October 27 2005

I don't care (overused)
good substitutes:
a) It's not important if + S + V or not.
b)

1. the new class rules. pay attention!

-- answer questions without passing
-- learn how to properly ask questions about meaning and spelling
-- don't complain about vocabulary! ask the meaning of words you don't understand
-- ability to politely say the teacher and other students are incorrect
-- tolerant: be willing to respect other's opinions
-- having secrets but being willing to talk openly
-- respect others' talk time and not overrun the class,
unless you involve others in your conversation
-- talk mostly to other students to prohibit monologuing
-- avoid certain language: "at that time", "in my case"

2.
jokes about true love?

3. idioms
(a - m)

1. in one's spare time: in one's free or extra time, when one doesn't have to do something else

I've been fixing cars in my free time.
my wife can't do anything in her spare time. Housework and the kids keep her busy all day long.

b) in other words: said in another way, the same thing in different words

Listen, I forgot my wallet at home and I don't have the money. In other words, could you pay the bill?
He told you he wants to spend the rest of his life with you? in other words, he asked you to marry him?

c) in plain English: in words that are easy to understand

Okay, I didn't understand you. Could you tell me in plain english?
Jon's conversations are too confusing. I wish he would use plain English.

d) in the long run: over a long period of time

Millions of soldiers everywhere have died in the line of duty.
Nate did things he did not like doing in the line of duty.

e) in the mood for.

I'm in the mood to go dancing tonight.
Harry said his wife is never in the mood, and I replied,
"maybe she doesn't find you attractive anymore."

f) in a jam == in a fix: to be in a bad, difficult, or dangerous situation

Joey knew he was in a fixs when the loan shark threatened to break his legs unless he paid back the loan.

Hmm ... we don't have any fuel left in the heater? We certainly are in a fix now.

g) to be into something: to enjoy being involved in something, having joined some activity

Tim is into baking only because he wants to impress women. (is that wrong?)
I want to get into that country club, but they won't accept just anybody, so I'm probably out of luck.

h) judging by something: using evidence from something to judge something else; considering something

Judging by the look on your face, I'd say you didn't get the job, huh...

I thought it would be easy to solve this crossword puzzle, but judging by the first problem, I might be wrong.

i) jump at the chance == to jump at the opportunity

When I was asked if I wanted to take a job which allowed me to travel every week to china,
I jumped at the opportunity.

When Roger asked Jill to go dancing with her, she jumped at the opportunity.

j) just for the heck of it : just because , for no particular reason

Hey, for the heck of it, let's go see a movie tonight

Priscilla said that last weekend she and her boyfriend drove to Boston just for the heck of it.

I'm studying English just for the heck of it.

k) keep at it: continue doing or trying to do something

I know studying English is very difficult, but if you keep at it, it will get easier.

Martha said that she's going to keep at the piano until she can play very well.

l) keep somebody company: to hang out and spend time with somebody

He kept his grandmother company a few times during the week.

m) keep one's word: to keep one's promise

Of course, I'll give you the money next week. You know, I always keep my word.

We can trust Debbie to meet us on time. She always keeps her word.