GoFluent - California drought is good news for gold prospectors Flashcards
prospecting (something):
exploring for minerals or oil in an area
People from different countries went to California to start prospecting gold in the 1800s.
“… has been prospecting gold in California for more than 30 years.”
drought:
a long time of little or no rain in a place or area
Cacti can survive droughts because their spines can prevent water loss.
“… this year’s record drought means business is good.”
sieve:
a tool that has many holes and is used to separate solids from liquids
I used a sieve to separate the pulp from the juice.
” Armed with his sieve and other equipment …”
support (oneself):
to provide one’s daily needs
He had to take on two different jobs in order to support his large family.
“… it allows Barber to support himself.”
pay off:
to produce a profit or desired result
Her five years of hard work paid off when she finally got a promotion.
“It can pay off quite well, especially with the price of gold right now …”
pan:
o use a flat metal bowl that separates gold from rocks, sand, etc., by washing with water
Some prospectors pan rivers by scooping mud and letting the gold sink to the bottom of the container.
“… grab a sieve and pan the rivers of Southern California.”
Grammar tip: The present perfect continuous tense
The present perfect continuous tense indicates an action that started in the past but is still happening in the present. It is formed by has or have + been + a verb in the present participle form.
“Jack Barber has been prospecting gold in California for more than 30 years.”
“… I’ve heard new stories that they’ve been finding gold here.”
More examples:
Kate has been trying to contact Rick for several hours.
I have been working with this company since I graduated from school.
My colleagues have been complaining about software issues since yesterday.
exploring for minerals or oil in an area
prospecting (something):
a long time of little or no rain in a place or area
drought:
a tool that has many holes and is used to separate solids from liquids
sieve:
to provide one’s daily needs
support (oneself):
to produce a profit or desired result
pay off:
to use a flat metal bowl that separates gold from rocks, sand, etc., by washing with water
pan:
sieve
tamiz / criba / colador
pay off
pagar / saldar / compensar / valer la pena / dar resultados / dar frutos / fructificar
