Confirming Arrangement Before Departure
Just before they leave, your neighbor sends a quick text or has a brief chat to confirm you have the keys and remember the main instructions.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
confirm
To confirm means to make sure something is true or agreed upon, often before an event. Use it when checking details, like 'Can you confirm the time?'
spare key
A spare key is an extra copy of a key for a door or lock. It's useful in situations like helping a neighbor when they are away, to avoid getting locked out.
safe and sound
Safe and sound means completely unharmed and secure. It's a common idiom used to reassure someone that something or someone is okay, like after a trip.
succulents
Succulents are types of plants that store water in their leaves, like cacti. They are popular houseplants that don't need much watering, common in homes.
every other day
Every other day means once every two days, like Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Use this phrase for scheduling tasks that happen on alternate days.
lifesaver
A lifesaver is someone who provides crucial help in a difficult situation. It's a friendly way to thank someone, like 'You saved the day!'
appreciate
To appreciate means to feel grateful for something or someone's help. Use it in polite thanks, such as 'I appreciate your support.'
no problem
No problem means it's easy or not a bother to help. It's a casual way to respond when someone thanks you, showing you're willing.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Just wanted to quickly confirm before we head out.
This sentence uses 'just wanted to' for a polite introduction to a request, and 'before we head out' means before leaving. It's useful for last-minute checks in plans; the gerund 'head out' is informal for 'leave'.
You've got the spare key, right?
This is a question tag sentence ending with 'right?' to seek confirmation. It's practical for verifying details in casual talks; 'you've got' is a contraction of 'you have got' for possession.
It's safe and sound right here.
Here, 'safe and sound' is an idiom for security, and 'right here' emphasizes location. Use this to reassure someone about an item's safety; it's a complete response showing confidence.
Water them every other day, just a little bit, right?
This gives instructions with frequency ('every other day') and amount ('just a little bit'). The 'right?' tag seeks agreement. Useful for reminding tasks; practice adverb placement for clarity.
You're a lifesaver.
This is an idiomatic expression of strong thanks. It's short and friendly, perfect for casual gratitude when someone helps a lot. No complex grammar, but conveys big appreciation.
We really appreciate you doing this for us.
Uses 'appreciate' with gerund 'doing' for ongoing action, and 'for us' specifies the benefit. It's polite for thanking help; highlights gerunds after verbs like appreciate.
No problem at all! Happy to help.
A common response to thanks, with 'no problem at all' emphasizing ease, and 'happy to help' showing willingness. Use in friendly situations; exclamation adds enthusiasm.
Have a fantastic trip!
This is a well-wish using 'have a' for experiences, with 'fantastic' meaning excellent. It's useful for farewells before travel; adjective choice makes it warm and positive.