PRACTICAL ENGLISH

Go Dutch Meaning/Usage : Each person paying for themselves. For example, going Dutch on a date is indicating both guy and girl will pay for themselves instead of one buying for the other. Explanation : Why " Dutch " is used in this way is not completely confirmed. One reason is because of Dutch doors that contained two equal parts. Another origin of the phrase " to go Dutch " is traced back to the 17th century when England and the Netherlands fought constantly over trade routes and political boundaries. The British use of the term "Dutch" had a negative connotation for the Netherlanders were said to be stingy . If you describe someone as stingy, you are criticizing them for being unwilling to give or spend money. DIALOGUE A:   " How was your date with Sarah? " B:  " I'm not sure. It was just ok. " A:  " Why do you say that? " B:  " She didn't let me pay for her share. She insisted that we  go dutch  for everythin

Keep an eye on Meaning/Usage : To watch after; to supervise; to take care of Explanation : When you have your eye on something or you are watching something, then you are paying attention to something or someone. DIALOGUE  A:   "Excuse me sir." B:  "Yes." A:   "I have to go to the bathroom. Can you  keep an eye on  my suitcase for a minute?" B:  "No problem." Example Sentences "Can you  keep an eye on  my daughter while I go get the car?" "Don't worry about your luggage. I'll  keep an eye on  it." "My mom will  keep an eye on  our equipment while we go get the truck." Other Common Sentences " Can you watch my bag for me? " " Can you watch my suitcase while I go to the bathroom. "

Go with the flow Meaning/Usage : To do things as other people are doing it because it is easier to do; to not go against the common way of doing things Explanation : Rowing up the river is very difficult to do. If you go with the flow, you are following the path of the least resistance. DIALOGUE  A:   "I got a speeding ticket. Do you think I should go to court to fight it?" B:  "What are you going to tell the judge?" A:   "That I was basically  going with the flow ." B:  "That's not going to work. I would just pay the fine." Example Sentences "Why do you do everything differently? You should just  go with the flow ." "If you don't know where the shuttle is, just  go with the flow . Everyone is going in that direction." "If you don't want to stand out,  go with the flow ." Other Common Sentences "Do it like everyone else does it." "If you're unsure how to do it, see how everyone else is

Give someone a hand Meaning/Usage : To help someone Explanation : A physical task is usually done with the hands. Giving someone a hand is letting them borrow your hands, or in other words, helping them out. "Give a hand" also represent applauding (clapping), but this section is about helping someone. DIALOGUE  A:  "When are you going to move into your new apartment?" B:  "I'm not sure, but I'm going to need some help." A:   "I have time this weekend. Do you want me to  give you a hand ?" B:  "That would be great." Other examples "Can you  give me a hand  setting up the dining table?" "I'm going to  need a hand  changing the tire on the car." "Are you going to have time to  give me a hand  tomorrow?" "Let me know if you need help. I'll have time all day today to  give you a hand ." Other Common Sentences " Can I get your help on this? " " Can you help me out? "

  Anna: Hey, John! Long time no see. John: Oh! Hi Anna. Good to see you!  It's been ages since I last saw you.  Anna: Yeah! What a small world. John: How have you been? Anna: Well, I got married and moved here in Seoul. John: Wow! Good for you. Anna: What about you?  What have you been up to? John: Well, I've been pretty busy with work. I've just started my own business.  Anna: Wow! That's great!  John: Thank you.  I'm glad to see you again .  Anna: Same here .  John: Oh! I'm getting late for my appointment . I have to go now. Anna: Sure! See you around. LANGUAGE NOTES Long time no see :  used as a greeting for someone you haven't seen for a long time. It's been ages : is another way of saying "It's been a long time." Ages means many years. This phrase is used when you see someone you haven't seen in a long time. What a small world : is an expression  used to show surprise when you meet someone you know at an unexpected pla

  BILL : Sally is dropping out of school. She’s getting married in two weeks .  SARAH:  What? Does she think it's that easy to get married? Marriage is no joke! BILL : But, her husband is a business tycoon . He’s going to back her up for good .  SARAH: Well, I have to change my mind . It makes sense to take shortcuts to success in this tough and rough world.  BILL : I remember when she said that she would make her dreams come true one way or another.   SARAH: I must admit that determination pays off ! LANGUAGE NOTES Drop out -  If someone drops out of school, that means they leave it without finishing what they started. In two weeks means two weeks later. No joke is an expression that means something is difficult or a serious matter. Tycoon -  a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry.  Back someone up -  If you back someone up, that means you give your support for them. For good - w hen you do something "for good," that means you do it permanently. Chang

  CONNIE: Oh! What a beautiful cat. What do you think?  GARY: I think I’d rather get a dog. Dogs are more loyal than cats.  CONNIE: Yes, but they’re so much work ! Would you be willing to walk it every single day? And clean up after it?  GARY: Hmm. Good point. What about a bird? Or a fish?  CONNIE: We’d have to invest a lot of money in a cage or a fish tank. And I don’t really know how to take care of a bird or a fish!  GARY: Well, we’re obviously not ready to get a pet yet.  CONNIE: Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go grab some coffee and talk about it. LANGUAGE NOTES Oh! What a beautiful cat “ Oh !” is used to show surprise or excitement. “ What a … ” is an expression that means “I think this is a very …” “What a(n) …” is followed by an adjective, which is usually emphasized. Notice the emphasis on “beautiful” here.  Dogs are more loyal than cats. Two things are being compared here (dogs and cats). Notice the structure of the sentences: (noun/s) plus “is/are more” plus (adjective

  Anne: Dad! What on earth are you doing? Dad: I’m meditating . Anne : All right. Who are you and what have you done with my dad? Dad: No, I’m serious. I’m doing yoga . It helps me relax. Anne : When did you start doing that? Dad: Last week. I’ve been feeling stressed out and my blood pressure is really high. So I went to the doctor. Anne : I see. And what did the doctor say? Dad: The doctor told me that if I didn’t manage my stress levels, I could suffer some serious health consequences . Anne : Like what? Dad: Depression, anxiety, heart disease… you name it . Anne: So what are you going to do? Dad: I’ve made some lifestyle changes : I’m exercising, eating healthier, trying to be more sociable, and finding time to relax. LANGUAGE NOTES On earth  is an expression used for emphasis in questions that begin with words such as ' how ', ' why ', ' what ', or ' where '. It is often used to suggest that there is no obvious or easy answer to the question

  David : This day is a big day for me. I’ve been assigned to give a speech on behalf of our company in front of the minister.  Michael : I bet you’re ill at ease already.  David : No, not at all. I’ve been used to giving talks since university days. It’s a breeze for me. I’ve never messed things up when it comes to speaking in public. Michael : Lucky you. I would have think twice before I could take on such a tough task.  David : I truly bank on this great opportunity to get a promotion.  Michael : Then, it’s worth giving it your best shot! VOCABULARY Assigned to : to designate someone as responsible for doing something.  On behalf of : as a representative of or a proxy for.  Ill at ease : (adj) uncomfortable or embarrassed.  Be used to something/doing something : to be familiar with a condition or activity.  A breeze : a thing that is easy to do or accomplish.  Mess up : to do something badly; to mishandle a situation.  Think twice : consider a course of action ca

  SALESPERSON: Can I help you?  JOHN: Yes, I’m looking for a sweater — in a size medium.  SALESPERSON: Let’s see … here’s a nice white one. What do you think?  JOHN: I think I’d rather have it in blue.  SALESPERSON: OK … here’s blue, in a medium. Would you like to try it on?  JOHN: OK … yes, I love it. It fits perfectly. How much is it?  SALESPERSON: It’s $50. It will be $53, with tax.  JOHN: Perfect! I’ll take it. LANGUAGE NOTES  Can I help you? or “May I help you?” is what a salesperson normally says to greet a customer. I’m looking for a here means “I don’t know exactly which one I want.” Size medium. Clothing usually comes in small, medium and large sizes. Some women’s clothing comes in number sizes, usually ranging from 2 to 16.  Let’s see … An expression used when a person wants to think something over, to make a choice or decision, or to look for something. I’d rather have it in here means “I don’t like this exact one. I would prefer it in a different” color/size/ma

  PETER: Hey! That car just ran a red light and hit that truck!  GAIL: Is anyone hurt?  PETER: I don’t know … let’s call 911 . … Hello? I’d like to report a car accident near the post office on Charles Street. It looks like a man is hurt. Yes, it just happened. OK, thanks. Bye.  GAIL: What did they say?  PETER: They’re going to send an ambulance and a police car right away.   GAIL: Good, they’re here. I hope the man is OK.  PETER: I know. You have to be so careful when you’re driving LANGUAGE NOTES Hey! This expression is used to show surprise. Notice how That car just ran a red light and hit that truck! is said with a lot of energy.  Is anyone hurt? This is a yes/no question, so the intonation rises at the end. Notice how this question is asked in a worried way.  911 is the phone number you dial for emergency services. The person who answers will ask you questions about the emergency situation and then send out the necessary emergency services, which may include police

  NATASHA: What time is it? We’re going to be late!  TONY: It’s a quarter after seven. We’re on time. Don’t panic .  NATASHA: But I thought we had to be at the restaurant by 7:30 for the surprise party. We’ll never make it there with all this evening traffic.  TONY: Sure we will. Rush hour is almost over. Anyway, the party starts at 8:00. But I do need help with directions . Can you call the restaurant and ask them where we park our car? LANGUAGE NOTES It’s a quarter after seven. This phrase is one of the most common ways of stating this time. It means: “It’s 15 minutes past 7:00.” Another possibility here is to simply say: “It’s seven fifteen (7:15).” In general, you can say: “It’s a quarter past the hour.” How do we know the time of day? Look for context clues: “ evening traffic .” In the dialog, Natasha and Tony are going to a surprise party. They need to be on time. Therefore, there is an element of stress and urgency . When someone is stressed for time you can use express

This is a conversation between a couple who are planning their vacation. JAKE: Where should we take a vacation this year? Let’s decide soon.  MELISSA: Well, I’d like to go somewhere warm. How about the beach? Or we could rent a cabin on the lake.  JAKE: You want to go to the beach again? I want to ski this winter. How about a compromise ? What about traveling to the Alps in Europe next April? We can find a ski resort on a lake. MELISSA: Oh, we’ve never been to Europe before! But I don’t know if it will be sunny and warm then . I need to do some research first. That will help me make up my mind. LANGUAGE NOTES To take a vacation means you are just taking a break from work or everyday things or taking your vacation time. You can also use the phrase 'go on  vacation'.  To go on vacation means that you are actually planning on going somewhere . Note: “ Go on ” is more colloquial/ casual. Decide is a useful verb to express choice . The idiom “to make up my mind” also mea

  DOCTOR : What seems to be the problem? CATHY : Well , I have a bad cough and a sore throat . I also have a headache . DOCTOR : How long have you had these symptoms? CATHY : About three days now. And I'm really tired, too. DOCTOR : Hmm. It sounds like you've got the flu. Take aspirin every four hours and get plenty of rest . Make sure you drink lots of fluids. Call me if you're still sick next week. CATHY : OK, thanks. LANGUAGE NOTES What seems to be the problem? means "What is the problem?" Notice that the intonation falls at the end of the question. The doctor wants information, not a "yes/no" answer. Well is used as an introductory word. Notice how the vowel is drawn out, to sound like "Weeeeeell..." This can be used as a way to "buy time" while you think about what you want to say next. A bad cough... a sore throat ...a headache: Notice the article "a" before each symptom. About is used to mean "more