Spoken English Blog/Website: Learn to speak fluently

Lesson 116: How to talk about a personal loss or death

2011-09-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Nancy: Hey, what' the matter with you? You are looking so down.

Amanda: I had a death in the family.

Nancy: Oh god, I am so sorry. No one told me.

Amanda: I understand. Not many here know about that because I had to go suddenly. I didn't inform Sid either before leaving.

Nancy: She was your....

Amanda: Grandmother. I was too close to her. You know just last week she had called me up.

Nancy: I really feel sorry. You never told me much about her.

Amanda: She was old and had some ailments but didn't know that it would be so sudden. I was planning to go and stay with her for the weekend just when...

Nancy: Was she sick?

Amanda: She was suffering from a serious ailment. For the last couple of days her condition had deteriorated.

Nancy: I can see how much you loved her. Hope she didn't suffer much.

Amanda: Thank you so much for your concern. I am feeling a bit relieved after talking to you.

Lesson 115: Don't worry excessively about improving your English pronunciation

2010-12-28T12:57:00.000-08:00

Correct English pronunciation is important for speakers of the language but excessive focus on it can hurt your pace of learning English. In fact, you shouldn't worry much about what the other person may feel if you mis-pronounce a word.

Always remember that pronunciations differ from region and region and there are different pronunciations which are equally acceptable. Often the pronunciation differs if you walk just 10 km.

It's true that you shouldn't speak too weird and be conscious of it. But if you are worried about every word before you speak it, it will become a stumbling block for you. What is important is that you should be confident and you should spell out.

A couple of words even if you mis-pronounce them won't matter. Everybody does it. A friend of youths from North may utter a word differently than you friend from the South West or the Coast.

There are certain words my friends speak differently. A friend to mine from India always pronounces Rose as Ros and not Roz. Tour can be Toor or Too-ar. The pronunciation of some words change every ten to twenty years and after a phase the old pronunciation again gets in vogue.

And then there are words like schedule that can be spokes as shedule or skedule, depending on the country or state you hail from. Both are acceptable universally. So if you are a learner just don't fret over pronunciation.

Consulting a dictionary is good but all the time if you keep getting worried over the pronunciation aspect, it will hurt your confidence and can confuse you, as there is no limit to debate over right or wrong pronunciation.

So no need to get worked up over it. Just get out of it and speak as it comes. Good luck.

Lesson 114: Don't say 'I can't speak English'

2010-10-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

This blog has now more than 100 free lessons for different situations guiding you to initiate conversation in English, however, I keep getting queries regularly about the most basic things.

My suggestion is that you first read the tips mentioned in the post in the side bar. After reading the 'Seven steps for communicating effectively', 'How to speak English' and the 'Hesitation or fear before speaking', you should make a resolve and do regular practice.

Identify your weakness and work on them. Take the help of the dictionary, listen to talk shows, see dubbed movies with English sub-titles and make it a one point agenda that you would not give up until you master the language.

You don't need to start with long sentence, words and cluster of words are enough to begin with and once the momentum is built, you can surely move ahead. This blog has 114 posts most of which have mock conversations and there is enough for you to learn from it, if you dig in the archives.

If you want to know the usage of even words like 'get' or 'put', kindly see a dictionary that has usage along with meanings, rather than asking this humber blogger. Please excuse me. Pick up a dictionary and help your self. Best of luck.

Lesson 113: Essential Phrases, Idioms & Sentences for Improving Spoken English Skills

2010-08-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

Though English has innumerable phrases and idioms as it is a language that continuously changes and absorbs sentences from cultures across the world, the knowledge of certain phrases is essential for a learner.

For example, when someone says 'It's useless to beat a dead horse' or 'Don't beat a dead horse', it means that you shouldn't do something that will not yield any results. It is just like saying 'pull up socks' which means that you should get ready for a situation.

'Take it with a pinch of salt' is an expression used when someone makes outlandish or bogus claims. Like if a person says something that can't be entirely correct, you tell others to take the person's statement with a pinch of salt.

Similarly, if you don't want someone to tell a secret to others, you can say, 'Don't spill the beans'. About someone who doesn't hesitate in telling truth even in difficult situations when it takes courage or others may feel offended, you can say, 'He calls a spade a spade'.

When you want to say that you will scold someone, you can say 'I will take him to task', or 'I will give him a dressing down'. If you know entire details about a project or you can tell numbers, you can say, 'I have it on my fingertips'.

These are just some examples. Earlier also posts on Idioms and Phrases have been published on this blog. The aim is to give you an understanding about phrases and the fact that you should develop an interest in learning more phrases and retaining them so that you can use them in your conversation.

Find more phrases, learn them through your books and also check in dictionaries. Just be alert when someone uses a phrase. Hopefully you won't get flummoxed and understand the difference between literal and real meaning.

Lesson 112: General English Conversation Practice

2010-07-12T02:53:00.000-07:00

Apart from official and serious conversation, a learner often has trouble in the basic and day-to-day situations. It may appear childish to some of you but the fact remains that one needs to talk more about mundane matters like the following lesson about rains for better fluency.

Betty: Oh god, you are drenched.
Joy: Ya, didn't have a clue...that it will rain.

Betty: We will talk later....first you go inside and change else you may catch cold. Hurry up and take the towel....
Joy: Okay dear

Betty: Why didn't you take umbrella...after all....there were dark clouds since morning....last night also there were showers
Joy: It was just a drizzle in the beginning and I thought I would just take a walk down the road but when the showers came, there was no place to hide...and I couldn't find any taxi

Betty: Hope you don't get fever. Remember our plan for Sunday, we've to go to airport to receive Mark's family.
Joy: Oh come on......once in a while there is no harm in getting wet.....after all everyone should get a feel of the season. It's good also for health...
Betty: Bravo. But I have heard the sneezes.

Lesson 111: Conversation between colleagues at office [Sample Spoken English Tutorial]

2010-04-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Jim: May I ask you something...if you don't mind
Graham: Do I ever mind?

Jim: I know you don't.
Graham: Then shoot. What bugs you man!

Jim: I was just curious. The other day I saw you at the Central Club.
Graham: Ya, I went there because I like those guys.

Jim: That's fine. But I never thought you were political.
Graham: What's the big deal about that! Don't you ever go to political functions or rallies?

Jim: Buddy, that was a right-wing group. Do you think our management would approve of it.
Graham: Bloody hell. Do I care? I haven't joined the party. Can't I even visit a place of my choice?

Jim: I know, you can. You may even join them. I was just concerned because this guy at the top you know, he is quite sensistive to such things....and about guys who are political.....because of our business that concerns....
Graham: Frankly, the company has no business to poke its nose in my personal affairs. If someone asks me, I will even join them formally.

Jim: I didn't mean to bother you. Being your colleague, I thought I should...you know...I am not a nosey guy.....just concerned about you....I didn't mean to bother you. Please forget it....
Graham: Come on. I am least bothered. Let's have coffee.

Lesson 110: Conversation at a beauty parlour [Spoken English]

2010-01-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

Ruth: It's been sometime since I have been to parlour.
Kim: Is it!

Ruth: Must have been a month. I could not keep my appointment which was for last week due to my preoccupation at work.
Kim: Yeah, this week had been quite hectic for us at office.

Ruth: My nails need care, got to get manicure and pedicure done. And also my hair...
Kim: Then you go today itself after office. Don't postpone it any further.

Ruth: I'll take appointment from my beautitan now only. Would you like to come along.
Kim: No. I just went last week so I don't need to get anything done.

Ruth: Ok then you manage here at the office. Bye
Kim: Ok sure...take care....see you in the evening.

Lesson 109: Conversing about children's admission in school

2009-09-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

In continuation with our past posts where we randomly post sample conversations for your advantage, here is another mock chat between two women who are discussing about putting their kids in the school.

Mary: Anne will be starting her school from next year.
Ruby: Ya, Jane will also go to school. She is already three.

Mary: Which school do you plan to approach for her admission?
Ruby: Frankly, I don't know. After pre-school, it's a tough choice.

Mary: I prefer missionary schools.
Ruby: Ya, there is discipline

Mary: Not just that. They teach well and proficiency is language is a priority.
Ruby: I was thinking about them but there is a public school close to our house and my husband says...what's the big deal about a kid's education. If the child has an inclination, he or she will excel in any school.

Mary: Somehow I don't have a very good opinion about these public schools. There should be all-round personality development.
Ruby: I am not losing sleep over Jane's admission. There is still time. We will think over it.

Lesson 108: Conversation about colleagues in office

2009-07-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

Here is a sample conversation among two staff members in an eduational institute. They talk about the new academic session and the work load. This post comes after a long break. However, I will make amends and intend to write posts more regularly in future.

Rita: Is the work chart for this semester ready?
Maria: You mean, timetable, ya....the Head gave me today only.

Rita: Is there any change?
Maria: You won't love it. The work load has increased.

Rita: What! It has increased.
Maria: Actually, there are more classes this year. And the sections have also increased. So we are bound to take more classes.

Rita: Haven't they appointed others?
Maria: Yeah, you will soon meet our new colleagues. There are three new persons and that includes two ladies.

Rita: I really wonder if they have taken five new people, how the hell the work load is increased? I mean, that really beats me.
Maria: As I told you, there are more classes. Richard is sick and two of our staff members are leaving. So there isn't any major difference in strength.

Rita: I see. Seems there is no relief for us again. The place sucks. Don't you think!
Maria: Nope. I think it's fairly okay. At other places it's even worse. So forget it...what about a walk to the canteen.

Rita: Sure. I don't mind. I need a coffee.
Maria: Let's go.

Lesson 107: Social conversation at a function

2009-04-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

When you are attending a social event, a function or ceremony, you interact with a lot of people. Some of them are close friends, others are neighbours, some of acquaintances and a few are those whom you meet for the first time. Mostly it's general talk but this sort of conversation is no less important. Here is a sample conversation.

Sheila: Hey, Monica it's ages since we met.
Monica: Wow Sheila nice to see you. You look so pretty

Sheila: Come on. You haven't changed a bit. As gorgeous as always. Where were you?
Monica: I didn't go anywhere. But yes we are meeting after a long time.

Sheila: I think we last met at Jo's party. If memory serves me right.
Monica: Oh yes. Now I remember. Excellent memory.

Sheila: Hey you have seen the bride!
Monica: Ya, sure...isn't she beautiful.

Sheila: I feel she has layers of makeup...she didn't need it
Monica: But I think she doesn't look odd.

Sheila: My hubby is calling me. I think the food is ready.
Monica: Ya, let's go.

Lesson 106: Talking on telephone [Spoken English Mock Lessons]

2009-04-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

A sample conversation between two persons on telephone has been posted below.

X: Hello, can I speak to Rebecca please?
Y: Just a moment please. I'll see if she's in.

X: It's urgent.
Y: I'm sorry she is out. Would you like to leave a message?

X: Can I have her cell phone number?
Y: Sure. It's nine two one seven seven....

X: I didn't quite catch the number. Could you say it again please.
X: No problem. Here I repeat.
Y: Thanks

[When the person is present.
X: Can I speak to Rebecca
Y: Let me see if she's around. Will you hold on?

X: Sure...I'm waiting
Y: She is in canteen. I'll just get her.
X: Thank you so much]

For past lessons on 'How to speak on phone' and 'Telephonic conversation' read the earlier posts here and here.

Lesson 105: How to talk about future activity?

2009-03-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

It is a common query from the non-native English speakers, who want to know how to speak about an activity in future.

Like the future course of action of some other person or an activity which they are sure of completing by next week, month or day. If you are sure that you will finish a book which you are reading by month-end, you can say it like:

I will have finished reading this book by month end.

Some other examples:

My tests will have finished by September 15th. So we can plan this journey after that.

I will have revised my entire course twice by then.

Here we gave you a few examples of future activity. Grammatically you call it Future Perfect Tense. But there is no need to remember tenses and their names, just learn how to spell out your thoughts about future, with the help of these examples.

The lorry will have left.

He is a stingy guy. He will have saved 100 dollars by the end of this semester.

Now if you think that you would be continuing with that activity (not finished by that time in future) then it's equally easy:

This time next Monday I will be repairing this cycle.
Or
In July I will have been studying in this institute for three years.

Lesson 104: Idioms used in spoken English

2009-02-06T02:50:00.000-08:00

Idioms are an important part of spoken English, just as they are in any other language. You don't need to know all of them but certainly the knowledge of the basic idioms is necessary.

They spice up conversation and add beauty to the language. However, it is not advisable to use idioms frequently and unnecessarily just to show your knowledge of idioms.

1. Their director always talks down to them. [Here talk down means a person talking to others in a derogatory manner]

2. George is a bit of an odd-ball. [He is a strange person, describing weirdness or his actions and style which you find unusual]

3. I just ran the programme in front of you and still you didn't notice!
"I'm really sorry, I was miles away. [Saying miles away, the person says that his thoughts had wandered and he wasn't able to concentrate as his mind was away then]

4. Tilden is on Cloud Nine these days. His father has gifted him that car. [On Cloud Nine means extreme happiness, almost a situation of bliss]

5. My wife is just a bit under the weather. I guess she needs some rest or may be a pill but no need to go to the doctor. [When you say that you are a bit under the weather, you mean that the impact of weather has made you ill, or because of it you aren't exactly well]

6. The moment Robert made that comment about my writing skills, I knew he was trying to butter me up. [Praising excessively with an ulterior motive or a sycophantic nature]

7. That's Bob's habit. To pick holes in whatever I do. And I know it for long. [Criticising].

8. They charged us 50 bucks for that burger. It was a real rip-off. [You can also say when you are cheated or over-charged like 'The driver ripped us off'.

5. Camilla has a heart of gold. [Someone who is kind, generous, harbours no ill will for others]

Lesson 103: Talking about plane journey

2009-01-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

Colin: Where was Tim going?
Jim: He was going to Paris.

Colin: Oh I see. What was the flight time?
Jim: The flight was at 10:30 so there was no problem as we had left home quite early.

Colin: Have you ever been to Paris?
Jim: I have never been there. But yes I hope to go there some day.
Not just because I would like to see Eiffel Tower but because I like the French people and their culture.

Colin: How long is the flying time from here?
Jim: Almost eight hours.

Colin: So he must be home by now.
Jim: Of course he is. The moment he reached there, he called us and told us that he had arrived safely.

Lesson 102: Talking on phone

2008-12-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

One of the queries we most often get is about telephonic conversation and the hesitation in responding over phone. 'How to speak on telephone (in English), is the commonest question.

Though it should be comparatively easier to talk on phone as the person is not in front of you and those who are low on confidence should find it easier.

But somehow it's the other way round. English learners are ill at ease when they receive a phone call. That's why I have come up with this post.

When you call someone you can ask for him in any of the following ways:

Is Tom there? /May I speak to Tom please? /Can I speak to Tom?

The answers can be: Sure, just a moment/ I'm sorry, he is not around/ Can you please call after 5 minutes/ He is on leave today/ Hold on I'll see if he is in/ He is out at the moment, do you want to leave a message? / Yes, I'll just get him/ I'm afraid the line is busy, do you want to hold?.

At the end of the conversation, you can politely say:

I'd better go now. I have to go to my music class/ See you then...Goodbye/ Ok then I'll call you again/ That was a nice conversation let's catch up over phone some other day/ I'll give you a ring tomorrow....

Mock conversation over telephone

Jim: Hi Chris
Chris: Oh Jim, nice to hear your voice after a long time
Jim: So you recognised me
Chris: Of course.
Jim: I just thought that we haven't spoken for a long time so...
Chris: That's so nice of you to remember me. I thought but....my laziness...
Jim: I know...(laughs) ...are you free tonight?
Chris: Sure....you want me to come over.
Jim: Hello? Are you there?
Chris: I can hear you
Jim: Oh..I thought I lost you....
Chris: Nah...the line works fine...I'll be at your place.
Jim: Ok done. See you in two hours.

In the past we have published sample conversations on telephonic English, which you can find here.

The Century: Thoughts on hundred posts on Spoken English on this blog

2008-11-30T11:49:00.001-08:00

It is satisfying for me to have completed hundred posts on this blog as when I started it, I didn't have a faint idea that it would go this far.

The aim was to help those people who want to have a basic idea of spoken English, which is much different from the written and bookish English used in Asia and other countries where English is not the first language.

Famous website Pakspectator has interviewed me. Click to read the interview. It's a coincidence that it happens when this blog has a hundred posts. I thank the website and feel myself honoured.

Meanwhile, the readers can keep writing. I plan to write a series of posts on nuances of spoken English as also the beauty of English language in future. Keep suggesting the kind of posts you expect on the blog in future.

Lesson 100: Spoken English Practice Conversation [Talking about toothache and going to dentist]

2008-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Steve: For past few days I was having severe toothache
Jo: That is very bad....Did you consult a dentist?

Steve: Yeah....I had been to the doctor...He advised me to undergo for root canal treatment.
Jo: That's a lengthy and painful process.

Steve: Even I heard this from some of my friends
Jo: So what do you plan now

Steve: I feel it's better to get that tooth extracted and finish the trouble for once and all.
Jo: Ultimately that only has to happen sooner or later

Steve: It's the least painful thing and also cheapest
Jo: If you feel so do it as soon as possible so that you are fit and back to work.

Lesson 99: Spoken English Test Lesson

2008-11-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Edna: You know today we went to the market.
Kim: I felt that you must be away. Actually I had called on your landline in the evening but there was no response.

Edna: We went out at around 6 and were back by 9 pm.
Kim: What did you buy?

Edna: Nothing. In fact we did not have anything to buy. We were just doing window shopping.
Kim: Yeah, Sometimes even window shopping is great fun.

Edna: For me, it boosts my spirits. Whenever I feel low, I go out simply. I enjoy going to the malls.
Kim: Ya people say that the atmosphere is good in the malls but I feel it's the same shopping mall. I prefer to stay home and buy things from a quaint little store.

Lesson 98: English conversation practice

2008-11-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Mark: Hey, the D-day is soon approaching. What are your preparations for the marriage?
Jose: I can't tell you how tense I am.

Mark: Just don't worry...everything will pass off well.
Jose: Jut praying for it. You tell everyone from your family is going to attend the wedding.

Mark: Of course. yeah. The are all excited and looking forward for the occasion.
Jose: Mom and Dad are worried. They feel if Aunt Rachael comes, they will have lot of moral support.

Mark: She will be there well in advance. I am always around and don't worry.
Jose: Thank you so much. Nice to hear that. I am really banking upon you.

Lesson 97: Discussions in the office

2008-10-17T02:23:00.000-07:00

Ted: You look tense these days. Is there any problem at work or some personal issues bothering you?
Arthur: No, at personal front every thing is fine. People around me here in the office are troublesome at times.

Ted: Why, what happened? Did the boss say something?
Arthur: Ah...actually that day something happened....at lunch we were talking about the boss and I made a few remarks. It was all casual....fun...I mean.

Ted: So! What's the big deal. Everybody keeps joking all the time.
Arthur: Yeah we do...but that day somebody among us told the boss how we were making fun of him. And he is no mad at me. Though he hasn't said anything directly to me but I can make out.

Ted: Forget it. That happens in every office. All bosses know that sub-ordinates do make fun at their expense.
Arthur: I think we should be more cautious now. There are some people who carry tales to the higher ups. Just to impress the boss and score brownie points.

Ted: That's not right. Do you know the mole?
Arthur: I am close to. The boss' PA gave me a hint but let's be careful. All our colleagues are not as innocent now.

Lesson 96: Talking to neighbour about a journey

2008-10-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

Brian: Hello, for the past few days I saw lock at your door. It seens you people been out of station for a while.
Tim: Yeah, we had been to our parents' place for the festival.

Brian: Must have been a good trip. Did you have great time?
Tim: It was good and would have been great but for the weather.

Brian: Why? Was the weather bad there?
Tim: Yes, it was very hot. Humidity was also quite high and the electric supply is not regular in the rural area, as you know.

Brian: I have heard about them. It seems power cuts are a regular affair in rural areas. Nobody can help it.
Tim: Above all the mosquitoes made our lives hell. I mean you put together all these things, it was terrible experience. Of course, there was a family reunion and despite all this we enjoyed.

Brian: I guess you didn't plan the trip well.
Tim: You are right. The next time we will avoid the season. Winters are best for the place as you don't need to worry too much about power cuts.

Lesson 95: How to talk about future activities and actions

2008-10-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

For the learners of English it is often confusing, how to speak about things that are likely to happen in future. It's not that tough but voluminous grammar books that have large chapters on tenses, only end up confusing the students.

Here are a few sentences that will make it clear to you, how to speak about future. Hopefully, on the basis of these examples, you can speak in any situation when you have to talk about your future plans or any other impending act.

I will give her the message as soon as I see her.
[...note: don't say ....as soon as I will see her.....it is a common mistake, you have already said in the beginning of the sentence that ..'I will... and you don't need to use it again]

If you start right now, you will reach by 8 pm.
[...note: don't say that 'if you will start...']

Now a list of a few chosen situations:

*The ambulance will come whenever it is called.
*John will come to bat when this over comes to an end.
*You will never save any money if you are so extravagant.

When you want to predict what a person would be doing in future or what will be going on:

*When I get home, my wife will probably be watching the soap opera on TV.
*We shall be waiting for her when she returns home.
*Her parents will be waiting at the airport to welcome her.
&
*Mary will have been living in Paris for five years by the end of this month.
*When Mike gets his BA degree, he will have been studying at the University for five years.
*You will hae been learning Frenh for two years by the end of this semester.

You can also see the post about Twenty special sentences for a similar practice. It will help clarify it furthe to you.

Lesson 94: College students' conversation

2008-09-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Rachel: Hey Jim! So you are hiding here!
Jim: Who will I hide from? I just got bored there in the class.

Rachel: I saw you slip out.
Jim: Ya, I needed some air. But you could have given me a ring.

Rachel: We thought that you will go to the cafe.
Jim: I got there but the gang was not there...and I came to the library. I had to return the books.

Rachel: So let's move now. All of them will join us there soon.
Jim: Will they come there right after lunch?

Rachel: Of course, Mary is throwing a party, how can you forget.
Jim: I thought that was a joke.

Rachel: Not at all. She is ready and then we can all go to her place and watch movie.
Jim: Sounds fun.
Rachel: So stop making faces, let's go.

Lesson 93: Describing people & their peculiarities

2008-09-01T10:01:00.001-07:00

As you learn the language, your vocabulary also grows. There are words to describe people and their idiosyncracies. If a relative is stingy and doesn't like to spend money, you won't call the person 'parsimonious', which is a bookish word rather you can call the person 'tight-fisted'.

So there are several ways to describe the people around. They include your friends, colleagues, boss, sub-ordinates and other unique persons. Keep adding these words to your vocabulary. Let's see a few examples:

He is blunt. But once you get to know him closely you will find that he is a great fellow, just a bit too straight-forward.

She is rather pushy. I have worked with her in the same office. [Here pushy means a person who is more assertive, having lot of ambition and could be aggressive if someone came in her way]

I know Anne, she is nice but ...except that she is tight-fisted (thrifty). Her mother, I know, was the opposite. Too generous and of course, a very principled lady who helped the needy

Arrogant! Many feel that he is arrogant but that's a wrong impression. He is a bit reserve but no way you can call him self-centred. He is a gem of person and very kind indeed.

Uncle John is a short-tempered man, I do agree. He may not talk much but Uncle is a sensible person, who is never illogical. Yes, he hates those who waste his time.

What I really like about Peterson is that he is so successful but still a down-to-earth man. That's a rare quality. Despite the name and fame, he is a humble person.

Kevin was always bold as a kid but Tom never dared to go out alone. He is still faint-hearted, can't go out in dark. Ali is quiet and loves his solitude.

Now there are innumerable such words. But you need the most important, essential and really useful words. We have made a list of 65 such words (adjectives) that will help you in your endeavour. Click to Read them.

Lesson 92: Special sentences for Spoken English learners

2008-09-01T09:52:00.001-07:00

This blog deals with the problem of non-native English learners. That's why we also present sentences used occasionally in speech to increase their confidence. The aim is not that they should cram these phrases or word-units but understand them to gain in confidence and steadily build their own vocabulary.

1. When I move to Paris, I'll have to find a large house.

2. When I'm rich and famous, I'll buy a Chevrolet for my personal use.

3. Once I've finished my internship, I'll apply for the job.

4. As I was driving to my office, I saw the new construction.

5. You'll get to the main square, which ever way you take.

6. By the time I retire, I will have worked in this office for 30 years.

7. We bathed in the sea everyday when we were on holiday.

8. I bathed the baby this morning.

9. How did you get that puncture in your tyre?

10. I rode over some glass /There was glass on the road.

11. He always has sneezing fits in this season.

12. I think it is unhealthy to repress one's emotions too much.

13. He buttoned up his jacket because the wind was getting cooler.

14. If you have a sore throat try gargling with some salt water.

15. Jim and Daisy have broken up.

16. I have fallen out with my pop. (That means: I had argument with my father)