Discussing Gift Ideas
People share thoughts and suggestions for gifts for a special occasion (e.g., birthday, anniversary, Christmas) and decide on what to buy.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
around the corner
This idiom means something is going to happen very soon, like an event that's approaching quickly. Use it when talking about upcoming dates or occasions.
fuzzy
When describing memory, it means unclear or not sharp. For example, 'My memory's a bit fuzzy' means I can't remember clearly. It's casual and useful in conversations about forgetting details.
throw blanket
A small, decorative blanket used to cover furniture or for warmth. It's a practical gift item for home decor, common in discussions about apartment gifts.
fancy
Means elegant, stylish, or high-quality. Use it to describe something nice but not too expensive, like 'a fancy candle' for a special gift.
gift certificate
A card or voucher that allows someone to buy something up to a certain value. It's a popular gift because it's flexible and thoughtful for classes or stores.
eyeing
Means looking at something with interest or desire, often wanting it. For example, 'she's been eyeing' that class means she's been interested in it for a while. It's informal and shows ongoing attention.
brilliant
An exclamation meaning excellent or very smart idea. Use it to praise someone's suggestion enthusiastically, like in gift discussions.
chip in
Means to contribute money or help together with others. It's useful for group gifting, like 'Let's chip in for the present' to share costs.
availability
Refers to when something is free or ready to be used, like class times. In planning, ask about 'availability' to check schedules.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Emily's birthday is just around the corner.
This sentence uses the idiom 'around the corner' to mean the birthday is coming soon. It's useful for starting conversations about upcoming events. The structure is simple: possessive 'Emily's birthday' + time expression.
Any gift ideas yet?
A casual question to ask for suggestions. 'Yet' implies checking if ideas have been thought of. Use it when brainstorming gifts for occasions like birthdays. It's informal and direct.
That's a good thought, John.
This agrees with an idea politely. 'Thought' here means suggestion. Useful for positive responses in discussions. It shows politeness by addressing the person.
My memory's a bit fuzzy.
A casual way to admit forgetting something. 'Fuzzy' describes unclear memory. Use it in conversations when you can't recall details accurately. Contraction 'memory's' makes it natural spoken English.
How about a gift certificate for that pottery class she's been eyeing?
Suggests an idea with 'How about' for proposals. 'Eyeing' shows interest. This is great for gift talks, emphasizing experiences. The present perfect 'she's been eyeing' indicates ongoing action.
That's a brilliant idea, Sarah!
Praises an idea strongly with 'brilliant.' Use it to show excitement and agreement. The exclamation adds enthusiasm, common in friendly chats about plans.
We could even chip in for it together.
Suggests group contribution with 'chip in.' 'Could' makes it a soft proposal. Useful for sharing costs in group gifting. 'Even' adds a positive surprise element.
Let's look up the class availability and costs online tonight.
Proposes action with 'Let's' for suggestions. 'Look up' means search for information. Practical for planning; use when deciding next steps in discussions. Includes nouns like 'availability' and 'costs' for specifics.