Word that means you want to do something

Говорить о будущем на английском языке можно несколькими способами, главное – в них не запутаться. Из статьи вы узнаете обо всех формах выражения будущего времени и поймете, когда и как их используют.

1. Конструкция to be going to do something

Предлагаем начать изучение способов выражения будущего с популярной конструкции to be going to do something.

Для начала рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений с конструкцией to be going to do something.

Утвердительное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to
He is going to take an exam this summer. – Он собирается сдавать экзамен этим летом.

Отрицательное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + частица not + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to
I’m not going to argue with you. – Я не собираюсь спорить с тобой.

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + подлежащее + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to
Are they going to speak to us later? – Они собираются поговорить с нами позже?

Из примеров видно, что конструкция to be going to do something чаще всего переводится как «собираться что-то сделать».

В разговорной речи и в неформальной переписке употребляется сокращенный вариант конструкции to be going to do somethingto be gonna do something.

Are you gonna help me? – Ты собираешься мне помогать?

She’s not gonna tell you her secret. – Она не расскажет тебе свой секрет.

Функции to be going to do something:

  1. Намерения и планы

    С помощью конструкции to be going to do something мы можем рассказать о своих планах или намерениях.

    They are not going to paint their bedroom tomorrow. – Они не собираются завтра красить свою спальню.

    Are you going to enter the university after school or take a gap year? – Ты собираешься поступать в университет после школы или год отдохнешь?

  2. Предсказания на основании очевидных фактов

    Когда предсказания говорящего подкреплены тем, что он видит, слышит или знает – велика вероятность того, что событие произойдет.

    The sky is so black. It’s going to snow. – Небо такое темное. Пойдет снег.

    Look at the traffic jam! We are going to miss the plane. — Посмотри на эту пробку! Мы опоздаем на самолет.

2. Future Simple

Простое будущее время, которое служит для выражения действий и событий в будущем. Давайте рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Simple.

Утвердительное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + смысловой глагол без частицы to
We will go abroad on vocation. – Мы поедем в отпуск за границу.

Отрицательное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + смысловой глагол без частицы to
I will not invite her to the party. – Я не буду приглашать ее на вечеринку.

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол will/shall + подлежащее + смысловой глагол без частицы to
Will you help me with the task? – Ты поможешь мне с этим заданием?
Shall I open the window? – Мне открыть окно?

Стоит обратить внимание на сокращенные формы, распространенные в разговорной речи: I’ll, he’ll, you’ll и won’t.

Функции Future Simple:

  1. Обещания или угрозы

    Мы используем это время, когда хотим пообещать что-то сделать или не сделать.

    Lisa will help you with this task in the evening. – Лиза поможет тебе с этим заданием вечером.

    I promise I will love you forever! – Я обещаю, что буду любить тебя вечно!

    You’ll regret about the words and your behaviour. – Вы пожалеете о своих словах и поведении.

  2. Предложения

    В вопросительном предложении с помощью will можно предложить сделать что-либо.

    Will I take your bag? – Взять твою сумку?

    Will можно заменить на shall, но только с местоимениями I и we.

    Shall we make a break? – Сделаем перерыв?

  3. Спонтанные решения

    Future Simple используется для того, чтобы выразить решение, принятое в момент речи.

    – The music is so loud, I can’t concentrate.
    – I’ll switch it off.
    – Музыка такая громкая, не могу сосредоточиться.
    – Я выключу ее.

    Tea or coffee… I’ll take a cup of coffee. – Чай или кофе… Возьму чашечку кофе.

  4. Предсказания

    Человек делает предсказание, опираясь исключительно на свое мнение. В таких предложениях возможно встретить следующие слова и выражения: I think (думаю), I believe/consider (считаю), I hope (надеюсь), I assume (предполагаю), maybe (может быть), certainly (конечно), probably (наверное).

    I’m sure you will like the book! – Я уверен, тебе понравится книга.

    Lovely newlyweds! They’ll be very happy together. – Прекрасные новобрачные! Они будут очень счастливы вместе.

  5. Будущий факт

    Для описания будущего события, которое обязательно произойдет, и никто не в силах изменить это.

    He’ll be 18 in a month! Time flies… – Ему будет 18 через месяц! Время летит…

  6. В составе условных предложений первого типа (First Conditional)

    If it doesn’t rain, we’ll go to the park. – Если не будет дождя, мы пойдем в парк.

    She’ll cook us dinner if we inform about the time of arrival. – Она приготовит нам ужин, если мы сообщим о времени прибытия.

3. Выбор между to be going to do something и Future Simple

У конструкции to be going to do something и времени Future Simple есть ряд функций, которые кажутся похожими или даже идентичными:

  1. Предсказания

    Для выражения предсказаний мы можем использовать оба способа. Отметим, для to be going to do something характерно предсказание на основе увиденного или фактов, тогда как Future Simple употребляется для предсказаний на основе личного мнения говорящего, его опыта.

    Ask them not to kick the ball here. They are going to break the window. – Попроси их не пинать тут мяч. Они разобьют окно. (говорящий видит, что в мяч играют очень близко к окнам)

    I think the Liberal party will win the elections, but not easy. – Я думаю, либеральная партия победит на выборах, но это будет нелегко. (мнение говорящего)

  2. Планы vs спонтанные решения

    Обратите внимание, что используя to be going to do something вы говорите о планах или решениях, принятых или обдуманных заранее, тогда как Future Simple указывает на спонтанность решения.

    He is going to fly to China after the divorce to start a new life. – Он собирается улететь в Китай после развода, чтобы начать новую жизнь. (описание планов на основании принятого решения)

    – There are two in this size – blue and brown.
    – OK! I’ll take a blue one! Blue suits me.
    – Есть два такого размера – голубое и коричневое.
    – Ок! Возьму голубое! Голубой мне идет. (решение принято спонтанно)

4. Время Present Simple для будущего

Хорошо знакомое каждому студенту простое настоящее время также может использоваться для выражения будущего действия. Рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Present Simple.

Утвердительное предложение:

I/You/We/They + смысловой глагол
He/She/It + смысловой глагол с окончанием —s
Her train arrives at 8.35 a.m. tomorrow morning. – Ее поезд прибывает завтра утром в 8:35.

Отрицательное предложение:

I/You/We/They + вспомогательный глагол do + частица not + смысловой глагол
He/She/It + вспомогательный глагол does + частица not + смысловой глагол
The plain doesn’t depart in two hours. – Самолет не вылетит через два часа.

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол do + I/you/we/they + смысловой глагол
Вспомогательный глагол does + he/she/it + смысловой глагол
What time does the store open tomorrow? – В какое время завтра откроется магазин?

Функции Present Simple для описания событий в будущем:

  1. Будущие события по расписанию

    Когда говорим о расписании: прибытие/отправление поездов, автобусов, работы магазинов, музеев, офисов и т. д.

    What time does the movie start tonight? – В какое время сегодня вечером начнется фильм?

    The train to Ottawa leaves at 11.30 a.m. – Поезд в Оттаву отправляется в 11:30 утра.

    Обратите внимание, что при упоминании событий, которые происходят по расписанию, вы можете встретить следующие глаголы: to arrive (прибывать), to be (быть), to begin (начинать), to close (закрывать), to open (открывать), to depart (отправляться), to end/finish (заканчивать, завершать), to fly (вылетать, прилетать) to leave (покидать, уезжать), to start (начинать).

  2. События и планы, которые невозможно изменить

    Речь идет о собрании с назначенной датой, визите к врачу, конференции, матче и т. д.

    Our meeting starts on Friday at 9.00. – Наша встреча начнется в пятницу в 9 часов.

    The doctor has a patient in half an hour. – Доктор примет пациента через полчаса.

5. Время Present Continuous для будущего

Present Continuous также может использоваться для описания событий, которые произойдут в будущем. Давайте рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Present Continuous.

Утвердительное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
I am meeting some friends today after work. – Я встречаюсь с друзьями сегодня после работы.

Отрицательное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + частица not + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
I’m not seeing the doctor tomorrow. – Я не иду к врачу завтра.

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + подлежащее + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
Are you getting married on the 1st of June? – Вы женитесь 1 июня?

Функции Present Continuous для будущего:

  1. Планы

    Речь идет о согласованных заранее планах, которые будут реализованы в ближайшем будущем.

    Если вы говорите о планах, то можно использовать и to be going to do something, и Present Continuous. В отношении планов, согласованных предварительно, оба времени равнозначны.

    Max is buying a new car next month. – Макс покупает себе новую машину в следующем месяце.

    They are flying on vacation to Europe in April. – Они полетят в отпуск в Европу в апреле.

  2. Выражение будущих событий, которые произойдут незамедлительно

    Такие события, как правило, выражаются глаголами движения, например: to go (идти), to arrive (прибывать), to leave (уходить), to come (приходить) и т. д.

    She’s coming in 5 minutes, let’s wait for her. – Она приедет через 5 минут, давайте подождем ее.

    I’m leaving soon because I feel awkward here. – Я вскоре уеду, потому что я чувствую себя здесь неловко.

6. Выбор между Present Simple и Present Continuous

Present Simple выражает планы, связанные с расписанием, а Present Continuous употребляется для фиксированных планов личного характера.

Hurry up! The film starts at 9 o’clock. – Поспешим! Фильм начнется в 9 часов. (расписание сеансов в кинотеатре)

Brenda and Josh are getting married in a month. – Бренда и Джош поженятся через месяц. (личный план)

7. Future Continuous

Длительное будущее время, которое употребляется, чтобы подчеркнуть продолжительность действия в будущем. Рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Continuous.

Утвердительное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will be + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
Tomorrow this time I will be driving to Oxford. – Завтра в это время я буду ехать в Оксфорд.

Отрицательное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will be + частица not + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
Tom won’t be playing football from 6 till 8. – Том не будет играть в футбол с 6 до 8.

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол be + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
Will she be sleeping the whole day? – Она будет спать весь день?

Функции Future Continuous:

  1. Продолжительное действие, которое произойдет в будущем в какой-то период времени

    Время может быть понятно из контекста или указано с помощью таких словосочетаний: all day long (весь день), this time tomorrow (в это время завтра), the whole evening (весь вечер), fromtill/to ( с … до/по).

    We will be playing golf from 5 till 6 at our course. – Мы будем играть в гольф с 5 до 6 на нашем поле.

    I’ll be eating with Jane this evening at 9 p.m. – Сегодня в 9 вечера я буду ужинать с Джейн.

  2. Вежливый вопрос

    Will you be bringing your friend to the pub tonight? – Ты сегодгя приведешь друзей в паб?

    Will you be showing us your latest works or the old ones only? – Вы будете нам показывать свои последние работы или только старые?

  3. Со словом-маркером still

    Событие, которое уже происходит и будет продолжаться в будущем некоторое время, в сочетании со словом still (все еще, по-прежнему).

    In an hour I’ll still be ironing my clothes. – Через час я все еще буду гладить одежду.

    Will she still be wearing a size ten next year? – Будет ли она по-прежнему носить десятый размер в следующем году?

8. Future Perfect

У группы времен Perfect есть и свое будущее время – Future Perfect. Оно используется для выражения действия, которое произойдет к определенному моменту в будущем. Давайте рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Perfect.

Утвердительное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме
The runners will have covered 100 km distance by the end of the day. – Бегуны преодолеют расстояние в 100 км к концу дня.

Отрицательное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + вспомогательный глагол have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме
I won’t have found the way out by Juneit’s impossible! – Я не найду выход из этой ситуации к июню, это невозможно!

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме
Will you have read this novel by the time of the exam? – Ты прочтешь этот роман к экзамену?

Функция Future Perfect:

Future Perfect используется для обозначения завершенного действия к определенному моменту в будущем. Этот момент может быть обозначен следующими словами: by (к какому-то времени/моменту), by the time (к тому времени как), before (перед тем как), when (когда), until/till (до того как).

Won’t they have arrived by 5? – Они не приедут к 5 часам?

By the time you read this, I will have left. – К тому времени, как ты будешь читать это, я уже уеду.

9. Future Perfect Continuous

Время Future Perfect Continuous довольно редко встречается. Рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Perfect Continuous.

Утвердительное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
I will have been waiting for the boss for 3 hours by 6 o’clock. – К 6 часам я уже буду ждать начальника 3 часа.

Отрицательное предложение:

Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + вспомогательные глаголы have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
I will not have been eating sweets for a month by next Monday. – К следующему понедельнику я не буду есть конфеты уже месяц.

Вопросительное предложение:

Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing
When I come, will you have been practicing? – Когда я приду, ты все еще будешь практиковаться?

Функция Future Perfect Continuous:

Служит для обозначения действия, которое будет продолжаться до какого-то момента или другого действия в будущем. Продолжительность действия можно подчеркнуть предлогом for (в течение), а момент в будущем – by (к какому-то времени/моменту), when (когда) и др.

When I finish this course, I will have been learning English for ten years. – К моменту окончания этого курса я уже буду изучать английский в течение десяти лет.

By 2021 I will have been living in Moscow for fifteen years. – К 2021 году я буду проживать в Москве уже пятнадцать лет.

10. Выбор между Future Perfect и Future Perfect Continuous

На первый взгляд может показаться, что оба времени выполняют примерно одну функцию – выражают действие, которое случится к моменту в будущем. Если вы хотите обратить внимание на результат действия, которое случится в будущем и отметить, что оно будет завершено, стоит выбрать Future Perfect. Если же более важно подчеркнуть продолжительность действия, то тогда лучше выбрать Future Perfect Continuous.

By the next month he will have been painting his masterpiece for more than a year. – К следующему месяцу будет год, как он пишет свой шедевр.

By the next month he will have already painted his masterpiece. – К следующему месяцу он уже напишет свой шедевр.

11. Дополнительные способы выражения будущего

Мы познакомили вас сo многими способами сообщить о будущих событиях, но это еще не все. Добавим несколько конструкций, которыми тоже принято выражать действия в будущем:

  1. To be to do something – конструкция употребляется в новостях, приказах, формальных сообщениях.

    The President is to give his speech in public. – Президент собирается выступить с речью перед аудиторией.

    The judge is to pronounce a sentence after the last listening. – Судья вынесет приговор после последнего слушания.

  2. To be about to do something – конструкция используется для описания события, которое вот-вот произойдет или не произойдет.

    He is about to return from France; he knows about his mom’s illness. – Он вот-вот вернется из Франции, он знает о болезни мамы.

  3. To be due to do something – конструкция употребляется для описания события, которое должно произойти в определенный момент времени.

    The book is due to be finished by the end of the month. – Книга должна быть завершена к концу месяца.

    The bloggers are due to arrive at the presentation at 10. – Блогеры должны прибыть на презентацию в 10.

  4. To be set to do something – быть настроенным сделать что-то.

    After 5 years of practicing, I am set to sing this evening at a concert hall. – После 5 лет тренировок я настроен петь этим вечером в концертном зале.

    We are set to go to the party with or without you. – Мы пойдем на вечеринку с тобой или без тебя.

Как видите, существует достаточно много способов выразить будущее действие и событие. Надеемся, вы будете применять на практике все те конструкции и времена, что мы разобрали в статье.

Тест

Способы выражения будущего времени

Если вы нашли ошибку, пожалуйста, выделите фрагмент текста и нажмите Ctrl+Enter.

«Я хочу, чтобы ты сделал что-то», по-русски довольно сложно звучит, по-английски всё гораздо проще.

I want you to wash the dishes.

Есть пара нюансов.

  1. Вместо I (ай) можно поставить любого человека.

    Olga wants you to wash the dishes.

  2. Вытекает из первого: want можно поставить в любое время и любую форму.

    They want you to stop joking.

    They wanted you to stop joking.

    Nicolas wants you to drop by.

  3. Somebody можно заменить на любого человека или любой предмет.

    We want our parents to come to the concert.

    The boss wants Angela and me to work on Saturday.

    I want the TV computer to work faster.

  4. Очень часто можно встретить такой вариант: want somebody TO BE.

    Usually teachers want their students to be smarter.

    We want the roof to be repaired by the weekend.

Разбор конструкции I want somebody to do something

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Каждый твит содержит эту конструкцию:

I want somebody to do something

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We want somebody to be something

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What is the word for something that you have to do (mainly because someone is expecting you to do), even though you don’t want to do it, but you still do it. In other words, doing something that you are not interested in doing.

Example: Jenny hates babysitting her niece, but she has to do it for the sake of her sister and the love she has for her niece.

Community's user avatar

asked Jun 30, 2016 at 2:22

E.Groeg's user avatar

9

Perhaps you are thinking of an «obligation

See the definition at dictionary.com (link direct to word entry).

1) something by which a person is bound or obliged to do certain things, and which arises out of a sense of duty or results from custom, law, etc.

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DCShannon

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answered Jun 30, 2016 at 2:55

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vpnvpn

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4

Housework that must be done is usually called a chore, whether it is done in the house or not.

Cambridge Dictionary

chore noun
A job or piece of work that is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done regularly

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 8:58

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dotancohendotancohen

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I think the words burden and onus might be what you’re looking for. In particular, they both have the sense of a responsibility which is unwanted.

burden: that which is borne with difficulty; obligation; onus

onus: a difficult or disagreeable obligation, task, burden, etc.

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 5:48

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I would call that a duty.

Duty doesn’t necessarily carry the connotation of something you don’t want to do, but it isn’t usually used to describe something that you’re excited about doing, but rather something that you need to do due to an external impetus.

From Merriam-Webster:

2 a: obligatory tasks, conduct, service, or functions that arise from one’s position (as in life or in a group)

3 a: a moral or legal obligation

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answered Jun 30, 2016 at 16:54

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Imposition.

  1. the laying on of something as a burden or obligation.
  2. something imposed, as a burden or duty.
  3. the act of imposing by or as if by authority.

Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 17:50

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1

Jenny hates babysitting her niece, but she has to go through the motions the sake of her sister and the love she has for her niece.

go through the motions — to do something because you are expected to do it and not because you want to (often in continuous tenses) These days when we go out, cook a meal together or even make love, I get the feeling that he’s just going through the motions.
— Cambridge Idioms Dictionary, 2nd ed.

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 9:25

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Another common one would be responsibility

Cambridge Dictionary

responsibility — noun
Something that it is your job or duty to deal with

answered Jul 1, 2016 at 0:39

BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft's user avatar

To do something begrudgingly is to give or expend with reluctance or resentment.

You can also begrudge a task, that is to be reluctant or resentful about it.

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 14:04

ognockocaten's user avatar

1

Necessary Evil perhaps?

Something you dislike doing but just has to be done.

For Jenny, babysitting her niece is a necessary evil. She really dislikes doing it but she has to for the sake of her sister and the love she has for her niece.

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 11:32

JimXC's user avatar

JimXCJimXC

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In one word, «duty«, as mentioned already in another answer, but there is an expression that perfectly fits your scenario, it is imported from French but used this way (in French) in English:

Noblesse oblige
is a French phrase literally meaning «nobility obliges». It denotes the concept that nobility extends beyond mere entitlements and requires the person who holds such status to fulfill social responsibilities, particularly in leadership roles.

In common practice, and the phrase exists in Spanish as well, it means that you do something out of noble duty (without bitterness) as a result of your elevated status (in your provided example, the status being «loving aunt/sister»).

answered Jul 2, 2016 at 1:02

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insanerinsaner

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You may use forced.

She isn’t really interested in doing it but is forced to do it for her sister and the love she has for her niece.

However, I think it depends on the situation. As you’re talking about babysitting here, you may use a more passive word, unlike forced. I’d prefer obliged
as mentioned in the other answer.

answered Jun 30, 2016 at 17:58

Yashwanth Reddy's user avatar

No Catlicks on this site? It’s called penance, my friends.

(Please note: It’s possible that only Catholics use this word for the purpose described in the question. — we’re conditioned that way.)

answered Jul 1, 2016 at 22:54

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INDEX:

1. to persuade someone to do something

2. to gently persuade someone to do something

3. to try hard to persuade someone

4. to persuade someone that something is true, right, or good

5. the use of film, newspapers etc to persuade people

6. reasons, explanations etc that persuade you to believe something

7. to persuade someone by making something seem very good

8. something good that is used to persuade someone

9. good at persuading people

10. too easily persuaded by other people

11. to persuade someone not to do something

12. something that persuades someone not to do something

RELATED WORDS

see also

↑ SUGGEST

↑ ADVERTISING

↑ INSIST

↑ ADVISE

◆◆◆

1. to persuade someone to do something

▷ persuade /pəʳˈsweɪd/ [transitive verb]

to make someone agree to do something, by giving them reasons why they should do it :

▪ Neil didn’t want to come at first, but we persuaded him.

persuade somebody to do something

▪ I tried to persuade his ex-girlfriend to talk to him, but she said no.

▪ Teachers need ways to persuade more parents to attend parent-teacher evenings.

persuade (that)

▪ He was convicted of the murder, but he is still trying to persuade the public that he’s innocent.

▷ persuasion /pəʳˈsweɪʒ ə n/ [uncountable noun]

things that you say in order to persuade someone to do something :

▪ They hope to end the conflict using persuasion rather than threats.

persuasion to

▪ The Republican leader used every means of persuasion to get senators to vote against the bill.

take persuasion

▪ It took a lot of persuasion to get Dad to agree to the idea.

gentle/friendly persuasion

persuading someone without using threats

▪ Until the law was passed, the agency could only use gentle persuasion to get industries to reduce waste.

powers of persuasion

skills used for persuading

▪ The fate of the bill in Congress will depend on Brady’s powers of persuasion.

▷ get somebody to do something /ˌget somebody tə ˈduː something/ [verb phrase] informal

to make someone do what you want them to do, especially by trying to persuade them over a long time :

▪ I’m sure I can get Eddie to do it.

▪ My girlfriend is always trying to get me to stop smoking.

▪ Parents learn ways to talk to and carry a baby to get it to stop crying.

▷ influence /ˈɪnfluəns/ [transitive verb]

to affect what someone decides to do, but without directly persuading them :

▪ I hope you weren’t influenced by anything that your brother said.

▪ Do TV programs influence children’s behaviour?

▪ Judges should not be influenced by political motives.

▷ encourage /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒǁɪnˈkɜːr-/ [transitive verb]

to try to persuade someone to do something, because you think it will be good for them :

encourage somebody to do something

▪ Her parents encouraged her to cook and even paid her to make dinner twice a week.

▪ Patricia encouraged me to apply for the job.

▪ We want to encourage more children to use the library.

▷ talk somebody into /ˌtɔːk somebody ˈɪntuː/ [transitive phrasal verb] informal

to persuade someone to do something that they do not want to do :

talk sb into doing something

▪ I managed to talk them into paying me more money.

▪ Officers said they tried to talk Wilson into leaving the bar, but he started to struggle.

talk somebody into it

▪ I didn’t really want to go to the party, but Dave talked me into it.

▷ put somebody up to /ˌpʊt somebody ˈʌp tuː/ [transitive phrasal verb]

to persuade someone to do something wrong or stupid, especially when they would not have thought of doing it themselves :

▪ We want to know why they did it and if anyone put them up to it.

▪ Did someone put you up to this?

2. to gently persuade someone to do something

▷ get round British /get around American /ˌget ˈraʊnd, ˌget əˈraʊnd/ [transitive phrasal verb not in progressive or passive]

to persuade someone to do something that you want them to do by being very nice to them, making them laugh etc :

▪ I managed to get round him by saying he could borrow my car on Saturday.

▪ She can always manage to get around her dad.

▷ coax /kəʊks/ [transitive verb]

to persuade someone to do something that they do not want to do by talking to them gently for a long time until they agree to do it :

▪ ‘Oh come on, Vic,’ she coaxed, ‘We need you, don’t let us down.’

coax somebody to do something

▪ The U.S. is trying to coax both sides to take part in talks.

coax somebody into doing something

▪ The children had to be coaxed into coming with us.

▷ sweet-talk /ˈswiːt tɔːk/ [transitive verb] informal

to say nice things to someone, especially things that are not true, in order to persuade them to do something for you :

▪ You can sweet-talk me all night long, but I’m not going home with you!

sweet-talk somebody into doing something

▪ She sweet-talked him into lending her the money.

▷ cajole /kəˈdʒəʊl/ [intransitive/transitive verb]

to persuade someone to do something that they do not want to do by being nice to them, praising them etc until they agree to do it :

▪ Ed cajoled and pleaded, but couldn’t get her to change her mind.

cajole somebody into doing something

▪ She cajoles the kids into doing their best.

cajole somebody to do something

▪ He managed to cajole Hayden to take part in the program.

3. to try hard to persuade someone

▷ put pressure on also pressure American /pʊt ˈpreʃər ɒn, ˈpreʃəʳ/ [verb phrase/transitive verb]

to keep trying to persuade someone to do something by using threats or unfair influence :

▪ Threats of dismissal were intended to put pressure on the strikers.

▪ Some of the girls started having sex mainly because their boyfriends were pressuring them.

put pressure on somebody to do something

▪ Her parents put pressure on her and her boyfriend to get married.

pressure somebody to do something

▪ Residents are pressuring the mayor to let them manage their own housing association.

▷ lean on /ˈliːn ɒn/ [transitive phrasal verb] informal

to use threats or influence to persuade someone to do something :

▪ If the US wants to get South American governments to lean on drug growers, it’ll have to be prepared to offer something in return.

lean on somebody to do something

▪ New members have been leaning on Senate leaders to make some changes.

▷ twist somebody’s arm /ˌtwɪst somebodyˈs ˈɑːʳm/ [verb phrase] informal

to persuade someone to do something they have said they do not want to do — use this humorously when the person will really enjoy what you have persuaded them to do :

▪ I’m sure he would never have come if I hadn’t twisted his arm a little.

▪ ‘Go on, have another drink.’ ‘Oh well, if you twist my arm.’

4. to persuade someone that something is true, right, or good

▷ convince /kənˈvɪns/ [transitive verb]

to make someone feel completely sure that something is true or right, especially when they doubted it before :

▪ I knew it would be hard to convince my father, because he wanted me to go to university.

convince somebody (that)

▪ The government is trying to convince the public that it’s getting tough on corruption.

convince somebody of something

▪ In the end she convinced the jury of her innocence.

▷ persuade /pəʳˈsweɪd/ [transitive verb]

to make someone believe that something is true or right, especially when they doubted it before :

persuade somebody (that)

▪ He eventually managed to persuade me that the documents were genuine.

▪ After this accident, it will be difficult for the government to persuade people that nuclear power stations are safe.

persuade somebody of something

▪ We want to persuade them of the value of diplomacy and talks to resolve disputes.

▷ satisfy /ˈsætɪsfaɪ, ˈsætəsfaɪ/ [transitive verb]

to give enough information to make someone in authority believe that something is true :

▪ Her explanation failed to satisfy the jury.

satisfy somebody (that)

▪ Applicants will have to satisfy the committee that they are suitable for the job.

be satisfied with/that

accept something as true

▪ The police said that they were satisfied with his story and let him go free.

▷ win somebody over /ˌwɪn somebody ˈəʊvəʳ/ [transitive phrasal verb]

to persuade someone to support your ideas or opinions, by making them believe that you are right, or by being nice to them :

▪ He could not be won over by bribes or promises.

win somebody over/win over somebody

▪ Cochran’s arguments won over the jury.

win sb over to

▪ Doctors who saw her work were quickly won over to her methods.

▷ bring/talk somebody round British /bring somebody around American /ˌbrɪŋ, ˌtɔːk somebody ˈraʊnd, ˌbrɪŋ somebody əˈraʊnd/ [transitive phrasal verb]

to persuade someone to change their opinion so that they agree with you, especially by spending a long time talking to them and giving them reasons why you are right :

▪ At first my parents didn’t like the idea, but I think I’ve managed to bring them round.

▪ I’ll have to talk my mother round, but I’m sure she’ll say yes.

bring/talk sb round to

▪ In the end I brought him around to my point of view.

▷ convert /kənˈvɜːʳt/ [transitive verb]

to change someone’s opinion or beliefs about something, so that they begin to like it or believe it is right :

▪ I didn’t use to like Indian food, but Cathy’s converted me.

convert somebody to something

▪ Concerns about cruel farming methods converted her to vegetarianism.

▷ win hearts and minds /wɪn ˌhɑːʳts ən ˈmaɪndz/ [verb phrase]

to persuade a lot of people or most people to support what you are doing and believe that it is right — used especially in political contexts :

▪ It’s no use giving people short term sweeteners — what we have to do is to go out there and win hearts and minds.

▪ If they succeed in winning the hearts and minds of the ethnic minorities here, they should sweep into power at the next election.

5. the use of film, newspapers etc to persuade people

▷ propaganda /ˌprɒpəˈgændəǁˌprɑː-/ [uncountable noun]

the clever use of newspapers, film, television etc in order to persuade the public to accept particular political ideas, often by giving incomplete or false information :

▪ I object when political propaganda is pushed through my letter box at election times.

▷ spin /spɪn/ [uncountable noun]

when someone, especially a government, political party etc, gives information in a way that is intended to persuade people that they, their ideas, their plans etc are good :

▪ What we would like to see is more realistic policies and less Labour Party spin.

put a spin on something

▪ Whatever spin the government tries to put on it, this can be seen as nothing less than a massive defeat.

▪ The senator was determined to put a positive spin on the affair.

6. reasons, explanations etc that persuade you to believe something

▷ convincing /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/ [adjective]

a convincing reason, explanation, or excuse makes you believe that something is true or right :

▪ Jurors thought the defence’s arguments were very convincing.

▪ There is convincing evidence that smoking causes heart disease.

▪ Archeologists found convincing proof that the Vikings had landed in North America.

▷ persuasive /pəʳˈsweɪsɪv/ [adjective]

persuasive arguments, proof etc make people believe that something is true or right, by giving them good reasons :

▪ Barratt’s argument was persuasive, but the managers still turned down his proposal.

▪ He made a persuasive case for making the changes.

▪ We found no persuasive evidence of illegal activity.

▷ compelling /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ [adjective]

a compelling reason, argument etc is one that is so strong and powerful that it can persuade you that something is true or that something should be done :

▪ Freud’s approach to the analysis of dreams is highly compelling.

▪ It is hard to find a more compelling reason to quit smoking than the fact that it affects your children’s health.

7. to persuade someone by making something seem very good

▷ tempt /tempt/ [transitive verb]

to make someone want to do something by making it seem enjoyable, exciting etc :

▪ Travel companies tempt people with special offers.

tempt somebody to do something

▪ The club is giving away free T-shirts in order to tempt people to join.

▪ The arrangement tempts employees to win contracts even by illegal means.

tempt somebody into doing something

▪ Don’t be tempted into betting money on the horses.

▷ lure /lʊəʳ, ljʊəʳǁlʊər/ [transitive verb]

to persuade someone to go somewhere or to do something, especially something which they should not do, or something that might harm them :

lure somebody into/to/away etc

▪ The boy apparently lured the girl into his bedroom and attacked her.

lure somebody into doing something

▪ Peasants were lured into joining the People’s Army by the promises of large sums of money for their families.

▷ entice /ɪnˈtaɪs/ [transitive verb]

to offer someone something they want in order to persuade them to do something :

▪ The banks are offering special low rates in an attempt to entice prospective customers.

entice somebody to do something

▪ The ads entice young people to smoke.

entice somebody into doing something

▪ The company hopes to entice shareholders into agreeing to a merger.

8. something good that is used to persuade someone

▷ incentive /ɪnˈsentɪv/ [countable/uncountable noun]

something that encourages you to work harder, start new activities etc :

▪ The school gives incentives such as more play time to kids who work hard.

▪ The new plan will provide strong incentives for young people to improve their skills.

incentive to do something

▪ When prices are so low, farmers have little incentive to increase production.

tax/cash/financial incentives

offers to reduce taxes, give someone money etc

▪ The government is offering special tax incentives to people wanting to start up small businesses.

▷ sweetener /ˈswiːtnəʳ/ [countable noun]

something that is offered to someone to make a deal or plan seem more attractive, so that they will accept it :

▪ The new airport is an unpopular development but the government has promised £4 million in grants to the local community as a sweetener.

▷ carrot /ˈkærət/ [countable noun usually singular] informal

a reward that is offered to someone to encourage them to do something :

▪ The U.S. has held out the carrot of more aid and investment.

carrot and stick

a combination of rewards and punishments

▪ Governments were forced to adopt a carrot and stick approach to the trade unions.

▷ inducement /ɪnˈdjuːsməntǁɪnˈduːs-/ [countable/uncountable noun]

something such as a gift that you offer to someone in order to persuade them to do what you want :

▪ The prices are the main inducement — everything is much cheaper here than at the mall.

inducement to do something

▪ I don’t think the tax reduction will be an inducement to save more.

cash/financial inducement

▪ As a way of reducing the workforce, workers are being offered cash inducements to retire.

inducement for somebody to do something

▪ The government want to use this as an inducement for developing countries to open up their markets.

9. good at persuading people

▷ persuasive /pəʳˈsweɪsɪv/ [adjective]

▪ Like most politicians, she can be very persuasive when she wants to be.

▪ He is a very persuasive speaker.

persuasively [adverb]

▪ She gave her evidence calmly and persuasively.

▷ forceful /ˈfɔːʳsf ə l/ [adjective]

able to express your ideas and opinions in a strong, confident way so that you persuade people to agree with you :

▪ a manager with a forceful personality

▪ He can be arrogant and forceful.

▪ Betty Friedan was a forceful advocate of women’s rights.

forcefully [adverb]

▪ For over an hour she spoke forcefully about the famine in Africa.

▷ pushy /ˈpʊʃi/ [adjective]

someone who is pushy annoys people by trying hard to make them do what they want, especially by repeatedly asking them or telling them to do something :

▪ A good salesman is polite, enthusiastic, and not too pushy.

▪ Pushy journalists shouted questions from the crowd.

▷ smooth-talking /ˈsmuːð ˌtɔːkɪŋ/ [adjective only before noun]

a smooth-talking person is usually insincere or dishonest although they have a pleasant, confident way of talking which easily persuades people :

▪ a smooth-talking car salesman

▪ A smooth-talking young man was offering to buy her a drink.

▷ slick /slɪk/ [adjective]

good at persuading people by talking to them in a clever, confident way, but usually insincere or dishonest :

▪ I don’t trust her. She’s too slick.

▪ He’s got a bunch of slick lawyers to get him out of paying the $11 million he owes us.

10. too easily persuaded by other people

▷ be a pushover /biː ə ˈpʊʃəʊvəʳ/ [verb phrase]

someone who is a pushover is very easy to persuade, and you can get them to do what you want them to do :

▪ She’s a kind and gentle person, but she’s no pushover.

▷ be a soft touch /biː ə ˌsɒft ˈtʌtʃǁ-ˌsɔːft-/ [verb phrase]

to be someone who can be easily persuaded to give someone what they want, especially because you are too kind and sympathetic :

▪ It’s important that the kids don’t think the teacher is a soft touch.

▷ naïve /naɪˈiːvǁnɑːˈiːv/ [adjective]

someone who is naïve is so young or inexperienced that they are likely to be easily persuaded to believe something :

▪ I was so naïve — I believed everything the army told me about my husband’s death.

▪ She’s either stupid or naïve if she thinks he really cares about her.

▷ gullible /ˈgʌlɪb ə l, ˈgʌləb ə l/ [adjective]

easily persuaded or tricked into believing that something is true :

▪ It’s easy to blame the public for being gullible enough to buy dieting products, but it’s the companies who sell them who should take responsibility.

▪ She was described by her neighbors as a sweet but gullible woman who allowed the man to live in her house as a source of extra money.

▷ impressionable /ɪmˈpreʃ ə nəb ə l/ [adjective]

someone who is impressionable, especially a young person, is easily influenced and can easily be persuaded to do things or to change their opinions :

▪ Unfortunately, the show’s message to millions of impressionable teens is that it’s OK to take drugs.

at an impressionable age

when you are young and impressionable

▪ I’ve always wanted to do martial arts — maybe I saw too many Jackie Chan movies at an impressionable age.

▷ easily-led /ˌiːzɪli ˈled, ˌiːzəli ˈled/ [adjective not before noun] British

someone who is easily-led does not have a strong character and can easily be persuaded to do things, even things that are wrong :

▪ She’s young and rather easily-led.

▪ My son’s rather easily-led and tends to get in with the wrong crowd at school.

11. to persuade someone not to do something

▷ persuade somebody not to do something /pəʳˌsweɪd somebody nɒt tə ˈduː something/ [verb phrase]

to make someone decide not to do something, by giving them reasons why they should not do it :

▪ Catherine persuaded him not to resign.

▪ The program hopes to persuade school children not to try smoking or drugs.

▷ talk somebody out of /ˌtɔːk somebody ˈaʊt ɒv/ [transitive phrasal verb]

to talk to someone about something they are planning to do, and persuade them not to do it :

talk somebody out of something

▪ I nearly cancelled the wedding, but my best friend talked me out of it.

▪ Police officers talked a man out of a suicide jump off the bridge.

talk somebody out of doing something

▪ Her father talked her out of studying history because he thought she would hate it.

▷ discourage /dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒǁ-ˈkɜːr-/ [transitive verb]

to stop someone wanting to do something, by making them think that it will be difficult or unpleasant :

▪ We need to discourage the use of cars for short journeys.

▪ Leave the lights on when you’re out in order to discourage burglars.

discourage somebody from doing something

▪ Girls are sometimes discouraged from studying subjects like engineering and physics.

▷ put off /ˌpʊt ˈɒf/ [transitive phrasal verb] informal

to make someone lose interest in something that they want or were thinking of doing, by making it seem difficult or unpleasant :

▪ I’m not going to be put off by his threats.

put somebody off doing something

▪ A lot of people are put off becoming teachers by the long hours and the low pay.

▷ deter /dɪˈtɜːʳ/ [transitive verb] written

to make someone decide not to do something by making them realize that it will be difficult or dangerous or will have unpleasant results :

▪ The new alarm system should deter car thieves.

deter somebody from doing something

▪ The unpleasant taste the drug produces is used to deter alcoholics from drinking.

12. something that persuades someone not to do something

▷ deterrent /dɪˈterəntǁ-ˈtɜːr-/ [countable noun]

something that makes people afraid to or less likely to do something :

▪ Window locks are a cheap and effective deterrent.

deterrent to

▪ The special paint is meant to be a deterrent to graffiti artists.

deterrent against

▪ The fines are large enough to be an effective deterrent against speeding.

act/serve as a deterrent

▪ Experts do not agree about whether the death penalty acts as a deterrent.

▷ disincentive /ˌdɪsɪnˈsentɪv, ˌdɪsənˈsentɪv/ [countable noun]

a disadvantage which makes people less willing to do something :

▪ We’re trying to attract more graduates into nursing, but the salary and hours are strong disincentives.

disincentive to

▪ Raising taxes on unearned income would be a major disincentive to saving and investment.


Longman Activator English vocab.

     Английский словарь Longman активатор .
2012

These are words for something you want to do or achieve.

One of the most common words for this is aim. Aim is used to describe a result that you are hoping your intended actions achieve.

Our aim in protesting is to raise awareness of the unfairness of the system.

Goal is very similar to aim, but also implies that the reason you do something is to achieve a particular result. Goal is also used in business contexts to describe a level of achievement that a company has set for one of its employees. Objective is similar to goal and is often used in work or business contexts.

My goal in life has always been to be financially independent.

We met our sales goal for this quarter.

One of my objectives for this year is to increase sales.

A target is an objective that is usually expressed in terms of a particular number, level, or amount. Target is used in business contexts.

If you meet your sales targets you will receive a generous bonus.

A dream is something that you want to happen very much but that is not very likely.

When I was growing up my dream was to perform in front of millions of people.

Hope is often used of good things you would like to happen in the future. Hope implies that you are already doing something to achieve the hope you have. It is also used with dream in the phrase hopes and dreams to refer to something you wish would happen.

My hope is that there will be some kind of positive outcome to this process.

All my hopes and dreams for financial security were dashed when I lost my job.

If you have aspirations, you hope to achieve the stated goal, though it will be very difficult to do so. Aspiration is usually used in the plural, and is more formal than dream or hope.

He has political aspirations and wants to be prime minister some day.

The noun mission is used to describe something that you feel strongly you must achieve in life. In business contexts it can refer to the result that a company or an organization is trying to achieve through its plans or actions.

I made it my mission to change attitudes towards women in science.

The mission of the University is to educate and improve the lives of young people.

There are many closely related words to aim that describe a desire or plan to achieve something. Ambition refers to a strong wish to achieve a stated goal, and implies that reaching that goal will take a lot of effort.

Her ambition was to reach the very top of her profession.

An intention is something that you want and you plan to do. It does not imply that you have begun to work towards this goal, just that you plan on beginning to work toward this goal.

It is my intention to become a doctor before I turn 30.

We are encouraged by the government’s intention to address the crisis and look forward to their swift action.

Intent is a more formal word for intention. It is used in legal language.

They were charged with the possession of explosives with intent to endanger life.

For words related to aims and goals, see the article at achievement.

By Robby

If you are new here please read this first.

12 English phrases meaning something completely different

Improve Spoken English

I often touch upon the subject of English idiomatic expressions on this blog for the simple reason that more often than not our every-day speech consists of such and similar word combinations and it’s making our speech so much more easier!

Just look at the above paragraph – it’s stuffed with various idiomatic expressions and collocations, and the one common trait they all share is that you have to learn the EXACT way they’re used so that you can learn them off by heart and then use them in your own conversations.

Then there are proper English idioms you can’t even understand unless you actually know what they mean – such as “It’s no skin off my nose” or “Until the cows come home”.

There are, however, certain English phrases that may at first sound as if they don’t have any double-meanings AT ALL, yet they mean something completely different!

If you’re an advanced English speaker and you’ve been communicating with real people in real life for years, this list will probably reveal nothing new to you.

If you’re someone who’s just starting off in an English speaking country, for example, the following phrases might turn out to be an eye-opener for you! 😉

You don’t want to do that!

If you take this phrase literally, it sounds as if someone is making a statement that you don’t want to do something (in which case it doesn’t really make an awful lot of sense – I mean, how can someone else possibly know what I do or what I don’t want to do?!)

In reality though, this phrase is used when advising someone not to do something, so the real message behind this expression is “You shouldn’t do it!”

Why do English speaking people say “You don’t want to do that!” instead of simply saying that one SHOULDN’T do it?

Well – it’s just the way conversational English goes! Don’t ask WHY – just accept that it’s the way native English speakers speak, and life is going to be a whole lot easier for you.

Another version of the same phrase – “You don’t want to be doing that!” – is used just like the original one, and once again – don’t ask WHY there are two different versions of this phrase in use.

Just accept it and use whichever one you want to use! 😀

He can’t help himself

When I heard the English verb “to help” used in this context for the first time, I thought the person in question must be physically handicapped once they can’t help themselves.

I mean – the word “to help” is quite simple and straightforward, so when someone can’t help themselves, they quite literally can’t assist themselves with performing certain tasks, isn’t that right?

Turns out it’s not the case!

When someone says about another person that they can’t help themselves, it means the person in question can’t RESIST doing something, they’re too weak to say NO to themselves

Let’s say, you’re eating too much chocolate on a daily basis, and your work colleague asks you one day why you’re eating so much chocolate every day. You can simply respond by saying “I just can’t help myself!” which means that it’s a habit so strong you can’t resist it.

Shut up!

When someone tells you to shut up, it’s quite clear what they want to tell you, isn’t that right?

They’re telling you to shut your mouth, and needless to say, it’s quite rude to be talking to someone like that.

Sometimes, however, the phrase “Shut up!” can be used to express something completely different – namely, your amazement at something the other person is telling you about.

So if you’re speaking with an English speaking person and they respond to you by saying “Shut up! I can’t believe it!”, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want you to shut your mouth and stop talking to them. It merely means they’re so surprised at what you just said that they’re using the phrase “Shut up!” as means of expressing they disbelief or excitement.

Sure enough, you’ll be able to read the true meaning of those words off the other person’s face and tone of voice – the role of body language can’t be underestimated, after all.

There might be some occasions, however, when you’d think the other person is being rude to you while in reality there’s no harm intended, so please bear in mind that the expression “Shut up!” can also have a pretty harmless meaning!

Go away!

I don’t know about you, but where I live (Ireland) this phrase is used the same way as the one above (“Shut up!”) when expressing your surprise at something the other person has just said.

Basically it’s just another way of saying “Really?!”, and when they say “Go away!”, nobody means it literally. It’ just a way of letting the other person know that you’re shocked to hear it, and you may as well start using this phrase in your own daily English conversations.

I see!

This is a very, very simple English phrase, but when an average beginner English student sees it, on 9 times out of 10 they’ll think it means that someone is saying that they SEE something.

In fact, the phrase “I see!” is used conversationally all the time when people want to say that they get it, that they UNDERSTAND it, and this is actually something that a lot of foreign English speakers should learn pretty early in their lives.

On way too many occasions my fellow foreigners say “I understand” while the phrase they should be using is “I see”!

You see, “I understand” sounds way too formal when used during your daily conversations, so I warmly suggest you start using the much more friendlier version of it “I see!” instead.

See where I’m coming from?

If someone asks you if you see where they’re coming from, you may assume they mean it quite literally, in which case you may be thinking “How on Earth am I supposed to know where they’re coming from?!”

When people ask you this question, what they actually mean to say is “Do you understand the reasons why I’m saying this?”

Basically the conversation would go something like this:

“I think we should swap this machine for the other one because the production output is much lower now that the busy season is over.”

You: ???

“You see where I’m coming from?” (Do you understand why I’m suggesting we should swap the machines on the production line?)

You: “I haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about! Can you explain everything to me step-by-step please?”

You may want to…

This phrase may seem a bit confusing at first. You may… You want… Why “You MAY WANT” then? Why are the two words grouped together? Does it mean you’re giving the other person a permission to do something as in “You may do it”?

What this phrase actually means is quite the opposite to giving someone a permission to do something – it’s all about giving the other person a suggestion that they should probably choose to do whatever it is you’re telling them to do!

Why not simply say “You should…” instead?

Well, you see – “You may want to…” is a very polite way of letting someone know as to what would be the right course of action while “You should…” might actually sound like a command rather than a suggestion!

I don’t buy it!

This English phrase has nothing to do with buying stuff, it’s all about BELIEVING what you’re told! 😉

If someone makes an empty promise to you or you’re told some news you don’t believe, you can respond with saying “I don’t buy it!” in which case you’re simply making it clear you don’t believe what you’re told.

I’m looking forward to…

As a beginner English student you may think this phrase means to be looking straight ahead of you (as opposed to be looking backwards or sideways, for example).

In conversational English and also in English in general, however, this phrase has a completely different meaning – it simply means to be expecting something, to be really waiting on something to happen!

I remember when I’d just started living in Ireland 11 years ago, my supervisor asked me at work if I was looking forward to my holidays, to which I didn’t really know what to say because the sentence didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Now I know only too well that it means to be expecting something, and in case you didn’t know it – it’s about time to add this English phrase onto your vocabulary!

Tell me about it!

“Tell me about it!” doesn’t mean “TELL me ABOUT it”.

It means “Yes, I know exactly what you’re talking about – I have the same experience!”

Here’s a situation to describe exactly what I’m talking about here:

You: “My little sister is real nightmare – she constantly makes demands to our mom and cries if she doesn’t get what she wants!”

Your friend: “Tell me about it!”

What your friends is telling you is – “Yeah, I can completely relate to that because I also have a little sister who’s behaving that way!”

So now that you know what this phrase means, you wouldn’t start telling your friend MORE ABOUT it. You’d simply understand your friend is going through a similar experience!

It doesn’t hurt to…

When someone tells you that it doesn’t hurt to do something, they don’t literally mean that it’s not going to be painful.

What they mean to tell you is that the activity in question is going to result is something really beneficial to you, so it’s definitely worth doing it!

How do you find this…?

I remember someone asked me how I found my job to which I started telling them about the recruitment agency who helped me to land my job with the company…

What that person actually meant was – “What do you THINK ABOUT your job?” – so in this case the English verb “to find” has another meaning on top of the most common one which is to actually find something after you’ve been looking for it!

* * *

Now, did you find this article interesting?

Did you learn a few new English phrases you didn’t know existed?

If so – let your friends know about them by using the social sharing tool below!

Thanks for reading,

Robby 😉

P.S. Would you like to find out why I’m highlighting some of the text in red? Read this article and you’ll learn why it’s so important to learn idiomatic expressions and how it will help you to improve your spoken English!

P.S.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out my English Harmony System HERE!

English Harmony System

P.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out the English Harmony System HERE!

English Harmony System


want

verb

to feel that you would like to have, keep, or do something

wish

verb

to want something to happen although it is unlikely

hope

verb

to want and expect something to happen or be true

look for

phrasal verb

to hope to get something that you want or need

long

verb

to want something very much

aspire

verb

to want to achieve something or to be successful, especially in your career

crave

verb

to want something very much and in a way that is very hard to control

lust after

phrasal verb

to want something very much

yearn

verb

mainly literary to want something a lot, especially something that you know you may not be able to have

have your heart set on (doing) something

phrase

to decide that you want something very much


More synonyms


ache

verb

literary to want very much to do or have something, especially when it is impossible

ask/wish for the moon

phrase

to want something that is impossible to get or achieve

be/feel in the mood (for something)

phrase

to want to, or to feel that you would like to, do a particular thing

be in the market for something

phrase

to want to buy something

be itching for something/to do something

phrase

to feel very impatient because you want to do something immediately

be spoiled by something

phrase

to have or be able to use something that is special or unusual, so that you wish you still had it when it is not there any longer

be thirsty for something

phrase

to want something very much

burn

verb

to feel a very strong emotion or a great need for someone or something

clamor

the American spelling of clamour

clamour

verb

to say that you want something and must have it

could do with something

phrasal verb

spoken used for saying that you want or need something

covet

verb

formal to very much want something that someone else has

dare hope/dream/believe

phrase

if you dare not hope, dream, or believe that something will happen or is true, you think it is very unlikely, but you would very much like it to happen

desire

verb

formal to want something

fancy

verb

Britishinformal to want to have or do something

feel like

phrase

to want something, or to want to do something

gag

verb

Britishvery informal to want something very much, especially sex

give your right arm (for something/to do something)

phrase

to be willing to do anything in order to get or achieve something

hanker

verb

informal to have a strong feeling of wanting something

have designs on something

phrase

to want something and to be planning a way to get it

have itchy feet

phrase

to want to leave something such as a job or a relationship and start something new

have someone/something in mind

phrase

to know the type of person or thing that you want for a particular purpose

have your eye on someone

phrase

to consider someone suitable for a particular job, position, or activity

have your eye on something

phrase

to have seen something and want to have it or buy it

hope to God

phrase

used for emphasizing that you very much hope something will happen

hunger

verb

mainly literary to want something very much

jones

verb

Americaninformal to have a very strong feeling of wanting something

live for the day when

phrasal verb

to want something to happen very much

mean

verb

to want someone to do something, or to want something to happen to someone

pine for

phrasal verb

to be very sad because you want to be with someone who you love, or want something that you do not have

set your mind on doing something

phrase

to be determined to have or achieve something

stick out for

phrasal verb

to be determined to get what you want or need, and not be willing to accept anything less

take a fancy to something

phrase

literary to suddenly start to want to have or do something

thirst for

phrasal verb

to want something very much

want

verb

to feel that you would like someone to do something or would like something to happen

want

verb

informal to feel that you would like someone or something to be in a particular place or doing a particular job

want nothing more (than)

phrase

used for showing that someone’s hopes or wishes are reasonable

will

verb

an old word meaning ‘to want or intend something to happen’

wish

verb

formal to want something, or to want to do something

wish for

phrasal verb

formal to want something

would give your eye teeth for something/to do something

phrase

used for saying that you wish you could have/do something very much


Консультации по учебе, на самой крупной бирже
студенческих работ !

Ответы на Тесты по Английскому языку для всех курсов ПОЛИТЕХ (СПБСТУ) ИММИТ ИЭИТС ИСИ ИКНТ ИФНИТ ИПМЭИТ …..

Наилучшим решением для поиска задачи является ввод 2-3 первых слов условия задачи !!!


Write the word that mean the following.
To utilize
Ответ: use ...

Write the word that mean the following.
To utilize
Ответ: use


Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
Before the state exams everybody studied hard a ...

Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
Before the state exams everybody studied hard andm ade great p
rogress


Write the word that mean the following.
To control something or someone to your advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly (verb)
Ответ: manipulate ...

Write the word that mean the following.
To control something or someone to your advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly (verb)
Ответ: manipulate


Write the word that mean the following.
Making you feel annoyed (adj)
Ответ: irritating ...

Write the word that mean the following.
Making you feel annoyed (adj)
Ответ: irritating


Write the word that mean the following.
Someone who introduces changes and new ideas
Ответ: innovator ...

Write the word that mean the following.
Someone who introduces changes and new ideas
Ответ: innovator


Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
In the beginning of each year the head teacher  ...

Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
In the beginning of each year the head teacher and his/her employees create new
studying р!ап — с urriculum



Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
John is so proud of his son, because he has rec ...

Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
John is so proud of his son, because he has recently entered the first year of education
-e lementary school.


Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
It is hard for lazy students to get used to do  ...

Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
It is hard for lazy students to get used to do homework


Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
After some years studying in the compulsory sch ...

Write the word that mean the following. The first letter is given to you, write the word
without it.
After some years studying in the compulsory school, Mary has decided to change the
type of education for more personal — private education


Write the word that mean the following.
А company, country, or person that makes things, usually for sale, esp. things made by an industrial process  ...

Write the word that mean the following.
А company, country, or person that makes things, usually for sale, esp. things made by an industrial process or grown ог
obtained from the ground
Ответ: producer


Write the word that mean the following.
A person or company that creates new products, especially computer products such as software
Ответ: develope ...

Write the word that mean the following.
A person or company that creates new products, especially computer products such as software
Ответ: developer


Write the word that mean the following.
Someone who starts their own business, especially when this involves seeing a new opportunity
Ответ: entrepr ...

Write the word that mean the following.
Someone who starts their own business, especially when this involves seeing a new opportunity
Ответ: entrepreneur


Write the word that mean the following.
Unusual and exciting because of coming (or seeming to come) from far away (adj)
Ответ: exotic ...

Write the word that mean the following.
Unusual and exciting because of coming (or seeming to come) from far away (adj)
Ответ: exotic



Write the word that mean the following.
Accompany, person, etc. that provides things that people want or need, especially over a long period of time
 ...

Write the word that mean the following.
Accompany, person, etc. that provides things that people want or need, especially over a long period of time
Ответ: supplier


Write the word that mean the following.
A person, shop, or business that sells goods to the public
Ответ: retailer ...

Write the word that mean the following.
A person, shop, or business that sells goods to the public
Ответ: retailer


Write the word that mean the following.
Making you surprised or upset (adj)
Ответ: shocking ...

Write the word that mean the following.
Making you surprised or upset (adj)
Ответ: shocking


Write the word that mean the following.
A company or country that produces goods in large numbers
Ответ: manufacturer ...

Write the word that mean the following.
A company or country that produces goods in large numbers
Ответ: manufacturer


Write the word that mean the following.
To encourage people to like, buy, use, do, or support something (verb)
Otset: endorse ...

Write the word that mean the following.
To encourage people to like, buy, use, do, or support something (verb)
Otset: endorse


Write the word that mean the following.
A person who imagines how something could be made and draws plans for it
Ответ: designer ...

Write the word that mean the following.
A person who imagines how something could be made and draws plans for it
Ответ: designer


Write the word that mean the following.
A person, team, or company that is struggling against others
Ответ: competitor ...

Write the word that mean the following.
A person, team, or company that is struggling against others
Ответ: competitor


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