52 Practice Makes Perfect English Conversation
Listen
Saying listen indicates that you want the person you are speaking to to pay attention to what you
are going to say next.You won’t believe what I just heard
about Carrie.Listen, I don’t want to hear any more gossip!Both
Both is used as a pronoun or adjective to refer to any two people, places, objects, or abstract notions.I invited Todd and Carlos. I hope both of them can come.
We went to New York and Washington. Both are fascinating cities./They are both fascinating
cities./Both cities are fascinating.
I couldn’t decide which shoes to buy, so I bought both pairs.Though
Though can be used to mean however—indicating that there is an alternative answer.Are you a good baseball player? No, I’m good at hockey, though.
Is he in the band? No, he does play the guitar, though.Have too much on one’s plate
To have too much on one’s plate is an expression that indicates that someone is very busy—
probably because of an unusual project or happening.Look—I’d like to help you out, but we just moved to a new house, I’m learning a new job, and
I just have too much on my plate right now.Right
Right indicates that you understand or agree with what was just said.Am I supposed to wear a tie? Right.Yeah, right! is a sarcastic answer that indicates that what was said previously is ridiculous.You’re wearing a tie, of course. Yeah, right! [Of course not!]
I got all As last semester. Yeah, right! [I don’t believe you.]Perfect
Perfect indicates that you accept a suggestion or offer.We can discuss this further at the
meeting tomorrow.Perfect.Shall we meet in the cafeteria for lunch? Perfect.Of course
Of course indicates that what was said is agreed to or obvious.Will you go over my homework with me? Of course.
Do we have to work tomorrow? Of course! It’s not a holiday.