Unit 1. Language Flashcards
1
Q
I ______ __ this character so much! [= I’m emotionally connected to them, because of similar experiences/traits, ets]
A
I relate to this character so much! [= I’m emotionally connected to them, because of similar experiences/traits, ets]
2
Q
What’s in the gap?
Person 1: ‘I hate when I lose my phone.’
Person 2: ______. (= me too)
A
Person 1: ‘I hate when I lose my phone.’
Person 2: I can relate. (= me too)
OR
I can relate to that.
3
Q
Some learners appear to be able to a_____ language without much formal study.
A
Some learners appear to be able to acquire language without much formal study.
/əˈkwaɪə(r)/
4
Q
I really _____ with English idioms. I can never remember them. [= they are difficult for me]
A
I really struggle with English idioms. I can never remember them. [= they are difficult for me]
5
Q
I’m not sure if I’ll ever _____ a native speaker level of competence, but I’m not sure I really need to.
A
I’m not sure if I’ll ever attain a native speaker level of competence, but I’m not sure I really need to.
or
get to
6
Q
When we went to live in Korea, he quickly got __________ to the sound of the language. [= got used to]
A
When we went to live in Korea, he quickly got accustomed to the sound of the language. [= got used to]
/əˈkʌstəmd/
7
Q
I have _______ __ __ my Arabic because I’m going to Riyadh next week. [= revised it a bit]
Definition: quickly improve a skill, especially when you have not used it for a time
A
I have brushed up on my Arabic because I’m going to Riyadh next week. [= revised it a bit]
8
Q
Penny’s lucky - she has an ___ for languages. She learns them much more easily than me.
A
Penny’s lucky - she has an ear for languages. She learns them much more easily than me.
9
Q
After about a year, he found he could ____ a conversation in Italian without too much effort.
A
After about a year, he found he could hold a conversation in Italian without too much effort.
10
Q
Unless I ____ a new piece of language ____ practice immediately, I find I forget it. [= use]
A
Unless I put a new piece of language into practice immediately, I find I forget it. [= use]
11
Q
I really struggle ___ English idioms. I can never remember them.
A
I really struggle with English idioms. I can never remember them.
12
Q
People tend to give up on second language learning too easily. You need to ___ at it if you want to succeed.
A
People tend to give up on second language learning too easily. You need to keep at it if you want to succeed.
13
Q
She spent six weeks in Poland and really ______ herself in the language and culture. [=погрузилась]
A
immersed herself in
14
Q
It’s easy to ____ __ phrases like ‘hello’ and ‘excuse me’ wherever you are in the world. [=learn without trying]
A
It’s easy to pick up phrases like ‘hello’ and ‘excuse me’ wherever you are in the world. [=learn without trying]
15
Q
The sounds of Finnish are quite unique, so I found it difficult to ___ to _____ with the pronunciation. [= understand]
A
The sounds of Finnish are quite unique, so I found it difficult to get to grips with the pronunciation. [= understand]
16
Q
I need to practice my speaking now I’m back. I’m sure I’m _____. [= it will be difficult for me to talk because I’m out of practice]
A
I need to practice my speaking now I’m back. I’m sure I’m rusty. [= it will be difficult for me to talk because I’m out of practice]
17
Q
Do you have an ___ ___ music?
Definition: an ability to recognize and copy sounds well
A
Do you have an ear for music?
18
Q
I was able to read some books about wildlife cover to cover and g____ some of what they were saying. [to understand something]
A
I was able to read some books about wildlife cover to cover and grasp some of what they were saying. [to understand something]
BrE /ɡrɑːsp/
AmE /ɡræsp/
19
Q
What resources do you use to ___ __ _____ ____ the meaning of new English words? [grasp, understand]
A
What resources do you use to get to grips with the meaning of new English words? [grasp, understand]
20
Q
She spent six weeks in Poland and really immersed _______ __ the language and culture.
A
She spent six weeks in Poland and really immersed herself in the language and culture.
21
Q
When you’re studying, when you run into difficulties, do you generally k___ __ __ or do you give up easily? [= continue trying]
A
When you’re studying, when you run into difficulties, do you generally keep at it or do you give up easily? [= continue trying]
22
Q
Have you ever _____ __ any professional skills easily, without being taught?
A
Have you ever picked up any professional skills easily, without being taught?
23
Q
Do you believe that only people who ____ __ ___ ___ music can acquire natural intonation in a foreign language?
A
Do you believe that only people who have an ear for music can acquire natural intonation in a foreign language?
24
Q
Can you ___ a conversation in any other foreign languages apart from English?
A
Can you hold a conversation in any other foreign languages apart from English?
25
Have you ever tried to _______ \_\_\_\_**self** completely __ English by listening to lots of English or going to an English speaking country? [погрузиться]
Have you ever tried to **immerse yourself** completely **in** English by listening to lots of English or going to an English speaking country? [погрузиться]
26
Do you think it’s possible to ______ native proficiency in a foreign language?
Do you think it’s possible to **attain native proficiency** in a foreign language?
27
I used to be able to [fly a plane], but I haven’t done that in a while, so now **I’m too _____ to** fly.
I used to be able to [fly a plane], but I haven’t done that in a while, so now **I’m too rusty to** fly.
28
What can you do in order to ___ all new vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learned on this course ____ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ?
What can you do in order to **put** all new vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learned on this course **into practice**?
29
What aspects of English do you feel you _________ \_\_\_ the most?
What aspects of English do you feel you **struggle with** the most?
30
language **acquisition** \>\> verb
**acquire**
31
[pronunciation] re**s**erved
/rɪˈ**z**ɜːrvd/
32
[pronunciation] weird
BrE /wɪəd/
AmE /wɪrd/
33
[pronunciation] rela**xed**
/kst/
34
[pronunciation] re**la**xed
l**æ**
(like in ‘**cat**’)
35
[pronunciation] **ecc**entric
/ɪkˈ**_s_****_en_**trɪk/
36
*sure that you can do things well, that people like you*
self-**_con_**fident
ˌself ˈ_kɒn_fɪdənt
37
**not** [**wanting**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/want) **to show what you are** [**thinking**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/thinking) **or** [**feeling**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/feeling)
сдержанный, замкнутый
reserved
/rɪˈzɜːvd/
38
**too** [**proud**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/proud) **of yourself and** [**your**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/your) [**actions**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/action)
## Footnote
самодовольный, тщеславный
con**_cei_**ted
/kənˈsiːtɪd/
39
doesn’t want to listen to new ideas or to the opinions of others
narrow-minded
ˌnærəʊ ˈ_maɪn_dɪd
40
accepts other people’s ideas and opinions
open-**min**ded
ˌəʊpən ˈ**_maɪn_**dɪd
41
likes to talk a lot [2 synonyms]
**_talk_**ative /**ˈtɔː**kətɪv/ **‘l’ is not pronounced!**
chatty /ˈtʃæti/
42
calm and relaxed; doesn’t seem to worry about anything [2 synonyms]
laid-**b****a****ck /**ˌleɪd ˈ**_bæk/_**
re**l****a****xed** about things /rɪˈ**l****æ****kst**/
43
behaves in an unusual way
eccentric
/ɪkˈ**_s_****_en_**trɪk/
44
very **strange** or unusual and difficult to explain
weird
BrE wɪəd
AmE wɪrd
45
someone who focuses on bad aspects of everything and talks about this all the time
‘**Don’t be so _______ all the time!'**
negative
46
**using words in a** [**funny**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/funny) **and** [**clever**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/clever) **way**
остроумный
witty
/ˈwɪti/
47
She ____ \_ good _____ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ __ him. (= произвела на него хорошее впечатление)
She made a good first impression on him.
48
He really likes to ____ new people. [**знакомиться**]
meet
49
It was nice to chat to my new colleagues informally, to ___ \_\_ ____ them \_\_\_\_\_\_. **[познакомиться с ними поближе]**
It was nice to chat to my new colleagues informally, to **get to know them better.**
50
Do you usually **decide** what you think of someone ___ a first impression?
Do you usually **decide** what you think of someone **from** a first impression?
51
Who do you think you’d **\_\_\_ _____ \_\_\_** the best? [=поладили бы]
Who do you think you’d **get along with** the best? [=поладили бы]
52
So, if I notice that someone is kind of narrow-minded or or even bigoted, that’s a m\_\_\_\_ t\_\_\_-\_\_ for me. (= меня это **очень отталкивает** от таких людей)
So, if I notice that someone is kind of narrow-minded or or even bigoted, that’s **a major** **turn****-off**for me. (= меня это**очень отталкивает** от таких людей)
53
[pronunciation] affection**ate**
ласковый
əˈfekʃənət
54
[pronunciation] indecisive
нерешительный
/ˌɪn.dɪˈsaɪ.sɪv/
55
[pronunciation] immature
(about a person) незрелый
/ˌɪmə**ˈtjʊər**/
56
[pronunciation] hypocrisy
лицемерие
BrE /hɪˈ**pɒ**krəsi/
AmE /hɪˈp**ɑː**krəsi/
57
[pronunciation] a hypocrite
лицемер, ханжа
/’**hɪ**pəkrɪt/
58
[pronunciation]
**e**ccentric
**e**ccentricity
/**ɪ**kˈsentrɪk/
/**ˌe**ksenˈtrɪsəti/
59
бережливый
**Example:** They have plenty of money now, but they still tend to be \_\_\_\_\_\_.
бережливый
**Example:** They have plenty of money now, but they still tend to be **thrifty**.
/ˈθrɪf.ti/
60
(adjective) not considering how your actions or words may upset someone:
принимающий **необдуманные** решения, совершающий **бездумные** действия
**It was ______ not to** call and say you'd be late.
She's not intentionally unkind - she's just **a little ______ sometimes.**
**thoughtless** /ˈθɔːtləs/
(adjective) not considering how your actions or words may upset someone:
принимающий необдуманные решения, совершающий бездумные действия
**It was thoughtless not to** call and say you'd be late.
She's not intentionally unkind - she's just **a little thoughtless sometimes.**
61
[pronunciation] stingy
/ˈstɪn**dʒ**i/
62
[pronunciation] obstinate
BrE /'ɒbstɪ**nət**/
AmE /ˈɑːbstɪ**nət**/
(**not** ‘nait’)
63
здравомыслящий
**se**nsible
64
You need to **be much more \_\_\_\_\_.**
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **behavior**
**_(**_[_**behaving_**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/behave) **or** [**speaking**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/speak) **in a** [**strong**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/strong)**,** [**confident**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/confident) **way,** уверенный в себе, настойчивый, “пробивной”)
be more **assertive** BrE /əˈsɜːrtɪv/, AmE /əˈsɜːrtɪv/
**assertive** behavior
65
[pronunciation] assertive
BrE /əˈsɜːtɪv/
AmE /əˈsɜː**r**tɪv/
66
very stubborn, in a way that is annoying and unreasonable
упрямый, как осёл
obstinate
BrE /ˈɒbstɪnət/
AmE /ˈɑːbstɪnət/
67
[pronunciation] obstin**ate**
**Adjective** =\>
BrE /ˈɒbstɪ**nət**/
AmE /ˈɑːbstɪ**nət**/
**NOT ‘nait’**
68
**What does this word mean?**
obstinate
BrE /ˈɒbstɪnət/
AmE /ˈɑːbstɪnət/
very stubborn, in a way that is annoying and unreasonable
упрямый, как осёл
69
**What does this word mean?**
be more **assertive** BrE /əˈsɜːrtɪv/, AmE /əˈsɜːrtɪv/
**assertive** behavior
[**_behaving_**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/behave) **or** [**speaking**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/speak) **in a** [**strong**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/strong)**,** [**confident**](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-russian/confident) **way,** уверенный в себе, настойчивый, “пробивной”
70
a ______ **donation**
Thank you for your donation. **It was very** **\_\_\_\_\_\_ of** you.
(щедрый, щедро)
generous
/ˈdʒenərəs/
71
She's **a ____ sort of** **person**.
I think that's **a very _____ idea.**
I think **the _____ thing would be to** take a taxi home.
здравомыслящий
**sensible**
/ˈsens**ə**bl/
72
Do you remember at least **one** example with the word ‘**sensible**’?
She's **a _sensible_ sort of** **person**.
I think that's **a very _sensible_ idea.**
I think **the _sensible_ thing would be to** take a taxi home.
здравомыслящий
73
What does this word mean?
**sensible**
/ˈsensəbl/
She's **a ____ sort of** **person**.
I think that's **a very _____ idea.**
I think **the _____ thing would be to** take a taxi home.
здравомыслящий
74
[pronunciation] sens**ible**
здравомыслящий
/ˈsens**ə**bl/
75
He's **too ____ to buy** any drinks.
**Don't be so ____ with** the cream!
It was **a ____ offer** and he turned it down.
жадный, скаредный, прижимистый
stingy
/ˈstɪndʒi/
76
[pronunciation] stin**gy**
/ˈstɪn**dʒ**i/
77
Do you remember at least **one** example with this word?
## Footnote
**stingy**
He's **too _stingy_ to buy** any drinks.
**Don't be so _stingy_ with** the cream!
It was **a _stingy_ offer** and he turned it down.
жадный, скаредный, прижимистый
78
Do you remember at least **one** example with this word?
## Footnote
**generous**
a ______ **donation**
Thank you for your donation. **It was very** **\_\_\_\_\_\_ of** you.
79
Do you remember at least **one** example with this word?
## Footnote
**assertive**
You need to **be much more _assertive_.**
**_assertive_ behavior**
80
**[adverbs]** Thomasina ______ (впервые поехала) to Mexico after finishing school.
Thomasina **_first_ travelled** to Mexico after finishing school.
81
**[adverbs]** I had to repair a boat there [in France] and was working in a boatyard where nobody spoke English - you learn very fast when ________ (тебе это абсолютно необходимо - need) in order to get a job done.
I had to repair a boat there [in France] and was working in a boatyard where nobody spoke English - you learn very fast when **you _absolutely_ need to** in order to get a job done.
82
**[adverbs]** **\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (сейчас я говорю бегло - fluent),** though having learnt the language almost entirely by ear while living in the country my written French is terrible.
**I'm _now_ fluent,** though having learnt the language almost entirely by ear while living in the country my written French is terrible.
83
**[adverbs]** Caroline Wyatt says she ________ **(непроизвольно жестикулирует (uses her hands, involun****_tar_****ily))** whilst talking in French.
Caroline Wyatt says she **_involuntarily_ uses her hands** whilst talking in French.
BrE /ɪnˌvɑːlənˈterəli/
84
**[adverbs]** Chris Packham said to his neighbours: ‘Look, I’ll speak to you in French and I want you to **\_\_\_\_\_ (постоянно - constantly - меня поправлять)**’
Chris Packham said to his neighbours: ‘Look, I’ll speak to you in French and I want you to **_constantly_ correct me.**
BrE /ˈkɒnstəntli/
AmE /ˈkɑːnstəntli/
85
**[adverbs] Default** position for **comment** and **linking** adverbs (+1-2 examples)
at the FRONT
**Obviously**, he knows his grammar.
**However**, he isn’t as fluent as Paul.
86
**[adverbs]** DEFAULT position for WHERE HOW WHEN
and most adverbial phrases
AT THE END OF THE CLAUSE
I live **nearby** so I’ll be **there soon.**
I write **very slowly.**
I try to visit my parents **every once in a while.**
87
**[adverbs][add ‘inevitably’ to the sentence]**
Good exam results don’t mean success in later life.
inevitably = неизбежно
Good exam results don’t **inevitably** mean success in later life.
MIDDLE position: HOW PROBABLE, CERTAIN, FREQUENT
88
**[adverbs][add ‘definitely’ to the sentence]**
I’m thinking of going abroad, by the way.
I’m **definitely** thinking of going abroad, by the way.
/ˈdefɪnətli/
89
**[adverbs][add ‘abruptly’ to the sentence]**
The secretary put the phone down.
The secretary put the phone down **abruptly**. [default]
The secretary **abruptly** put the phone down. [also possible]
90
**[adverbs][collocation]**
At the end of the walk, I was u\_\_\_\_\_\_ exhausted. **(= совершенно, абсолютно)**
At the end of the walk, I was **utterly exhausted**.
BrE /ˈʌtəli/
AmE /ˈʌtərli/
91
**[adverbs][add ‘в считанные минуты’ to the sentence]**
The ambulance arrived on the scene.
The ambulance arrived on the scene **within minutes**.
92
**[adverbs][add ‘заранее’ to the sentence - b\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]**
I had had a nasty feeling.
I had had a nasty feeling **be****fore****hand**. [default]
Beforehand, … - also possible
BrE /bɪˈfɔːhænd/
AmE /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
93
[pronunciation] beforehand
заранее
beforehand
/bɪˈfɔːhænd/
/bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
94
**[adverbs][where can ‘certainly’ go in this sentence?]**
That was the best game so far.
(certainly) That (certainly) was (certainly) the best game so far.
95
**[adverbs][add ‘многократно, неоднократно’ to the sentence]**
You have **ignored** all my warnings.
You have **repeatedly ignored** all my warnings.
/rɪˈpiːtɪdli/
96
**[adverbs][add ‘я так понимаю/вероятно’ (pre…) to the sentence]**
You lived in Paris, so you speak French fluently.
You lived in Paris, so **presumably** you speak French fluently. [comment =\> by default, at the front of the clause]
You lived in Paris, so you speak French fluently, **presumably**. [also possible]
BrE /prɪˈzjuːməbli/
AmE /prɪˈzuːməbli/
97
[adverbs][add ‘время от времени’ to the sentence - every ….]
I try to have medical check-ups.
I try to have medical check-ups **every once in a while**.
… **every now and again**
[a phrase =\> by default, at the end]
But front position also possible.
98
[personality adjectives] чересчур любопытный
* \_\_\_ neighbours*
* Don't be so ___ —it's none of your business.*
* **nosy** neighbours*
* Don't be so **nosy**—it's none of your business.*
/ˈnəʊzi/
99
[personality adjectives] рассеянный
You've been very \_\_\_\_\_\_-\_\_\_\_\_\_ lately.
You've been very **absent-****mi****nded** lately.
/ˌæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/
100
[personality adjectives] спокойный, добродушный
I wish I had such \_\_\_-\_\_\_\_ parents!
I look for an \_\_\_\_*-\_\_\_\_* man who likes to travel and isn't afraid of change. [спокойного мужчину]
I wish I had such **easy-****go****ing** parents!
I look for an **easy-****go****ing** man who likes to travel and isn't afraid of change
/ˌiːzi ˈɡəʊɪŋ/
relaxed and happy to accept things without worrying or getting angry
101
[personality adjectives] общительный
**Examples:**
She's **a ________ child** who'll talk to anyone.
**I'm not feeling very \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_** this evening.
We had **a very ________ weekend** (= we did a lot of things with other people).
* She's a* ***so******ciable** child who'll talk to anyone.*
* I'm not feeling very* ***so******ciable** this evening.*
* We had a very* ***so******ciable** weekend (= we did a lot of things with other people).*
/ˈsəʊʃəbl/
102
[pronunciation] sociable
общительный
/ˈsəʊʃ**ə**bl/
(not ‘ei’!)
103
[pronunciation] significant
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
104
[pronunciation] decreasing
/dɪˈkriː**s**/+ing
105
One l\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ change to English that was barely perceptible at the time is known as The Great Vowel Shift. **(= continuing to exist for a long time)**.
\_\_\_\_\_\_ damage / love
a _____ impact / friendship
One **lasting** change to English that was barely perceptible at the time is known as The Great Vowel Shift. (= continuing to exist for a long time - продолжительный, длительный, долгосрочный).
/ˈlɑːstɪŋ/
**lasting** damage / love
a **lasting** impact / friendship
106
Can you remember at least **ONE** collocation with ‘lasting’? **(= continuing to exist for a long time)**
\_\_\_\_\_\_ damage / love
a _____ impact / friendship
107
One lasting change to English that was **b\_\_\_\_\_ p\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_** at the time is known as The Great Vowel Shift. **(= едва заметна)**
One lasting change to English that was **barely perceptible** at the time is known as The Great Vowel Shift.
BrE /beəli pəˈseptəbl/
AmE /berli pərˈseptəbl/
108
[developers of an app] “If we do this, the app will take longer to load, but only by 12 milliseconds - which is certainly not p\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ __ the end user.” (=не **заметны для**)
[developers of an app] “If we do this, the app will take longer to load, but only by 12 milliseconds - which is certainly not **perceptible to** the end user.”
/pəˈseptəbl/
109
These changes may have a hugely significant impact but can __ e\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ unnoticed while they are in progress. **(полностью остаются незамеченными)**
These changes may have a hugely significant impact but can **go entirely** unnoticed while they are in progress.
/ɪnˈtaɪə(r)li/
110
Here are some of the less **n\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ changes** that are occurring in English right now. **(= заметные)**
Here are some of the less **noticeable** **changes** that are occurring in English right now. **(= заметные)**
/'**nəʊ**tɪs**ə**bl/
111
'*Started to smoke*' or *‘started smoking’*? There was **a s\_\_\_\_\_ shift \_\_\_\_\_\_** more frequent use of the *verb + -ing*. **(= постепенный, неуклонный сдвиг/переход к)**
There was **a steady** shift **toward** more frequent use of the verb + -ing.
/ˈstedi/
112
'*Started to smoke*' or *‘started smoking’*? There was a steady shift toward more frequent use of the *verb + -ing* and these forms are still **on the \_\_\_\_\_\_**. **(= _растут_ по употребляемости)**
'*Started to smoke*' or *‘started smoking’*? There was a steady shift toward more frequent use of the *verb + -ing* and these forms are still **on the** **in****crease**.**/s/**
or:
**on the rise**
113
There are far more **s**\_\_\_\_\_, **on****going**language changes taking place at any given time.**(= not obvious or easy to notice - тонкиt, неуловимые)**
There are far more **su****b****tle**, **on****going** language changes taking place at any given time.
/ˈsʌtl/
114
There are far more **su****b****tle**, _______ **[GO \>\> word family]** language changes taking place at any given time. **[= still happening, продолжающийся]**
There are far more subtle, **on****going** language changes taking place at any given time.
/ˈɒnˌɡəʊɪŋ/
115
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** Goodness, I’m so tired! I ______ **(work)** all night. Well, at least I ____ **(finish)** the report.
Goodness, I’m so tired! I**‘ve been working** all night - (focus on the **action** that’s the **source** of my feeling)
Well, at least I**‘ve finished** the report. (focus on a one-off event)
116
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** _____ (the dog / chew) on my bag???
**Has the dog been chewing** on my bag???
[frustration + results of a recent action]
117
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** **\_\_\_\_\_ (you / fight)** again? **\_\_\_ (You / lose)** your teeth!
No, **\_\_\_ (I / not / lose)** them, Mum. They're in my pockete!
**Have you been fighting** again? (focus on the **action** that’s the **source** of the current situation)
**You've lost** your teeth! (focus on the result: no teeth)
No, **I haven't lost** them, Mum. They're in my pocket!
118
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** Daddy, have a look! It ______ (**snow**)! (= выпал снег)
Daddy, have a look! It**’s been snowing!**
(focus on the **action** - snowing - that's the source of the **result** - the ground is covered in snow)
119
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** Oh, I’m totally exhausted. I ___ (write) wedding invitations the whole morning. I ____ (write) 150 ones so far.
Oh, I’m totally exhausted. I’**ve been writing** wedding invitations the whole morning. - focus on the action
I**’ve written** 150 ones so far. - focus on the **number**
120
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** They ____ (just / get) married.
They**‘ve just got** married. [one-off event / change]
121
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** She **\_\_ (travel)** across the globe since she was 16.
She **\_\_ (visit)** more than 40 countries.
She**’s been travelling** across the globe since she was 16. [**focus: the action]**
She**’s visited** more than 40 countries. **[focus: the number]**
122
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** What’s this smoke? **\_\_\_ (you / cook)** again??
What’s this smoke? Have you been **cooking** again?? [I disapprove of the person's **action**]
123
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** (1) ___ (you / drink) again??
(2) ___ (you / drink) all my wine??
(1) **Have you been drinking** again?? (I disapprove of the person's action)
(2) **Have you drunk** all my wine?? (I disapprove of the result: there's no wine left)
124
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** You / read my emails again???
**Have you been reading** my emails again??? (it's the **action** that's annoying here)
125
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** Why are you covered in paint?? Because ____ (I / paint) the room.
Why are you covered in paint??
Because **I’ve been painting** the room. (focus: **action** that’s the **source** of the situation)
126
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** Your breath stinks! ____ (you / smoke)?
Your breath stinks! **Have you been smoking**? (it's the action that's annoying)
127
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** я уже неделю не могу вызвать ремонтника (call in a specialist) - but I just haven't had the time to do that.
**I've been meaning to** call in a specialist for a week now
128
**[grammar: perfect tenses]** I've been meaning to call in a specialist for a week now, but ____ (всё времени не хватает это сделать).
I've been meaning to call in a specialist for a week now, but **I just haven't had the time to do that.**
129
‘but I haven’t had the **time** to do that’?
what other words collocate with this phrase?
(не хватило денег / решимости / сил)
I haven't had
* the **fi**nances to do that / the cash to do that
* the chance to do that / the opportunity to do that
* the guts to do that / the courage to do that
* the energy to do that
130
**There’s** **\_\_\_\_** restaurant **I’ve been meaning to check out.** (what word makes your story more colorful?)
**There’s** **this** restaurant **I’ve been meaning to** check out..
131
I’ve got a sink a full of dishes that I’ve been meaning to ___ \_\_ (= до которой я всё никак НЕ МОГУ ДОБРАТЬСЯ)
I’ve got a sink a full of dishes that I’ve been meaning to **get to** (= до которой я всё никак НЕ МОГУ ДОБРАТЬСЯ).
132
I've been meaning to fix the leaking tap for ages, and I've only just ___ \_\_\_\_\_ to that. (у меня только сейчас ДОШЛИ ДО ЭТОГО РУКИ).
I've been meaning to fix the leaking tap for ages, and I've only just **got round** to that. (у меня только сейчас ДОШЛИ ДО ЭТОГО РУКИ).
or:
I've only just **got **_a_**round** to that.
133
Nadia [the boss] wants a meeting this morning.
And..?
**I’ve got a feeling it’s ___ e\_\_\_\_\_ ____ news** [bad news \>\> understatement]
Nadia [the boss] wants a meeting this morning.
And..?
**I’ve got a feeling it’s not exactly good news** [bad news \>\> understatement]
134
Oh, don’t be so negative. Nadia probably just wants to thank you for all your hard work.
**Hm, that’\_ __ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ __ \_ surprise.** [She definitely doesn't \>\> understatement]
Oh, don’t be so negative. Nadia probably just wants to thank you for all your hard work.
A Hm, **that’d be something of a surprise.**
Pronunciation: that-**a**-be
135
Now, do you know why I've asked to see you?
**S** Um ... **Is it something __ \_\_ \_\_\_\_** our long-running series of interviews with authors? **(= connected to)**
Now, do you know why I've asked to see you?
**S** Um ... **Is it something to do with** our long-running series of interviews with authors? **(= connected to)**
136
Look, Oscar has already booked six authors, ___ \_\_ ____ (= плюс минус)
Look, Oscar has already booked six authors, **give or take.**
137
He's even managed to persuade **Max \_\_\_\_\_** to come in. (**= как его там**)
Who?
**Max \_\_\_\_\_** - you know, author of *Solar Wind*?
He's even managed to persuade **Max whatshisname** to come in. (**= как его там**)
Who?
**Max whatshisname** - you know, author of *Solar Wind*?
pronunciation: don't pronounce the ‘h’: whats**is**name
138
Don't tell me - she's promoted you to editor-in-chief
**Something _____ \_\_\_\_\_ li\_\_\_,** yeah. (примерно - used sarcastically here)
Don't tell me - she's promoted you to editor-in-chief
**Something along those lines**, yeah. (примерно - used sarcastically here)
139
Go on, tell me all!
Well, basically, she said if I don't get something big, like an interview with a best-selling author, I'm out of here, **or words __ \_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.** (= but she didn't word it this way)
Go on, tell me all!
Well, basically, she said if I don't get something big, like an interview with a best-selling author, I'm out of here, **or words to that effect.** (= but she didn't word it this way)
140
You know, my Dad is Italian.
A No way! Hey, maybe you could teach me some ____ \_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_, you know, basic survival phrases, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and stuff like that? **(= stuff)**
You know, my Dad is Italian.
A No way! Hey, maybe you could teach me some **bits and pieces**, you know, basic survival phrases, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and stuff like that?
141
What’s the average salary in your field? Around 50 grand?
A little higher - 70 to 90, I think. **R\_\_\_\_\_ly in that ballpark.** (примерно)
What’s the average salary in your field? Around 50 grand?
A little higher - 70 to 90, I think. **Roughly in that ballpark.**
142
I appreciate you're still finding your feet here at *City FM*.
S Well, I'm beginning to feel like **I've got ___ \_\_\_ __ things. (= I've mastered the basics, more or less).**
I appreciate you're still finding your feet here at *City FM*.
S Well, I'm beginning to feel like **I've got the hang of things.** (= I've mastered the basics, more or less)
143
ALEX Scusami, signorina, parla Inglese?
S **Leave __ \_\_**, Alex. (= да прекрати ты уже)
*(British English, informal)* used to tell somebody to stop doing something
ALEX Scusami, signorina, parla Inglese?
S **Leave it out,** Alex
144
You don't ______ \_\_ ____ **(=ты случайно не знаешь)**, like, a best selling author or something, do you, Alex?
You don't happen to know, like a best selling author or something, do you, Alex?
145
There were [**about \> reformulate with ‘region’** 100 people.
There were **somewhere in the region of** 100 people.
146
I said I’d give **th\_\_\_\_** a lift.
[a word for when you don't remember someone's name]
I said I’d give **thingy** a lift.
147
What’s the average salary in your field? Around 50 grand?
A little higher - 70 to 90, I think. **Roughly __ \_\_\_\_ b\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.** (= такого порядка)
What’s the average salary in your field? Around 50 grand?
A little higher - 70 to 90, I think. **Roughly in that ballpark.**
148
**Add suffixes to the words to make them vague/inexact:**
Do you remember this guy.. whatsisname.. The **forty** years old guy in a **plastic** hat?
Do you remember this guy.. whatsisname.. The **fortyish** years old guy in a **plasticky** hat?
149
A: Are you hungry yet?
B: \_\_\_. **[= a 'vague' suffix that's sometimes used on its own]** I could eat, if you're hungry.
A: Are you hungry yet?
B: **Ish**. I could eat, if you're hungry.
150
**Add suffixes to the words to make them vague/inexact:**
I’ll be there at 5. I’ll be wearing a **blue**-pink jacket and a **brown** skirt.
I’ll be there at 5. I’ll be wearing a **bluey**-pink jacket and a **brownish** skirt.
151
He’s very quiet and b\_\_\_\_\_\_ [= the sort of person who reads a lot].
He’s very quiet and **bookish**.
152
He’s very quiet and b\_\_\_\_\_\_ [= the sort of person who reads a lot].
He’s very quiet and **bookish**.
153
**Replace ‘type’ with a suffix:**
This **nylon-type** material is too hot for this weather.
This **nylony** material is too hot for this weather.
154
**Replace ‘around’ with a suffix:**
The party starts at eight but I think we should get there at **around 9 o’clock.**
The party starts at eight but I think we should get there at **9 o’clock-ish.**
155
[pronunciation] **vague**
/veɪɡ/
156
**Reformulate, adding a suffix to ‘grey’:**
What color’s his hair? – Well, it’s **got a bit of grey**.
What color’s his hair? – Well, it’s **grey-ish**.
157
In what **four situations** do people often use ‘ish’?
1. with numbers/periods/time (Five minutes-ish)
2. with adjectives (This blue-ish colour)
3. with names/styles/regions (This song is, like, a little bit David Bowie-ish).
4. stand-alone, especially in replies (Are you tired? - Yeah, **ish**).
158
[disageement] That s\_\_\_\_\_ isn't true. [an intensifying adverb]
[disageement] That **simply isn't true**. [an intensifying adverb]
159
[formal register] The world is made \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**ly** more fascinating by having a variety of cultures.
The world is made **infinitely** more fascinating by having a variety of cultures.
160
The world is made **infinitely** more fascinating by having a variety of cultures.
[reformulate ‘infinitely’ in an **informal** way]
The world is made **way** more fascinating by having a variety of cultures.
or ‘a lot more fascinating’
161
[formal register] I agree up to a point that **there’s benefit to __ \_\_\_ from** a shared global language
[formal register] I agree up to a point that **there’s benefit to be had** **from** a shared global language
162
[disagreement] as far as I’m concerned, **there’s __ \_\_\_** English is taking over my life
[disagreement] as far as I’m concerned, **there’s no way** English is taking over my life
there's no way + sentence ('a clause')
163
[uncertainty] I’m __ two _____ \_\_\_\_\_ hiring him.
I’m **in** two **minds about** hiring him.
164
[uncertainty] I’ve got _____ feelings about this/that.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this/that.
165
[agreement] You ___ \_\_\_ nail __ the ____ head when you advised me against traveling to Haiti.
You **hit the nail on the head** when you advised me against traveling to Haiti.
166
[agreement] I would go _____ \_\_\_\_ that.
[agreement] I would **go along with that**.
167
[agreement] You’re s\_\_\_ \_\_.
You’re **spot on**.
168
[partial agreement] I **agree with you __ \_\_ _ point**, but we have to be practical.
**I agree with you up to a point**, but we have to be practical.
169
[partial agreement] What you said is correct, __ \_\_\_ _ point.
[partial agreement] What you said is correct, **up to a point.**
170
[disagreement] If you think I'm being cheap, **you're _______ \_\_\_ point**. Every time we go out, I pay for everything.
If you think I'm being cheap, **you're missing the point**. Every time we go out, I pay for everything.
171
What strategies can you use to soften this expression?
**I don’t agree with you.**
1. use modal verbs: I can't agree / I wouldn't agree.
2. depersonalize: I don't agree [without ‘with you’] or ‘I don’t agree with this'
3. add ‘here’ or ‘there’: I can't agree with you **there.**
172
What strategies can you use to soften this expression?
**You’re missing the whole point.**
1. Make the expression more subjective by add a ‘me’ statement: **I feel like** you're missing the whole point.
2. Make the expression more subjective by replacing ‘are’ with ‘seem to be’: **You seem to be** missing the whole point.
3. add ‘here’ or ‘there’: You're missing the whole point **here**.
173
[Partial disagreement] To disagree, they often say ‘**Yes,** but…’
What expressions can you use instead of ‘Yes’?
Some examples:
**You’ve got a point**, but…
**It’s true that** … but ….
**I see what you mean** … but..
174
[Partial disagreement] I see what you mean, but I __ feel that we can try harder. [a strategy to **intensify what you're saying.**
..but on the other hand, I **do feel** that we can try harder.…
use do to intensify the ‘mental’ verbs: **I do feel / I do believe / I do understand …**
