Common Phrases in English

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Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'all set' indicate?

Feeling overwhelmed

Being prepared or ready (correct)

Having doubts about a situation

Uncertainty about plans

What does the adjective 'rocky' imply when describing a start?

Difficult or uncertain (correct)

Predictable and straightforward

Exciting and fun

Smooth and easy

In the expression 'my weeks off to a rocky start,' which word can change based on the context?

weeks

rocky (correct)

off

How can 'What do you have on the go today?' be informally pronounced?

Whatcha Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can replace 'rocky' in the expression 'off to a rocky start'?

Amazing Signup and view all the answers

When someone says 'my week is off to a rocky start,' they are expressing what kind of sentiment?

Disappointment or negativity Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'off to' imply in the context provided?

Beginning a journey Signup and view all the answers

If someone uses the phrase 'my weeks off to a great start,' what tone are they likely conveying?

Optimism Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrasal verb 'to nail something down' mean?

To firmly establish or confirm something Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'have on the go' commonly mean?

To be engaged in an activity Signup and view all the answers

Which verb tense is used in the question 'Have you nailed down the dates yet?'

Present perfect Signup and view all the answers

How might a native speaker informally combine 'did you' in a question?

Did ya? Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'back to square one' imply?

Returning to the starting point after a failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible response to the question about nailing down dates?

No, I haven’t nailed down the dates yet. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'nod off' refer to?

Accidentally falling asleep Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'I got a lot on my plate' imply?

I have numerous tasks to manage Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'you can't dodge his calls forever', what does 'dodge' mean?

To purposely avoid or ignore something Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'wishy washy' suggest about a person's nature?

Ambiguous and unreliable Signup and view all the answers

When a native speaker says 'gonna' instead of 'going to', what does it indicate?

A future intention Signup and view all the answers

How is the word 'were' pronounced in casual conversation?

As 'we're' Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'take up' in relation to activities?

To start a new hobby or interest Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'have a lot on one's plate' suggest about someone's current life situation?

They are very busy Signup and view all the answers

When completing a past action, which response would require the past simple tense?

Yes, I nailed down the dates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason someone might be described as 'dodging' questions?

They are actively avoiding the questions. Signup and view all the answers

In the expression 'have you nailed down the dates yet?', what does 'nailed down' mean?

Confirmed or secured Signup and view all the answers

What does 'been off to a rocky start' indicate?

Troubles or difficulties from the outset Signup and view all the answers

What tone is implied in the phrase 'great job dodging that question'?

Sincere praise Signup and view all the answers

How is the phrase 'gonna' best described in formal writing?

Best to avoid Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone say, 'Let's nail down our vacation plans by the end of the week'?

To confirm plans before making a commitment Signup and view all the answers

Which structure indicates an unfinished timeline in conversation?

Present perfect Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the expression 'take up'?

It means decrease in activity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common contraction used by native speakers?

Haven't Signup and view all the answers

What does 'a lot on my plate' refer to?

Having many tasks or responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

When using 'yet' in a sentence, what does it indicate?

That something is still possible or ongoing Signup and view all the answers

What should be used in written English instead of 'got'?

Has Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'missed my stop' imply?

Overslept and bypassed a location Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone is described as wishy-washy?

They frequently change their mind or decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to give someone props' signify?

To show them respect or recognition. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'a real trooper' imply about a person?

They persist through difficulties and do not give up. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'writ large' is used to mean what?

Very obvious and clear. Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'with a few tweaks, it'll be good to go', what do tweaks refer to?

Small, minor changes. Signup and view all the answers

When someone says 'good to go', what does it imply?

It is ready to be started or to leave. Signup and view all the answers

Describing someone as 'wishy-washy' may lead one to feel what about them?

Confused and uncertain about their commitments. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'looks like we're back to square one' suggest?

All efforts have failed, and one must start over. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of changing from 'I said it be' to 'it will be'?

It introduces grammatical correctness. Signup and view all the answers

What is often implied when a company's successes and failures are described as 'writ large'?

They are evident and widely recognized. Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'it'll be good to go on Monday' refers to what?

Readiness for action or use on Monday. Signup and view all the answers

When someone is said to be 'wishy-washy', which of the following traits do they oppose?

Consistency in decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'to give him props' imply in a workplace context?

To acknowledge his hard work publicly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when discussing the phrase 'you got to give him props'?

Recognizing achievements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'nip this in the bud' mean?

To stop something before it becomes serious Signup and view all the answers

How does not pronouncing the 'd' in 'need' affect speech?

It speeds up the pace of speech Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is used in the explanation of 'nip in the bud'?

Kitten Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of 'blowing something out of proportion'?

Making the problem seem more serious than it is Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'chew someone out'?

To angrily tell someone they've done something wrong Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to prevent your fear of public speaking from growing?

Address it when it is still small Signup and view all the answers

What is a common phrase added to emphasize blowing something out of proportion?

Way out of proportion Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker suggest improving fluency in speaking?

By dropping certain sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which word is specifically mentioned as being pronounced with a soft D sound?

Chewed Signup and view all the answers

What is the advice given to students regarding their fear of public speaking?

To nip it in the bud Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance might someone 'chew you out'?

For a minor mistake Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase could describe an inappropriate response to a friend’s comment?

Chew them out Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker imply about the anxiety associated with job interviews?

It can be managed if addressed early Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Phrases

"All set" means ready to go, or ready to leave.
"My weeks off to a rocky start" means the start of the week is difficult or uncertain.
"Rocky start" can be used to describe relationships, especially when things are difficult or uncertain.
"What do you have on the go today?" is a common way to ask someone what they are doing in a casual setting.
"Have on the go" is an expression meaning "doing" or "busy with".
"Did you nod off in the presentation?" means did you fall asleep during the presentation.
"Nod off" is a verb meaning to fall asleep accidentally.
"I got a lot on my plate" means someone is very busy and has many tasks to complete.
"Have a lot on one's plate" means the same as "I got a lot on my plate", but is more formal.
"Take up" means to start a new activity or hobby.
"Have you nailed down the dates yet?" means have you confirmed the dates.
"Nailed down" means to firmly establish or confirm something.
"Dodge his calls forever" means to ignore or avoid someone's calls.
"Dodge" means to purposely avoid or ignore.
"Looks like we're back to square one" means an attempt failed, and a person has to start over.
"Back to square one" means back to the beginning or start.
"Wishy washy" means someone has no clear or consistent ideas or decisions.
"Give someone props" means to give someone respect, credit, or recognition.
"Be a trooper" means someone perseveres through hardships or difficulties.
"Writ large" means obvious or very clear.
"With a few tweaks, it’ll be good to go." means to make small changes before something is complete.
"Tweak" means a small change.
"Good to go." means ready, or completely prepared.

Pronunciation

"All set" is often shortened to just "set".
"Weeks" is contracted to "week's".
"To" and "a" are often combined to sound like "wah".
"What do you" is often pronounced "Wadia".
"Did you" is often pronounced "Did ya".
"Nod off" is pronounced as one word.
"Have you" is often pronounced "Have ya".
"Nailed down" is pronounced as one word.
"Dates yet" is often pronounced as one word.
"Can't" is often pronounced with a silent "t".
"Dodge" is often pronounced with a silent middle "d".
"Were" often sounds like "wer".
"We're" is pronounced with a reduced sound, often sounding like "wer".
"To" is often a reduced, unstressed sound.
"Don't know" is often pronounced with a reduced sound, often sounding like "dont know".
"Can" is often a very reduced, unstressed sound.
"Trust her" is often pronounced as one word.
"She's" is a contraction for "She is".
"You got to" is often pronounced "Gotta".
"Give em" is often pronounced as one word.
"He's" is a contraction for "He is".
"And" is often a reduced sound when it comes between two nouns or verbs.
"Writ" is pronounced with a silent "w".
"It'll" is a contraction for "It will".
"Good to go" is often pronounced with a reduced sound, often sounding like "goodtogo".

"Nip it in the bud"

Means to stop something before it becomes more serious or permanent.
It can be used to describe stopping bad behavior or a problem.
Example: Student's fear of public speaking

"Blow something out of proportion"

Exaggerating the importance or seriousness of a problem or event.
Example: Friend being overly anxious about a job interview.
Adding “way” to the phrase emphasizes its meaning.

"Chewed someone out"

To scold angrily.
Used to express anger at someone for doing something wrong.
Example: A boss might chew out an employee for a mistake.
“Chew me out” means being on the receiving end of the scolding.
Students should avoid negative comments in the comment section

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Description

Test your knowledge of common English phrases with this quiz. Discover what various expressions mean and how they are used in everyday conversation. Improve your language skills by understanding these idiomatic phrases better.