Addressing an Unassigned Chore
A chore that wasn't initially assigned or discussed becomes apparent (e.g., cleaning the microwave, taking out recycling), leading to a conversation about who should take responsibility.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
overflowing
When a container is so full that things start spilling over the edges, like a trash bin that's too full.
recycling bin
A container used to collect items like paper, plastic, or glass that can be recycled instead of thrown away as regular trash.
unassigned
Something that hasn't been given to a specific person to do, like a task no one is responsible for yet.
explicitly
Done in a clear and direct way, without any confusion, often used when talking about instructions or assignments.
rotation
A system where people take turns doing a task, like sharing chores equally over time.
chore chart
A list or schedule that shows who is responsible for different household tasks and when.
tidied up
Cleaned and organized a space to make it neat and orderly, often used for rooms or areas like the kitchen.
moving forward
From now on or in the future, used to talk about changes that will happen starting now.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey John, have you noticed the recycling bin is overflowing? It really needs to be taken out.
This is a polite way to point out a problem and suggest action. Use it to start a conversation about shared responsibilities. Notice the present continuous 'is overflowing' for current situations.
Who usually takes it out?
A simple question to ask about normal routines or responsibilities. 'Usually' shows habitual actions, helpful for clarifying roles in group settings like roommates.
That's the thing, I don't think we ever explicitly assigned it.
This expresses the main issue casually. 'That's the thing' is an idiom to highlight a point, and 'ever' with present perfect 'have assigned' talks about past experiences up to now.
Well, I can grab it this time if you want.
An offer to help voluntarily. 'Grab' means to take quickly here, and 'if you want' makes it polite and optional. Use this to show willingness in everyday offers.
And maybe we should add it to our chore chart or rotation so we don't forget it again?
A suggestion for improvement with a reason. 'Maybe we should' softens the idea, and 'so' connects cause and effect. Great for proposing solutions in discussions.
What do you think?
A common way to ask for someone's opinion after sharing an idea. It's short and direct, useful in conversations to keep dialogue going and show respect.
Assigning it to whoever cleans the kitchen sounds more logical.
This agrees and suggests a better way. 'Whoever' means any person who does the task, and 'sounds more logical' explains why it's a good choice. Use for logical reasoning.
Sounds good to me. I'll take it out now, and we'll officially add it to the kitchen chore moving forward.
Agreement plus a plan for the future. 'Sounds good to me' is casual approval, and 'moving forward' indicates from now on. Combines present and future actions.