Planning a Small DIY Painting Project
Two friends or family members discuss painting a room, deciding on the color, estimating the amount of paint needed, and listing the necessary tools and supplies.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
tackle
To tackle something means to start dealing with a task or problem, often one that is difficult. In the dialogue, Sarah uses it to mean starting the painting project.
leaning towards
This phrase means preferring or being inclined to choose something. John asks if Sarah is still leaning towards the light gray color.
bucket
A bucket is a round container used for holding liquids, like paint. In the dialogue, they discuss buying five-gallon buckets of paint.
coats
In painting, a coat means one layer of paint applied to a surface. John suggests two coats for better coverage.
roller
A roller is a tool with a rotating cylinder covered in fabric, used to apply paint quickly to walls.
painter's tape
Painter's tape is special adhesive tape that doesn't damage surfaces when removed, used to protect areas like trim while painting.
drop cloths
Drop cloths are large sheets of fabric or plastic placed on the floor to protect it from paint spills.
patching compound
Patching compound is a substance used to fill and repair small holes or cracks in walls before painting.
hardware store
A hardware store is a shop that sells tools, paint, and materials for home repairs and DIY projects.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey John, remember how we talked about painting the living room? I think this weekend might be a good time to finally tackle it.
This sentence uses 'remember how' to recall a past conversation, and 'tackle it' to mean start the project. It's useful for suggesting plans based on previous talks, with 'might be' showing possibility.
What color were you thinking? Still leaning towards that light gray?
This is a casual way to ask for someone's opinion on a choice. 'Leaning towards' expresses preference. Use this in discussions about decisions, like colors or options.
Do you think one five-gallon bucket of paint would be enough, or should we get two?
This sentence asks for advice using 'do you think' and alternatives with 'or'. It's practical for estimating quantities in shopping or projects, showing conditional planning with 'would be'.
It's better to have too much than not enough.
This is a common proverb-like expression meaning it's safer to overestimate. Use it when advising on amounts, like paint or supplies, to avoid shortages.
And for tools, we'll need rollers, brushes for the edges, painter's tape, drop cloths, and a tray. Anything else I'm forgetting?
This lists items with 'and' and 'for the edges' for specifics. Ending with a question invites input. Useful for making shopping lists in group planning, using 'we'll need' for future needs.
We should also grab a paint stirrer, a step ladder, and some patching compound for any small holes or cracks before we start.
'Grab' means to get or buy quickly. 'For any small holes' explains purpose. This sentence adds to a list and uses 'before we start' for sequence. Good for preparing steps in DIY tasks.
So, we'll pick up two buckets of light gray paint, and make sure we have all those supplies ready for Saturday morning.
'Pick up' means to buy and take home. 'Make sure' emphasizes preparation. This summarizes plans with a time reference. Use it to confirm actions in conversations.
I can swing by the hardware store on my way home from work tomorrow to grab everything.
'Swing by' means to stop by briefly. 'On my way home' shows convenience. This offers to handle a task. Useful for casual offers of help in daily plans.