Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Extra! Extra!

Our redesigned website is finally up. Stop by and try out an exercise. See how well you remember and understand expressions from our blog. Read up on tips to improve your English; they have been rewritten and simplified. Find some book suggestions to add to your library. ... or just check out our new look! We think you'll like it.

Good luck!
Joe
the small guide

Saturday, August 28, 2010

take you up on your offer

take someone up on an offer - take advantage of someone's offer


You may not need a friend's help right away, but you may need it in the future. So if he offers to help, you can decline for now and then say that you might take him up on his offer in the future. 


like this:
1. I don't need help with my English right now, but I might take you up on your offer in the fall when I start college.
2. It's ok if you can't help me move this weekend. Tom said to call him if I needed help. I can always take him up on his offer.
3. Sally said she could help me cook if ever I have a party, so I might take her up on her offer for next weekend.


Alright, are you ready to take someone up on an offer? Just give them a call, and say, "I'm ready to take you up on your offer to ... (help me with my homework).


Good luck!
Joe
the small guide
thesmallguidesite.com

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

the offer still stands

the offer still stands - the offer is still good; you can still take advantage of the offer.


You use this expression when you've offered your help or your services to someone, but this person still hasn't taken advantage of it. If you tell this person that your offer still stands, it means that you meant it when you said that you would help him move to a new apartment, for example, or drive him to the airport or help him with his English homework. He should, therefore, take advantage of it.    


like this:
1. I might need a ride to the airport after all next week. Does your offer still stand?
2. Seriously, the offer still stands. Anytime you need help moving, just let me know. I'll come over and help.
3. I might ask Tim to help me with math. He told me before he could help. I hope his offer still stands.


Have you ever offered to help some friends with something, with homework or with painting an apartment, for example? If you still want to help, let them know. Give them a call; tell them you're still available, and say the offer still stands.


Good luck!
Joe
the small guide
thesmallguidesite.com

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Get on my nerves


This is another way of expressing your annoyance at someone or something. When someone or something gets on your nerves, you probably want to stay away from it or from that person.

like this:

1. I like John, but he really gets on my nerves whenever he starts telling me what to do. He's not my boss after all.
2. I didn't mind having to fill out the forms for the clients at first, but eventually it got on my nerves.
3. Sue and Tom were perfect roommates in the beginning. Now she's asking him to move out. I think he's getting on her nerves.

Alright, folks. Think of something or someone that bothers you. Say what it is. (Yes, actually say it out loud. Remember, practice makes perfect.) Then complete the sentence: This really gets on my nerves because ...

Have fun.
Joe
the small guide

Thursday, August 5, 2010

A pain in the behind


Here are different ways of expressing your annoyance at someone or something. All of them make reference to the buttocks.

a pain in the ass - (You usually say this when you are angry.) When someone is a pain in the ass, you don't want to be around that person. If something is a pain in the ass, you don't want to do it.

a pain in the behind - (This usually means you're clearly annoyed, but you don't want to say "ass" because it's too vulgar.)

a pain in the you-know-what (You can also say this when you don't want to say "ass".)

a pain in the petoot (Petoot is a childish, funny way to call the buttocks)

like this:

1. I can't stand the new guy at work. He's such a pain in the ass; he's constantly complaining.
2. Tim tried to do his own taxes. He said it was such a pain in the you-know-what. Next year, he said he'll have an accountant do it for him.
3. Could you just follow instructions and quit being a pain in the behind? We're running late as it is.

Alright folks. Quit being a pain in the ass to your teachers. Do your homework; participate in class and of course, be respectful to your classmates.

Take care,
Joe
the small guide