♥ English 24

Make yourself/ yourselves at home

Definition:

Please feel relaxed and comfortable.

Say this to welcome guests to your home.

Example:

“Please come in and make yourself at home. Would you prefer coffee or tea?”

Help yourself/ yourselves

Definition:

Serve your own food or drink.

Example:

“Please help yourselves. There are plenty of foods enough for everyone.”

Back and forth

Definition:

In one direction, then in the opposite direction – repeated many times

Example:

“He is so nervous that he walks back and forth along the corridor while waiting for his wife giving birth.”

Short notice

Definition:

Without much advance warning

Example:

“Can we meet up tonight? I know it’s short notice, but we really need to finish our group project by tonight.”

Come up with something

Definition:

Produce an idea or solution.

Example:

“Nadia comes up with an idea that stunned everyone in the boardroom.”

Hands-on experience

Definition:

Experience where you learn by doing something, not by studying

Example:

“This short course provides hands-on experience in baking. I think you should take it since you are interested in baking.”

Once every four years

Definition:

NOT four years once

Example:

“She visits the library once every month.”

Could you press 15?

Definition:

Ask this in an elevator if you can’t reach the buttons.

Example:

“Could you press 5, please? I can’t reach. Thank you.”

Can I get by?

Definition:

Ask this when you need someone to move so you can go past them.

Example:

“Excuse me. Can I get by? I need to get off the train here.”

I’d recommend something

Definition:

Say this to suggest something

NOT I recommend you to buy the I-max.

Example:

“I’d recommend Dreamz Bakery. It serves the most delicious cake in the town!”