Thanks for inviting me to the event. Would you mind to send me the address so I can get directions? Thanks – I’m looking forward to see you.
2. Thanks for send me the potential travel itineraries. It doesn’t mind to me which flight I take. Regards hotels, let’s choose the hotel in the city center. I’ll like to be close to where the convention is being held.
If we look at the literal meaning of ring a bell, it’s just that: You could be ringing the school bell to tell students it’s time to go to class or ringing someone’s doorbell.
But the idiom means that somebody has mentioned something that sounds familiar to you, perhaps you’ve heard it before. In other words, when someone says something that you believe you’ve heard in the past, alarm bells start ringing and you try to remember how or why that name or place sounds familiar.
“You’ve met my friend Amy Adams, right?”
“Hmmm, I’m not sure, but that name rings a bell. Was she the one who went to Paris last year?”
If you look at this English idiom literally, it means to be either standing or sitting on a ball—but who would do that?
If you’re on the ballit means that you’re very quick to understand certain things, very prepared for something or react quickly (and correctly) to a situation.
For example, if you’re planning your wedding that is still one year away from now and you’ve almost finished with all the planning already, you’re definitely on the ball because not many people are that prepared!
“Wow, you’ve already finished your assignments? They are not due until next week, you’re really on the ball. I wish I could be more organized.”
The weather is terrible tonight. I don’t blame you (want, not) to go to the meeting.
17Who is responsible (wash) and (dry) the dishes after dinner?
18In addition (go) to school full-time, Sam has a part-time job.
19The angry look on his face stopped me (speak) my mind.
20Where should we go for dinner tonight? Would you object (go) to an Italian restaurant?
21The mayor made another public statement for the purpose (clarify) the new tax proposal.
22The thief was accused (steal) a woman’s purse.
23The jury found Mr. Adams guilty (take) money from the company he worked for and (keep) it for himself.
24Bill isn’t used (wear) a suit and tie every day.
25I’m going to visit my family during the school vacation. I’m looking forward (eat) my mother’s cooking and (sleep) in my own bed.
In literal terms facing the music means to turn your body to the direction of the music and stand in front of it. But if your friend or your parents tell you to face the music, there’s a much harsher meaning.
It means to “face reality” or to deal with the reality of the situation and accept all the consequences good or bad (but mostly bad). Perhaps you’ve been avoiding something because you feel unsure or scared of the outcome. Maybe you lied to your teacher and she discovered the truth and now you have to face the music and accept the punishment.
“I can’t understand why I failed math.”
“You know you didn’t study hard, so you’re going to have to face the music and take the class again next semester if you really want to graduate when you do.”
Sound weird? Well, you’re right, it does, how can anyone literally go cold turkey? A person can’t transform into the bird we all love to eat for celebrations such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
The origins of this English idiom are strange and to go cold turkey means to suddenly quit or stop addictive or dangerous behavior such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
This English idiom is said to have originated in the late 20th century and suggests that a person who suddenly quits something addictive—such as drugs or alcohol—suffers from side effects that look like a cold, uncooked turkey. This includes pale (very white) skin and goosebumps (little small bumps on the skin when we’re cold or sick).
“Shall I get your mom a glass of wine?”
“No, she’s stopped drinking?”
“Really, why?”
“I don’t know. A few months ago, she just announced one day she’s quitting drinking.”
“She just quit cold turkey?”
“Yes, just like that!”
1Alice isn’t interested in(look) looking for a new job.
2Henry is excited (leave) for India.
3You are capable (do) better work.
4I have no excuse (be) late.
5I’m accustomed (have) a big breakfast.
6The rain prevented us (complete) the work.
7Fred is always complaining (have) a headache.
8Instead (study) , Margaret went to a ball game with some of her friends.
9Thank you (help) me carry the packages to the post office.
10Mrs. Grant insisted (know) the whole truth.
11He showed us how to get to his house (draw) a map.
12You should take advantage (live) here.
13Laura had a good reason (go, not) to class yesterday.
14Everyone in the neighborhood participated (search) for the lost child.
15I apologized to Diane (make) her wait for me.
Even native speakers of English sometimes have problems with although and though, but the words are really not that difficult to use.
Is there a difference in meaning?
No, there isn’t. Although and though have the same meaning and are interchangeable in most cases.
Examples
Here are some examples which show us how we can use either word:
Although/though the sun was shining, it was very cold.
He disagreed with us, although/though he didn’t tell us.
The house is lovely, although/though the garden is a bit small.
When are although and though NOT interchangeable?
There are three cases when you can use though but NOT although:
1. At the end of a sentence (used in spoken English):
He disagreed with us. He didn’t tell us, though.
The house is lovely. The garden is a bit small, though.
2. With as (meaning as if):
It sounds as though/as if you had a nice holiday.
He acted as though/as if nothing was wrong.
3. With even (to add emphasis):
Even though Arsenal played well, they lost the game.
I took my coat, even though it wasn’t cold.
! Remember that although is a little more formal than though. We often use although in written English and though in spoken English.
!Even though is a stronger form of although.
Got it? Now test yourself with this short exercise:
1 I see her every day on the train. I've never spoken to her, .
2 , I managed to order food in the restaurants in Madrid.
3 Even he's lived in London for two years, he doesn't know the city very well.
4 With the score at 2-0 it looked we were going to win but we ended up losing the match 4-2.
5 We went to Hollywood last year. We didn't see any movie stars, .
6 I prefer to go by public transport even it's sometimes faster to go by car.
