Upper-Intermediate Phrases (B1 + B2) You Definitely Need to Know

Interactive English

15 Nov 202321:14

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script is an educational guide aimed at teaching English learners common phrases at B1 and B2 levels. The instructor, Wes, explains the meanings, usage in context, and pronunciation of each phrase, ensuring learners can use them like native speakers. Phrases such as 'in advance,' 'take it easy,' and 'in the end' are covered, with special attention given to pronunciation nuances like linking and flapped 't's. The script also promotes an app, Elsa Speak, for further language practice, highlighting its conversational AI and feedback features. The lesson concludes with a review, emphasizing the importance of vocabulary building for English fluency.

Takeaways

📝 The video teaches common English phrases at B1 and B2 levels for intermediate and upper intermediate learners.
🗣️ Pronunciation and usage of phrases like 'in advance', 'take it easy', and 'in the end' are covered with examples and explanations.
🔗 The script emphasizes the importance of linking sounds in spoken English for a more natural flow.
📚 The phrase 'take it easy' has two meanings: to relax or to stay calm, used as a command.
📱 The video introduces an app called Elsa Speak, which helps improve pronunciation and speaking skills through AI conversation features.
📈 The 'drag and drop' phrase is associated with computer use and is a binomial pair, illustrating the quick pace of technological change.
😟 The phrase 'make a face' is used to express disapproval or dislike towards someone or something.
⏱️ Phrases like 'wait a minute', 'wait a moment', and 'wait a second' are used to get attention, interrupt, or indicate a sudden thought.
🚗 The phrasal verb 'run into' can mean to collide with something accidentally or to meet someone unexpectedly.
🌪️ 'Out of nowhere' is used to describe something appearing or happening suddenly and unexpectedly.
🙅‍♂️ The phrase 'neither nor' is used to state that two or more things are not true or do not apply.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?
-The main purpose of the video script is to teach common English phrases at B1 and B2 levels, explain their meanings, provide context for their usage, and guide on correct pronunciation.
What does the phrase 'in advance' mean and how is it typically used?
-'In advance' means before a particular time or before doing a particular thing, and it is often used at the end of a sentence or clause.
How should the phrase 'in advance' be pronounced, especially regarding linking?
-The phrase 'in advance' should be pronounced with linking, where the final consonant sound of 'in' is linked with the beginning vowel sound of 'advance', making it sound like 'in advance'.
What are the different meanings of the phrase 'take it easy'?
-The phrase 'take it easy' can mean to rest, relax, or avoid hard work, and it can also be used as a command to stay or become calm.
What is a 'dummy pronoun' and how is it used in the context of the phrase 'take it easy'?
-A 'dummy pronoun' is a pronoun with no specific meaning that serves a grammar function. In the phrase 'take it easy', 'it' is a dummy pronoun used to complete the sentence structure.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'in the end' and how can it be used in sentences?
-'In the end' means finally or eventually after something has been discussed or considered. It can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence to indicate the final result or conclusion.
How does the pronunciation of 'the' change in the phrase 'in the end'?
-In the phrase 'in the end', 'the' is pronounced in its weak form as a schwa sound when the next word begins with a consonant, and in its strong form when the next word begins with a vowel.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'drag and drop' and how is it related to technology?
-'Drag and drop' refers to moving something from one area to another using a mouse, and it is related to technology, particularly when talking about files, documents, or pictures on a computer.
What are the different situations where the phrases 'wait a minute', 'wait a moment', and 'wait a second' can be used?
-These phrases can be used when interrupting someone, getting someone's attention, or when suddenly thinking of something important.
How should the final 't' in 'weight' be pronounced in the phrase 'wait a minute'?
-The final 't' in 'weight' should be pronounced as a flap 't', which sounds like a soft 'd', especially in American English.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'to make matters worse' and how can it be used with or without 'to'?
-'To make matters worse' means to make a situation more unpleasant or difficult. It can be used with 'to' to advise someone or without 'to' to describe a situation that has become worse due to an additional factor.
What are the two meanings of the phrasal verb 'run into'?
-The phrasal verb 'run into' can mean to accidentally drive a vehicle into an object or person, or to meet someone unexpectedly.
How is the phrase 'from out of nowhere' used in sentences and what does it emphasize?
-'From out of nowhere' is used to describe something that happens very suddenly or unexpectedly, often with the verb 'come', and it adds emphasis to the unexpectedness of the event.
What does the phrase 'neither nor' express and how is it used to talk about two or more things?
-'Neither nor' is used to express that two or more things are not true or do not exist. It can be used to talk about the lack of desire or resources to engage in a particular activity.
What is the meaning of 'on top of that' and how is it used in sentences?
-'On top of that' is used to add additional information, especially something unpleasant, to a situation that has already been mentioned.
How should the 't' in 'top' be pronounced in the phrase 'on top of that'?
-The 't' in 'top' should be pronounced as a flap 't', which sounds like a soft 'd', and then linked with the vowel sound in 'of'.
What does 'the latter' refer to and what are some common collocations with this phrase?
-'The latter' refers to the second of two things mentioned and can be used with collocations like 'the latter part of' or 'the latter half of' to specify a time or sequence towards the end.
How should the 't' in 'latter' be pronounced and what linking occurs in this word?
-The 't' in 'latter' should be pronounced as a flap 't', and there is linking between the final consonant sound in 'latter' and the beginning vowel sound in 'part' or 'half'.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Essential Phrases for English Fluency

The speaker introduces the lesson by stating the intent to teach common phrases necessary for English fluency. These phrases range from B1 to B2 levels, with explanations of their meanings, usage in context, and pronunciation tips. The first phrase 'in advance' is discussed, with examples of its use and pronunciation guidance, including the linking of sounds in fluent speech. The speaker also promotes an app called Elsa Speak for improving pronunciation and speaking skills, highlighting its features like AI conversation and speech analysis.

05:00

😌 Relaxing with 'Take It Easy' and Other Phrases

The paragraph delves into the phrase 'take it easy,' discussing its dual meanings related to relaxation and calming down. Pronunciation advice is given, focusing on the American accent's characteristic 'flap T' sound. The speaker then transitions into discussing the app Elsa Speak's benefits for English learners, offering a discount for premium membership. The lesson continues with the phrase 'in the end,' explaining its use to signify a final outcome or conclusion, with examples from headlines and pronunciation tips.

10:00

😉 Common Phrases for Describing Emotions and Actions

This section covers various phrases, starting with 'make a face' to express dislike, followed by 'wait a minute/moment/second' used for attention or sudden thoughts. The speaker provides examples and pronunciation guidance, emphasizing the American English 'flap T' sound. The paragraph also introduces B2 level phrases like 'to make matters worse,' explaining its usage in different contexts and pronunciation, with a focus on the reduced form of 'to' and the 'flap T' in 'matters.'

15:02

😮 Phrasal Verbs and Adverb Phrases for Unexpected Occurrences

The speaker explains the phrasal verb 'run into' with its two meanings: accidentally hitting something with a vehicle or meeting someone unexpectedly. Memes and jokes are used to illustrate the phrase's usage, along with pronunciation tips. The adverb phrase 'out of nowhere' is introduced to describe sudden events, with examples and pronunciation advice. The paragraph also covers 'neither nor' for discussing the inapplicability of two or more things and 'on top of that' to add information to an unpleasant situation, both with pronunciation guidance.

20:04

😇 The Importance of Vocabulary Building and Course Conclusion

In the final paragraph, the speaker emphasizes the importance of vocabulary building for English fluency, expressing a mild annoyance at those who undervalue it. The phrases from the lesson are woven into a narrative that encourages viewers to continue learning. The speaker uses 'wait a second' and 'take it easy' to manage emotions and ends on a hopeful note for future lessons. The lesson concludes with a reminder to like the video if they found it useful and a farewell until the next encounter.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡in advance

The term 'in advance' refers to doing something before a certain time or before undertaking a particular action. It is commonly used at the end of a sentence or clause to indicate prior preparation or planning. In the video's context, it is used to emphasize the importance of preparation, as seen in the examples 'we should prepare the presentation in advance' and 'you don't need to pay for these lessons in advance', highlighting the theme of being prepared for various situations in English learning and beyond.

💡take it easy

The phrase 'take it easy' can be used in two ways: to suggest relaxation or to calm someone down. It is a common expression used to advise someone to rest, avoid stress, or to stay calm in a tense situation. The video script illustrates this with examples like 'when I'm on vacation I like to take it easy' and 'take it easy, you need to calm down', showing its relevance in everyday conversations and the broader theme of maintaining a balanced approach to learning and life.

💡in the end

The phrase 'in the end' is used to signify the final outcome or conclusion after a series of events or discussions. It often appears at the beginning or end of a sentence to denote the ultimate result. The video script uses this term to discuss the culmination of thoughts or events, such as 'in the end we decided to get sushi' and 'in the end we are all English Learners', emphasizing the importance of reaching conclusions or making decisions in language learning and other aspects of life.

💡drag and drop

'Drag and drop' is a computer term referring to the action of moving an item from one place to another using a mouse. It is a binomial pair linked by 'and', and the video script mentions its use in relation to files and documents. The phrase is highlighted as a relatively new term in the English language, reflecting the video's theme of adapting to changes in technology and language.

💡make a face

To 'make a face' is to form a particular expression, typically one of disapproval or distaste. The script uses this phrase to describe a non-verbal reaction to situations or people. It is exemplified in the script with scenarios like 'you may make a face when someone takes your favorite toy', illustrating the concept's relevance in expressing feelings non-verbally, which is a universal aspect of communication.

💡wait a minute/second/moment

The phrases 'wait a minute/second/moment' are used to get someone's attention, interrupt a conversation, or to indicate that one has suddenly thought of something important. They are not meant to be taken literally but rather as a way to pause or interject. The script demonstrates this with examples such as 'wait a minute, I'm sorry I yelled' and 'wait a moment and of course when interrupting', showing the phrases' utility in various conversational contexts.

💡to make matters worse

The phrase 'to make matters worse' is used to indicate that a situation, already bad or difficult, has become even more so due to an additional factor. It can be used with or without 'to', and the script provides examples like 'be careful or you could make matters worse' and 'schools are overcrowded and to make matters worse, many teachers plan to retire next year', underscoring the concept's role in describing escalating problems or challenges in English communication.

💡run into

'Run into' is a phrasal verb with two meanings: to collide with someone or something accidentally, or to meet someone unexpectedly. The script uses this term in various contexts, such as 'he ran into my knife 10 times' and 'I ran into my ex today', to illustrate its dual usage and relevance in describing both literal and figurative encounters.

💡out of nowhere

The phrase 'out of nowhere' is used to describe something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly. It serves as an adverb to add emphasis or provide additional information about an event. The script mentions this term in examples like 'a businessman and a woman, little dog came out of nowhere', demonstrating its use in conveying the element of surprise in various situations.

💡neither nor

The phrase 'neither nor' is used to state that two or more things are not true or applicable. It is often used in negative constructions to express the absence of both options. The script provides examples such as 'I have neither the time nor inclination to get involved in someone else's drama', showing how the term can be used to express a lack of both resources and desire for a particular action.

💡on top of that

The term 'on top of that' is used to add additional information, especially something unpleasant, to what has already been said. It serves to emphasize further problems or issues. The script uses this phrase in sentences like 'we missed our bus and on top of that, the next one we took had mechanical problems', illustrating its role in compounding difficulties or extra considerations in a conversation.

💡the latter

'The latter' refers to the second of two items or the second part of something. It is often used to specify the latter part or aspect of a situation or time period. The script mentions 'the latter' in contexts like 'the latter part of the month' and 'the latter half of the movie', demonstrating its utility in distinguishing the second element in a pair or sequence and its relevance to the video's theme of understanding language nuances.

Highlights

Introduction to teaching common phrases for English fluency.

Explanation of the phrase 'in advance' and its use in sentences.

Pronunciation tips for linking 'in' and 'advance'.

The meaning and use of 'take it easy' in different contexts.

Pronunciation of 'it' as a dummy pronoun and the American accent's 'flap T'.

Introduction of the app 'Elsa Speak' for pronunciation and speaking practice.

Demonstration of 'Elsa AI' feature for conversation practice.

Explanation of the phrase 'in the end' and its distinction from 'at the end'.

Pronunciation guide for the weak form of 'the' in 'in the end'.

The phrase 'drag and drop' explained in the context of computer use.

Pronunciation tips for reducing 'and' and linking in 'drag and drop'.

Definition and examples of making a face to express dislike.

Pronunciation of 'make a face' with linking sounds.

Use of 'wait a minute/second/moment' in various situations.

Pronunciation of 'wait a minute' with the flap T sound.

Explanation of the B2 phrase 'to make matters worse'.

Pronunciation of 'matters' with a weak 't' sound.

The phrasal verb 'run into' with two different meanings explained.

Pronunciation of 'run into' with linking sounds.

The adverb phrase 'out of nowhere' and its use in sentences.

Pronunciation of 'out of nowhere' with the flap T sound.

Use of 'neither nor' to talk about two or more untrue things.

Pronunciation of 'neither nor' for clear enunciation.

Explanation of 'on top of that' to add information about unpleasantness.

Pronunciation tips for 'on top of that' with linking sounds.

The phrase 'the latter' explained with examples of its use.

Pronunciation of 'the latter' with the weak 'the' and flap T sound.

Review and reinforcement of the lesson's phrases in context.

Encouragement for viewers to realize the importance of vocabulary building.

Closing remarks and anticipation of future lessons.

Transcripts

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English Phrases Pronunciation Guide Vocabulary Building Intermediate Level Context Usage Language Learning Educational Content Interactive English Fluency Goals Speaking Skills