2017 January Flashcards
You just got a job as a bank teller. You’re being trained. A few minutes ago, the trainer talked about deposit slips. Now she’s moved to a different topic, but you have another question about deposits. You ask to return to that topic.
Hey, can we go back to what you were saying about the deposit slips? I have a question.
a deposit slip
A “slip” is like a form, but it’s usually smaller than a full sheet of paper. Some examples of “slips” are:
permissions slips (for school field trips, etc.)
deposit slips
wire transfer slips
a pink slip (which is a piece of paper telling someone that they’ve been fired or laid off)
“Deposit slips” are pieces of paper that you have to fill out when you’re depositing money into a bank account. You write your name, the amount of money you’re depositing, your account number, and so on.
Hey
You say “Hey” at the beginning of a sentence in casual English when you want to get someone’s attention. For example:
Hey, Hitomi, can you hand me that box over there?
It’s common to say “Hey” before you ask someone a question, or when someone has done something that’s wrong or unfair:
Hey, you’re taking up the whole bed!
Use “hey” with people you know or are familiar with. When you’re talking to people you don’t know as well, “Excuse me” is more polite.
go back to (something)
In a conversation or a discussion, talking about a topic that you talked about before is called “going back to ___”. For example, imagine a conversation between you and a friend:
You talk about your job.
Then you ask your friend about his children.
Then your friend asks more questions about your job.
In this case, your friend might say:
Hey, I wanted to go back to your job. What were you saying about your boss?
If you’re describing this conversation to someone else, you might say:
I asked him about his kids, but thene we went back to my job. So I told him…
A similar phrase is “come back to ___”. Use this when you’re having a conversation and you know that you might want to discuss a topic again later:
Let’s move on, but we can come back to this later if anyone has any questions.
I have a question.
Say this to get someone’s attention before you ask a question.
Dr. Mariel, I have a question. What do you mean when you say “economic liberalism”?
This phrase is common in somewhat formal situations like classrooms, meetings, lectures, and so on.
You and your girlfriend are young but you’ve been dating each other for 6 years. Your parents have started to pressure you to get married. Your mom asks whether you love your girlfriend, so you explain that you do love her but you don’t want to get married yet.
The question isn’t whether or not we love each other. It’s whether we’re ready to make a lifelong commitment at our age.
whether (clause)
“Whether” is similar to “if”. You can use them in the same way:
I’m trying to decide whether I should take my laptop.
I’m trying to decide if I should take my laptop.
You might choose to use “whether” instead of “if” just because of the sound. “Whether I” sounds easier to pronounce than “if I”.
In written English, you should follow “whether” with “…or not”:
I’m trying to decide whether I should take my laptop or not.
You can also use “…or not” in spoken English, but you should put it right after “whether”:
I’m trying to decide whether or not to take my laptop.
The question is (clause)
Sometimes you want to focus people’s attention on one specific issue or question. This is a good phrase for doing that:
I know that she’s talented. The question is, is she ready to put in the work that it takes?
The question isn’t whether or not we love each other. It’s whether we’re ready to make a lifelong commitment at our age.
The question is how much we’re able to spend per month, and whether there are any apartments in that price range available in this neighborhood.
make a commitment (to someone)
“Making a commitment” generally means promising to do something. For example, if you promised to go to a party or event, you can say this:
To be honest, I don’t really want to go, but I made a commitment.
For a couple who are dating each other, “making a commitment” usually means deciding to get married.
I don’t think I’m ready to make a commitment.
People especially use this phrase when talking about a man is ready to ask his girlfriend to marry him.
a lifelong (something) Something that is "lifelong" lasts for as long as you're alive, or almost that long. Here are some common phrases that use the word "lifelong":
a lifelong friend (someone who’s your friend from a young age until you both grow old)
a lifelong dream (something that you’ve wanted to do since you were a child)
a lifelong commitment (a promise to do something, like be married, for the rest of your life)
lifelong employment (working for the same company for one’s whole career)
at (someone’s) age
This is a phrase that you can use to talk about someone who’s either young or old compared to other people. For example:
At your age, there’s no way that you’re ready for the responsibility of raising a child.
At my age, it’s hard to make new friends. Most of my old friends have moved or passed away.
You’re riding the subway. There’s a sign which warns riders to watch for strange packages which might contain bombs. The sign says this.
If you notice anything suspicious, please alert the authorities immediately.
You recently completed your first marathon. A friend asks you whether it was difficult. You answer that it definitely was.
Oh, you have no idea.
Oh, (answer)
People add “oh” to the beginning of a sentence for lots of different reasons. One way that English speakers use “Oh” is when they have a strong reaction to someone’s question. For example:
A: Are you two a couple?
B: Oh, no. No way! We’re just friends.
A: Is that a nice neighborhood?
B: Oh, yes. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in the city.
So you can use “Oh” when you’re really sure about your answer to a question. But a confusing point is that you can also say “Oh” when you’re not sure how to answer a question. In that case, you might pause after “Oh”:
A: Do you want to invite the Petersons over later this week?
B: Oh… well, maybe. But I’m pretty busy this week.
You have no idea.
“You have no idea” is a way to respond when someone asks you a yes/no question. It means “Yes, very much.” For example:
A: How was Jamaica? Was it fun?
B: Oh, you have no idea!
The second speaker wants to say that Jamaica was very, very fun. Here’s another example:
A: Was it difficult, completing your dissertation?
B: You have no idea. I thought that I was going to go insane! I was so glad when it was over.
You’re trying to read a book. Your boyfriend is humming a song loudly while he reads something on his computer. It’s annoying you, so you say this.
Do you mind?
There’s an new employee in your department. You’re introducing her to some of the people in your company. This is one of your introductions.
Clarence is in charge of our Sustainability initiatives.
(someone) is in charge of (something)
There are two ways that we use “in charge of ___”. First, you can be “in charge of” a specific job or duty:
Eric, you’re in charge of the food. Takeru is in charge of booking the DJ and so on.
Or you can be “in charge of” a person or a group of people:
When you’re in charge of a team of over 30 people, it’s pretty stressful.
In both cases, being “in charge” means that you are the leader or the person who’s responsible.
sustainability
Something that is “sustainable” can be continued for a long time.
The important thing when you’re preparing for a race is to pick a sustainable pace. Don’t run so fast that you tire yourself out and have to stop.
“Sustainability” is a noun that describes this idea of being able to continue something for a long time. But more specifically, we often use this word to talk about environmental sustainability. That means the ability of the Earth’s environment to continue to function well.
As an example, imagine a company that manufactures paper. At that company, there might be a “Sustainability” department which makes sure that the company uses more recycled paper, and that more trees are planted to replace the ones that they use to make the paper.
You can use the word “sustainability” like this:
We need to think not only about short-term profits, but also about sustainability.
a (something) initiative
An “initiative” is a large project. The goal of an “initiative” is to make large changes in an organization, like a company or government agency.
Initiatives are given labels like:
the reform initiative
an education initiative
our technology initiative
You lost your job a few months ago and haven’t been able to find work. You’ve been talking with a friend about whether you should keep applying for jobs in the same industry or try to change careers. You conclude by saying this.
Well, one way or the other, I’d better figure something out soon.
figure (something) out
When you’re trying to understand something, and you finally understand it, you’ve “figured it out”.
Aya figured out how to hook up the webcam, so now we can video chat with you guys!
You can also “figure out” a problem, which means that you find a solution to the problem:
I’m two months late on my rent, and I still can’t find a job. I need to figure something out or I’m going to be out on the street.
The object of “figure out” can come in two different places:
figure (something) out
figure out (something)
Pronouns like “it”, “them”, etc. go between “figure” and “out”. Most other words can go in both locations.
I’d better (do something)
Use “I’d better ___” to express something that you should do soon.
I’d better get going, or I’ll be late.
Compared to “I should ___” this phrase sounds more urgent. Use it for things that you need to do quite soon.
Well, (sentence)
You use “well” to change the topic or the tone of a conversation:
A: How are your classes going?
B: Not too well, to be honest. Calculus is kicking my butt.
A: Well, hang in there.
B: Yeah, I’ll try. Hey, have you talked to Priscilla lately?
You can also use “well” to signal the end of a conversation. For example, you might say this after talking to someone who’s just returned to work from maternity leave:
Well, it’s nice to have you back.
one way or another/the other
Use the phrases “one way or another” or “one way or the other” to talk about something that’s going to happen, no matter what.
This can be some goal that you really want to accomplish:
We will make it to the playoffs, one way or the other.
Or it can be something that can’t be avoided:
She’s going to find out, one way or another. You might as well be honest with her.
There’s an new employee in your department. You’re introducing her to some of the people in your company. This is one of your introductions.
Clarence, this is Nina. She’s taking over Anita’s old job in Finance.
(name), this is (relationship)(name)
This is a polite way to introduce two people to each other. First you say the first person’s name. You start with the person you were just talking to. In this example, you were talking to Jeff but you said “How rude of me!” to Karen, so you start:
Karen,
Then you say “this is” and then describe the relationship:
this is my sister’s husband
this is my colleague
this is the president of the University
And finally you say the second person’s name. In casual situations, you can give just a first name. In more formal situations, you give first and last name.
take over (a job or position) When someone "takes over" a job, it means that the person who was doing the job before stops, and the new person starts.
We often use the phrase “take over for (someone)”:
She’s going to take over for you while you’re out on maternity leave.
You can also say “take over as (the name of the position)”:
I heard that you’re going to take over as head coach starting next season. Congrats!
Finance
“Finance” is an area of business. It’s a part of business that deals with money.
“Finance” is a little different from “Accounting”, which is another job that deals with money. Finance is about raising money, figuring out how to invest it, and so on. An accountant is mostly concerned with recording and calculating business expenses.
You’re having a political discussion with a group of friends. Someone complains about the government spending too much money to stop illegal drugs. You strongly agree, so you say this.
Absolutely. The war on drugs is a waste of our tax dollars, plain and simple.
You’re trying to get clients for your small company. You’re in a meeting with someone who’s said that they might hire you, but they’re not ready to make a final decision. You try to get this person to make a decision.
Let me ask you this: is there anything that we can do to convince you to move ahead with this today?
convince (someone) to (do something)
“Convince” means to make someone decide something based on what you say to them. You can use “convince” without “to”. For example, the following can be said if it’s already clear from the conversation what you have been convinced of:
He convinced me.
Use “to (do something)” to tell an action that the person was convinced to do. Use “that (clause)” to express that the person was convinced of an idea:
Ed convinced me that the fastest way to get to New York was Highway 95.
Let me ask you this: (question)
Sometimes English speakers use the phrase “Let me ask you this:” to introduce a question. For example:
Let me ask you this: where do you see yourself in five years?
You usually use this phrase when you’re trying to convince someone of something, or come up with a solution to a problem.
Here’s a short example of a conversation:
A: I’ve been really low energy lately. I don’t know why.
B: Hmm. Well, let me ask you this: have you been drinking a lot? Because that’s something that will definitely sap your energy.
In this example, Person B is trying to solve the problem of why Person A is low energy.
Is there anything (someone) can do to (change someone’s mind)
If you’re trying to convince someone of something, but it’s not working out, you can ask this question as a last resort:
Is there anything we can do to get you to stay?
Is there anything I can do to get you to make you believe me?
move ahead with (a plan)
When you “move ahead with” a plan, it means that you decide to follow that plan and you start to act on it. This phrase is especially used to talk about making progress on something that was paused for a while.
We’ve been talking about it for a long time, but now we’re finally moving ahead with it.
You are a university student. You and a friend are going to graduate soon. It feels like you’ve been in school for a long time, but now you’ve started to realize how quickly the time passed. You share this thought with your friend.
If you take a step back and think about it, college is just a brief period in a person’s life.
take a step back and (do something)
To “take a step back” means to think about a topic in a more complete, less emotional way:
I was extremely upset when I got laid off, but after a few weeks I was able to take a step back and realize that I still had what was important - my health and my family.
If you take a step back and think about it, college doesn’t really last that long. It’s just four years out of your life.
Do you ever take a step back and wonder why so many people wear glasses in modern times? Our ancestors wouldn’t have had glasses, so how were people able to see back then?
college
When Americans talk about “college”, they probably mean a 4-year college or university.
In most other English-speaking countries, people differentiate between “university” - a four-year university with research and graduate programs (you may hear “uni” used as an abbreviation) - and “college” - a “junior” or “community” college.
Here’s a full explanation of the difference between “college” and “university”.
a period (in someone's life) When something happens to a person for a few months or years, you can talk about that as "a period" in that person's life:
His teenage years were a very difficult period for him.
You can use the phrasal verb “go through” to talk about a period in someone’s life:
It’s not uncommon for retirees to go through a period of depression soon after they stop working.
Note that you can also talk about a historical period.
a brief (time) The word "brief" means "short". You can use it to talk about a short length of time:
For a brief period in the late ’90s I was really into modern dance.
There was a brief moment where I thought that they were going to start punching each other, but then Chuck apologized and they shook hands.
You’re being trained in how to use a computer program at work. You asked your coworker a question about the program. He answered, and now you understand. You respond to show that you get it now.
Ah, I see.
I see.
Say this when someone has explained something new to you and you’ve understood it. For example:
A: There are twenty different species of snakes living on this island.
B: I see.
You can especially use “I see” when some information disappoints you:
A: Can I get two tickets to see “Much Ado About Nothing?”
B: Sorry, sir, we’re sold out.
A: Ah, I see.
Ah
“Ah” is a sound English speakers make when they react to interesting new information, or information that they have been looking for.
Ah, okay, he says it’s ten dollars.
If you’re stuck in traffic, and your friend is looking at the traffic app on her phone, she might say:
Ah, there’s an accident two miles ahead.
We also say “ah” to note mild surprise:
Ah, they have my favorite chocolate!
You and your boyfriend are deciding what restaurant to eat at tonight. You’re considering a restaurant that you’ve never been to before. You’re not sure if it will be good, but you’d like to try it.
I say we give it a try.
You’re watching a reality TV show. One of the people on the show is asking another person out on a date, but he’s doing a really bad job and you can see that it’s making everyone on the show uncomfortable. You comment on it.
Jeez, how awkward is this? It hurts to watch!
(an) awkward (situation)
An “awkward” situation is uncomfortable because you don’t know how to act. In the example at top, the speaker feels awkward because he has already said “goodbye” but now they have to walk with each other. So he doesn’t know if he needs to say “goodbye” again, or just stop talking to the coworker.
Some other examples of “awkward” situations are:
You’re on a first date with someone and you run out of things to talk about.
You’re giving a presentation, and the person who introduces you calls you by the wrong name.
You find out that your teenage son has been having sex, and you have to talk to him about it.
Of course, you don’t directly say “This is awkward” in all of those situations. But you would use the word “awkward” to describe the situation when you’re telling another person about it.
Jeez!
This is an exclamation that you say when you’re annoyed:
Jeez! Can we stop talking about your work and move on to some other topic please?
Sometimes you can also use it when you’re surprised by something. For example, if someone walks up behind you and startles you, say this:
Jeez! You scared me!
“Jeez!” is short for “Jesus!” but you don’t need to be Christian to say it. There may be some very strictly religious people who think it’s wrong to say “Jeez!” or “Jesus!” when you’re annoyed, but for the most part “Jeez!” is OK to say in any kind of situation - with friends, with coworkers, or even with people you don’t know well.
How (adjective) is this?
The phrase “How ___ is this?” means “This is very ___.” For example, you can say that something is easy this way:
How easy is this?
Or you can say that something is really annoying:
Oh my God, how annoying is this!?
When you use this phrase, you expect the people who you’re talking to to agree with you.
A: How fun is this?
B: I know, right? So fun!
This is a casual phrase that you can use with friends, coworkers, or family members.
(Something) hurts to watch.
When you see someone else who’s in physical pain or emotional pain, it makes you feel uncomfortable too. In that case, you can say that the situation “hurts to watch”.
For example, imagine that you went to a comedy show but one of the comedians wasn’t funny at all. It made the audience feel uncomfortable. You can describe the situation like this:
This one comedian was so bad, it hurt to watch.
When something painful is happening live in front of you, you can say:
This hurts to watch!
You owned a store for a while, but you had to shut it down. Someone is asking you why, so you explain that you couldn’t get enough customers.
Things started out well, but we were never able to really gain traction.
be able to (do something)
“Be able to” means “can”. But you can’t use “can” with “might”. So instead you say “might be able to”.
You also use “be able to” when talking about things that you successfully did in the past:
I was able to contact Jesse, and he said he would send them to us right away.
Were you able to find out how much it costs?
And you use “be able to” with other modals like “should”, “will”, “may”, etc.”
He should be able to help you.
I won’t be able to finish it until some time next week.
really
“Really” means “very” but is better for casual conversation. “Very” is correct in written English, but can sound a little formal and old-fashioned in spoken conversation.
I thought it was a really original take on the story.
Also, “very” can only be used to modify an adjective:
It’s very small.
I’m very tired.
“Really” can be used for adjectives as well as verbs:
It’s really small.
I’m really tired.
I really wanted to go
Do you really think so?
Things (are good / bad / OK)
The phrase “Things are ___” is a way to talk about a general situation:
A: How’s it going?
B: Things are good.
This just means that life in general is going well for the speaker.
You can also use all of these phrases:
How are things?
Things aren’t going so well lately.
Things started out OK, but lately it’s been tough.
(something) started out (adjective/adverb)
When you’re talking about an event that takes some time, you can describe the beginning separately from the rest of the event. The phrase “___ started out ___” is useful for this.
The evening started out fine, but then at dinner we started to argue.
You can also use a verb with “start out”:
I started out thinking that I had a chance to win, but after the first round I knew I had no shot.
gain traction
To understand the word “traction”, think of a car that’s driving in slippery mud. The wheels of the car might spin without moving the car forward. In this situation, you would say that the wheels “have no traction”.
When people use the word “traction” to talk about a business, they mean the ability of the business to gain customers. So this sentence:
We’re starting to gain traction.
…means that the business is starting to become popular and get customers.
