hand, it’s quite challenging.”

To tell you the truth
Definition:
Say this when you want to speak honestly – often before saying something negative.
Example:
“He is smart, but to tell you the truth, he is weak in leadership.”

Put someone in charge
Definition:
Give someone the job of leader or supervisor
Example:
“Senior decided to put Jake in charge of the performance.”

♥ English 29

It’s up to someone
Definition:
Someone decides
Example:
“It’s not up to me. It’s up to my little sister whether she like the phone or not.”

During something
Definition:
At the same time as something during + noun
NOT during we watch the movie
Example:
“During the lecture, Jeremy fell asleep.”

What’s taking so long?
Definition:
Why is something taking a long time?
Example:
“What’s taking so long? We’ve been waiting you for an hour!”

Sleep in
Definition:
Wake up later than usual – by choice
Example:
“It’s great that we can sleep in during holidays!”

Speaking of something
Definition:
Say this when a word makes you think of a new topic.
Example:
A: “Mandy took a few French classes last time.”
B: “Speaking of Mandy, she’s going to study abroad next month.”

How are you getting somewhere?
Definition:
Ask this to find out if someone is going to take a plane, train, car, bus, etc.
Example:
A: “How are you getting to the party?”
B: “Peter is going to pick me up.”

Could I ask you a favour?
Definition:
Ask this before requesting someone’s help.
Example:
“Juliet, could I ask you a favour? Could you help me get my parcel from Wendy on your way home? My car was broken down yesterday.”

How would you like to pay?
Definition:
Do you want to pay by cash, check or credit card?
Example:
A: “How would you like to pay?”
B: “By credit card please.”

There’s something wrong with something
Definition:
Say this when you are not sure what the problem is.
Example:
“There’s something wrong with the car. It keeps making funny noises.”

How soon
Definition:
What is the earliest time
Example:
“How soon can you reach Kuala Lumpur?”

♥ English 28

Get together with someone
Definition:
Meet someone socially
Example:
“Let’s get together this weekend! We have lots to catch up!”

As for something
Definition:
Say this to introduce a topic.
NOT about the hotel
Example:
“T.G.I.F is a good restaurant. As for the price, I think it’s totally worth it!”

What’s something/ someone like?
Definition:
Tell me about something or someone.
Example:
A: “What’s your university like?”
B: “It’s huge! Like a mini town!”

Short for something
Definition:
A shorter way to say a word
Example:
“I’m from America. Please call me Bella. It’s short for Isabella.”

Know how
Definition:
Have the skill
Example:
“I don’t know how to fix my laptop. I think I should ask someone who are expert in computers.”

Say that/ say to
Definition:
NOT you said me; NOT I said him
Example:
A: “What did you said to him?”
B: “I said nothing but ask him to finish up the project. What’s wrong?”

Let someone go
Definition:
Take away someone’s job
Example:
“The boss decided to let him go because he didn’t get any order for two months.”

Come to
Definition:
Say this before the total amount.
Example:
“I bought a lot of clothes last week. My bill came to RM 200.”

Give me five minutes
Definition:
Say this when you need someone to wait.
Example:
“Give me 5 minutes and I’ll be there right away!”

In case something happens
Definition:
Because something might happen
Example:
“In case I’m not at hostel, can you help me pass this to Rebecca?”