PRACTICAL ENGLISH

Meaning 1: To bring  (someone)  up  / bring up To raise or take care of a child until he or she grows up. Used for saying where or how someone lived when they were a child. Example Sentences "Many women still take career breaks to bring up children." "She brought up three sons on her own." "He was brought up by his grandmother." "He was born and brought up in India." "I'm very much against the idea that it is only the woman's job to bring up the child." "I don't know how they manage to bring up four children—they are both struggling to land a stable job. They brought her up as a Christian. Similar Sentences "I was born and raised in the U.S." "I was raised by a single mother." "He was raised well by his parents and turned out to be a good father to his own children."

Meaning to give more attention to one thing than another, because you think it is more important to consider someone or something as being more important than someone or something else If you put yourself before others , that means you think of yourself as more important than others. If you put your work before your health , that means you think your work is more important than your health. You can also use "over" and "above" instead of "before" . "Put yourself first before others. "Put yourself above everything else." "Put your health first over your work." Example Dialogue A: My wife is upset about me! B: What's the matter? A: She said I always put my work before my family and that I'm always busy.  Example Sentences "We can't expect our staff to put their work before their family ." "The company had been accused of putting profits before safety ." "Should we put ourselves first before ...

Phrasal Verb: Turn down In this lesson, we are going to talk about the two  common  different uses of the phrasal verb 'turn down'. Meaning 1   :   turn down  (something/someone)  to not accept an offer or request to reject or refuse to consider an offer, a proposal, etc. or the person who makes it Synonyms and related words:  say no,   decline,  refuse Example Sentences "How could you turn down such a fantastic job?" "He has been turned down for ten jobs so far." "They turned down my offer of help." “He invited her to the party, but she turned him down." "He asked her to marry him but she turned him down."  “She turned down the job offer because it didn't pay enough.” "Why did she turn down your invitation?" I can't turn down the offer of a free trip to Milan!

Phrasal Verb : Break into Meaning: To enter by force  to enter a building by force to open a car by force to enter a house illegally  Example Dialogue A: Where were you when the burglars break into your house? B: I was on a business trip. A: What did they steal? B: They took the jewelries in my drawer and some cash. Example Sentences "Someone tried to break into my apartment last night." "The thought of a burglar breaking into our house while we sleep is terrifying." "They broke into the store and stole the safe." "No security system is perfect, but having no security system makes your home easier to break into than a home with a system." "How could anyone break into the palace undetected?" "A thief can break into a car in under ten seconds." "There was no one nearby who might see him trying to break into the house." "The burglars disabled the alarm and used a glass cutter to break into the house....

Phrasal Verb :  Show up Meaning: to arrive for a gathering or event to arrive somewhere in order to join a group of people, especially late or unexpectedly To show up somewhere is to be present at a place where someone is waiting for you. You might show up early or late to a meeting, and your boss will be glad if you show up to work on time every day.  If you’re at a popular concert, thousands of people might show up . And if you had a plan to meet someone and they never made it, you could say:  “They never showed up !” Example Dialogue A:  How come you didn't show up yesterday? B: I wasn't feeling well. A: At least, you should have called me. B: I'm sorry, I fell asleep. Example Sentences "We were expecting 30 people to come, but half of them never showed up ." "He probably won't show up." "He might show up later, but I doubt it." "I invited him for eight o'clock, but he didn't show up until nine-thirty." "We ...

Pull over - (Phrasal Verb) Meaning:  (of a vehicle) move to the side of or off the road.           "The tourists signaled the driver to pull over ." (of the police) cause a driver to move to the side of the road to be charged for a traffic offense.          " He was pulled over for speeding." Example Dialogue Police Officer: Excuse me, sir. Please pull over . Driver: Yes, officer? Police Officer: Do you have any idea why I pulled you over today? Driver: I'm not sure. Police Officer: I pulled you over because one of your brake lights is out. Driver: Really? I'm sorry. I didn't know that. Police Officer: I'm going to give you a ticket. Driver:   Why can't you just let me off with a warning? Police Officer: I'm just doing my job. Example Sentences We signaled the taxi driver to  pull over. " Pull over  and let me pass!" "Please  pull over  and stop there." "The police officer ordered him to ...

Hang on - (Phrasal Verb) Meaning: If you ask someone to hang on, you ask them to wait or stop what they are doing or saying for a moment. To wait for a short time                  " Hang on a minute - I'll be with you in a moment!" To pause a conversation                "Hey, can you hang on just a second while I check this message?" Used for saying that you have just realized something or when you're surprised                " Hang on! That isn’t the dress she was wearing earlier." Other Similar Phrases: "wait a minute", "hold on", "please wait" Dialogue Example 1 A: Excuse me. Could we get the bill, please? B: We're a bit busy at the moment. Can you hang on a minute? Dialogue Example 2 A: I was hiking and I saw a rattlesnake then I picked it up. B: Hang on , you did what? Did you just say you picked up a rattlesnake? A: Yeah, I did. B: You m...

Get Along With ~ (Phrasal Verb) Meaning: To get along (with) means you have a smooth or friendly relationship with someone. You can use this expression when talking about your relationship with your family  —  parents, siblings, friends, colleagues or anyone you know. When you get along with someone, you're friendly or compatible with them. If two or more people get along , they like each other and are friendly to each other Example Dialogue A: Do you get along well with your parents? B:   My parents are really friendly. We get along very well. How about you and your parents? A: Well, I had a pretty difficult relationship with my mom growing up. But my father and I get along so well. Example Sentences "My neighbors and I get along well." "I don't really get along with my sister's husband." "They seem to get along pretty well." "It's impossible to get along with him." "Richard and his sister don’t get along ." ...

You say 'Don't get me wrong' when you want to make sure that someone does not get an incorrect idea about what you are doing or saying, or about why you are doing or saying it. Meaning: It means don't misinterpret what I'm saying as criticism. You use this expression when you think someone might not understand what you say, or be upset by it. It's used when you think someone may understand your remarks wrongly, or be offended by them and you want to make sure they don't. Example Dialogue Wife: I got into an argument with your mom again this morning. Husband:  Don’t take anything she says or does personally. Just let her do her thing. Wife: Don't get me wrong , I appreciate everything your mother has done for us—but it's time for her to get her own place. Example Sentences Don't get me wrong , it's interesting work. But it's not permanent. Don't get me wrong,  I like him, but I know he can be a pain at times. Don't get me wrong ...

Meaning:  In the long run means "eventually."  If you talk about what will happen in the long run , you are saying what you think will happen over a long period of time in the future.  over or after a long period of time at some time in the future after a very lengthy period of time if you want to refer to the long term (i.e. an extended period in the future). Explanation : If you think your job will be good experience in the long run , you believe that after a long time passes, you'll be glad you had it. When someone uses the phrase in the long run , she's imagining a very long period of time going by. If your new windows will save you money in the long run , it means that although they cost a lot right now, you'll spend less heating your house over the years and will eventually save money.  When you look into the future, especially if you're making a decision, you're imagining what will happen in the long run . Example Sentences "Moving to Spain wil...

Phrasal Verb:  Cut off Cut off is a phrasal verb of the verb 'cut' that has different meanings and uses. This is a useful expression that you can find in casual English conversations. Meaning 1:  to remove something using a sharp tool If you cut something off, you remove or detach it with a knife or a similar tool. Example sentences:      "The telephone wire is cut off in this house."      "He threatened to cut my hair off ." Meaning 2:  to stop supplying (something) or stop someone getting money To cut off a supply of something means to stop providing it or stop it being provided. Example sentences:      "The rebels have cut off electricity from the capital."      "His mother threatened him to cut off his allowance if he didn't quit drinking." Meaning 3: end phone conversation If you get cut off when you are on the phone, the line is suddenly disconnected and you can no longer speak to the other person. ...

Cut back (on) - (Phrasal Verb) Meaning: to spend less, do less, or use less of something to reduce the amount of something, or use something in smaller amounts, especially money that you spend Example Dialogue A: How's your diet going? B: I'm trying to cut back on my eating, but I can't stop eating too much. Example Sentences "I'm trying to cut back on fried food, but it's so tasty." "The administration has announced plans to cut back on defense spending by 10 percent next year." "If exercise is causing you pain, you should cut back ." "With orders down, many companies are cutting back ." "We are trying to cut back on travel costs." "I've felt much better since I cut back on the amount of coffee I drink." "The government should cut back on its budget to avoid a tax hike." "I think it's time to cut back a little on my eating." "We really need to cut back on our spendi...

End up - (Phrasal Verb) Meaning: To reach or come to a place, condition, or situation that was not planned or expected It's about the conclusion what is really happening at the end.  If you end up doing something or end up in a particular state, you do that thing or get into that state even though you did not originally intend to. Example Dialogue A: How was your date with Sarah? Did you take her to the best restaurant in town? B: It was actually not what I planned. We ended up just ordering pizza and not going to the fancy restaurant. Example Sentences "He didn't want to end up like his father." "She ended up a rich woman." "The movie we wanted to see was sold out so we ended up seeing a different one." "If she carries on shoplifting, she'll end up in jail." "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more." "He could end up as President." "Most couples do break up before they meet the per...

Check (something) out - (Phrasal Verb) To check out could have the opposite meaning. When you leave the hotel, you check out . But here, we're dealing with another "check out" . To check (something) out means  to examine something, to think about something or to see something.  If you check something or someone out , you look at someone or something because they are interesting or attractive or you want to figure something out. Example Dialogue A: Did you know we’re now selling products from New Zealand? B: I didn't know that. What are your new products? A: Go check them out on our new website! Example Sentences "I'm excited to check out the new park in my city!" "If I hear about a website that sounds interesting, I check it out ." "Hey, check out that car!" "Visit the African Savanna to check out the giraffes, rhinos, and zebras." "For information about hotel policies check out our master list of hotel can...

Phrasal Verb: Come up with (something)  Meaning 1: To think of something such as an idea or a plan. To form an opinion, or to have an idea. Example Sentences : "She came up with a new idea for increasing sales." " We must come up with a solution to keep our failing business running." "Never expect him to come up with a brilliant idea." "He couldn't come up with an answer." "Is that the best excuse you can come up with ?" "We weren't able to come up with any new suggestions." "Scientists in different countries, working independently of each other, have come up with very similar results." "They needed to come up with a new strategy that focused on violent-crime prevention." Meaning 2: To produce or provide something that people want (e.g. money, cash) Example Sentences: "We’re in big trouble if we don’t come up with the money by 6 o’clock." "How can we come up with a big amoun...

Add up (Phrasal Verb) Meaning:   Add up  in American English is an expression used for casual conversations that means  to make sense or to be reasonable.  We usually use this phrasal verb in a  negative sentence = "doesn't add up." If something  adds up , it makes sense. It is probable or correct. If something doesn't  add up , it doesn't make sense or it is unreasonable. Take a look at this sentence: "Her story didn't add up , I think she's lying." What do you think this phrasal verb means here?  You can guess the meaning of this phrase based on the sentence.  "Her story didn't add up " here means it didn't make sense . Something about it seemed not logical or strange , it didn't add up . Another way of saying "Her story didn't add up" is: "Her story doesn't make sense ." Example Dialogue Student: "I'm sorry, I don't have my homework finished because I got into a car accident  ...

A nytime soon "Anytime soon"  is an expression used when talking about an event expected to take place in the very near future, but an exact time or date isn’t known. In American English, this expression is usually used in  negative sentences  and questions . Most often, when someone says  “anytime soon”  they mean  “now”  in a low key impatient way. Anytime vs A nytime soon Anytime and anytime soon are two different words that are very confusing. These words are used almost daily, but their meanings and their context completely contradict their purposes. “Anytime” is an adverb, meaning “at whatever time; whenever; it doesn’t matter when.” " I am available anytime if you’d like me to help you with your novel." “Anytime soon” means “at whatever time you like, but not too far in the future. "You might say that the publishing industry will fail now that the internet is up, but I don't really see that happening anytime soon." Example Dialogue A: Hey! ...

Run out of (something) If you run out of something, you have no more of it left. If something runs out , it becomes used up so that there is no more left. Example 1 "I'm currently doing some video editing, but I'm gonna take a break because I'm running out of energy." Another way of saying this is: "I'm going to take a break because I'm feeling tired ." In this example, "I'm running out of energy " is talking about a process; very close to being completely exhausted but not there yet. Example 2 "We've run out of milk. Could you get some on your way home?" Another way of saying this is: "We don't have any milk left.  Could you get some on your way home?" In this example, imagine that the husband realized they don't have any milk left at home. His wife was outside, so he called her on the phone and asked her to get some milk on her way home. More examples: "They have  run out of  ideas." ...

Dialogue A: How are the kids? B: They're doing well . A:  How old are they now? B:  Mike is 18. He's in college . Janet is 16. She's in high school. A:  Wow! They're growing up . B:  I know. They're growing up too fast. Language Notes 1.  to be doing well:  to be succeeding, progressing nicely, or living well "Is your brother doing well?" "Our company is doing well  these days." 2.  college: U.S. =  a university where you can study for an undergraduate degree.  In American English, college and university are generally used interchangeably.  In practical American usage, university has connotations of prestige that college doesn’t have, although there are some highly respected universities that call themselves colleges out of tradition (e.g., Dartmouth College). Still, no one talks about going to university in the U.S. After high school, you go to college, even if the college you’re attending calls itself a university. "Did you go to...

Look up (Phrasal Verb )   = to search for information Meaning :   "Look up" normally means looking for information. When you need a specific piece of information and use sources such as a dictionary, telephone book, or search engines (such as Google) to find that information or to get an answer, you look it up. Synonyms : search, seek, find, research Example Sentences "He had to look up the number of the restaurant in the phone book." "Could you look up the President's birthday on Google for me please?" "I wasn't sure of the word's meaning so I looked it up in the dictionary." Example Dialogue A: I heard that solar energy is a good source of power. Some of our neighbors are using it. Do you know anything about it? B: Yes, I do but I'm sorry I can't discuss about it now. I'm quite busy. If you want more information about solar energy, just look it up on the internet. A: Never mind. I'll just look up solar energy on...

Take after (Phrasal Verb) Meaning: The meaning of ' take after' is to resemble (someone) in features, build, character, or disposition. If you take after a member of your family, you resemble them in your appearance, your behavior, or your character. Example Sentences "Mark is so hot-tempered. He takes after his father." "Stephanie is pretty. She definitely  takes after her mother." "She takes after her father more than her mother." "I really hope my baby girl won't take after my husband." "Your daughter doesn't take after you at all." "My grandmother was always a worrier, and I take after her." Example Dialogue A: Do you take after your mother or your father more? B: I take after my mother. Everybody says we look like sisters. What about you? A: I take after my father. People used to confuse me with my father all the time. I’ve even had people ask if we were brothers. More Similar Sentences "Sh...