Buffl

A2

JS
by Joshua S.

"

brain /breɪn/

"NOUN [C]

IN HEAD

the organ inside your head that controls thought, memory, feelings and activity

Dictionary examples:

Doctors can measure activity in her brain.

The accident left him with permanent brain damage. His wife died from a brain tumour.

Learner example:

He said the Martians opened his head and [did] experi[ments] with his brain.

Word family:

Nouns: break, outbreak

Verbs: break

Adjectives: breakable, broken

VERB (broke, broken)

SEPARATE

[I or T] to separate into two or more pieces or to make something do this

Dictionary examples:

The dish fell to the floor and broke. They had to break a window to get in.

I dropped the vase and it broke into pieces.

Learner example:

I broke a beautiful glass.

break your arm/leg, etc.

to damage a bone in your arm/leg, etc.

Dictionary example:

Barbara slipped on the ice and broke her arm.

Learner example:

I['m] sell[ing] my bicycle because I broke my leg.

NOT WORK

[I or T] If you break a machine, object, etc., or if it breaks, it stops working because it is damaged.

Dictionary example:

I think I've broken your camera.

Learner example:

I'd like [a new mobile phone] because the other one ha[s] broken.

NOUN [C]

STOP

when you stop an activity for a short time, usually to rest or to eat

Dictionary examples:

a coffee/lunch break

We'll take another break at 3.30.

They worked through the night without a break.

Learner example:

You must bring an old shirt, pencils, water and some food for the break.

NOUN [C]

STRUCTURE

a structure that is built over a river, road, railway, etc. to allow people and vehicles to cross from one side to the other

Dictionary examples:

We drove across/over the bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

Learner example:

We can see Bogaz bridge from [the] window.

"

housewife /ˈhaʊs.waɪf/

"NOUN [C] (PLURAL housewives)

a woman whose work is inside the home, doing the cleaning, cooking, etc., and

who usually does not have any other job

Dictionary example:

My grandmother was the perfect housewife.

Learner example:

I have also enjoyed ""Desperate housewives"", ""the O.C"" and of course ""the Oprah show"" recently.

ADVERB

How about...?

used to make a suggestion

Dictionary examples:

How about a drink?

How about going to the cinema?

Learner example:

How about going on Monday evening?

WAY

used to ask or talk about the way something happens or is done

Dictionary examples:

How do we get to the town from here? How did you hear about the concert? How does this machine work?

Roz doesn't know how to ride a bicycle. How can/could he be so stupid?

I don't know how anyone could think that way.

Learner example:

How did you know I liked skateboards?

HEALTH

used to ask about someone's health

Dictionary examples:

How is your mother?

How are you feeling this morning?

Learner example:

How are you feeling? I hope you are feeling better.

How do you do?

a formal greeting for someone that you have not met before

Dictionary example:

""I'm Jack Stewart."" ""How do you do? I'm Angela Black.""

ADVERB

DESPITE THIS

used when you are about to say something which is surprising compared with what you have just said

Dictionary examples:

This is one possible solution to the problem. However, there are others. There may, however, be other reasons that we don't know about.

Learner example:

I will be very happy to go fishing and swimming in the lake like the last time. However, if you

don't want to do it, it's not a problem for me.

"

normal /ˈnɔː.məl/

"Word family:

Nouns: norm, normality

Adjectives: normal, abnormal

Adverbs: normally

ADJECTIVE

usual, ordinary, and expected

Dictionary examples:

a normal working day

Lively behaviour is normal for a four-year-old child. It's normal to argue with your partner now and then. They were selling the goods at half the normal cost.

The temperature was above/below normal for the time of year.

Now that everyone's back from their holidays, things are back to normal.

Learner example:

We have to bring a pencil case with some coloured pencil[s], a rubber and a normal pencil.

Word family:

Nouns: north

Adjectives: north, northern

NOUN [U]

DIRECTION

the direction that is on your left when you face towards the rising sun

Dictionary examples:

The points of the compass are North, South, East and West. The stadium is to the north of the city.

Learner example:

My new house is near the cinema, in North street.

the north

the part of an area that is further towards the north than the rest

Dictionary examples:

They live in the north of the country.

Most of the country will be dry tomorrow, but the north will have some rain.

Learner example:

I'm in Santander, in the north of Spain.

ADJECTIVE

in or forming the north part of something

Dictionary examples:

North America/Africa

the north coast of Iceland

Learner example:

It was about a team who went to visit North America.

ADVERB

towards the north

Dictionary example:

The road leads north.

Learner example:

From that beach, we continued north and visited other small beaches.

ADVERB

AFTER HOPE/SUSPECT, ETC.

used after verbs like 'be afraid', 'hope', 'suspect', etc. in short, negative replies

Dictionary examples:

""Is he coming with us?"" ""I hope not."" ""Have you finished?"" ""I'm afraid not.""

or not

used to express the possibility that something might not happen

Dictionary examples:

Are you going to reply or not?

I still don't know whether she's coming or not.

Learner example:

Are [you] busy or not that day?

if not

used to say what the situation will be if something does not happen

Dictionary example:

I hope to see you there but, if not, I'll call you.

Learner example:

I'm going to paint my bedroom with the pink paint. Remember to put on your old cloth[e]s. If not, your clothes will become pinky and you can't use them anymore.

not too

used before adjectives and adverbs to mean 'not very'

Dictionary examples:

""How was your exam?"" ""Not too bad, I suppose."" I didn't play too well today.

He wasn't too happy when I told him about the mistake.

Learner example:

How are you? [I'm] not too bad.

not bad satisfactory

Dictionary example:

That's not bad for such a small company.

Learner example:

The presents are not bad.

Word family:

Nouns: note Verbs: note Adjectives: notable Adverbs: notably

NOUN

notes

information that is written down to help you study, or to help you remember something you are going to write about

Dictionary examples:

The journalist took notes throughout the interview.

I studied European literature, and I still have all my notes.

Learner example:

You have to bring with you a pencil, some chalk and a big notebook to take some notes and to

draw in.

"

rich /rɪtʃ/

"Word family:

Nouns: riches, richness

Verbs: enrich

Adjectives: rich

ADJECTIVE

MONEY

having much more money than most people, or owning things that could be sold for a lot of money

Dictionary examples:

She's from a very rich family.

He's the third richest man in the country. They're one of the world's richest nations.

Learner example:

I got many CDs, DVDs and clothes, but the best [present] was a 72"" Plasma television that I

received from our rich friend, Richie Rich.

Word family:

Nouns: right Adjectives: right Adverbs: right, rightly

ADJECTIVE

DIRECTION

[ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN] on or towards the side of your body that is to the east when you are facing north

Dictionary examples:

Most people write with their right hand. There's a tree on the right side of the house.

Learner example:

He saw a man running away holding a gun [i]n his right hand.

ADVERB

DIRECTION

to the side of your body that is to the east when you are facing north

Dictionary example:

Turn/Go right at the first traffic lights.

Learner example:

When you go from [the] city, [at the] first roundabout turn right.

IN SPEECH

used at the beginning of a sentence to get someone's attention or to show you have understood someone

Dictionary examples:

Right, whose turn is it to tidy up?

Right, so Helen's coming tomorrow and Trevor on Thursday.

NOUN

DIRECTION

[NO PLURAL] the right side of your body, or the direction towards this side

Dictionary example:

You'll find her in the second room on the right.

Learner example:

On the right there is a wardrobe and a table with a chair.

EXCLAMATION INFORMAL

used to express agreement with someone

Dictionary example:

""Johnny, you climb up first."" - ""Right!""

"

change /tʃeɪndʒ/

"Word family:

Nouns: change Verbs: change

Adjectives: unchanged, changeable

VERB

DIFFERENT

[I or T] to become different, or to make someone or something become different

Dictionary examples:

The course changed my life.

I almost didn't recognize her - she'd changed so much.

That was twenty years ago and things have changed since then.

Nothing changes, does it - I've been away two years and the office still looks exactly the same.

Learner example:

My room doesn't change.

CLOTHES

[I or T] to take off your clothes and put on different ones

Dictionary examples:

You don't need to change - you look great as you are. I'll just change into something a bit smarter.

Give me five minutes to change out of my work clothes and I'll come out with you. How often do you think he changes his shirt?

Learner example:

You can change your clothes here.

JOURNEY

[I or T] to get off a train, bus, etc. and catch another in order to continue a journey

Dictionary examples:

I had to change (trains) twice to get there. Change at Peterborough for York.

Learner example:

On the return flight from Los Angeles, I had to change plane[s] in Paris.

MONEY

[T] to get or give someone money in exchange for money of a different type

Dictionary examples:

Could you change a £20 note for two tens, please? I need to change my dollars for/into pounds.

Learner example:

Can I change money for US dollars there?

NOUN

DIFFERENCE

[C or U] when something becomes different, or the result of something becoming different

Dictionary examples:

Let me know if there's any change in the situation. We're living in a time of great change.

They've made a lot of changes to the house.

Learner example:

Really, this bedroom needs a big change.

SOMETHING NEW

[C or U] when you stop having or using one thing and start having or using another

I've told the school about our change of address. This country needs a change of government.

Learner example:

The reason for the change of class was mainly the teacher.

a change of clothes

a set of clean clothes you can put on if you need to take off the ones you are wearing

Dictionary example:

Make sure you bring a change of clothes.

Learner example:

If you want you can bring an extra change of clothes so we can get wet.

"

on /ɒn/

"PREPOSITION

DIRECTIONS

used to refer to a place when giving directions

Dictionary examples:

Our house is the first on the left after the post office. Take the first turning on the right.

Learner example:

My house is the first one on the left.

TRAVEL

used for showing some methods of travelling

Dictionary examples:

I love travelling on trains.

She'll be arriving on the five-thirty bus. We went to France on the ferry.

Learner example:

I will travel on a train and then I will take [a] taxi to your home.

PLACE

in a particular place

Dictionary examples:

the diagram on page 22 They lived on a farm.

Learner example:

I live on a farm in the Emmental.

RECORDING

used to show the way in which something is recorded or broadcast

Dictionary examples:

What's on television tonight?

When's the film coming out on DVD?

Learner example:

At the party, we watched films on television.

TIME/MONEY

used to show what money or time is used for

Dictionary examples:

She refuses to spend more than £20 on a pair of shoes. I've wasted too much time on this already.

Learner example:

I love it and I spend all my time on it.

on foot walking

Dictionary example:

Are you going by bicycle or on foot?

Learner example:

It isn't far away from the main building [-] it's about 15 minutes on foot.

on sale

available at a reduced price

Dictionary example:

I love that dress but I'm waiting until it's on sale before I buy it.

Learner example:

I bought a nice t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I bought them because they're comfortable and cheap: they were on sale. I spent 15€.

ADVERB

WEAR

If you have something on, you are wearing it.

Dictionary examples:

She's got a black coat on.

Why don't you put your new dress on?

Learner example:

And I want you to put on some baggy clothes, so that you'll feel comfortable while working.

"

busy /ˈbɪz.i/

"ADJECTIVE

PERSON

If you are busy, you are working hard, or giving your attention to a particular thing

Dictionary examples:

Mum was busy in the kitchen.

The kids are busy with their homework.

She's busy writing out the wedding invitations. I've got plenty of jobs to keep you busy.

He was too busy talking to notice us come in.

Learner example:

I'm sorry I haven't written before, but I've been very busy studying.

PLACE

A busy place is full of activity or people.

Dictionary examples:

a busy restaurant

Their house is near a very busy road.

Learner example:

Despite the fact that Rome is a busy city, you can find quiet place[s] like Broccian lake and the

seaside in Ostia.

TIME

In a busy period, you have a lot of things to do.

Dictionary examples:

I've got a busy week ahead of me.

Have a rest - you've had a busy day.

Learner example:

It was a busy day.

PREPOSITION DO

used to show the person or thing that does something

Dictionary examples:

She was examined by a doctor.

We were amazed by what she told us.

I'm reading some short stories (written) by Chekhov. The book was translated by a well-known author.

Learner example:

You have to read the ""House of terror"" by Constanza Vanges, [which] is about strange things that start happening in a house.

HOW

used to show how something is done

Dictionary examples:

They travelled across Europe by train/car. She did the decorating (all) by herself.

Do you wish to be paid in cash or by cheque? He learned English by listening to the radio.

Learner example:

You can go there by bus.

NOT LATER THAN

not later than; at/on or before

Dictionary examples:

She had promised to be back by five o'clock. The application must be in by August 31st.

Learner example:

Please come tomorrow by 3 o'clock in the afternoon to paint my bedroom.

by the way

used when you say something new or on a different subject

Dictionary examples:

I think we've discussed everything we need to - by the way, what time is it? Oh, by the way, my name's Julie.

Learner example:

By the way, I want to buy a raincoat for my brother.

C

"

already /ɔːlˈred.i/

"ADVERB

BEFORE NOW

before now, or before a particular time in the past

Dictionary examples:

I asked him to come to the exhibition but he'd already seen it. The concert had already begun by the time we arrived.

I've already told him.

Learner example:

Juliana, I am going to start to paint my bedroom tomorrow. I have already bought the paint.

ADJECTIVE [NEVER BEFORE NOUN]; ADVERB (ALSO all right)

WITHOUT PROBLEMS

happening successfully or without problems

Dictionary examples:

Did the interview go alright? Did he do alright in his exams?

Did you get home alright last night?

Learner example:

It's good to know you are doing alright [at] school.

WELL

not hurt or ill

Dictionary examples:

""Harry's just slipped on the ice."" ""Oh dear! Is he alright?"" She was very ill for a while but she's alright now.

Learner example:

Dear Robbie, I hope you're alright.

that's alright

used as an answer when someone thanks you, or something you say when someone says sorry, to show that you are not angry

Dictionary examples:

""Thanks for getting the tickets."" ""That's alright.""

""I'm sorry, I forgot all about your party."" ""That's alright.""

Learner example:

Well I am angry with you because you did not come to my party but that's alright - after all, you are my friend.

PERMISSION

used to ask if you can do something or to say that someone can do something

Dictionary examples:

Is it alright if I put some music on?

It's alright to have your friends round so long as you check with me first. Is it alright with you if I leave early today?

Learner example:

I want to see the film on Saturday if that's alright [with] you?

ADVERB

UNTIL NOW

at all times in the past

Dictionary example:

We've always lived here.

Learner example:

The best present was a mobile phone. I've always wanted it!!!

FOREVER

forever

Dictionary example:

I'll always remember you.

Learner example:

That was the best weekend [of] my life. I'll always remember it.

"

so /səʊ/

"ADVERB

VERY

used to emphasize the quantity, quality or amount of something

Dictionary examples:

The house is so beautiful. Don't be so stupid!

I didn't know she had so many children! Thank you so much for all your help.

I've never seen so many people in one place before!

I'm so tired (that) I could sleep in this chair!

Thank you so much for [your] help!

MENTIONED EARLIER

used to refer to something that has just been mentioned, especially to give a short answer to a question

Dictionary examples:

""I hope they stay together."" ""I hope so too."" ""Do you think he's upset?"" ""I don't think so."" James is coming tonight, or so he said.

Learner example:

Do you like this colour? I hope so.

and so on

used after a list of things to show that you could have added other similar things

Dictionary example:

She plays a lot of tennis and squash and so on.

Learner example:

I like watching television, playing [on] the computer, reading book[s] and so on.

CONJUNCTION

REASON

used to say that something is the reason why something else happens

Dictionary examples:

I was tired so I went to bed.

Greg had some money so he bought a bike. My knee started hurting so I stopped running. I was lost so I bought a street map.

Learner example:

I'm going to change my school, so I have to sell all my books.

SENTENCE BEGINNING

used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it with something that was said or happened previously

Dictionary examples:

So, there I was standing at the edge of the road with only my underwear on ... So, just to finish what I was saying earlier...

So, who do you think is going to win the election? So, here we are again - just you and me.

So that's what he does when I'm not around!

So we leave on the Thursday and get back the next Tuesday, is that right?

I remember you said that you want to help me. So, can you buy the items for me and then I pay you?

"

timetable /ˈtaɪmˌteɪ.bl̩/

"NOUN [C]

SCHOOL/COLLEGE

a list of the times and days of lessons at a school, college, etc.

Dictionary example:

The first lesson on the timetable for Monday morning is history.

Learner example:

You haven't got the new timetable. The class is next Monday [from] ten to half [past] eleven.

INFINITIVE MARKER REASON

used to give the purpose of something or the reason for doing something

Dictionary examples:

I'm going there to see my sister.

This tool is used to make holes in leather.

Learner example:

Dear Robbie, I'm writing to tell you some information about what we['re going to] do.

INSTEAD OF VERB

used instead of repeating a verb clause

Dictionary examples:

""Are you going tonight?"" ""I'm certainly hoping to."" ""Would you like to come?"" ""I'd love to.""

Learner example:

Yes, I'd love to.

PREPOSITION

from ... to ...

used to give information about periods of time

Dictionary example:

The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Learner example:

We have the class on Monday from 9 o'clock to 10 o'clock in the morning.

RECEIVING

used to show who receives something or experiences an action

Dictionary examples:

I gave the money to my sister. Give the gun to me.

Anna was speaking to her mother on the phone. I lent my bike to my brother.

Who's the letter addressed to?

Learner example:

Please bring it to me tomorrow, because I have to return it to my brother.

NOUN

BREAD

[U] bread that has been heated to make it brown

Dictionary examples:

a slice of toast

I have toast and marmalade for breakfast.

Learner example:

They prefer toast, muesli and [a] cup of tea or coffee for breakfast.

"

have /hæv/ (had, had)

"AUXILIARY VERB

used with the past participle of another verb to form the present and past perfect tenses

Dictionary examples:

Have you seen Roz? I've passed my test.

He hasn't visited London yet. I'd met his wife before.

It would have been better to tell the truth.

He's been working in France for two years now.

Learner example:

I haven't seen you for ages.

MODAL VERB

have (got) to do sth

to need to do something or be forced to do something

Dictionary examples:

I've got to go to Manchester tomorrow. Do we have to finish this today?

They've had to change their plans.

Learner example:

Dear Mr Miller, Unfortunately I'm going to miss the English class tomorrow because I'm ill. Yest[e]rday I went to the doctor and he said that I've got to stay at home for three days.

have (got) to do sth

used when you are telling someone how to do something

Dictionary examples:

You have to wait for the green light and then record your voice. You've got to type in your name, then your password.

Learner example:

To get to my house, you have to get bus [number] 30 to town, [and] there you have to get bus [number] 15 to Spring Bank.

VERB [T]

BABY

to give birth to a baby

Dictionary example:

Elaine had a baby girl yesterday.

Learner example:

She had got married and had had a baby without telling me!

have fun/a nice time/a problem, etc. to experience something

Dictionary examples:

Have a nice day!

We had a great time in Venice.

We had a few problems finding the house.

Did you have any luck finding a present for Annie?

Learner example:

We played a lot of games and had fun.

"

for /fɔːr/

"PREPOSITION

PURPOSE

having a particular purpose

Dictionary examples:

There's a sign there saying 'boats for hire'.

Which vitamins should you take for skin problems?

Learner example:

You [need] to bring your exer[c]ise book for art.

GET

in order to get or achieve something

Dictionary examples:

I hate waiting for public transport. I had to run for the bus.

Did you send off for details of the competition?

I've applied for a job with another computer company.

Learner example:

It's important to me because I['m] going to study for an exam.

PAYMENT

in exchange for something, especially an amount of money

Dictionary examples:

How much did you pay for your glasses? She sold the house for quite a lot of money.

They've said they'll repair my car for £300.

Learner example:

I['m] sell[ing] it for 100 Euro.

OCCASION

on the occasion of

Dictionary examples:

What did you buy him for Christmas?

We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday.

Learner example:

I'm tired because I ha[d] a party yesterday for my birthday.

AT A TIME

at a particular time

Dictionary examples:

I've booked a table at the restaurant for nine o'clock. We can give you an appointment for 10.15.

Learner example:

Can we rearrange the time for five o'clock?

BECAUSE OF

because of or as a result of something

Dictionary examples:

He got fined for travelling without a ticket. The things you do for love!

Scotland is famous for its beautiful countryside. He's best remembered for his novels.

Learner example:

It is famous for ""paella"" but we have many dif[f]erent kind[s] of food.

MEANING

showing meaning

Dictionary examples:

What's the Czech word for 'book'? ""What does J.L. stand for?"" ""José Luis.""

TOWARDS

towards or in the direction of

Dictionary examples:

They looked as if they were heading for the train station. Just follow signs for the town centre.

This time tomorrow we'll be setting off for the States. It says this train is for Birmingham and Coventry only.

for sale

available to buy

Dictionary examples:

Is this painting for sale?

Our neighbours put their house up for sale last week.

Learner example:

For sale: ""Olympus"" camera + bag.

Author

Joshua S.

Information

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