LangSumm L7 Flashcards
overwhelmed(adjective)
not able to think clearly or act effectively because something seems too difficult
You can stop working and take a rest if you feel overwhelmed.
overwhelm (verb)
engaging(adjective)
interesting and able to hold someone’s attention
Have you read any engaging books lately? The last book I read was very boring.
engage (verb)
The prepositions “for” and “since” and the adverbs “yet,” “already,” “recently,” and “lately” are usually used with the present perfect.
“for” + a length of time
“since” + a specific point in time when something began
“yet” = something hasn’t happened up until this time but it may happen
“already” = something happened before now
“recently,” “lately” = not long ago
Present Perfect
Use this tense to describe an action that happened at some unspecified time before now.
Positive Statements
S + has/have + V (past participle)
Jessica has tried the new restaurant.
Negative Statements
S + has/have + not + V (past participle)
Steve hasn’t ever been this late before.
Questions
Has/Have + S + V (past participle)?
Have you ever eaten sushi?
Simple Past
Use this tense to describe an action that began and ended at a specific time in the past.
Positive Statements
S + V (base form) + -ed
We walked to the store this morning.
S + irregular V (past tense)
The company grew 10 percent last year.
Negative Statements
S + did + not + V (base form)
We didn’t buy stock in that company.
Questions
Did + S + V (base form)?
Did you hear the news about Jeff’s promotion?
Prepositions and Adverbs with the Present Perfect
for + a length of time
Ben has worked here for three years.
since + a specific point in time when something began
Ben has worked here since April.
yet = something hasn’t happened up until this time, but it may happen
Mr. Wiggins hasn’t signed the contract yet.
already = something happened before now
Mrs. Holt has already left two messages.
recently, lately = not long ago
Ross has been sick a lot recently.
Expressions of concern show that you are worried about something. An expression of concern is followed by a subject and verb. The word that is optional.
I’m afraid [that] (we are having problems).
I’m worried [that] (we need to broaden our customer base).
I’m concerned [that] (our competition is catching up).
These expressions are also used to ask if someone is concerned about something.
Are you concerned [that] (your product line is too limited)?
Is she worried [that] (she will lose her job)?
MODALS OF POSSIBILITY > Present: S + may + V (base form) might could
Speaker is 30-70% sure.
MODALS OF POSSIBILITY > Future: S + may + V (base form)
Speaker is 30-70% sure.
MODALS OF POSSIBILITY > Present: S + should + V (base form)
Speaker is 75-85% sure.
MODALS OF POSSIBILITY > Future:
S + should + V (base form)
Speaker is 75-85% sure.
MODALS OF POSSIBILITY > Present:S + must + V (base form)
Speaker is 95% sure.
Modals of Necessity in the Present
S + have to
need to
have got to
must + V (base form)
Modals of Necessity in the Past
S + did not have to
did not need to + V
MODALS OF ADVICE
Should/shouldn’t
ought to
had better/had better not
MODALS OF ADVICE Making a Suggestion
Mike should decide.
MODALS OF ADVICE Giving Strong Advice
Mike had better decide.
MODALS OF ADVICE Questions
Should Mike consider his decision?
MODALS OF ADVICE Long Answers
Mike should consider his decision.
Mike ought to consider his decision.
Mike had better consider his decision.
MODALS OF ADVICE Short Answers
Yes, he should.
Yes, he ought to.
Yes, he had better.
MODALS OF ADVICE Negative Forms
Mike should not consider his decision.
Mike had better not consider his decision.
EXPRESSIONS OF DISAGREEMENT Disagreeing Directly Formal
I disagree with you.
I completely disagree.
I totally disagree.
EXPRESSIONS OF DISAGREEMENT Disagreeing Directly Very Direct and Informal
Are you kidding?
You can’t be serious.
That’s ridiculous.
No way!
EXPRESSIONS OF DISAGREEMENT Disagreeing Indirectly Formal
I’m afraid that I disagree with you.
I’m afraid that I completely disagree.
I’m sorry, but I totally disagree.
I see your point, but…
That may be true, but I don’t agree..
pursue(verb)
[used with an object]
to try to do or achieve something, especially over a long period of time
Carlos has been pursuing a college degree for the last three years.
pursuit (noun)
give up(phrasal verb)
[separable; used with or without an object]
to stop trying to do something
Caroline has been looking for a new apartment for two months, and she won’t give up until she finds one.
top-of-the-line(adjective)
the best and highest quality of something
Where can I buy a top-of-the-line computer? The cost is not important.
pretty(adverb)
fairly, somewhat
The prices at this store are pretty cheap.
talk some sense into (someone)(verb phrase)
to try to make someone understand logic or reason
I tried to talk some sense into Robert, but he still wants to quit his job.
visionary(noun)
[countable]
a creative thinker with unique ideas who can imagine the way something should or can be in the future
This company needs a visionary who can make it profitable.
vision (noun)
touch base (with someone)(verb phrase)
to contact or talk to someone briefly
Let’s touch base before the meeting. I have some important information for you.
VERBS OF APPEARANCE Positive Statements
verb of appearance + adjective
( looks / seems / sounds / feels ) + ( good + funny + right + wrong )
The new project plans look good.
His figures seem wrong. Please check them.
verb of appearance + like + noun phrase: Their ad campaign sounds like a good one.
verb of appearance + like + S + V: It seems like the meeting was very productive.
feel + (that) + S + V: I felt that they listened to the proposal.
seem + (that) + S + V: It seems that Robert wants another raise.
come up with(phrasal verb)
[inseparable; used with an object]
to think of an idea or have an original thought
We must come up with some new ideas for the project.
grow the company(verb phrase)
to expand a business
Peter’s goal is to grow the company by 20 percent in two years.
tied up(adjective phrase)
invested in something and unavailable for use
All of my money is tied up in this house
VERBS OF APPEARANCE Negative Statements
S + don’t/doesn’t + verb of appearance + adjective
The estimate doesn’t seem right.
VERBS OF APPEARANCE Questions
Do/does + S + verb of appearance + adjective
Does Alana’s suggestion sound good?
work out(phrasal verb)
[separable; used with an object]
to find a solution to a problem
We discussed the problem for two hours, but we didn’t work things out.
play an active role(verb phrase)
to be very involved in something, such as a project or a group
We’re expecting John to play an active role in our next project.
provision(noun)
[countable]
a condition in a contract or agreement
Let’s discuss these provisions before we sign the contract.
stay on(phrasal verb)
[inseparable; not used with an object]
to continue working for a company
Robert’s contract is finished, but he’s going to stay on for two more weeks.
adapt to (something)(verb phrase)
to become familiar and comfortable with a new situation by changing in response to it
How long does it take you to adapt to a new job?
“Either…or”
presents a choice of two things.
“Either you can come with us or you can stay home”
“Neither…nor”
excludes both choices
“Neither Jeff nor Anita decided to come.”
“Neither…nor” already makes a sentence negative
so the word “not” should not be used with it.
Anita and Jeff would like to keep the company instead
of selling it. «»
If the company is sold
[ speaking in present tense but using a verb in participle tense to express a possibility in the future ]
In example: If my neighbor is surprised in the act again he really would be in trouble
the employees should be given a guaranteed amount of time
[ subject + modal of possibility + be + verb in participle tense + complement ]
In example: the managers might be promoted at least every three years within the company
Mike have two options
to sell the company or to keep it
[ expressing available options in the right way: using “to” before the verb and naming the object explicitly and using the corresponding propound the next time ]
Since Mike has already committed a lot of time and work to building Accelerated English, Jeff says he could work on expanding the company after the sale
[ Since (dued that) has/have + already + verb in participle tense + complement ]
In example: Since I have already used the smartphone it is not possible to return it
- had = has/have in the past
- In example: I had to take that chance since the time was over // We had to walk by night to arrive before the soldiers
Expressions of sympathy are used to
respond to bad news and to show that you understand how someone feels when something bad has happened.
Expressing Understanding of Someone’s Feelings
I’m sorry to hear that.
I know what you mean
I know how you feel.
I can sympathize.
Responding to Bad News
That doesn’t sound good.
That sounds terrible.
That’s too bad.
How awful.
catch up (phrasal verb) = catch up
[inseparable; not used with an object]
to make improvements or do things in order to reach the same level as someone or something
I have to read all weekend to catch up with the rest of my class.
caught up (past tense)
caught up (past participle)
PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
Use this tense to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing now.
Positive Statements
S + has/have + been + V-ing
Negative Statements
S + has/have + not + been + V-ing
Questions
Has/Have + S + been + V-ing?
no strings attached (expression) = no strings attached
used to say that a contract or agreement doesn’t include any special requirements or conditions
Our business partners have agreed to loan us $100,000, no strings attached.
financially sound (adjective phrase) = financially sound
having enough money to remain in good economic condition
Our business is financially sound because we don’t have any debt and we have a lot of assets.
IDENTIFYING AREAS OF AGREEMENT
Use these expressions to summarize what everyone has agreed upon or to confirm that everyone is in agreement.
I think we all agree (that) …
OK, we all agree on …
Here’s what we agree on so far …
We all seem to be concerned about …
flexibility (noun) = flexibility
[uncountable]
the ability to change or make changes as necessary
I need a study program with a lot of flexibility because I often go out of town on business.
standing order (noun phrase) = standing order
[countable]
an order for products or services that is renewed on a regular basis
Our standing orders total $10,000 per month. Other sales total $50,000 per month.
set for life (expression) = set for life
used to say that someone has enough money for the rest of his or her life
Jason doesn’t ever have to work again. After he sold his grandfather’s business, he was set for life.
limited (adjective) = limited
kept within a certain number or amount
The low plane fares are available for a limited time.
limit (verb)
limit (noun)
unique (adjective) = unique
unlike anything else
That company sells unique products. You can’t buy them anywhere else.
customer base (noun phrase) = customer base
[countable]
a group of people that a company usually sells its products to
Our customer base includes men and women between the ages of 25 and 45.
name recognition (noun phrase) = name recognition
[uncountable]
the ability of a company or product to be known immediately by people when they hear its name
The new radio and television advertisements will definitely improve our product’s name recognition.
retailer (noun) = retailer
[countable]
a store that sells its products directly to the public
Retailers are having sales and special promotions to encourage shoppers to spend more money.
retail (noun)
retail (verb)
inherit (verb) = inherit
[used with an object]
to receive something, usually money or property, as a gift when someone dies
It is likely that I will inherit my father’s business when he dies.
inheritance (noun)
global reach (noun phrase) = global reach
[uncountable]
the ability to attract and interest customers worldwide
We plan to broaden our global reach by introducing new products in Europe and Asia.
merit (noun) = merit
[uncountable]
a quality that makes something good or worth considering
Both proposals have merit, but we can only accept one of them.
source of funding (noun phrase) = source of funding
[countable]
a person or organization that provides money to an individual or group in order to pay for something
My sister’s company might be a good source of funding for our new business if we can interest them in our products.
boost (verb) = boost
[used with an object]
to increase or improve something because it is not as high or as good as you would like it to be
We can boost sales if we lower prices by 20 percent.
boost (noun)
implement (verb) = implement
[used with an object]
to put a plan or system into action
The CEO wants to implement a new licensing system by the end of the year.
implementation (noun)
consensus (noun) = consensus
[always singular]
agreement by all of the people involved
After several long discussions, the group finally reached a consensus.
layoff (noun) = layoff
[countable]
a situation in which a company makes some of its employees stop working because of financial difficulties or lack of work
There were layoffs in every industry after the stock market crashed.
lay off (phrasal verb)
subsidiary (noun) = subsidiary
[countable]
a company that is owned by another company
The ice-cream company is a subsidiary of a well-known food manufacturer.
count on (phrasal verb) = count on
[inseparable; used with an object]
to depend on someone or something
You can count on the new director to boost international sales.
in the long run (expression) = in the long run
used to talk about the effect that a current situation or decision will have after a long period of time
Even though we had to close three stores, in the long run our business will be stronger.
run the risk of (expression) = run the risk of
to take a chance of something bad happening
We run the risk of going out of business if we don’t have a good source of funding.
core (adjective) = core
central, main
Honesty is one of our company’s core values.
viable (adjective) = viable
possible or workable
Our customer base is getting smaller. Do you have any viable solutions to this problem?
gold mine (noun) = gold mine
[countable]
a business or activity that earns a lot of money and is very successful
John bought a restaurant that was very unpopular and turned it into a gold mine.
obligation (noun) = obligation
[countable or uncountable]
something that you must do, often because of legal or moral reasons
I have so many obligations. This week I have to help my sister move, go to my nephew’s birthday party, and take my father to the doctor.
obligatory (adjective)
resources (noun) = resources
[countable; always plural]
money, property, or people that are useful, valuable, and available
If we use all of our resources, we can expand our business and increase our global reach.
right on target (expression) = right on target
used to say something is exactly right, correct, or accurate
Your decision to keep that store open was right on target. It was losing money, but now it’s financially sound.
catchy (adjective) = catchy
enjoyable, interesting, and easy to remember
The marketing department created a catchy slogan for the advertising campaign.
cutthroat (adjective) = cutthroat
very competitive, not caring about being fair or helping others
Those salespeople are very cutthroat. They’re very aggressive and they never help each other.
insulted (adjective) = insulted
feeling hurt and offended because of what someone said or did
Brittney felt insulted when David told her she wasn’t smart enough to be a manager.
insult (noun)
insult (verb)
optimistic (adjective) = optimistic
believing that good things will happen
Steve is very optimistic. He believes that he can implement a new accounting system by next month.
optimism (noun)
stubborn (adjective) = stubborn
not wanting to change your mind or your opinion
It’s difficult to work with stubborn people because they aren’t flexible.
stubbornness (noun)
reasonable (adjective) = reasonable
fair, sensible, and practical
Three weeks is a reasonable amount of time in which to write the report.
SHOWING CAUSE AND EFFECT
Cause (Because + S + V):
Because Molly missed the bus,
Effect:
she took a taxi.
Cause (Since + S + V):
Since the report was already written,
Effect:
couldn’t add my comments
Cause (As + S + V):
As there were no more chairs,
Effect:
we had to stand during the meeting.
Cause (Because of + noun phrase)
Because of the power failure,
Effect:
the plant had to close early.
Cause (Due to + noun phrase)
Due to the closing of the plant,
Effect:
the workers went home.
a must (noun phrase) = a must
a necessity, or something that you have to do
Speaking another language is a must if you want to work internationally.
a crossroads (noun phrase) = a crossroads
[countable]
a time when important decisions about the future must be made
I’m at a crossroads. I have to decide if I want to travel or start my career.
plus (noun) = plus
[countable]
an advantage in a situation
The ability to use various computer programs is a plus.
brief (verb) = brief
[used with an object]
to inform someone about something
Paul will brief us on the market research before the meeting.
ideal (adjective) = ideal
best, perfect
This is an ideal location for our new building.
primary (adjective) = primary
main, most important
Our primary goal is to create top-of-the-line products.
exclusively (adverb) = exclusively
limited only to a certain person, group, or company
Our business interests relate exclusively to the Asia Pacific region.
exclusive (adjective)
ASKING FOR MORE INFORMATION
Use these expressions when you need more detail about what someone said.
Could you tell me about + noun phrase?
Would you mind elaborating on + noun phrase?
Could you expand on + noun phrase?
Why don’t you fill me in on + noun phrase?
What about + noun phrase?
content area (noun phrase) = content area
[countable]
subject or theme
This class will cover three content areas: contracts, mergers, and acquisitions.
product line (noun) = product line
[countable]
merchandise organized by kind or type and sold by a company
We will introduce two new product lines this year: women’s exercise clothing and men’s exercise shoes.
complement (verb) = complement
[used with an object]
to improve something by combining it with something that goes well with it
The new lamps really complement the rest of the office furniture.
complement (noun)
complementary (adjective)
promote (verb) = promote
[used with an object]
to help something become more successful
The CEO wants to promote sales in the Asian market.
promotion (noun)
rank (verb) = rank
[used with an object]
to put something in its proper place in a list organized according to quality or importance
Which product do you rank the highest?
critical (adjective) = critical
extremely important
The new women’s product is a critical part of our business plan.
emerging (adjective) = emerging
developing or becoming noticed
We plan to do business with some of the emerging economies in the south.
emerge (verb)
promising (adjective) = promising
showing signs of success for the future
Because of its market position, this company has a promising future.
promise (noun)
The Comparative
The comparative is used to show the relationship between two items.
1-syllable adjective + -er + than + noun phrase
My office is smaller than your office.
Sally works faster than John.
2-syllable adjective ending in y (change to i) + -er + than + noun phrase
This exam was easier than the last one.
Pam’s desk is messier than Alan’s desk.
3-syllable (or longer) adjective with more + noun phrase
A computer is more efficient than a typewriter.
The new process is more economical than the old one.
The Superlative
The superlative form is used to show the relationship between three or more items.
the + 1-syllable adjective + -est + noun phrase
You have the biggest office in the department.
Meg is the fastest runner in the school.
the + 2-syllable adjective ending in y (change to i) + -est + noun phrase
Ralph has the easiest job in the company.
That was the funniest movie I have ever seen.
the + 3-syllable (or longer) adjective + noun phrase
Customer support is the most important feature of our service.
This is the most convenient software for accounting.
Irregular Forms
Adjective Comparative Form Superlative Form
good better the best
bad worse the worst
far farther/further the farthest/the furthest
INTRODUCING INFORMATION
These expressions are used to introduce information or to signal a change in topic so that the listener knows what he or she will be listening to next.
‘d like to tell you about …
Let’s start with …
Now let’s turn to …
My research shows …
So let me tell you about ..
content area (noun phrase) = content area
[countable]
subject or theme
This class will cover three content areas: contracts, mergers, and acquisitions.
product line (noun) = product line
[countable]
merchandise organized by kind or type and sold by a company
We will introduce two new product lines this year: women’s exercise clothing and men’s exercise shoes.
complement (verb) = complement
[used with an object]
to improve something by combining it with something that goes well with it
The new lamps really complement the rest of the office furniture.
complement (noun)
complementary (adjective)
promote (verb) = promote
[used with an object]
to help something become more successful
The CEO wants to promote sales in the Asian market.
promotion (noun)
rank (verb) = rank
[used with an object]
to put something in its proper place in a list organized according to quality or importance
Which product do you rank the highest?
rank (noun)
critical (adjective) = critical
extremely important
The new women’s product is a critical part of our business plan.
emerging (adjective) = emerging
developing or becoming noticed
We plan to do business with some of the emerging economies in the south.
emerge (verb)
