More Speak English Like an American » Lesson 4: Mark Calls Cindy Back
Example: "Do you know why Rich got fired?" - "No, but I'll try to get the scoop."
Example: Levi's has come out with a new line of "eco jeans" made from organic cotton.
Example: The sales clerk at the store was not very good. He futzed around for half an hour before giving me my purchase.
Note: You may also hear the vulgar variation "to fart around."
Example: If you're thinking about buying a new stereo system, you should pick Sam's brain. He writes for Stereophile magazine.
Example: Tina really turned on the charm when she was visiting her new boyfriend's parents.
Example: Do I have to spell it out for you? If you don't start doing better in school, you're not going to get into college.
Example: When Jill started a new business, she had $250,000 of her own money at stake.
Example: There is a lot at stake in the upcoming climate talks.
Example: "If Todd takes over as CEO of this company, we're going to go out of business." - "I wouldn't go that far!"
Example: "The cakes at the new pastry shop in town are the best in the world!" - "They are good, but I wouldn't go that far!"
Example: Time is of the essence in addressing global warming.
Example: The head of our Japanese office is coming to the office next Tuesday. Please clear your calendar for his visit.
Example: Your parents won't let you have your own computer? Maybe when they realize you need it to do you homework, they'll come around.
Example: I missed the meeting this moring, so can someone fill me in on what was discussed?
Choose the most appropriate response to each sentence:
Mark gives Ron the information he got form Cindy regarding Grand Foods. Ron wants more information and orders Mark to call Cindy back. Mark calls her back and agrees to take her out on Saturday night.
Mark: I got the scoop on Grand Foods. They're buying a food company in China and coming out with two products: Moo Shu Pork and Princess Chicken.
Ron: How will they be packaged?
Mark: Cindy didn't say.
Ron: Stop futzing around! Call Cindy back and pick her brain.
Mark: But it's really difficult to get information from Cindy.
Ron: Then turn on the charm! Do what you have to do to get the information.
Mark: I really don't know why you're pushing me so hard.
Ron: Do I have to spell it out for you? The future of our company is at stake!
Mark: I wouldn't go that far!
Ron: I would. Time is of the essence here.
(Mark makes a phone call)
Mark: Cindy, it's Mark calling again. I've cleared my calendar for Saturday evening.
Cindy: I knew You'd come around!
Mark: By the way, do you know how Grand Foods is packaging these new products?
Cindy: Sure, I'll fill you in on Saturday.
If you already speak some English and now would like to speak more like a native, “Speak English Like an American” will help you. One of the keys to speaking like a native is the ability to use and understand casual expressions, or idioms. American English is full of idioms. Speak English Like an American will help you understand and use idioms better. It contains over 300 of today's most common idioms.
Speak Business English Like An American covers over 350 idioms and expressions you're likely to encounter in today's business world. Familiarize yourself with all of them.
English idioms, proverbs, and expressions are an important part of everyday English. They come up all the time in both written and spoken English. Because idioms don't always make sense literally, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. That may seem like a lot of work, but learning idioms is fun, especially when you compare English idioms to the idioms in your own language.