5A:Expressions with Time
5A: Distancing (Grammar)
Random Vocabulary
5B: Money
5B: Unreal Uses of Past Tenses
100

What does the phrase "time left" mean?

Answer

The amount of time remaining before something happens.


100

Complete the second sentences so that it means the same as the first using distancing expressions.

Apparently, people who work night shifts die younger.

It would ________ die younger.


Answer

It would seem that people who work night shifts die younger.

100

A phrase used to describe someone who is overly self-centered or arrogant, often thinking too highly of themselves.

Full of herself

100

A society where people prioritize buying and using goods and services in large quantities, often driven by advertising and consumerism.

Consumer Society
100

Complete the sentences using the bold words; 

1. He's so rude, he's really difficult to work with. (if only) ______________ he'd be easier to work with.

Answer

If only he weren't so rude, he'd be easier to work with.

200

What is the meaning of "me time"?

Answer

Time spent doing things alone for relaxation or personal enjoyment.

200

Complete the second sentences so that it means the same as the first using distancing expressions.

People believe that stress is responsible for many common skin complaints.

Skin ______ for many skin complaints.

Answer

Skin is believed to be responsible for many common skin complaints.

200

Describes a person who is careful, thorough, and diligent in doing their work or duties, showing a strong sense of responsibility.

Conscientious

200

The level of wealth, comfort, and material goods available to a person or community.

Standard of Living

200

Complete the sentences using the bold words.

If should have bought the ticket last week. (wish)

Answer

I wish I had bought the ticket last week.

300

What is the difference between "short of time" and "time to spare"?

Answer

"Short of time" means having too little time, while "time to spare" means having extra time.

300

In English grammar  this refers to the use of language to reduce the impact or directness of a statement, making it sound less certain, less personal, or more objective. This is often done using certain expressions or structures that soften the tone or indicate that the speaker is not fully committed to the statement or opinion.

Distancing

300

The skills, experience, education, or credentials required for a particular job or task, or that make someone suitable for a certain role or responsibility.

Qualifications

300

The general increase in prices of goods and services, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of money.

Inflation

300

Complete the sentences using the bold words.

It's really inconvenient when he turns up without  letting us know. (if only)

Answer

If only he would let us know before he turns up.

400

What does "make up for the lost time" mean, and when would you use it?

Answer

It means to do something quickly to compensate for wasted or lost time. E.g., after a delay, you might work harder to finish on time.

400

These are the types of words or structures used to reduce certainty in a statement, including modal verbs, adverbs like apparently or supposedly, and the passive voice.

Answer

 Distancing Expressions

400

People who are forced to leave their home country due to war, persecution, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations, seeking safety and protection in another country.

Refugees

400

A loan used to purchase property, where the property itself serves as collateral.

Mortgage

400

In English grammar this refer to sentences that express a condition and its possible outcome. They describe situations that are dependent on a certain condition being met.

Conditionals

500

How does "behind the times" reflect someone's attitude or perspective on progress?

Answer

It means being outdated or not keeping up with current trends or technology.

500

What is the importance of learning how to use distancing expressions in English?

Learning distancing in English is significant because it helps:

  1. Improve communication by expressing ideas with nuance and subtlety.
  2. Promote politeness and respect, making speech or writing sound more considerate.
  3. Convey uncertainty or possibility, showing openness to new information.
  4. Build credibility by presenting ideas as possibilities, not absolutes.
  5. Maintain objectivity, especially in formal or academic settings.
  6. Facilitate diplomacy in difficult conversations by softening directness.
  7. Enhance persuasion by presenting arguments as suggestions, not commands.
  8. Promote cultural sensitivity, aligning with diverse communication styles.

Overall, distancing expressions allow for more effective, respectful, and adaptable communication in various contexts.

500

People who are injured, killed, or otherwise affected by an event, especially in the context of accidents, disasters, or warfare.

Casualties

500

A period of economic decline, usually marked by reduced spending, lower production, and higher unemployment.

The Recession

500

It is used to talk about situations that are unlikely, hypothetical, or imagined. It describes what could happen in the present or future if a certain condition were true, even though the condition is not likely or is purely imaginary.

If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.

It is used to talk about situations that did not happen in the past and their possible outcomes, but these situations are now impossible to change because they are in the past. It expresses regret, imagined outcomes, or criticism of past actions.

  • Example:
    If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.

Second Conditional & Third Conditional