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all1
S1
W1 /:l $ :l/
1
the whole of an amount, thing, or type of thing:
Have you done all your homework?
all your life/all day/all year etc (=during the whole of your life, a day, a year etc)
He had worked all his life in the mine.
The boys played video games all day.
They were quarrelling all the time (=very often or continuously).
Hannah didn't say a single word
all the way
back home (=during the whole of the
journey).
all of
Almost all of the music was from Italian operas.
I've heard it all before.
She'd given up all hope of having a child.
2
every one of a number of people or things, or every thing or person of a particular
type:
Someone's taken all my books!
Will all the girls please stand over here.
All children should be taught to swim.
16 per cent of all new cars sold in Western Europe these days are diesel-engined.
They all speak excellent English.
all of
important changes that will affect all of us
3
the only thing or things:
All you need is a hammer and some nails.
All I'm asking for is a little respect.
4
formal everything:
I'm doing all I can to help her.
I hope all is well with you.
All was dark and silent down by the harbour wall.
5
used to emphasize that you mean the greatest possible amount of the quality you
are mentioning:
Can any of us say in all honesty that we did everything we could?
6 at all used in negative statements and questions to emphasize what you are saying:
They've done nothing at all to try and put the problem right.
He's not looking at all well.
'Do you mind if I stay a little longer?' 'No, not at all.'
Has the situation improved at all?
7 all sorts/kinds/types of something many different kinds of something:
Social workers have to deal with all kinds of problems.
8 of all people/things/places etc
used to emphasize that your statement is true of one
particular person, thing, or place more than any other:
You shouldn't have done it. You of all people should know that.
She did not want to quarrel with Maria today, of all days.
9 all in all
used to show that you are considering every part of a situation:
All in all, it had been one of the most miserable days of Henry's life.
10 for all something in spite of a particular fact:
For all his faults, he's a kind-hearted old soul.
For all my love of landscape, nothing could persuade me to spend another day in the
Highlands.
11 in all
including every thing or person:
In all, there were 215 candidates.
We received 1550 in cash and promises of another 650, making 2200 in all.
12 and all
a) including the thing or things just mentioned:
They ate the whole fish - head, bones, tail, and all.
b) spoken
informal
used to emphasize a remark that you have just added:
And you can take that smelly old coat out of here, and all!
13 all of 50p/20 minutes etc spoken used to emphasize how large or small an amount
actually is:
The game lasted all of 58 seconds.
The repairs are going to cost all of 15,000.
14 it's all or nothing used to say that unless something is done completely, it is not
acceptable:
Half-heartedness won't do - it's got to be all or nothing.
15 give your all
to make the greatest possible effort in order to achieve something:
The coach expects every player to give their all in every game.
16 it was all I could do to do something
used to say that you only just succeeded in
doing something:
It was all I could do to stop them hitting each other.
17 when all's said and done spoken used to remind someone about an important point
that needs to be considered:
When all's said and done, he's only a kid.
all2
adverb
all2
S1
W1
1 [always + adjective/adverb/preposition] completely:
You shouldn't be sitting here by yourself, all alone.
a strange woman, dressed all in black
If people want more freedom of choice, then I'm
all for it (=I strongly support it).
'It was a dreadful experience.' 'Never mind, it's
all over (=completely finished)
now.'
2 all over (something)
a) everywhere on an object or surface:
There were bits of paper all over the floor.
He has cuts all over his legs.
She ached all over (=her whole body ached).
b) everywhere in a place:
Antique clocks from all over the world are on display.
People came from all over the country.
They're putting up new offices all over the place.
3 all the better/easier/more etc
used to emphasize how much better, easier etc
something is than it would be in a different situation:
Clayton's achievement is all the more remarkable when you consider his poor
performance last season.
The job was made all the easier by having the proper tools.
4 all but
almost completely:
Britain's coal industry has all but disappeared.
His left arm was all but useless.
5 all too
used to mean 'very' when talking about a bad situation:
All too often it's the mother who gets blamed for her children's behaviour.
In these conditions it was all too easy to make mistakes.
6 all along
informal
all the time from the beginning while something was
happening:
Chapman had known all along that the plan wouldn't work.
We had to admit that Dad had been right all along.
7 one all/two all etcDS
used when giving the score of a game in which both players
or teams have scored the same number of points:
The game ended one-all.
8 all told
including everything or everyone:
a project costing 10,000, all told
9 it's all up (with somebody) informal
British English
used to say that
someone's success or happiness has ended:
If someone tells the police, then it'll be all up with me.
10 be not all there
informal
someone who is not all there seems stupid or
slightly crazy
11 be all smiles/innocence/sweetness etc
to be showing a lot of a particular quality or
type of behaviour:
The mayor and mayoress were all smiles and kisses during the grand ceremony.
12 be all over somebody
informal
to be trying to kiss someone and touch them,
especially in a sexual way:
Before I could speak, he was all over me.
13
spoken very:
You're getting me all confused.
14
spoken that's somebody all over
used to say that a particular way of behaving
is typical of someone:
He was late of course, but that's Tim all over!
15
spoken be all in
British English
to be very tired
16
spoken somebody was all ... American English
used to report what someone
said or did, when telling a story:
He drove me home, and he was all, 'I love this car ... it's like a rocket.'
17
spoken not all that
not very:
It doesn't sound all that good, does it?
I don't think it matters all that much.
18
spoken somebody/something is not all that used to say that someone or
something is not very attractive or desirable:
I don't know why you keep chasing her around. She's not all that.
and
conjunction
and
S1
W1 /nd, n; strong nd/
1
used to join two words, phrases etc referring to things that are related in some
way:
He's gone to get some fish and chips.
The film starred Jack Lemmon and Shirley Maclaine.
We've dealt with items one, two, and eleven.
He was tall, dark and handsome.
He plays the guitar and sings folk songs.
She didn't speak to anyone and nobody spoke to her.
2
used to say that one action or event follows another:
Sit down and tell me all about it.
She picked up the kitten and put it in the box.
He knocked on the door and went in.
You'll have to wait and see what happens.
3
used to say that something is caused by something else:
I missed supper and I'm starving!
She fell downstairs and broke her leg.
4
used when adding numbers:
Six and four is ten.
5
especially British English
used after verbs such as 'go', 'come', and 'try' to
show what your intention is:
Shall we go and have a cup of coffee?
I'll see if I can try and persuade her to come.
6
spoken used to introduce a statement, remark, question etc:
And now I'd like to introduce our next speaker, Mrs Thompson.
'She's getting married in June.' 'And who's the lucky man?'
7
used between repeated words to emphasize what you are saying:
More and more people are losing their jobs.
We waited for hours and hours!
That was years and years ago.
We ran and ran.
8
a) used before saying the part of a large number which is less than 100:
a hundred and four
five hundred and seventy-six
by the year two thousand and ten
b) used when saying a number which consists of a whole number followed by a
fraction:
three and three-quarters
in about two and a half hours' time
five and a quarter per cent
9
used between repeated plural nouns to say that some things of a particular kind
are much better than others:
'They said this guy was an expert.' 'Yes, but there are experts and experts.'
10 and?
spoken used when you want someone to add something to what they have
just said:
'I'm sorry.' 'And?' 'And I promise it won't happen again.'
any1
determiner, pronoun
any1 S1
W1 /"eni/
1 [usually in questions and negatives]
some or even the smallest amount or
number:
Have you got any money?
Do you need any further information?
any of
Are any of the paintings for sale?
They didn't invite any of us.
Are there
any other
questions?
They haven't shown any
interestat all in my research.
The universities have shown few if any
signs of a willingness to change.
2
used to refer to a person or thing of a particular type when what you are saying is
true of all people or things of that type:
Any child who breaks the rules will be punished.
Always check the details carefully before you sign any written agreement.
I can see you any time on Monday.
If I can help in any way, let me know.
any of
You can choose any of the books on the list.
This excuse was as good as any other.
3
as much as possible:
They're going to need any help they can get.
4 not just any (old) man/woman/job etc
used to say that someone or something is
special:
She's not just any actress, she's one of the best.
any2
adverb
as1
preposition, adverb
as1
S1
W1 /z; strong z/
1
used when you are comparing two people, things, situations etc
as ... as
Tom's not as old as you, is he?
an old woman with hair as white as snow
Some of the doctors are paid almost twice as much as the nurses.
We work as hard as any other team in England.
Please let me know your decision
as soon as possible (=as soon as you can).
His last album sold half a million copies and we hope this one will be
just as
(=equally)
popular.
2
used to say what job, duty, use, or appearance someone or something has:
As a parent, I feel that more should be done to protect our children.
A flat stone was used as a table.
Dad dressed up as Santa Claus.
3
used to say what someone thinks or says a person or thing is:
The problem is regarded as serious.
The result of last week's election will be seen as a victory for the right-wing government.
He's described as being in his late teens, tall, and of slim build.
4
when someone was in a particular age group:
As a young man, Eliot had studied art in Paris.
I'll take you to all the places I loved as a girl.
such as at such (2) as one at one2 (16)WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
as, like, as if Use as in comparisons in the expression as ... as, with an adjective or
adverb in between
Basketball is as popular as football here. He can't read as well
as his classmates.as is also used in the expressions not so .... as and the same (...) as
I wouldn't go so far as that. He is the same age as me. Use like
in
comparisons followed by a noun
A movie is not like a book (NOT not as a book).
Like other people (NOT as other people), he values his privacy. Use as if
followed by a clause to compare a real situation with an imaginary situation
He talked to them as if they were children.!!
Some people use like in this
sort of comparison
They act like they own the place. It is better not to do this as
many people think it is incorrect.!!as if cannot be followed directly by a noun
You
treat them as if they were your parents (NOT as if your parents).
as2
conjunction
as2
S1
W1
1
used in comparisons
as ... as
They want peace as much as we do.
Helen comes to visit me as often as she can.
I can't run as fast as I used to.
2XX in the way that someone says or that something happens, or in the condition
something is in:
Do as I say!
We'd better leave things as they are until the police arrive.
The money was repaid, as promised.
He did not need to keep moving house, as his father had.
Roberta was late
as usual (=in the way that she usually was).
3
used to say that what you are saying is already known or has been stated before:
David, as you know, has not been well lately.
As I explained on the phone, your request will be considered at the next meeting.
As Napoleon once said, attack is the best method of defence.
4
while or when:
I saw Peter as I was getting off the bus.
As time passed, things seemed to get worse.
Just as the two men were leaving, a message arrived.
5
used to state why a particular situation exists or why someone does something:
As it was getting late, I turned around to start for home.
We asked Philip to come with us, as he knew the road.
6
though:
Unlikely as it might seem, I'm tired too.
Try as she might, Sue couldn't get the door open.
As popular as he is, the President hasn't always managed to have his own way.
7 as for somebody/something used when you are starting to talk about someone or
something new that is connected with what you were talking about before:
Kitty's got so thin. And as for Carl, he always seems to be ill.
You can ask the others, but as for myself, I'll be busy in the office.
8 as yet [used in negatives] until and including the present time - used to say that
something has not happened although it may happen in the future:
We've had no word from Colin as yet.
9 as if.../as though...
a) in a way that makes it seem that something is true or that something is happening:
It sounds as though she's been really ill.
Gary was behaving as though nothing had happened.
Mrs Crump looked as if she was going to explode.
Beckworth shook his head as if to say 'Don't trust her'.
b) used to emphasize that something is not true or will not happen:
She said she'd never speak to me again. As if I cared (=I do not care at all).
ask1
verb
ask1 S1
W1 /:sk $ sk/
1question [intransitive and transitive]to speak or write to someone in order to get an
answer, information, or a solution:
'What's your name?' she asked.
Don't ask him - he won't know.
That kid's always
asking awkward
questions.
ask who/what/where etc
I asked him where he lived.
ask somebody something
We'll have to ask someone the way to the station.
ask somebody if/whether
Go and ask Tom whether he's coming tonight.
ask (somebody) about something
Visitors usually ask about the history of the castle.
ask around (=ask in a lot of places or ask a lot of people)
I'll ask around, see if I can find you a place to stay.
2for help/advice etc [intransitive and transitive]
to make a request for help, advice,
information etc:
If you need anything, you only have to ask.
ask somebody to do something
Ask John to mail those letters tomorrow.
ask to do something
Karen asked to see the doctor.
ask for
Some people find it difficult to ask for help.
ask somebody for something
He repeatedly asked Bailey for the report.
ask (somebody) if/whether you can do something
Ask your mom if you can come with us.
ask that
Was it too much to ask that he be allowed some privacy?
3price [transitive]
to want a particular amount of money for something you are
selling:
How much is he asking?
ask $50/$1,000 etc for something
He's asking 2,000 for his car.
They're asking a fortune for that house.
4invite [transitive usually + adverb/preposition]
to invite someone to your home, to
go out with you etc
ask somebody to do something
Let's ask them to have dinner with us some time.
ask somebody out (=ask someone, especially someone of the opposite sex, to go to a film,
a restaurant etc with you)
ask2
noun
ask2
a big ask
a situation in a sports competition when someone needs to get a lot of
points or do something very difficult in order to win :
We need to win the next three games. It's a big ask, but I'm confident we can do it.
at
preposition
at
S1
W1 /at; strong t/
1
used to say exactly where something or someone is, or where something happens:
They live at 18 Victoria Street.
Does this train stop at Preston?
I was waiting at the bus stop.
Liz and her friend sat down at a corner table.
Turn left at the church.
We'll meet at Harry's (=at Harry's house).
I spent an unpleasant hour at the dentist's.
Dad's at work (=in the place where he works).
at the top/bottom/end etc (of something)
At the top of the stairs, she paused.
2
used to say what event or activity someone is taking part in:
I met my wife at a disco.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of the finance committee.
I'm sorry, Pam's at lunch just now.
3
used to say that someone is studying somewhere regularly:
Is Jessica still at school?
Hulme was a student at Oxford in the 1960s.
4
used to say exactly when something happens:
The film starts at 8 o'clock.
5
during a particular period of time:
My husband often works at night.
We go to Midnight Mass at Christmas.
6
used to say which thing or person an action is directed towards or intended for:
He gazed up at the sky.
You don't have to shout at me.
The older girls used to throw stones at me.
The course is aimed at those aged 16 or over.
7XX used to say what or who causes an action or feeling:
The children all laughed at his jokes.
I'm surprised at you!
Dad got really mad at me for scratching the car.
her distress at having to leave
8XX used to say which subject or activity you are talking about when you say whether
someone is skilful, successful etc or not:
Barbara's getting on really well at her new job.
good/bad etc at (doing) something
I've always been good at maths.
Matt's bad at handling people.
He's an expert at making things out of junk.
9XX used to say that someone or something is in a particular state:
two nations at war
Many children are still at risk from neglect or abuse.
10XX used to show a price, rate, level, age, speed etc:
old books selling at 10 cents each
You should have more sense at your age.
The Renault was travelling at about 50 mph.
Amanda rode off at a gallop.
11 at your best/worst/most effective etcXX used to say that, at a particular time,
someone or something is as good, bad etc as they can be:
The garden is at its best in June.
This was Sampras at his most powerful.
12
used to say what someone tries to touch, or keeps touching:
I clutched at the rope.
George was just picking at his food.
Sarah took another sip at her wine.
13
used to say what someone tries to do:
the student's first attempt at a piece of research
They were so beautiful that I decided to have a go at growing them.
14
because of what someone has said:
Chapman visited Austria at the invitation of his friend, Hugo Meisl.
At my suggestion, Bernard went to see his former teacher.
15 while I'm/you're etc at it spoken used to suggest that someone should do something
while they are doing something else:
I'm just going for a cup of coffee. Shall I bring you one while I'm at it?
16 be at it again
informal
if you say that someone is at it again, you mean that
they are doing something you disapprove of, which they have done before:
She's at it again. Interfering in other people's business.
17 at that
a) also or besides:
It's a new idea, and a good one, at that.
b) after something is said:
Tess called him a liar and at that he stormed out of the room.
18 be where it's at
old-fashioned informal
used to say that a place or activity is
very popular, exciting, and fashionable
at all at all1 (6)WORD CHOICE WORD CHOICE
at, in, onTalking about time Use at
with clock times
at one o'clock at
6.30 with points of time in the day at midnight at noon at dawn at sunset with
holiday periods, meaning the few days around the holiday at Easter at Diwali with
weekend, in British English See you at the weekend! At weekends we go out. Use in
with parts of the day in the morning
in the evening
I never
watch TV in the daytime.
with months, seasons, years, centuries
in May in
summertime in 2004 in the 21st century Use on with dates and specific days on
29th July on Tuesday afternoons on the last day of term
with weekend, in
American English
We sometimes go there on weekends.Talking about position and
place Use at with particular positions or places at the end of the corridor at the
back of the room at the corner of the street to mean 'next to' or 'beside' She sat at her
desk. He stopped me at the door. with words for buildings, for example airport,
university, restaurant, art gallery
at the airport at the Lyceum theatre
with
city or place names, when you are talking about stopping during a journey Does this
train stop at Watford?!!
BUT otherwise use in - see below Use in with a position
or place, when something or someone is inside a larger thing such as a room
in the
bath in the kitchen in the garden in the doorwaywith cities, counties, states, and
countries
When will you arrive in Tokyo?
He lives in Germany. She's
working in California.with the names of squares, plazas etc in Times Square
Use on
with a position or place, when one thing is attached to or touching another a spot
on the end of her nose a jacket on the back of a chair
with street names
on
the High Street on 42nd Street on Broadway
back1 adverb
back1 S1
W1 /bk/
1return to place
in, into, or to the place or position where someone or something
was before:
I'll be back in a minute.
Put that book back where you found it!
back in/to/into etc
Rory plugged the cable back into the socket.
I feel like going back to bed.
go/get/head etc back
We ought to try and get back before it gets dark.
He wasback home
by half-past eleven.
It's possible to travel there and back in a day.
2as before
in or into the condition or situation you were in before:
Gary woke at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep.
It took me a long time to get my confidence back.
If you decide to marry him, there will be
no going back (=you will not be able to get
back to your previous situation).
go/get back to (doing) something
There's no way I'm going back to being poor.
It'll take a while for things to get back to normal.
3previous place
in or to a place where you lived or worked before
back in/at
She was the one who had fired him from his first job back in South Africa.
back home (=in the place that you come from and think of as your home)
It reminded me of evenings back home.
4backwards in the opposite direction from the way you are facing [ forwards]:
He glanced back at the house.
Kirov stepped back a pace.
She tilted her head back to look at him.
5reply/reaction
if you do something back, you do it as a reply or reaction to what
someone has said or done:
Can I call you back later?
I'll pay you back on Friday.
'No, thanks!' he shouted back.
If he hits you, you just hit him back.
6return something to somebody
if you give something, get something etc back, you
return it to the person who first had it or you have it returned to you:
Can we have our ball back, please?
I want all my books back as soon as you've finished with them.
Give me back that letter! It's none of your business!
7in the past in or towards a time in the past:
a pile of newspapers dating back to the 1970s
A lot of emotional problems can be traced back to childhood.
Language:
Origin:
Old English
bc
back2 noun
back2 S1
W1 [countable]
1part of your body
a) HBHHBA the part of the body between the neck and legs, on the opposite side to the
stomach and chest:
The cat arched its back and hissed.
My feet were sore and my back was aching.
Keep your head up and your back straight.
To avoid back problems, always bend your knees when you lift heavy objects.
He lay on
his
back and gazed at the ceiling.
Johnny was lying
flat on his
back in the middle of the floor.
Anna stood with her
back tothe window.
on somebody's back (=carried on someone's back)
The girl appeared again, now with a little baby on her back.
b) the bones between your neck and the top of your legs [= spine]:
He broke his back in a motorbike accident.
2not at front [usually singular]
the part of something that is furthest from the front
[ front]:
a T-shirt with a picture of a snake
on the back
back of
He kissed her on the back of her head.
Her window faced the backs of the houses.
in the back (of something) (=used especially about the back of a vehicle)
Two men were sitting in the back of the car.
at the back (of something)
a small shop with an office at the back
in back (of something)
American English (=in or at the back of something)
Kids should always wear seatbelts even in back.
out back
American English (=behind a house or other building)
Tom's working on the car out back.
round/out the back
British English (=behind a house or building)
Have you looked round the back?
3less important side [usually singular]
the less important side or surface of
something such as a piece of paper or card [ front]:
Paul scribbled his address on the back of an envelope.
The credits are listed on the back of the album.
4DHFpart of seat
the part of a seat that you lean against when you are sitting
back of
He rested his arm on the back of the sofa.
back-to-back1
8 back to front British English
a) in an incorrect position so that what should be at the back is at the front:
You've got your sweater on back to front.
b) doing something the wrong way round and starting with the part that should be at the
end:
He got the commands back to front and the program didn't work.
9 behind somebody's back if you do something behind someone's back, you do it
without them knowing:
I don't like the idea of the two of them talking about me behind my back.
I should have realized that he'd
go behind
my
back (=do something without
telling me).
10 when/while somebody's back is turned if something happens when your back is
turned, it happens when you are not able to see or know what someone is doing:
What are your kids are up to when your back is turned?
11 get/put somebody's back up
British English
informal
to annoy
someone:
Simone was the kind of person who was always putting people's backs up.
12 get (somebody) off somebody's back
spoken to stop annoying someone with a lot
of questions, criticisms etc or to make someone stop annoying you in this way:
Maybe the only way to get him off my back is to tell him the truth.
Do me a favour and get off my back!
13 be on somebody's back spoken to be trying to make someone do something they do
not want to do:
Why are you and Dad always on my back?
14 on the back of something as a result of something that already exists or something
you have already done:
The company should be able to generate business on the back of existing contracts.
15 on the backs of somebody using the work of a particular group to achieve something
that they will not get any advantage from:
back3 verb
back3 S2
W3
1support [transitive usually passive]
a) to support someone or something, especially by giving them money or using your
influence:
The scheme has been backed by several major companies in the region.
Some suspected that the rebellion was backed and financed by the US.
government-backed loans
b) also back up
to support an idea by providing facts, proof etc:
His claims are not backed by any scientific evidence.
2move backwards [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive]
to move
backwards, or make someone or something move backwards
back into/out of/away from etc
She backed into a doorway to let the crowds pass by.
back somebody into/towards/out of etc something
He began to back her towards the open door.
back something into/towards/out of etc something
I backed the car into the garage.
3put something on the back [transitive usually passive]
to put a material or substance
onto the back of something, in order to protect it or make it stronger:
Back the photo with cardboard.
a plastic-backed shower curtain
4be behind something [transitive usually passive] to be at the back of something or
behind it:
The Jandia Peninsula is a stretch of white sands backed by a mountain range.
5music [transitive usually passive]APM
to play or sing the music that supports the
main singer or musician:
They performed all their hits, backed by a 40-piece orchestra.
6risk money [transitive]DGG to risk money on whether a particular horse, dog, team etc
wins something
7 back the wrong horse
to support someone or something that is not successful
back away phrasal verb
1
to move backwards and away from something, especially because you are
frightened
back away from
She backed away from the menacing look on his face.
2
to stop supporting a plan or idea, or stop being involved in something
back away from
The government has backed away from its nuclear weapons strategy.
back down phrasal verb
to admit that you are wrong or that you have lost an argument:
Both sides have refused to back down.
back off phrasal verb
1
to move backwards, away from someone or something:
backup
3TDTD
to make a copy of information stored on a computer:
Make sure you back up.
back something up
These devices can back up the whole system.
back something up onto something
Back all your files up onto floppy disks.
backup
4TTC especially American English to make a vehicle move backwards:
The truck stopped and then backed up.
back something up
I backed the car up a little.
5
to move backwards:
Back up a bit so that everyone can see.
backup
6
if traffic backs up, it forms a long line of vehicles that cannot move:
The traffic was starting to back up in both directions.
if a toilet, sink etc backs up, it becomes blocked so that water cannot flow out
of it
back4 adjective
back4 S2
W3 [only before noun]
1
at or in the back of something [ front]:
You'll be sleeping in the back bedroom.
Turn to the back page.
I keep my keys in my back pocket.
There was the sound of giggling from the back row.
The rabbit had one of its back legs caught in a trap.
back door
2
behind something, especially a building [ front]:
the back garden
We left by the back gate.
3
from the back:
The back view of the hotel was even less appealing than the front.
4 back street/lane/road etcTTR
a street etc that is away from the main streets:
a short cut down a back lane
5 back rent/taxes/pay etc
money that someone owes from an earlier date
6 back issue/copy/numberTCN
a copy of a magazine or newspaper from an earlier
date
7SL technical
a back vowel sound is made by lifting your tongue at the back of
your mouth
be1
auxiliary verb
be1
S1
W1 /bi; strong bi:/ past tense was, were, past participle been, present
participle being
first person singular am second person singular and pluralare
third person singular is
1XX used with a present participle to form the
continuous (4) tenses of verbs:
Don't disturb me while I'm working.
Gemma was reading.
They've been asking a lot of questions.
That guy's always causing trouble.
We'll be starting in about an hour.
He isn't leaving, is he?
2XX used with past participles to form the passive:
Smoking is not permitted.
I was told about it yesterday.
The house is being painted.
She's been invited to a party.
The flames could be seen several miles away.
The police should have been informed about this.
3 be to do something formal
a) used to talk about arrangements for the future:
Audrey and Jimmy are to be married in June.
Two men are to appear in court on charges of armed robbery.
b) used to give an order or to tell someone about a rule:
You are to wait here in this room until I return.
All staff are to wear uniforms.
c) used to say or ask what someone should do or what should happen:
What am I to tell her?
He is not to be blamed.
d) used to ask how something can be done:
How are we to get out of the present mess?
4 be to be seen/found/heard etc
used to say that something can be seen, found, or
heard somewhere:
A large range of species are to be seen in the aquarium.
We searched everywhere but the ring was nowhere to be found (=could not be found).
The only sound to be heard was the twittering of the birds above us.
5 was/were to do somethingXX
used when talking about a time in the past to say
what happened later:
This discovery was to have a major effect on the treatment of heart disease.
6
a) used in
conditional1 (2)
sentences about an imagined situation
were somebody to do something/if somebody were to do something
Even if England were to win the next two matches, Germany would still be three points
ahead.
Language:
Origin:
be2
Old English
beon
verb
be2
S1
W1
1 [linking verb]
used to say that someone or something is the same as the subject of
the sentence:
My name is Susan.
These are my favourite pictures.
He's my brother.
The problem is finding the time to get things done.
Our aim was to reduce the number of accidents.
2 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say where something or someone is:
Jane's upstairs.
Are my keys in the drawer?
The principal's in his office.
How long has she been here?
3 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say when something happens:
The concert was last night.
The party is on Saturday.
4 [linking verb]
used to describe someone or something, or say what group or type
they belong to:
The sky was grey.
Spiders are not really insects.
Mr Cardew was a tall thin man.
She wants to be a doctor when she leaves school.
Her dress was pure silk.
I'm not ready yet.
5 there is/are used to say that something exists or happens:
There's a hole in your trousers.
There was a loud explosion.
'I thought there was going to be a party.' 'No, there isn't.'
Is there a problem?
6 [linking verb]
to behave in a particular way:
He was just being rude.
Don't be silly.
You'd better be careful.
7 [linking verb]
used to say how old someone is:
His mother died when he was twenty.
Rachel will be three in November.
8 [linking verb]
used to say who something belongs to:
Whose is this bag? It isn't mine and it isn't Sarah's.
9 [linking verb]
used to talk about the price of something:
'How much are the melons?' 'The big ones are 2 each.'
10 [linking verb]
to be equal to a particular number or amount:
32 divided by 8 is 4.
11 be that as it may formal used to say that even though you accept that something is
true, it does not change a situation:
'He was only joking.' 'Be that as it may, silly remarks like that can do a lot of harm.'
12 [intransitive]
formal to exist:
What was once a great and powerful empire has effectively ceased to be.
13 be yourself to behave in a natural way, rather than trying to pretend to be different:
Don't try too hard - just be yourself.
14 not be yourself
to be behaving in a way that is unusual for you, especially because
you are ill or upset:
Sorry - I'm not myself this morning.
15 the be-all and end-all
the most important part of a situation or of someone's life
the be-all and end-all of
For Jim, making money was the be-all and end-all of his job.
Language:
Origin:
Old English
gebeon
been
been /bi:n, bn $ bn/
1x-ref the past participle of be
2
a) used to say that someone has gone to a place and come back
been to
I've never been to Japan.
have been to do something
Have you been to see the Van Gogh exhibition yet?
b) British English
used to say that someone has come to a place and left again:
The postman hasn't been yet.
3 been there, seen that, done that
spoken used to say that you are no longer interested
in doing something, because you already have a lot of experience of it
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
been in, been to, went to
Use been in when you are living or staying in a place
How long have you been in London? He had been in hospital for several days.
Use been to when you have visited a place and come back again Have you
ever been to Kyoto? She's been to the hospital for a check-up. Use went to
(the
simple past) to talk about a specific trip you made in the past
Last May I went to a
conference in Montreal.
being1 verb
being1 /"bi:/ [linking verb]
1x-ref the present participle of
be
2
used to give the reason for something:
Being a quiet sort of person, I didn't want to get involved.
You can't expect them to sit still for that long, children being what they are.
3 being as
British English
spoken because [= as]:
You might as well drink it, being as you've paid for it.
being2 noun
being2 S2
W3
1 come into being/be brought into being
to start to exist:
a law that first came into being in 1912
2 [countable]HBH
a living thing, especially a person:
a
human being
intelligent/conscious/rational etc being
a story about alien beings who invade Earth
3 [uncountable]
literary the most important quality or nature of something,
especially of a person
the core/roots/whole of somebody's being
The whole of her being had been taken over by a desire to return to her homeland.
but1
conjunction
but1 S1
W1 /bt; strong
bt/
1
used to connect two statements or phrases when the second one adds something
different or seems surprising after the first one:
It's an old car, but it's very reliable.
They rushed to the hospital, but they were too late.
We've invited the boss, but she may decide not to come.
an expensive but extremely useful book
'Has he got any experience?' 'No, but he's keen to learn.'
2
used to introduce a statement that explains why the thing you have mentioned did
not happen or is not possible:
I'd like to go but I'm too busy.
They would have married sooner, but they had to wait for her divorce.
3
used after a negative to emphasize that it is the second part of the sentence that is
true:
He lied to the court not just once, but on several occasions.
The purpose of the scheme is not to help the employers but to provide work for young
people.
4
except:
What can we do but sit and wait?
I had no choice but to accept the challenge.
Not a day goes by but I think of dear old Larry (=I think of him every day).
5 but for
a) used when you are saying that something would have happened if something or
someone else had not prevented it:
But for these interruptions, the meeting would have finished earlier.
The score could have been higher but for some excellent goalkeeping by Simon.
I might never have got to university but for you.
b) except for something or someone:
All was silent but for the sound of the wind in the trees.
6 but then (again)
spoken
a) used when you are adding a statement that says almost the opposite of what you have
just said:
John might be ready to help us, but then again, he might not.
You feel really sorry for him. But then again, it's hard to like him.
b) used when you are adding a statement that makes what you have just said seem less
surprising:
Dinah missed the last rehearsal, but then she always was unreliable, wasn't she?
7XX spoken used when you are replying to someone and expressing strong feelings
such as anger, surprise etc:
But that's marvellous news!
but2
preposition
but2 S2
W3
1
apart from [= except]:
I could come any day but Thursday.
There's no one here but me.
I could still see nothing but the spirals of desert dust.
He was unable to swallow anything but liquids.
2 the last but one/the next but two etcespecially British English
the last or next thing
or person except for one, two etc:
Pauline and Derek live in the next house but one (=they live two houses away from us).
but3
adverb
but3
S2
W3
only:
This is but one example of what can happen when things go badly wrong.
It's going to be difficult. Anyway, we can but try.
We have relationships of many different sorts - with our children, our parents, our boss
and our friends, to name but a few.
but4
noun
but4 /bt/
buts [plural] spoken reasons that someone gives for not doing something or agreeing
with something:
'I don't want to hear any buts,' Jo snapped.
He is the best player - no ifs, ands, or buts about that.
by1
preposition
by1
S1
W1 /ba/
1XXwho/what does something
used especially with a passiveverb to say who or
what does something or makes something happen:
I was attacked by a dog.
a church designed by the famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren
We are all alarmed by the rise in violent crime.
interference by the state in the affairs of the Church
his appointment by the BBC as a producer
2means/method
used to say what means or method someone uses to do something:
You can reserve the tickets by phone.
Send it by airmail.
Some customers prefer to pay by cheque.
by car/train/bus/taxi etc
They travelled to Chicago by train.
by air/sea/land/road/rail etc
All supplies are transported by air.
by doing something
She earns her living by selling insurance.
by2
adverb
by2
S1
W1
1
past someone or something:
As I was standing on the platform, the Liverpool train went whizzing by.
James walked by without even looking in my direction.
2
used to say that time passes:
As the summer days slipped by, it was easy to forget about the war.
Ten years had gone by since I had last seen Marilyn.
3
beside or near someone or something:
A crowd of people were standing by, waiting for an announcement.
4
in order to visit a person or place for a short time:
Why don't you stop by for a drink after work?
5 by and large used when making a general statement:
By and large, the new arrangements have worked well.
6 by and by old use soon:
She will be better by and by.
can1
modal verb
can1 S1
W1 /kn; strong
kn/ negative short form can't
1ability
to be able to do something or to know how to do something:
You can swim, can't you?
Even a small personal computer can store vast amounts of information.
Gabriella can speak French fluently.
I'm afraid Mr Harding can't see you now - he's busy.
The police are doing all they can to find her.
2requesting spoken used to ask someone to do something or give you something:
Can I have a cigarette, please?
Can you help me lift this box?
3allowed
to be allowed to do something or to have the right or power to do
something:
You can't park here - it's a no parking zone.
'Can we go home now, please?' 'No you can't.'
Any police officer can insist on seeing a driver's license.
4possibility used to say that something is possible:
I am confident a solution can be found.
There can be no doubt that he is guilty.
The boxes can be stored flat.
Can he still be alive after all this time?
5seeing/hearing etc used with the verbs 'see', 'hear', 'feel', 'taste', and 'smell', and with
verbs connected with thinking, to mean that someone sees something, hears something
etc:
Here they are - I can see their car.
Can you smell something burning?
I can't understand why you're so upset.
He can't remember where he put the tickets.
6not true [in negatives]
used to say that you do not believe that something is true:
This can't be the right road.
It can't be easy caring for a man and a child who are not your own.
7should not [in questions and negatives]
used to say that someone should not or must
not do something:
You can't expect the world to change overnight.
We can't go on like this.
Jill's left her husband, but can you blame her after the way he treated her?
8surprise/anger [usually in questions and negatives] spoken used when you are surprised
or angry:
You can't be serious!
They can't have arrived already, surely!
How can you be so stupid!
9sometimes used to say what sometimes happens or how someone sometimes behaves:
It can be quite cold here at night.
Peter can be really annoying.
10giving orders
spoken used to tell someone in an angry way to do something:
And you can stop that quarrelling, the pair of you.
If you won't keep quiet, you can get out.
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
can, could, be able to Use can and be able to to say that someone has the ability to do
something. Be able to is more formal Can you swim? Young children are not able to
open the bottle.
Use could
to say that someone has the ability to do something,
but does not do it
He could do a lot better.Could
is also the past form of can.
Use could
or a past form of be able to to say that someone had the ability to do
something in the past She could ride a bike when she was three. He was able to walk
with a stick.!! In the following cases, you cannot use
can. You must use
be able
to:
with used to, to say that someone had the ability to do something in the past but
no longer does I used to be able to play the violin. to talk about future ability. Use will
be able to
After only a few lessons, you will be able to understand basic Spanish.
after other verbs, for example might, may, would, want, or hope He might be able to
fix your car. You should be able to taste the difference.
I want her to be able to use
a computer.
come1 verb
come1 S1
W1 /km/ past tense came /kem/ past participle come [intransitive]
1move towards somebody/somethingto move towards you or arrive at the place where
you are [ go]:
Let me know when they come.
Can you
come here
for a minute?
Come a bit closer and you'll be able to see better.
What time will you becoming home?
come in/into/out of etc
There was a knock on the door and a young woman came into the room.
come to/towards
I could see a figure coming towards me.
come across/down/up etc
As they came down the track, the car skidded.
come to do something
I've come to see Philip.
come and do something
I'll come and help you move the rest of the boxes.
Come and look at this!
come running/flying/speeding etc
Jess came flying round the corner and banged straight into me.
come to dinner/lunch
What day are your folks coming to dinner?
here comes somebody/something
spoken (=used to say that someone or something is
coming towards you)
Ah, here comes the bus at last!
2go with somebody if someone comes with you, they go to a place with you:
We're going for a drink this evening. Would you like to come?
come with
I asked Rosie if she'd like to come with us.
come along
It should be good fun. Why don't you come along?
3travel to a place
to travel to or reach a place:
Which way did you come?
come through/across/by way of etc
They came over the mountains in the north.
come from
Legend has it that the tribe came from across the Pacific Ocean.
come by car/train/bus etc
Will you be coming by train?
Have you
come far (=travelled a long way)
today?
I've
come a long way
to see you.
come 50/100 etc miles/kilometres
Some of the birds have come thousands of miles to winter here.
4post if a letter etc comes, it is delivered to you by post [= arrive]:
A letter came for you this morning.
The phone bill hasn't come yet.
5happen
if a time or an event comes, it arrives or happens:
At last the day came for us to set off.
The moment had come for me to break the news to her.
The time will come when you'll thank me for this.
Christmas seems to come earlier every year.
be/have yet to come (=used when something has not happened yet but will happen)
The most exciting part is yet to come.
I knew he'd be able to take care of himself, come what may (=whatever happens).
6reach a level/place [always + adverb/preposition] to reach a particular level or place
come up/down
She had blonde hair which came down to her waist.
The water came up as far as my chest.
7be produced/sold [always + adverb/preposition] to be produced or sold with
particular features
come in
This particular sofa comes in four different colours.
Cats come in many shapes and sizes.
come with
The computer comes complete with software and games.
8order [always + adverb/preposition] to be in a particular position in an order, a series, or
a list
come before/after
P comes before Q in the alphabet.
come first/second etc
She came first in the 200 metres.
9 come open/undone/loose etc
to become open etc:
His shoelace had come undone.
The rope came loose.
10 come to do something
a) to begin to have a feeling or opinion:
He came to think of Italy as his home.
I came to believe that he was innocent after all.
b) to do something by chance, without planning or intending to do it:
Can you tell me how the body came to be discovered?
come to be doing something
I often wondered how I came to be living in such a place.
11 come and go
a) to be allowed to go into and leave a place whenever you want:
The students can come and go as they please.
b) to keep starting and stopping:
27
spoken come in!
used to tell someone who has knocked on your door to
enter your room, house etc:
She tapped timidly on the door. 'Come in!' boomed a deep voice from inside.
28
spoken how come? used to ask someone why or how something happened:
How come you've ended up here?
'Last I heard, she was teaching in Mexico.' 'How come?'
29
spoken come to think of it/come to that
used to add something that you have
just realized or remembered:
Come to think of it, George did seem a bit depressed yesterday.
He had never expected to have a wife, or even a girlfriend come to that.
30
spoken come July/next year/the next day etc used to talk about at a particular time
in the future:
Come spring, you'll have plenty of colour in the garden.
31
spoken come again? used to ask someone to repeat what they have just said
32
spoken don't come the innocent/victim/helpless male etc with me British
English
used to tell someone not to pretend that they are something they are not in
order to get sympathy or help from you:
Don't come the poor struggling artist with me. You're just lazy!
33
spoken come (now) old-fashioned used to comfort or gently encourage
someone
34
spoken come, come!/come now
old-fashioned used to tell someone that you
do not accept what they are saying or doing
come about phrasal verb
1
to happen, especially in a way that is not planned:
The opportunity to get into computing came about quite by accident.
How did this situation come about?
2TTW if a ship comes about, it changes direction
come across phrasal verb
1 come across somebody/something to meet, find, or discover someone or something by
chance:
I came across an old diary in her desk.
I've never come across anyone quite like her before.
2
if an idea comes across well, it is easy for people to understand:
Your point really came across at the meeting.
3
if someone comes across in a particular way, they seem to have particular
qualities [= come over]
come across as
He comes across as a very intelligent, sensitive man.
She sometimes comes across as being rather arrogant.
I don't think I came across very well (=seemed to have good qualities)
in the
interview.
come across with something phrasal verb
to provide money or information when it is needed:
I hoped he might come across with a few facts.
come after somebody phrasal verb
to look for someone in order to hurt them, punish them, or get something from them:
2
if images, questions, facts etc come at you, you feel confused because there are
too many of them at the same time:
Questions were coming at me from all directions.
3
informal
to consider or deal with a problem in a particular way [=
approach]:
We need to come at the problem from a different angle.
come away phrasal verb
1
to become separated from the main part of something [= come off]:
One of the wires in the plug had come away.
I turned some of the pages and they came away in my hand.
2
to leave a place with a particular feeling or idea:
We came away thinking that we had done quite well.
come away with
I came away with the impression that the school was very well run.
come back phrasal verb
1
to return to a particular place or person [= return]:
My mother was scared that if I left home I'd never come back.
Ginny's left me, and there's nothing I can do to persuade her to come back.
2
to become fashionable or popular again [ comeback]:
Who'd have thought hippy gear would ever come back!
High heels are coming back into fashion.
3
to appear or start to affect someone or something again [= return]:
The pain in her arm came back again.
It took a while for my confidence to come back.
4
if something comes back to you, you remember it or remember how to do it:
As I walked the city streets, the memories came flooding back.
come back to
I can't think of her name at the moment, but it'll come back to me.
5
to reply to someone quickly, often in an angry or unkind way [ comeback]
come back at
He came back at me immediately, accusing me of being a liar.
come before somebody/something phrasal verb
to be brought to someone in authority, especially a judge in a law court, to be judged or
discussed by them:
When you come before the judge, it's best to tell the truth.
The case will come before the courts next month.
come between somebody phrasal verb
1
to make people argue and feel angry with each other, when they had been friends
before:
Nothing will ever come between us now.
I didn't want to come between a husband and wife.
2
to prevent someone from giving enough attention to something:
She never let anything come between her and her work.
come by phrasal verb
1 come by something to manage to get something that is rare or difficult to get:
How did you come by these pictures?
Jobs were
hard to come by.
2 come by (something)
to make a short visit to a place on your way to somewhere
else:
He said he'd come by later.
I'll come by the house and get my stuff later, OK?
come down phrasal verb
1
a) if a price, level etc comes down, it gets lower:
It looks as if interest rates will come down again this month.
b) to accept a lower price
come down to
He's asking 5000, but he may be willing to come down to 4800.
2
if someone comes down to a place, they travel south to the place where you are:
Why don't you come down for the weekend sometime?
come down to
Are you coming down to Knoxville for Christmas?
3
to fall to the ground:
A lot of trees came down in the storm.
We were still out in the fields when the rain started coming down.
4 come down on the side of somebody/something also come down in favour of
somebody/something to decide to support someone or something:
The committee came down in favour of making the information public.
5
informal
to start to feel normal again after you have been feeling very happy
and excited:
He was on a real high all last week and he's only just come down.
6
informalMDD to stop feeling the effects of a strong drug:
When I came down, I remembered with horror some of the things I'd said.
7
British English
old-fashionedSEC
to leave a university after completing
a period of study
come down on somebody phrasal verb
to punish someone or criticize them severely:
We need to
come down hard on young offenders.
I made the mistake of answering back, and she
came down on me
like a ton of
bricks (=very severely).
come down to somebody/something phrasal verb
1
if a complicated situation or problem comes down to something, that is the single
most important thing:
It all comes down to money in the end.
2
if something old has come down to you, it has been passed between people over a
long period of time until you have it:
The text which has come down to us is only a fragment of the original.
come down with something phrasal verb
to get an illness:
I think I'm coming down with a cold.
come for somebody/something phrasal verb
1
to arrive to collect someone or something:
6
if something you say comes out in a particular way, that is how it sounds or how it
is understood:
His words came out as little more than a whisper.
That didn't come out the way I meant it to.
I tried to explain everything to her, but it
came out all wrong (=not in the way I
intended).
7
if someone comes out in a particular way, that is the situation they are in at the
end of an event or series of events:
The more experienced team came out on top.
come out of
She came out of the divorce quite well.
8
to be easy to notice:
His right-wing opinions come out quite strongly in his later writings.
9
to say publicly that you strongly support or oppose a plan, belief etc
come out in favour of
The board of directors has come out in favour of a merger.
come out against
Teachers have come out against the proposed changes.
At least he's got the courage to
come out and say
what he thinks.
10
if the sun, moon, or stars come out, they appear in the sky:
The sky cleared and the sun came out.
11
if a flower comes out, it opens:
The snowdrops were just starting to come out.
12
if someone comes out, they say that they are gay
when this was a secret before
come out to
That summer, I decided to come out to my parents.
13
British English
informal
to refuse to work, as a protest:
Nurses have threatened to come out in support of their pay claim.
We decided to come out on strike.
14SS if a young woman came out in the past, she was formally introduced into upper
class society at a large formal dance
come out at something phrasal verb
if something comes out at a particular amount, that is the amount it adds up to:
The whole trip, including fares, comes out at $900.
come out in something phrasal verb
come out in spots/a rash etc if you come out in spots etc, spots appear on your body:
If I eat eggs, I come out in a rash.
come out of something phrasal verb
1
to no longer be in a bad situation:
There are signs that the country is coming out of recession.
2
to happen as a result of something:
One or two excellent ideas came out of the meeting.
3 come out of yourself
informal
to start to behave in a more confident way:
Penny's really come out of herself since she started that course.
come out with something phrasal verb
to say something, especially something unusual or unexpected:
come, goUse come for movement towards the place where the speaker is or will be
Come and see me at my office.
|
I could see them coming down the
hill (=getting nearer to me) .
|
When are you coming home (=to our
home) ?Use go
for movement in other directions
Are you going to Sally's
tonight? |
I wish he would go home (=to his home, away from me).
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
become, get, go, turn, grow, comebecome can be followed by an adjective or noun, not
a verb Her husband became jealous. We soon became friends.The following words
are used with an adjective instead of become, in certain cases:get is very often used
instead of
become, and is more usual in spoken English
I was getting
hungry. Things got worse and worse.go is usedto say that something changes colour
The sky went pink.to say that someone feels a change in their body
My
fingers have gone numb. with blind and deaf
He went blind. with mad, insane,
crazy etc
The crowd went wild.turn is used especially to say that something
changes colour
The liquid turned green.
His face turned pale.grow can be
used in fairly literary written English to say that something changes gradually
It
grew dark as we walked.with a to-infinitive, to say that someone gradually starts doing
something
We grew to love each other.come is usedwith adjectives like apart,
undone, and unstuck Your shoelace has come undone. A few pages came loose.
with true
Her prediction came true. with a to-infinitive to say that someone starts
doing something
I eventually came to realize (NOT became to realize) I was
wrong.
2possibility
a) used to say that something is possible or might happen:
Most accidents in the home could be prevented.
It could be weeks before we get a reply.
If you're not careful, you could get into even worse trouble.
A faulty connection could easily (=would be likely to) cause a fire.
b) used to say that something was a possibility in the past, but did not actually happen:
Somebody could have been killed.
I could have warned you if I had known where you were.
He could have escaped, but he chose to stand and fight.
3emphasizing your feelings spoken used to emphasize how happy, angry etc you are by
saying how you want to express your feelings:
He irritates me so much I could scream.
I was so angry I could have killed her.
I was so relieved I could have kissed them all.
4requesting spoken used to make a polite request:
Could you help me with these boxes?
Could I have a drink of water, please?
How about Sam? Could he come along too?
I wonder if I could just ask you to sign this.
5suggesting used to suggest doing something:
You could ask your doctor for a check-up.
You could always try phoning her at the office.
Maybe we could get together sometime next week?
Couldn't you get one of your friends to help you?
6annoyance spoken used to show that you are annoyed about someone's behaviour:
You could have told me you were going to be late (=you should have told me but you did
not)!
You could at least say that you're sorry.
How could you be so stupid!
7 couldn't be better/worse/more pleased etc used to emphasize how good, bad etc
something is:
Their lifestyles couldn't be more different.
'How are things?' 'Fine! Couldn't be better.'
Ordering on-line couldn't be simpler.
8 I couldn't British English
spoken used to politely say that you do not want any
more food or drink:
'Would you like another piece of pie?' 'Oh, no thanks, I couldn't.'
9 could do with something spoken to need or want something:
I could do with a hot drink.
do2
verb
do2
S1
W1 past tense did, past participle done, third person singular does
1action/activity [transitive] to perform an action or activity:
Have you done your homework yet?
You need to do more exercise.
It's a pleasure doing business with you.
I didn't know what to do.
All he does is sit in front of the television all day.
do something/nothing/anything etc
We should do something to help him.
It all happened so quickly that I couldn't do anything about it.
bored teenagers with nothing to do
do the laundry/ironing/dishes etc
It's your turn to do the dishes.
2succeed [intransitive]
used to ask or talk about how successful someone is at
something
do well/badly
Students are under considerable pressure to do well.
how somebody/something is doing (with/in something)
You should get promoted after about a year, depending on how you're doing.
How's he doing in trying to give up smoking?
3have an effect [transitive] to have a particular effect on something or someone:
The scandal will do serious damage to his reputation.
This will
do nothing for (=will not improve) Jamie's confidence.
The colour
does nothing for
her (=does not improve her appearance).
Getting the job has done a lot for (=had a good effect on)her self-esteem.
A week in the countryside will
do you good (=make you feel better).
Exercise can do wonders for (=have a very good effect on)
body, mind, and spirit.
4jobBO [transitive] to have a particular job:
What do you want to do after you leave school?
What do you do for a living (=as your job)?
She's very good at what she does.
5enough/acceptable [intransitive,transitive not in progressive]
used to say that
something will be enough or be acceptable:
We don't have a lot of wine for the party, but it should just about do.
I can't find my black shoes so these will have to do.
A few sandwiches will
do me for lunch.
It won't do (=it is not acceptable)
to say that the situation couldn't have been avoided.
doing
done2 ; do your bit at bit2 (8) ; how do you do at how (11) ;
nothing doing at nothing1 (14) ; do somebody proud at proud (5) ; do something to
death at death (4), can-do
do away with somebody/something phrasal verb
1
to get rid of something or stop using it:
People thought that the use of robots would do away with boring low-paid factory jobs.
2
informal
to kill someone
do somebody down phrasal verb
to criticize someone, especially in an unfair way:
I know you don't like him, but there's no need to keep doing him down in front of the
boss.
do for somebody/something phrasal verb
British English
informal
to kill someone or harm something or someone very
badly:
do3
noun
for1
preposition
for1 S1
W1 /f; strong f: $ fr; strong
f:r/
1
used to say who is intended to get or use something, or where something is
intended to be used:
I've got a present for you.
Someone left a message for Vicky.
an English course for foreign students
We need a new battery for the radio.
These chairs are for the office.
2
in order to help someone or something:
I looked after the kids for them.
Let me carry that bag for you.
The doctor knew that there was nothing he could do for her.
Charles died fighting for his country.
What can I do for you (=used to ask a customer if you can help them)?
3
used to say what the purpose of an object, action etc is
for doing something
a knife for cutting bread
What did you do that for?
I've bought him a watch for his birthday.
the documents prepared for his defence
4
in order to have, do, get, or obtain something:
Are you waiting for the bus?
the qualifications necessary for a career in broadcasting
Mother was too ill to get up for dinner.
I paid $3 for a ticket.
For further details, write to this address.
Let's go for a walk.
5
used to say how long an action or situation continues for:
Bake the cake for 40 minutes.
We had been talking for a good half hour.
He's been off work for a while.
! Since, during, or
for? see usage note since
6
used to talk about distance:
We walked for miles.
length of time that something has been happening We have known each other for ten
years (NOT since ten years). I had been waiting for hours (NOT since hours). I
haven't seen him for ages (NOT since ages).During and over
are used when you
state the period of time in which something happens or changes
During her first year
at college, she had several boyfriends. Over the last six months, crime has doubled.
for2
conjunction
for2 S2
W1
formal
used to introduce the reason for something [= because]:
I cannot tell whether she is old or young, for I have never seen her.
He found it increasingly difficult to read, for his eyesight was beginning to fail.
get
verb
get
S1
W1 /get/ past tense got, past participle got /gt $ g:t/
British
English, gotten /"gtn $ "g:tn/
American English present participle getting
1receive [transitive not in passive] to receive something that someone gives you or
sends you:
She got loads of presents.
What did you get for Christmas?
We get a lot of junk mail.
get something from somebody
We got a letter from Pam this morning.
get something off somebody spoken informal:
I got it off my Dad.
I
got
a few games free when I bought my computer.
see usage note
gain1
2obtain [transitive] to obtain something by finding it, asking for it, or paying for it:
16TTtravel [transitive]
to travel somewhere on a train, bus etc:
You can get a bus to the station.
I got the 9:15 from London to Edinburgh.
17become [linking verb]
to change to a new feeling, situation, or state [= become]:
Don't get upset.
She soon got bored with the job.
He calmed down as he got older.
Eat your dinner before it gets cold.
This is getting silly.
get to be something informal:
It's getting to be a problem.
see usage note
become
18make somebody/something become something [transitive]
to make someone or
something change to a new feeling, situation, or state:
Sometimes she gets me so angry!
Don't get the children too excited.
He was terrified of getting her pregnant.
It took them fifteen minutes to get the boat ready.
19be hurt/broken etc [linking verb, transitive]
used to say that something,
especially something bad, happens to someone or something
get hurt/broken/stolen etc
You might get hurt if you stand there.
Mind the camera doesn't get broken.
My dad got killed in a car crash.
I knew I would get shouted at if I was late home.
This is a question we very often get asked.
get something caught/stuck etc
She got her foot caught in the wire.
20make something happen to somebody/something [transitive]
a) to accidentally make someone or something experience something:
You're going to get us all killed!
Mind you don't get yourself burned.
b) to do something, or arrange for it to be done:
I need to get the washing machine fixed.
We must get this work finished on time.
21make something do something [transitive not in passive] to make something do a
particular thing
get something to do something
I couldn't get the engine to start.
get something doing something
We got the lawn mower working again eventually.
22make somebody do something [transitive not in passive] to persuade or force someone
to do something
get somebody to do something
I'll get Terry to check the wiring for me.
We couldn't get him to sign the agreement.
37
spoken get this
especially American English used to draw attention to
something surprising or interesting that you are about to mention:
And the whole thing only cost - get this - $12.95.
have got at have2
get about phrasal verb
1
to go or travel to different places:
She's eighty now, and doesn't get about much any more.
He's got an old van which he uses for getting about.
2
if news or information gets about, it is told to a lot of people:
I don't really want this to get about.
get across phrasal verb
to succeed in communicating an idea or piece of information to someone, or to be
communicated successfully
get something across
It took him ages to get his point across.
We must get across the simple fact that drugs are dangerous.
The message isn't getting across.
get across to
It is important that we get this message across to voters.
get ahead phrasal verb
to be successful and do better than other people in a job or work:
She soon found that it wasn't easy to get ahead in the movie business.
get along phrasal verb
1
if two or more people get along, they have a friendly relationship:
We've always got along quite well.
get along with
They seem to get along with each other.
2
to deal with a job or situation or to make progress:
How's Sam getting along at university?
get along without
Don't worry, we'll get along without you.
3
spoken I must/I'd better be getting along
used to say that it is time for you to
leave, for example because you have something else to do
get around phrasal verb
1 get around (something)
to go or travel to different places:
We had to use public transport to get around.
It's quite easy to get around London.
2
if news or information gets around, it is told to a lot of people:
News of the accident soon got around.
Word got around that the department might be closed.
3 get around something
to avoid something that is difficult or causes problems for
you:
I think we should be able to get around most of these problems.
She was always very clever at getting around the rules.
get around to something phrasal verb
to do something that you have been intending to do for some time:
The Conservatives have promised to increase spending on health and education if they
get in.
5college/university to be allowed to be a student at a university, college etc:
I applied to Bristol University, but I didn't get in.
6buy a supply get something in to buy a supply of something:
I must remember to get some food in for the weekend.
7crops get something inTADF
to gather a crop and bring it to a sheltered place:
The whole village was involved with getting the harvest in.
8ask for worker get somebody in to ask someone to come to your home to do a job,
especially to repair something:
We'll have to get a plumber in.
9give something to somebody get something in
to send something to a particular
place or give it to a particular person:
Please can you get your essays in by Thursday.
It's best to get your insurance claim in as quickly as possible.
10do something get something in to manage to do something even though you do not
have much time:
We're hoping to get in a game of golf over the weekend.
get in on something phrasal verb
to become involved in something that other people are doing or planning:
Quite a few companies would like to get in on the project.
The scheme has proved very successful, and now other local authorities are keen to
get in on the act (=become involved in something exciting or interesting).
get in with somebody phrasal verb
to become friendly with someone:
He got in with a bad crowd and started getting into trouble.
get into something
1enter to enter a place, especially when this is difficult:
The door was locked and we couldn't get into the house.
2arrive to arrive at a place:
What time do we get into New York?
3be elected to be elected to a parliament:
He first got into parliament in 1982.
4college/university to be allowed to be a student at a university, college etc:
She got into UCLA.
5team to be made a member of a team:
Do you think you might get into the Olympic team this year?
6start doing something
to start doing or feeling something, or being in a particular
situation:
He's started getting into trouble at school.
My parents were always terrified of getting into debt.
She got into the habit of going for long walks by herself.
He got into a terrible temper and started throwing things around.
7become involved
to begin to be involved in doing something:
How did you first get into script writing?
She was starting to get into politics.
8enjoy informal
to begin to enjoy something or be interested in it:
I first got into jazz when I was at college.
9clothing
informal
to put on a piece of clothing, especially when this is
difficult because the piece of clothing is too small for you:
I don't know how she managed to get into those trousers.
10 what's got into somebody? spoken used to express surprise that someone is behaving
very differently from the way they usually behave:
I don't know what's got into Sally recently.
get off phrasal verb
1leave to leave a place, or to help someone to leave a place:
We'll try and get off straight after lunch.
get off something
Get off my land!
get somebody off
I'll phone you as soon as I've got the children off to school.
2finish work get off (something)
to finish work and leave the place where you work
at the end of the day:
I usually get off at six o'clock.
What time do you
get off work?
3send something get something offTCM
to send a letter or package by post:
I'll have to get this letter off by tonight.
get something off to
I'll get the forms off to you today.
4clothing get something off to remove a piece of clothing:
Why don't you get those wet clothes off?
5SCnot be punished if someone gets off, they are not punished for doing something
wrong, or they receive only a small punishment:
In the end he got off because there wasn't enough evidence against him.
The police felt he had got off very lightly.
get off with
If you're lucky, you'll get off with a fine.
6help somebody not be punished get somebody off to help someone avoid being
punished for a crime:
Her lawyers were confident that they could get her off.
7sleep get (somebody) off
to go to sleep, or to help a child go to sleep:
I went to bed but couldn't
get off to sleep.
It took us ages to get the baby off.
8 get off to a good/bad etc start
to start in a particular way:
The day had got off to a bad start.
9stop talking about something get off something
to stop talking about a subject:
Can we get off the subject of death, please?
10stop touching something get off (something/somebody) informal
used to tell
someone to stop touching something or someone:
Get off me!
Get off those cakes, or there'll be trouble.
Get off (=stop touching me)!
3make somebody give/tell you something get something out of somebody to force or
persuade someone to tell you something or give you something:
I was determined to get the truth out of her.
4enjoy something get something out of something to enjoy something you do or
experience, or to learn something as a result:
I hope he got something out of his visit.
get something out of doing something
Children can get a lot out of being involved in community projects.
get over
1illness get over something to become well again after an illness:
It's taken me ages to get over the flu.
2unpleasant experience get over something to begin to feel better after a very upsetting
experience:
She never got over the death of her son.
3ideas/information get something over to succeed in communicating ideas or
information to other people
get something over to
It's important that we get this message over to young people.
4finish something get something over
also get something over with
to do
and finish something difficult that you have to do:
I'll be in touch once I've got my exams over.
I can't wait to get the interview over with.
5problem/difficulty get over something
to successfully deal with a problem or
difficulty:
I don't know how we're going to get over this problem.
Once we've got over the first few months, we should be making a reasonable profit.
6 can't/couldn't get over something spoken used to say that you are very surprised,
shocked, or amused by something:
I can't get over how well you look.
get round phrasal verb
1
if news or information gets round, it is told to a lot of people:
News like this soon gets round.
2 get round somethingto avoid something that is difficult or causes problems for you:
Most companies manage to get round the restrictions.
3 get round somebodyto gently persuade someone to do what you want by being nice to
them:
I know how to get round Chris.
get round to something phrasal verb
to do something that you have been intending to do for some time:
I keep meaning to put a lock on it, but I never get round to it.
get round to doing something
I haven't got round to unpacking from my holiday yet.
get through phrasal verb
1do work get through something
to do an amount of work:
We got through half the application forms this morning.
We've got a lot of work to get through.
people earning less than 10,000 per year How much does he earn?Gain means to get
something useful or necessary, whether or not you deserve it
I have gained a lot
of useful experience. Her problems seem to have gained her more support from the
public.Use earn
rather than gain
to say that you get something because you
deserve it
Through hard work you will earn the respect of your colleagues.Get can
be used as a less formal way of saying gain or earn I get $20 an hour. He has started
to get a reputation for being awkward. See also gainWORD CHOICE: WORD
CHOICE:
become, get, go, turn, grow, comebecome can be followed by an adjective or noun, not
a verb Her husband became jealous. We soon became friends.The following words
are used with an adjective instead of become, in certain cases:get is very often used
instead of
become, and is more usual in spoken English
I was getting
hungry. Things got worse and worse.go is usedto say that something changes colour
The sky went pink.to say that someone feels a change in their body
My
fingers have gone numb. with blind and deaf
He went blind. with mad, insane,
crazy etc
The crowd went wild.turn is used especially to say that something
changes colour
The liquid turned green.
His face turned pale.grow can be
used in fairly literary written English to say that something changes gradually
It
grew dark as we walked.with a to-infinitive, to say that someone gradually starts doing
something
We grew to love each other.come is usedwith adjectives like apart,
undone, and unstuck Your shoelace has come undone. A few pages came loose.
with true
Her prediction came true. with a to-infinitive to say that someone starts
doing something
I eventually came to realize (NOT became to realize) I was
wrong. See also
becomeWORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
bring, take, get, fetchbring means to carry something or come with someone to the
place where you are or to the place where you are talking about
Would you like me
to bring anything to the party? She brought her Spanish friend into class.take
means
to carry something or go with someone to another place, away from where you are or
where you are talking about Don't forget to take your umbrella. I'll take you
home.get
means to go to another place and come back with something or someone
I went upstairs to get my jacket.In British English, you can also use fetch Will
you fetch Susan from the airport?In American English, you only use fetch to talk about a
dog getting something.
give1 verb
give1 S1
W1 /gv/ past tense gave /gev/ past participle given /"gvn/
1present or money [intransitive and transitive]
to let someone have something as a
present, or to provide something for someone
give somebody something
What did Bob give you for your birthday?
Researchers were given a 10,000 grant to continue their work.
I've got some old diaries that my grandmother gave me years ago.
give something to somebody
a ring which was given to him by his mother
I didn't steal it! Maria gave it to me!
The people were expected to give their leader absolute obedience and loyalty.
15punishment [transitive]
to officially say that someone must have a particular
punishment
give somebody a fine/a sentence
If you don't pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1000.
give somebody 6 months/3 years etc (=in prison)
The judge gave her two years in prison.
16 give (somebody) an impression/a sense/an idea to make someone think about
something in a particular way:
I didn't want to give him the wrong idea about the job.
The report gives us a very accurate picture of life in the inner cities.
17 give something thought/attention/consideration etc
also give
thought/attention/consideration etc to something
to spend some time thinking about
something carefully:
Congress has been giving the crime bill serious consideration.
I'll give the matter some thought and let you know my decision next week.
18 give (somebody) a hand spoken to help someone do something:
Can you give me a hand?
give (somebody) a hand with
Shall I give you a hand with that bag?
19 give somebody a call/buzz informal
also give somebody a ring/bell
British
English
to telephone someone:
I'll give you a call about seven, okay?
20 give something a try/shot/whirl informal
also give something a go British
English
to try to do something, especially something you have not done before:
I'm not usually much good at this sort of game, but I'll give it a go.
21 give somebody time/a few weeks/all day etc
to allow time for someone to do
something, or for something to happen:
I've asked him to give me a couple more days to finish my essay.
Flexible working hours could give working parents more time to spend with their
children.
22 I give it six weeks/a month etc
spoken used to say that you do not think something
will continue successfully for very long:
I give the project six months at the most before it all falls apart.
23 not give something a second thought/another thought to not think or worry about
something at all:
The matter didn't seem important, and I hardly gave it a second thought.
24be less strict [intransitive] to be willing to change what you think or do according to
what else happens:
I think that both sides need to give a little.
25state a decision [transitive] British EnglishDS
to state what your official decision or
judgement is, for example in a game:
The referee has given a penalty.
The jury will be
giving its
verdict within the next couple of days.
26give a mark/score [transitive]
to decide that someone should have a particular
score or mark for something that they have done:
6 give somebody up
to end a romantic relationship with someone, even though
you do not really want to:
I knew deep down that I should give him up.
7 give somebody up for dead/lost etc to believe that someone is dead and stop looking for
them:
The ship sank and the crew were given up for dead.
give up the ghost at ghost1 (5)
give up on somebody/something phrasal verb
to stop hoping that someone or something will change or improve:
He'd been in a coma for six months, and doctors had almost given up on him.
At that point, I hadn't completely given up on the marriage.
give yourself up to something phrasal verb
to allow yourself to feel an emotion completely, without trying to control it:
He gave himself up to despair.
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
say, tell, give, askYou use say when you are mentioning someone's exact words
'Hello,' she said. Someone said, 'Let's go!'Say
can be followed by 'that'
He
said that he was tired. In speech people often leave out 'that' They said there had been a
mistake.Say can be followed by 'something', 'anything', 'nothing', or 'so' Did you say
something? Nobody dared to say anything. You have to come - Dad said so.It can also
be followed by 'goodbye' or 'hello' I'll just go and say hello to David.Apart from these
uses, say
is not normally followed by an object. For example, it cannot be followed
by 'a story', 'a lie', 'some information', or 'an answer'. You tell
a story, a joke, a lie,
or the truth
They told a funny story about their trip. You give information, an order,
an instruction, or an answer He gave no reply.!! You do not say a question. You ask
a question
Can I ask a question?You can say something to someone
Has he said something to you?When talking about giving information, it is more
usual to say that you tell someone something
Clare told us something interesting
(NOT said us something...). Can anyone tell me what time it is? (NOT say to me
what...) You can tell someone
about something
Did you tell Lucy about the
party? (NOT say to Lucy about...)You can say to do
something, but it is more
usual to
tell
someone to do something
The teacher told us to open our
books (NOT said us/said to us to...).
give2 noun
give2 [uncountable]
the ability of a material or substance to bend or stretch when put under pressure:
The rope
has
quite a bit of give in it.
go1
verb
go1
S1
W1 /g| $ go|/ past tense went /went/ past participle gone /gn $ g:n/ third
person singular goes /g|z $ go|z/
1move/travel
a) [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] also been to travel or move to a place
that is away from where you are or where you live [ come]:
There's nothing more we can do here. Let's go home.
Have you ever been to (=have you ever travelled to) Japan?
I
have been to (=have travelled to)
Germany several times.
Where are you going?
We're going to Canada in the summer.
Dinah went into the kitchen.
She went over and put her arm around him.
I'm going round to her house to find out what's wrong.
I'll just go up (=go upstairs) and ask him what he wants.
b) [intransitive and transitive] to move or travel in a particular way or for a particular
distance:
It took us over an hour to go ten miles.
The car was going much too fast.
We went a different way from usual that day.
go by bus/train/car etc
It'll be quicker to go by train.
c) go and do something
also go do something
American English [not in past
tenses] to move to a particular place in order to do something:
Go wash your hands.
I went and spoke to the manager.
! Comeor
go? see usage note been see usage notecome1
2 go flying/laughing/rushing etc
to move in a particular way, or to do something as
you are moving:
The plate went crashing to the floor.
The bullet went flying over my head.
John went rushing off down the corridor.
3attend
a) [intransitive]
to be at a concert, party, meeting etc
go to
Are you going to Manuela's party?
I first went to a rock concert when I was 15.
b) go to school/church/work etc
to regularly attend school, a church etc:
He doesn't go to the synagogue these days.
4leave [intransitive] to leave a place:
What time does the last train go?
Right, let's go!
She turned to go.
be/get going
It's late! I must get going.
5do particular activity [intransitive and transitive] to leave the place where you are, in
order to do something
go for a walk/swim etc
Let's go for a walk.
go shopping/swimming/skiing etc
I need to go shopping this afternoon.
go on a trip/tour/cruise etc
My parents are going on a cruise.
6 be going to do something
a) to intend to do something:
I'm going to tell Dad what you said.
b) used to talk about what will happen in the future:
He looked as if he was going to cry.
It's going to rain later.
gonna
7reach [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, not in progressive]
to reach as far
as a particular place or to lead to a particular place:
The road goes through the middle of the forest.
The belt won't go around my waist.
8change [linking verb]
to change in some way, especially by becoming worse than
before:
The company went bankrupt last year.
go bad/sour etc
The bread's gone mouldy.
go grey/white etc
Her hair is starting to go grey.
go mad/deaf/bald etc
He went crazy and tried to kill her.
go wild/mad/white etc with something
The crowd was going wild with excitement.
see usage note
become
9happen [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to happen or develop in a particular
way:
How did your French test go?
go well/smoothly/fine etc
The party went well.
Everything's going fine at the moment.
I feel very encouraged by
the way things are going.
Many industries have been forced to cut jobs and it looks like the electronics industry is
going the same way.
10 how are things going?/how's it going?/how goes it?
spoken used to ask someone
what is happening in their life, especially used as a greeting:
'Hi Jane. How's it going?' 'Fine, thanks.'
11usual position [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, not in progressive]
if
something goes somewhere, that is its usual position:
Where do the plates go?
The book goes on the top shelf.
12fit [intransitive not in progressive] to be the right size, shape, or amount for a particular
space
go in/under/inside etc
I don't think all that will go in the suitcase.
13be sent [intransitive]
to be sent or passed on
go by/through/to etc
The email went to everyone in the company.
That letter should go by special delivery.
Complaints must go through the proper channels.
14be in a particular state/condition [linking verb] to be in a particular state or
condition, especially a bad one:
Many families are forced to go hungry.
15 go unanswered/unnoticed/unrewarded etcto not be answered, noticed etc:
All my letters went unanswered.
He hoped that his nervousness would go unnoticed.
16start [intransitive] to start doing something:
The preparations have been completed and we're ready to go.
Generally the action doesn't get going (=start)
until after midnight.
I'm going to get going on (=start doing) the decorating next week.
17work well [intransitive]
if a clock, watch, or machine goes, it moves and works as it
should do:
My watch isn't going.
I couldn't
get
the pump
going (=make it work).
18make movement [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
used when you are
telling someone about what movement someone or something made:
She went like this with her hand.
19say [transitive]
spoken informal
to say something:
I asked her what she meant and she just went, 'Don't ask!'
20make a sound [transitive] to make a particular sound:
The balloon suddenly went bang.
21 don't go doing something spoken used to tell someone not to do something, especially
something that is wrong or bad:
It's a secret, so don't go telling everyone.
22 have gone and done something spoken used when you are surprised or annoyed by
what someone has done:
Kay's gone and lost the car keys!
23 to go
a) still remaining before something happens:
Only ten days to go to Christmas!
b) still having to be done or dealt with before you have finished:
Laura's sat six exams and has two more to go.
c) still to travel before you reach the place you are going to:
only another five miles left to go
d) used for saying that you want to take food away from a restaurant and eat it
somewhere else:
Two chicken dinners with corn to go.
24 don't go there
spoken informal
used to say that you do not want to think or
talk about something:
'John and Clare having children?' ' Don't go there!'
'What if the two of them...' Don't even go there!
25story/discussion/song etc [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive not in
progressive]XX
used to talk about what something such as a story or song consists
of:
The argument goes like this.
We need to 'spread a little happiness', as the song goes.
The story goes that my grandfather saved his captain's life in battle.
26whistle/bell etc [intransitive]
to make a noise as a warning or signal:
A bell goes to mark the end of each class.
27 here/there somebody goes again spoken used when someone has annoyed you by
doing something they know you do not like:
There you go again, jumping to conclusions.
28disappear [intransitive]
to no longer exist or no longer be in the same place [=
disappear]:
Has your headache gone yet?
The door was open and all his things had gone.
29get into worse condition [intransitive]
if one of your senses such as sight, hearing
etc is going, it is getting worse:
Dad's eyesight is starting to go.
I'd forgotten that. My mind must be going.
30to be obeyed [intransitive] if what someone says goes, that person is in authority and
what they say should be obeyed:
Phil's in charge, and what he says goes.
31be damaged [intransitive] to become weak, damaged etc, or stop working properly:
The bulb's gone in the bathroom.
My jeans are starting to go at the knee.
32die [intransitive] to die - use this when you want to avoid saying the word 'die':
Now that his wife's gone, he's all on his own.
When I go, I'd like to have my ashes scattered at sea.
dead and gone at dead1 (1)
45 where does somebody/something go from here? spoken used to ask what should be
done next, especially when there is a problem:
So where do you think we should go from here?
46leave a job [intransitive] to leave your job, especially because you are forced to:
He was becoming an embarrassment to the government and had to go.
If Jill goes, who will take her place?
47get rid of something [intransitive] if something goes, someone gets rid of it:
The policies will have to go if the party is to win the next election.
A hundred jobs are expected to go following the merger.
48toilet [intransitive] informal
to make waste come out of your body
go about phrasal verb
1 go about something to start to do something:
I want to learn German but I don't know the best way to go about it.
go about doing something
The leaflet tells you how to go about making a will.
2 go about something to do something in the way that you usually do:
The villagers were
going about their business
as usual.
She went about her preparations in a quiet businesslike way.
3
British EnglishTTW if a ship goes about, it turns to go in the opposite direction
go after something/somebody phrasal verb
1
to follow or chase someone or something because you want to catch them:
Joe went after her to make sure she was unhurt.
2
to try to get something:
I can't decide whether to go after the job or not.
go against somebody/something phrasal verb
1
if something goes against your beliefs, principles etc, it is opposite to them:
This goes against everything I've been brought up to believe in.
I often have to make decisions that go against the grain (=are not what I would
normally choose to do).
2
to do the opposite of what someone wants or advises you to do:
She was scared to go against her father's wishes.
3
if a decision, judgment etc goes against you, you do not get the result you want:
His lawyer hinted that the case might go against him.
The vote went against the government.
go ahead phrasal verb
1
to start to do something, especially after planning it or asking permission to do it
go ahead with
They've decided to go ahead with plans to build 50 new houses on the site.
go ahead and do something
I went ahead and arranged the trip anyway.
2
if an event or process goes ahead, it happens:
A judge has ruled that the music festival can go ahead.
3
spoken used to give someone permission to do something, or let them speak
before you:
'Do you mind if I open the window?' 'No, go ahead.'
If you want to leave, go right ahead.
4
also go on ahead to go somewhere before the other people in your group:
You go ahead and we'll catch you up later.
go ahead of
He stood back to let Sue go ahead of him.
5
to start to be winning a game or competition:
Dulwich went ahead after 22 minutes.
go-ahead1
go along phrasal verb
1
if you do something as you go along, you do it without planning or preparing it:
He wasmaking
the story
up as he
went along.
I never had formal training, I just learned the job as I went along.
2
to go to an event or a place where something is happening
go along to
I might go along to the meeting tonight.
3
to happen or develop in a particular way:
Things seem to be going along nicely.
go along with somebody/something phrasal verb
1
to agree with or support someone or something:
I would be happy to go along with the idea.
Often it was easier to go along with her rather than risk an argument.
2 go along with you! British English
spoken old-fashioned used to tell someone
that you do not believe what they are saying
go around phrasal verb
1dress/behave also go about
British English
to behave or dress in a
particular way
go around doing something
You can't go around accusing people like that.
He goes around in a T-shirt even in winter.
2illness go around (something)
also go about (something) British English
if an illness is going around, a lot of people get it:
He had a bad dose of the flu virus that was going around.
There are a lot of nasty bugs going around the school.
3news/story go around (something) also go about (something) British English
if news, a story, a joke etc is going around, a lot of people hear it and are talking
about it:
A rumour was going around that I was having an affair with my boss.
There was a lot of gossip going around the village.
4 go around with somebody/go around together
also go about with somebody
British English
to meet someone often and spend a lot of time with them:
I used to go around with a bad crowd.
5 enough/plenty to go around enough for each person:
Is there enough ice-cream to go around?
There were never enough textbooks to go around.
6 what goes around comes around used to say that if someone does bad things now,
bad things will happen to them in the future
15wind
if the wind goes down, it becomes less strong:
The wind had gone down but the night had turned chilly.
16prison
informalSCJ to be sent to prison:
He went down for five years.
17happen
spoken informal
to happen:
the type of guy who knows what's going down
What's going down?
18leave university British English formal old-fashionedSEC
to leave Oxford or
Cambridge University at the end of a period of study
go down on somebody phrasal verb
to touch someone's sexual organs with the lips and tongue in order to give them sexual
pleasure
go down with something phrasal verb
to become ill, especially with an infectious disease:
Half the team had gone down with flu.
go for somebody/something phrasal verb
1attack British English
to attack or criticize someone:
The dog suddenly went for me.
2try to get something to try to get or win something:
Jackson is going for his second gold medal here.
go for it
spoken (=used to encourage someone to try to achieve something)
If you really want the job, go for it!
go for broke at broke2 (3)
3choose
British English
to choose something:
I think I'll go for the chocolate cake.
4 I could/would go for something
spoken used to say that you would like to do or have
something:
A full meal for less than five bucks! I could go for that!
5like informal
to like a particular type of person or thing:
Annie tends to go for older men.
6 the same goes for somebody/something also that goes for somebody/something
too
spoken used to say that a statement you have just made is true about someone or
something else too:
Close all doors and lock them when you go out. The same goes for windows.
go in phrasal verb
when the sun or the moon goes in, cloud moves in front of it so that it cannot be seen
go in for something phrasal verb
1
to do an examination or take part in a competition:
I go in for all the competitions.
2
to do or use something often because you enjoy it or like it:
I never really went in for sports.
3
to choose something as your job:
I suppose I could go in for advertising.
go in with somebody phrasal verb
to join with someone else to start a business or organization:
Ellie's going in with a friend who's just started a caf.
ongoing
2happen
to happen:
I don't know what's going on.
What were the children doing while all this was going on?
Like all good resorts, there is plenty going on.
goings-on
3do something next to do something after you have finished doing something else
go on to do something
She went on to become a successful surgeon.
go on to
Go on to the next question when you've finished.
4continue talking
to continue talking, especially after stopping or changing to a
different subject:
Go on, I'm listening.
'But,' he went on, 'we have to deal with the problems we're facing.'
go on with
After a short pause Maria went on with her story.
5 go on
spoken
a) used to encourage someone to do something:
Go on, have another piece of cake.
b) used when you are agreeing to do something or giving permission for something:
'Are you sure you won't have another drink?' 'Oh, go on then.'
'Can I go outside, Dad?' 'Yeah, go on then.'
c) also go on with you
British English
old-fashioned used to tell someone
that you do not believe them
6use as proof go on something
to base an opinion or judgment on something:
Police haven't much to go on in their hunt for the killer.
7start to work if a machine or piece of equipment goes on, it starts to work:
The heat goes on automatically at 6 o'clock.
8time to pass:
As time went on, I grew fond of him.
9behave
British English
informal
the way someone goes on is the way
they behave:
The way she's going on, she'll have a nervous breakdown.
10 be going on (for) 5 o'clock/60/25 etc
to be nearly a particular time, age, number
etc:
Nancy must be going on for 60.
She's one of those wise teenagers who's 16 going on 70 (=she behaves as though she is
older than she is).
11go in front also go on ahead to go somewhere before the other people you are
with:
Bill went on in the car and I followed on foot.
12talk too much
informal
to talk too much:
I really like Clare but she does go on.
go on about
I got tired of him going on about all his problems.
He just went on and on about his new girlfriend.
13criticize
British English
informal
to continue to criticize someone or
ask them to do something in a way that annoys them:
The way she went on, you would have thought it was all my fault.
go on at
Stop going on at me!
go on at somebody to do something
My wife's always going on at me to dress better.
go on at somebody about something
He's always going on at me about fixing the door.
14develop
British English
spoken informal
to develop or make progress
15 to be going on with/to go on with British English
informal
if you have
enough of something to be going on with, you have enough for now:
Have you got enough money to be going on with?
go out phrasal verb
go around
go through phrasal verb
1difficult/unpleasant situation go through somethingto experience a difficult or
unpleasant situation, feeling etc:
When you're going through a crisis, it often helps to talk to someone.
He's going through a divorce at the moment.
It is devastating for a parent to watch a child go through misery.
2process go through something
to experience a particular process:
Candidates must go through a process of selection.
Caterpillars go through several stages of growth.
3use go through something to use up money or a supply of something:
We went through five pints of milk last week.
4law go through (something) if a law goes through, or goes through Parliament, it is
officially accepted
5deal/agreementBBBF
if a deal or agreement goes through, it is officially accepted
and agreed:
He accepted the offer and the deal went through.
The sale of the land went through.
6practise go through something
to practise something, for example a performance:
Let's go through the whole thing again, from the beginning.
7search go through something
to search something in order to find something in
particular:
Dave went through his pockets looking for the keys.
Customs officers went through all my bags.
8read/discuss go through something to read or discuss something in order to make sure it
is correct:
We'll go through the details later on.
Do you want me to go through this and check your spellings?
go through with something phrasal verb
to do something you had promised or planned to do, even though it causes problems or
you are no longer sure you want to do it:
He bravely went through with the wedding ceremony even though he was in a lot of pain.
home) ?Use go
for movement in other directions
Are you going to Sally's
tonight? |
I wish he would go home (=to his home, away from me).