2018 May (Written) Flashcards
You’ve been having lunch with a friend and just noticed that the skin around your fingernail hurts. This is what you say.
Shoot! I’ve got a hangnail.
Shoot!
This is more polite way to say “Shit!” You say this in situations like:
· when you’re annoyed
· when you’ve made a mistake on something
· when you’ve forgotten something
a hangnail
A “hangnail” is one of the following:
· a small piece of skin around your fingernail that becomes torn
· a small piece of your fingernail that becomes torn but is still attached to your fingernail
Hangnails are painful and annoying.
Your friend has a hangnail. She complains about it. You want to offer to help her, so you say this.
Do you want to borrow my clipper?
(nail) clippers
“Nail clippers” are the tool that you use to cut your fingernails. There’s also a larger version for cutting your toenails.
Other types of tools are also called “clippers”. For example:
· Hair clippers are a machine that cuts hair. Sometimes the scissors that a barber uses are also called “hair clippers”.
· Hedge clippers are used to prune bushes and hedges.
· Wire clippers are a small tool that cuts wires.
· Bold clippers are a big tool that you can use to cut open a padlock or a chain.
You use the word “clippers” with an “s”, even when you’re just talking about one item.
One of your coworkers came to work today with a dirty shirt. His hair is also uncombed ad he has a little bit of stubble. You’re talking with a coworker about him. You say this.
Earl’s looking pretty scruffy, isn’t he?
(someone)’s looking pretty (adjective)
Use this to comment on how someone looks, especially when it’s different than before.
│ Wow, Traci is looking pretty good these days.
│ Have you seen any recent photos of Steve Jobs? He’s looking pretty weak.
This phrase is just used in spoken English.
(someone) looks scruffy
The word “scruffy” is funny because it’s almost always used to describe either men, or dogs.
A “scruffy” man has messy hair, hasn’t shaved, or has wrinkled clothes. But you wouldn’t call someone who was really messy-looking, like a homeless man. A “scruffy” guy is just a little bit messy-looking.
A scruffy dog might look like it hasn’t taken a bath in a long time. Its hair is long and probably hasn’t been cut recently.
It’s possible to call a woman “scruffy”, but it’s very rare.
(someone)'s \_\_\_, isn't he? Remember that a tag question at the end of a sentence needs to match the verb: │ He's older than you, isn't he? │ They're from England, aren't they? │ You left a bit earlier, didn't you?
Your coworker came to work looking really scruffy. His hair is messed up, his clothes are wrinkled, etc. He doesn’t usually look this way, so you’re worried about him. When someone comments on how he looks, you say this.
That’s unlike him. He’s usually so clean-cut.
That’s unlike (someone)
Use this phrase when you’re surprised by someone’s behavior. For example, if your friend who is usually on time to everything is 30 minutes late to meet you, you say:
│ That’s unlike her.
People especially use this when they’re worried or concerned about someone.
(someone) is clean-cut
A “clean-cut” person looks very normal. They wear clean clothes that look nice and in-style, but also traditional. Their hair is neatly cut. “Clean-cut” men have their facial hair shaved or carefully trimmed.
The type of people who look this way are also associated with certain personal traits. For example, you expect a person with a clean-cut look to be ambitious and hones.
People usually use “clean-cut” to describe young men.
Your wife cooked some fish for dinner. It was good, but now you’re trying to clean the dishes. You’ve tried to wash away the smell of the fish. You say this because the smell is still there.
The only thing about fish is that it’s so hard to get rid of the odor.
The thing about (something) is (clause)
Use this expression when you want to complain about something. “The thing about ___ is…” introduces an idea that you want to complain about:
│ The thing about the current political administration is that they’re all talks and no action.
│ The one thing about Lacey that annoys me to no end is that she’s never had any hands-on experience, yet she seems to think that she knows everything about it.
You can also use “The thing about ___ is ___” in other situations where you’re not complaining. You can also use it to introduce a positive or interesting point about something. For example:
│ The thing about my Uncle Frank is that, once you get to know him, he’s really nice and very loyal.
│ The thing about college is, you don’t really learn very much that you couldn’t learn on your own by reading a few books.
get rid of (something bad)
To “get rid of ___” means to make something go away.
odor
The word “odor” means “smell”, but it’s usually a bad smell. Examples of things that get called “odors” are:
· The smell of food that was cooked a long time ago
· The smell of a person’s body when they haven’t showered or bathed for several days.
· The smell of paint that hasn’t dried yet.
You’re talking to a friend about your teenage son. In the past few months, your son has been starting to listen to loud and aggressive music. He wears dark clothes and acts angry a lot. But you’re not too worried because you think it’s normal for his age. You tell this your friend.
He’s going through a little rebellious phase.
(someone) is going through a (adjective) phase
When someone’s behavior changes for a few years, you say that they are “going through a ___ phase”.
To understand “phases”, you can think of the moon. Sometimes the moon is full, sometimes it’s half full, and sometimes it’s completely dark. But you don’t worry when the moon is dark because you know that it’s a normal and natural even which will change again soon. We call the moon’s appearance at different times “phases”.
In the same way, people naturally change as they get older. When children are between 3 and 4, they enter an “inquisitive phase” (a time when they like to ask a lot of questions). Most kids between 11 and 14 go through an “awkward phase” in which they don’t seem comfortable because they’re not children anymore but not yet teenagers either. And a lot of people between 15 and 25 go through a “wild phase” when they like to drink, party, and date lots of different people.
If you say that someone is “going through a phase”, it sounds like you think that they will soon stop acting the way that they’re acting:
│ Don’t worry about it. He’s just going through a phrase. He’ll grow out of it.
a little (something) People call things "little" that they don't respect very much. For example, if someone who you go to school with threw a party but didn't invite you, you might angrily say: │ I guess I wan't invited to her little party.
Here’s an example from a previous PhraseMix lesson:
│ Sorry, I’ve been in my own little world lately.
a rebellious teenager
Teenagers often try to do the opposite of what their parents want. This is called “being rebellious”.
Your teenage son is listening to music on his earphones with the volume really high. You can hear it from across the room. You say this to get him to turn the music down because you’re worried it will hurt his ears.
You could cause permanent damage to your ears, you know.
you could (do something) This is one way to explain the future consequences of what someone is doing. Use this phrase when you want to warn someone to stop doing something bad: │ Get down from there. You could fall. │ Are you crazy? You could lose your job doing that! │ It's not safe to exercise that hard when you're not used to it. You could injure yourself.
cause permanent damage to (something)
When something is “damaged”, it means that it’s broken, messed up, or isn’t working as it is supposed to. “Damage” is the noun form:
│ Obviously, heavy drinking can lead to liver damage and so on.
To “cause permanent damage” to something means to break it in a way that it can’t be fixed. In the example above, the mother is worried that her son will permanently hurt his hearing.
(Sentence), you know.
Add this to the end of a sentence when you’re telling someone information that you don’t think they know yet. In the example above, the mother doesn’t think that her son knows how dangerous listening to loud music can be for his hearing.
You can also use “you know” in this way at the beginning of a sentence:
│ You know, building muscle takes time.
You’re checking out a supermarket. The cashier starts putting your groceries in a paper bag. You’d rather have your groceries in a plastic bag instead. You quickly say this.
Actually, can I get plastic instead?
Actually, (sentence)
Use this to tell people something that’s unexpected or different from what they are expecting to hear:
│ Wow, this is actually pretty good.
│ Actually, I’m looking to switch careers.
│ Actually it’s been kind of slow this week.
“Actually,” is really useful for correcting people. For example, if you’re putting a puzzle together with someone and they put a piece in the wrong place, say:
│ Actually, the blue piece goes over here.
a plastic bag
Most grocery stores in the U.S. offer you a choice between paper bags and plastic bags. Cashiers will often ask the customer:
│ Paper or plastic?
When you’re in the checkout line at a grocery store, “paper” and “plastic” usually refer to paper and plastic bags.
can I get (something) This is one good way to ask for something from a cashier, waiter, hotel clerk, flight attendant, etc: │ Can I get a glass of water? │ Can I get an extra pillow? │ Can I get change for a twenty?
You’re chatting with a friend about the topic of going to the supermarket. You’ve just said that you always choose to have our groceries bagged in plastic bags. You know that your friend supports environmental issues, so you say this to explain your choice.
It may not be too eco-friendly, but they’re a lot easier to carry that way.
(something) may not be (adjective), but (sentence)
Use this expression to admit that something bad is true, but then explain why you’re doing it or using it anyway”:
│ Drinking a lot of coffee may not be good for you, but i just can’t help myself. I have to have it!
│ She may not be as young as she used to be, but she’s still young at heart.
This example uses a noun phrase after “may not be” instead of an adjective:
│ I may not be the smartest guy in the world, but I’m smart enough to know when I’m being lied to.
not too (adjective)
In the example above, “too” means “very”. Here are some other examples of this:
│ We’re not too happy about the way that he was running things.
│ A: How’s your dad?
│ B: You know, he’s not doing too well. He may need surgery.
“Not too __” can also have the meaning of “not more than you want”:
│ What a nice day! Not too hot, not too cold.
│ I like a cake that’s not too sweet, you know?
You should be able to tell the difference between these meanings based on the situation.
(something) is eco-friendly
Something that is “eco-friendly” is safe for the environment. Recycled products can be called “eco-friendly”. A car that uses less gasoline is also “eco-friendly”.
You wouldn’t say that a person is “eco-friendly”. Only products and people”s actions can be eco-friendly. To describe a person who is careful to protect the Earth, use the phrase “environmentally conscious”.
│ That’s not very environmentally conscious of me, is it?
(something) is easier to (do something) that way
Use this phrase to explain a better way to do something:
│ Lay it on its side and hold it steady with your other hand. It’s easier to cut that way.
│ I try to memorize new words within an example sentence. They’re easier to remember that way.
Your dog is chewing your shoe. You want to tell her to stop, so you angrily say this.
Bad girl! Let go of that!
Bad girl! / Bad boy!
Use this phrase when a pet, or a very young child, does something wrong. It’s a simple, direct way of scolding them for misbehaving.
It’s strange to use this with any people who are over about 3 years old. Once children are able to talk, you should use longer sentences to scold them.
If you do say “Bad boy!” or “Bad girl!” to an adult, it’s usually within a joke, where you’re pretending that the person is a baby or a pet.
Let go of (something)
To “let go of” something means to stop holding it. For example, if your child is grabbing your jacket while you walk down the street, and it’s making it difficult for you to walk, you can say:
│ Let go of my jacket, Aiden.
There’s also another meaning of “let go of”, which is to let go of something emotionally:
│ I interpreted that as a sign that he was letting her go.
Your dog is looking at one of your shoes. She looks like she’s about to grab it in her mouth. You yell this to make her stop.
Don’t you dare!
“Don’t you dare!” is an expression that communicates a warning to someone. It’s a way of saying “If you do that I will be extremele angry!” Say it in situations like this:
· Your children try to disobey you.
· You’re in an angry argument with someone who’s trying to blame you for something that’s not your fault.
You can also include the action that you don’t want someone to do:
│ Don’t you dare talk to me like that!
│ Don’t you dare leave without cleaning up this mess, young man.
“Don’t you dare!” is usually said very angrily and strictly, so be careful about when you use “Don’t you dare!” However, there are some situations where people use it without any sense of anger. In TV commercials, you might hear something like:
│ Don’t you dare miss this sale!
You’re having an argument with your girlfriend, and she won’t talk to you. You tell your friend about this, and he offers to talk to her for you. You think that’s a really bad idea becuase it’s none of your friend’s business and you think it would make your girlfriend even more angry. You say this in response to his offer.
Thanks but no thanks
Thanks but no thanks
This English expression means “no”. You use it when:
1. Someone offers to help you or give you something
2. You don’t want it.
3. You think the offer is strange, annoying, or unbelievable.
4. You want to show that you didn’t like the offer, but still speak politely
You can use “Thanks but no thans” in situations like these:
· A friend offers you some food that looks disgusting.
· A salesman tries to sell you something that you definitely don’t want.
· You got laid off last year, and now your old boss calls you to try to get you to come back to your old job.
Thanks
“Thanks” is a friendlier, lighter way to say “Thank you”:
A: Here’s your tea.
B: Thanks.
Use it with people you know pretty well, like family members, friends, and coworkers who you’ve spoken with in the past.
A girl in one of your classes is asking you out on a date. You like her a lot, so you want to accept her invitation and you say this.
Absolutely. I’d love to.
This is the basic way to accept an invitation to do something. Here’s an example:
│ A: Would you like to join me for dinner?
│ B: I’d love to.
This phrase is a pretty traditional and slightly formal answer. A more casual (and less serious) answer would be:
│ Yeah, sure.
Another answer that falls between “I’d love to” and “Sure” is:
│ That would be great.
Absolutely.
Say “Absolutely” to express that you completely agree with what someone has said.
You can agree with someone’s opinion this way.
│ A: I’ve always said that you shouldn’t hire anyone who you feel 100% certain about.
│ B: Absolutely. I totally agree.
Yo can also agree to a request.
│ A: Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?
│ B: Absolutely.
“Absolutely” sounds even more definite than “yes”. You answer “Absolutely” when you really sure that the answer is “yes”.
You’re working on a charity event to raise money for cancer research. You’d like to ask some of your co-workers for help with the event, so you write an e-mail about it to a group of people. You explain where the money from the even will go.
All proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation to fund cancer research.
All proceeds go to (a charity)
People sometimes do events or sales in order to help a charity. For example, people in a church group might all bake cakes, cookies, and pies, and then sell them at a “bake sale”. The they give that money to an organization that brings food to elderly people who are too weak to cook for themselves.
When there’s an event or sale lie this to help out a charity, announcements of the event usually use the phrase “All proceeds go to ___”. For example:
│ All proceeds from the celebrity golf tournament go to the American Red Cross.
Sometimes a business will promise to share some money with a charity. But since the business still needs to make money, they can’t give everything to charity. In that case, they’ll say:
│ A portion of proceeds go to the Animal Welfare Institute.
The word “proceeds” means money that you make form something. But it’s really only used when yo’re talking about money that you give to a charity.
The (something) Foundation A "foundation" is like a company, but it's put together for some reason other than just making money. Most foundations are either charities or political groups. Here are a few foundations that come up in a quick Google search: · The New York Foundation for the Arts · Open Society Foundations · The William J. Clinton Foundation
fund (something)
To “fund” something means to provide money for it.
You usually “fund” something that takes a lot of money and that will have some kind of positive value in the future. Here are some words that commonly follow “fund”:
· fund a program
· fund a project
· fund research
· fund constructino
· fun an expansion (of a company or a government agency)
You’re watching the news on TV. There’s some news about a prisoner who escaped, but has now been caught again. The news anchor (TV announcer) explains this.
He is currently being held in a maximum security prison.
currently
You use the word “currently” to tell how something is now, but also to suggest that it was different in the past or will change in the future. For example:
│ Well, currently I’m an accountant of a commercial real estate company.
This suggests that the speaker has had different jobs in the past for might want to change her job soon.
“Currently” is a little formal so it fits well in written and television news stories.
(someone) is being held (in a jail)
To “be held” in a prison, jail, etc. means that you have been captured and are locked up in there. You are not going to be released. This is the way to describe what’s happening to someone who’s been arrested:
│ He’s being held on a drunk driving charge.
You can also use this phrase to describe a kidnapping or a hostage situation:
│ They’re being held by two armed men wearing face masks.
a maximum security prison
A prison is like a jail, but it’s where criminals get put for longer periods of time, usually after they have been convicted in a trial. So when you first get arrested, you’re put in a jail. Later, you’re moved to a prison.
There are different levels of prison, for people who have done different kinds of crimes. The worst criminals go to a “maximum security prison”. This type of prison has high walls, lots of guards, and strict rules. This is to keep any of the prisoners from escaping. “Minimum security” prisons, on the other hand, are less strict. Prisoners who committed less serious crimes, and prisoners who have behaved well for several years at a higher-security prison, go there.
