Archive for January, 2014
Posted by englishlessons on January 27, 2014
Definition:
buy a lot of something that you plan to use later
Examples:
A storm is forecast, so people are stocking up on emergency supplies.
The coffee was on sale, so he decided to stock up.
Picture it:
Picture adding to your stock or supply of something
TOEFL® Tip:
Note that “stock up” is a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are included on the TOEFL® test as they are so frequent in English.
Slideshows:
AmEnglish.com Programs:
Improve your fluency in English. Check out all 17 English Language Training Programs from AmEnglish.com
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in Blogroll, idioms, Partners, Products, pronunciation, TOEIC Tip | Tagged: AmEnglish.com, ELL, english language learners, Idioms in English from AmEnglish.com, listening comprehension, Phrasal verbs, Pronunciation in English from AmEnglish.com, Stock up, TOEFL, vocabulary, Writing in English from AmEnglish.com | Leave a Comment »
Posted by englishlessons on January 20, 2014
Definition:
emerge forcefully from a restrictive condition or situation*
Examples:
After a period of slow growth, economists expect business investment could break out next quarter.
That team finally broke out of their slump and won their next game.
*Note: We also use this word to talk about a skin condition. He broke out in a rash after touching the poison oak as he’s allergic to the plant.
Picture it:
Picture a tiger breaking out of its cage.
TOEFL® Tip:
Note that “break out” is a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are included on the TOEFL® test as they are so frequent in English.
Slideshows:
AmEnglish.com Programs:
Improve your fluency in English. Check out all 17 English Language Training Programs from AmEnglish.com
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in Blogroll, idioms, Partners, Products, pronunciation, TOEIC Tip | Tagged: AmEnglish.com, Break out, ELL, english language learners, idioms, Idioms in English from AmEnglish.com, Pronunciation in English from AmEnglish.com, TOEFL, TOEIC, vocabulary, Writing in English from AmEnglish.com | Leave a Comment »
Posted by englishlessons on January 13, 2014
Definition:
decrease in intensity/strength
Examples:
We advised him to dial back his anger. He needs to control his temper in meetings.
Her sales approach is too aggressive. She needs to dial it back a bit.
Picture it:
Picture moving the dial back on a control panel to reduce the volume.
TOEFL® Tip:
Note that “dial back” is a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are included on the TOEFL® test as they are so frequent in English.
Slideshows:
AmEnglish.com Programs:
Improve your fluency in English. Check out all 17 English Language Training Programs from AmEnglish.com
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in Blogroll, idioms, Partners, Products, pronunciation, TOEIC Tip | Tagged: AmEnglish.com, Dial back, ELL, english language learners, idioms, Idioms in English, listening comprehension, Pronunciation in English from AmEnglish.com, TOEFL, TOEIC, vocabulary, Writing in English from AmEnglish.com | Leave a Comment »
Posted by englishlessons on January 8, 2014
Definition:
reduce a problem to its essentials
Examples:
The problem boiled down to a disagreement over privacy rights.
We had number of arguments over the years and everything finally boiled down to one issue.
Picture it:
Picture boiling down a liquid so that it becomes more concentrated.
TOEFL® Tip:
Note that “boiled down” is a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are included on the TOEFL® test as they are so frequent in English.
Slideshows:
AmEnglish.com Programs:
Improve your fluency in English. Check out all 17 English Language Training Programs from AmEnglish.com
Like this:
Like Loading...
Posted in Blogroll, idioms, Partners, Products, pronunciation, Uncategorized | Tagged: AmEnglish.com, Boil down, ELL, english language learners, idioms, Idioms in English from AmEnglish.com, listening comprehension, Pronunciation in English from AmEnglish.com, TOEFL, TOEFL Listening Practice, vocabulary, Writing in English from AmEnglish.com | Leave a Comment »