english vocabulary in use 51-100 toledo

English vocabulary in use

51. Time

A. Periods of time – words and typical contexts

Major historical/geological periods

The Ice Age, the Stone Age, the Middle Ages, the computer age

Tijdperk : Era : long period, perhaps for several decadesTijdje : spell : Indefinite, but not shortFase : stage : Period if development or particular time in processFase : phase : A period which is part of a longer period; phase can also mean the same as stage.

B. Useful expressions with time

Voor een tijdje : For a time (vague, indefinite)Voor nu : For the time being : for now (not specific)Van tijd tot tijd : At times : occasionally, now and thenTegen : By the timeFrom time to time : Sometimes, but not oftenÉén per keer : One at a timeOp tijd : In time : at the right time, with enough time to do somethingOp tijd : On time : punctual, neither early nor lateTelkens opnieuw : Time and time again : Many times; very empathic and usually in the negative contextsIn de loop van tijd : Over the course of time/over the course of the last two centuries (used about long periods of time)

C. Verbs associated with time passing

Voorbijgaan : To elapseVliegen : To fly : Pass very quicklyDuren : To lastAanslepen : To go on/to drag on

D. Adjectives describing duration (how long something lasts)

Momenteel : momentary : very briefVoorbijgaand : Fleeting : very short and quickTijdloos : Timeless

of 51English vocabulary in use

52. Distances and dimensions

A. Broad and wide and tall and high

Wijd : Wide (more common), broadGroot gebied : A broad subject. A broad expanse : A big area

! Word order for dimensions : long + broad

Hoog : Tall (for people or things such as buildings and tress when they’re high and thin in some way), otherwise use high.

B. deep ≠ shallow

Diep : Deep

Ondiep : Shallow

C. Derived words, phrases and compounds

Lang : Lengte : length: Lengten : lengths (opp. = shorten): Langer maken : to lengthen: Lang (duur) : Lenghty

Kort : Korter maken : to shorten: Kortere weg : a shortcut

Wijd : wijdte : Width: Verbredende : widening

Breed : verbreden : To broaden: breed denken : Broad-minded (willing to accepts other people’s behaviour and beliefs; opp. = narrow-minded): breedte : Breadth

Hoog : hoogte : height

: verhogen : to heighten

Laag : verlagen : to lower (opp. = raise)

Ver : verweg : faraway

Ver : verweg : distant (a long way)

Diep : diepte : depth

: verdiepen : to deepen (often with feelings)

D. Other verbs for dimensions and for changing them

Uitstrekken : to stretch/to extend


Spreiden : to spread (getting bigger)

Krimpen : to shrink (getting smaller)

Uitbreiden : to expand (grew in size, opp. = contract)

53. Obligation, need possibility and probability

A. Obligation

Aansprakelijk zijn : to be liable : obliged to pay

Verplicht zijn : to be obliged

Verplichten : to force

We hadden geen keus maar … : we had no choice/alternative but …

Verplicht : mandatory : automatic, there is no alternative

Verplicht : compulsory/obligatory : you can choose

Vrijgesteld zijn : to be exempt : free from obligation

B. Need

Nodig hebben : to be in need of : more formal than to need or to want

Er is nood aan : There is a need for : we feel a need = formal

Er is een tekort aan : There is a shortage of : there are not enough

Door gebrek aan : through lack of : have none or not enough = formal

Een absolute noodzaak : an absolute necessity : something you must have

Je kan niet zonder : You can’t do without : you can’t survive or live without

Vereisten : requirements : things you must do or need

C. Possibilities

Een kans : opportunity : a real chance

Enige kans …? : Any chance/possibility : chance is less formal than possibility

Onvermijdelijk : inevitable : is certain to happen


Het is twijfelachtig : it is doubtful whether : it may not …

Het is mogelijk : it is probable that

Een zekerheid : A certainty : it will certainly happen

54. Sound and light

A. General words to describe sound

Geluid : sound (neutral)

Lawaai : noise : loud unpleasant sounds

Kabaal : racket : very loud, unbearable noise, often of human activity (informal)

Sound and noise can both be countable or uncountable. When they are of short duration or refer to different sounds/noises, they are countable. When they mean a lot of continual or continuous sounds, they are uncountable.

B. Sound words and things that can typically make them

Knal : BangKlokgelui : chimeGekletter : clangGerammel : clatterKlap : crashGesis : hissGezoem : humGeratel : rattleGerinkel : ringGebrul : roarGerommel : rumbleGeritsel : rustleGekrijs : screechBons : thud

C. Darkness

Donker : darkDuister : gloomySchemerig : dimSomber : sombre : serious, imposing

D. Types of light

Een lichtstraal : a beam of lightSchitteren : to sparkleEen lichtflits : a flash of light


Fonkelen : to twinkleFlikkeren : to flickerGloeien : to glowSchijnen : to shineGlitteren : to glitter

55. Possession and giving

A. Possession

Bezittingen : possessions : everything you ownBezittingen : belongings : smaller things, e.g. bag, camera, coat (always plural)Landgoed : estate : area containing a large number of houses or apartments built close together at the same time or somebody’s wealthEigendom : property : houses, land, …Een eigendom : a property : a building or a land

B. Words for people connected with ownership

De eigenaar : the proprietor : used for shops, businesses, … (owner is less formal)

Verhuurder : the landlord/landlady : owner of rented property

Huurder : tenant : the person who rents it

Erven : to inherit : to become the owner after someone’s death

C. Giving

Verzorgen : to provide/supplyBijdragen : to contribute/donate : for large gifts to institutionsPresenteren : to presentToewijzen : to allocateOndersteunen : to support

Maaltijden verzorgen : to cater for : look after the needs ofNalaten : to leaveSponsoren : to sponsor : give money

D. Phrasal verbs connected with giving

Overhandigen : to hand overLaten gaan : to let go ofUitdelen : to hand out/give out : to distributeWeggeven : to give away : to give it free to someoneOverleveren : to hand down

56. Movement and speed


A. Particular types of movement

Bewegen : to moveVerhuizen : to move to a new hous/flatRijden : to travel/to driveVaren : to sailVloeien : to flow/to runUitwijken : to swerve : suddenly move to the sideDrijven : to drift : move slowlyFladderen : to fludder : move gently from side to sideRitselen : to stir : move slightlyWiegen : to sway : move slowly form side to side

B. Verbs to describe fast and slow movement

Vooruit kruipen: to crawl along : move very slowlyTreuzelen : to dawdle : moving more slowly than is necessaryVoorbij scheuren : to tear alongVoorbij schieten : to shoot afterHaasten : to hurry/to rush

Vooruit kruipen: to creep along : moving very slowlyVoortsjokken : to plod along : heavy, often tired movement

C. Nouns to describe speed and their typical contexts

Snelheid : speed : vehicles, development, changes, …Snelheid : rate : statistical contextsSnelheid : pace : how you experience something as happening fast or slowSnelheid : velocity : technical/scientific contexts

57. Texture, brightness, weight and density

A. Texture – how something feels when you touch it

Glad : smoothGepolijst : polishedZijdeachtig : silkyGlad : sleekGlibberig : slibberigDonzig : furryRuw : roughGrof : coarseGetand : jaggedPikkelig : pricky

B. Brightness


Schaduwrijk : shadyLevendig : vividBlinkend : shinyVerblindend : dazzlingFel : brightDof : dullSomber : dimSchittering : glare

C. Density and weight

Vast : solidHol : hollowDik : thickFijn : fineDicht : dense

Schaars : sparseZo licht als een veertje : As light as a featherOmvangrijk : bulky/cumberstone : difficult, big and heavy

58. Success, failure and difficulty

A. succeeding

Slagen in : to succeed inLukken in iets : to manageAankunnen : to manageBereiken : to achieve/to accomplishEen doel : a goal/an aim/a targetLukken : to come off

B. Failing and difficulty

Verkeerd gaan : to go wrong/to backfire : don’t go as intendedDichtgaan : to fold/to go under (informal) : close downHaperen : to falter : have ups and downsOp niets uitdraaien : to come to nothingMoeilijkheid : DifficultyMoeilijk vinden : To find it difficultHet is moeilijk : It is hard/difficultProblemen hebben : To have toubleVeel moeite hebben: To have a lot of botherOmgaan met : To cope with : deal successfully with a difficult situation

C. Word formation

VERB NOUN ADJECTIVE ADVERBSucceed Success Successful Successfully

Accomplish Accomplishment Accomplished -


Achieve Achievement Achievable -Attain Attainment Attainable -Fulfill Fulfillment Fulfilling -

Harden Hardness Hard Hard

59. Time : connecting words and expressions

A. One thing before another

Voor : prior toEerder : previouslyEerder : earlier on : before thenVroeger : FormerlyOndertussen : In the meantime/Meanwhile

B. Things happening at the same time

Op het moment: At the very moment/timeTegelijkertijd : simultaneously : started and ended at exactly the same timeTijdens : DuringThroughout : Gedurende

C. One thing after another

Na : Following : afterEen tijdje erna : Subsequently : At some time after thatDaarna : Thereafter : After finishing the courseDirect : Immediate : which happened at once

D. Time when

Het moment : The minute/the momentDe tijd (dat) : The time (that)Bij die gelegenheid : On that occasion

E. Non-specific time expressions

In een latere fase : At a later stageOp een bepaald punt : At some point : At an unspecified time in the future

60. Condition

A. Words connecting sentence parts


Tenzij : unlessOp voorwaarde dat : On condition thatIn geval van : In case ofZolang : As/So long asVoorbehouden : Provided/Providing

B. Supposing … and what if …

Veronderstel : SupposingWat als : What if

C. Conditions with –ever

The suffix –ever means ‘it does not matter which …’

Op welke manier dan ook : however

Wat dan ook : whicheverWaar dan ook : whereverWie dan ook : whoever

Can be replaced by ‘no matter …’

D. Some nouns which express condition

Voorwaarden : conditionsEerste vereiste : prerequisite : absolutely necessaryVereisten : requirements : official conditionsOnder geen enkele voorwaarde : Not under any circumstances

61. Cause, reason, purpose and result

A. Cause and reason

Omdat : becauseSindsdien : sinceAls : alsToe te schrijven : due toWerd veroorzaakt door : Was caused byDe oorzaak van : the cause ofVeroozaken : to cause toAls gevolg van : to own toUitlokken : to spark (off)Veroorzaken : to provoke/to generate/to give rise toStammen uit : to stem fromLeiden tot : to bring about/to lead toOntstaan uit : to arise from/out of

B. Reasons for and purposes of doing things


Reden : reasonMotief : motiveDrijven : to prompMet het doel : with the aim of/with the view toOp grond van : on the grounds thatDoel : purpose

C. Results

Als gevolg : as a result/as a consequence/consequentlyGevolg : result/consequenceBijgevolg : with consequence/consequentlyUitmonden : to result inGevolg : outcome : result of a process or events, or of meetings, discussions, etc.Eindresultaat : upshotVoortvloeien : ensue

62. Concession and contrast

A. Verbs of concession

Inwilliging : concession : means accepting one part of an idea or fact, but putting together another, more important argument or fact against it.

Alhoewel : although

Niettemen : nevertheless

Aanvaarden : to acknowledge/to accept

Toegeven : to admit

Toegeven : to concede

B. Adverbs and other phrases showing contrast

Dat is allemaal goed : That’s all well and good/That’s all very well

Uiteindelijk : after all

Alhoewel : for all that

Toegegeven : admittedly

Het omgekeerde was waar : the reverse was true

Eerder het tegengestelde : quite the opposite

In tegenstelling : in contrast

Aan de andere kant : on the other hand


C. Collocating phrases for contrast

Tegenpolen : poles apart

Een wereld van verschil : a world of difference

Scheidslijn : devide

Gapend gat : yawning gap

Tegenstrijdigheid : discrepancy

63. Addition

A. Expressions for linking sentences/clauses

In addition, additionally Furthermore, moreover, what’s more Equally, likewise On top of (all) that

B. Expressions at the end of sentences/clauses

Enzovoort : and so on/etc./and so on and so forth : suggests a long continuation

Op de koop toe : into the bargain/to boot : emphasizes the combination of items

C. Expressions that begin, or come in the middle of sentences/clauses

Met referte : further toNaast : in addition to/alongsideZowel … als : as well asDaarnaast : besides/apart fromSamen met : along with/together with

64. Referring words

A. text-referring words

= take their meaning from the surrounding text.

‘problem’ and ‘solution’ : help organize the argument of the text, but don’t tell us the topics.

Verhogen : increasing : the problem is getting worse each dayProbleem : issue : topic causing great argument and controversyVraag : question


Onderwerp : topic : subject to argue about or discussAspect : aspect : part of the topic

B. Problem-solution words

Situatie : situationProbleem : problemEffect hebben op : to affectAanpak : approachOplossing : solution/resolution/key/way outDilemma : dilemmaBewering : claimFeit : factArgument : argumentPositie : positionPunt : pointKijk : viewStand van zaken : state of affairsMoeilijkheid : difficultyCrisis : crisisKwestie : matterAntwoord : response/answerReactie : reactionHouding : attitudeEvaluatie : evaluationBeoordeling : assessment/judgement

65. Discourse markers in spoken English

A. What are discourse markers?

= Expressions which organize, comment on or in some way frame what we are saying. (E.g. well)

Well : shows that the speaker is aware he/she is changing the direction of the conversation in some way.

Right and okay : often used by teachers to organize what is happening in the classroom

B. Organising a conversation

Common expressions which organize the different stages of a conversation :

Nu : nowZo : so


Goed : goodWel dan : well thenNu dan : now thenFijn : fine/greatWaar was ik? : where was I?

C. Modifying and commenting on what you say

Maar : mind youLaat me even kijken : let me seeLuister : listenWacht even : hang on/hold on

D. Other usefull discourse markers

You see (explaining)You know, sort of … (hesitation)Kind of/like (not sure of the best way to say something)Anyway (the speaker thinks the topic can change or the conversation can now close)Still/On the other hand (contrasts two ideas or points)I mean (making clear what you mean)(using letters of the alphabet to list points you want to make)

66. Linking words with writing

A. Organising a formal text

Eerst : First/Firstly/First of all …Vervolgens : NextTen tweede : SecondlyTen derde : ThirdlyTen laatste : Lastly/Finally (coming to the final point on a list)Turning to (changing to a new topic)

Leaving aside (the writer will not deal with that question there)

In parenthesis (making a point that is a side issue, not part of the main argument)

In summary/To sum up (listing/summing up the main points)

In sum (listing/summing up the main points; much more formal)

In conclusion/To conclude (Finishing the text)

B. Linking words for explaining, exemplifying, rephrasing, etc.


Met andere woorden : In other words/That is to sayBijvoorbeeld : For example/for instanceZeg maar : SayKort : Briefly : The explanation will be short and not comprehensiveBij wijze van spreken : As to speak/As it were : Makes what you are saying sound less definite/precise

C. Referring backwards and forwards in the text

De volgende … : The following (used to introduce a list)

Eerder : Above/Earlier

Zie pagina : See page

Verder : Below : More information later in the text

Op de keerzijde : Overleaf

Verdere : Further

Ik verwijs u naar : I refer you to : May I ask you to read/look at

In referentie naar : In reference to

67. Everyday expressions

A. Conversation-building expressions

Zoals ik al zei : As I was saying : Takes the conversation back to an earlier point

Zoals je/ik al zei : As I/you say : Repeats and confirms something someone has already said

Van … gesproken : Talking of … : Starting a new topic, but linking it to the present one.

Als je ‘t mij vraagt : If you ask me : If you want my opinion (even if no one has asked for it)

Dat doet er mij aan denken : That reminds me : Something in the conversation reminds you of something important

Nu ik eraan denk : Come to think of it : Something in the conversation makes you realise there may be a problem/query about something

B. Key words

Dat is het : This is it : This is an important point

Dat is het : That’s it : That’s the last thing, we’ve finished


Dit en dat : This and that/this, that and the other : Various unimportant matters

Dat is dat : That’s that : That is agreed, settled, finalized

C. Common expressions for modifying statements

If the worst comes to the worst : If the situation gets very bad indeed

If all else fails : If nothing else succeeds

What with one thing and another : Because of a lot of different circumstances

When it comes to : In the matter of

As far as I’m concerned : As far as it affects me/from my point of view

As luck would have it : By chance

68. Talking and communicating

A. Idioms connected with communication problems

Talking at cross purposes : Talking about different things without realizing it

To get the wrong end of the stick : Not understanding something in the correct way

Not getting a word in edgeways : Not getting the chance to speak because others are talking so much.

Not being able to make head or tail : Not understanding at all

B. Good talk, bad talk

Neerbuigend praten : To talk down : Talks as if we were inferior

Achter iemands rug praten : To talk behind someone’s back : Saying negative things about me when I’m not there.

Geklets : Small talk : Purely social talk, nothing serious

Over zaken/het vak praten : Talk shop : Talk about work

Gespreksstof : Talking point : Subject that everyone wants to talk about

Een standje geven : To give someone a talking to : Reproach/scold him, tell him off


C. Talk in discussions, meetings, etc.

Start the ball rolling : Start the discussion

To put it in a nutshell : Say it in a few words

Get to the point : Come to the important part of the matter

Speak my mind : Say exactly what I think

Wrap up the discussion : Finish the discussion

Talk sense : Says, intelligent, reasonable things

Talks rubbish : Says stupid things

Long-winded : Says things in a long indirect way

69. Suffixes

A. Common noun suffixes

-er/-or is used for the person who does an activity. You can use –er/-or with a wide range of verbs to make them into nouns.

-er/-or is also used for things which do a particular job

-er and –ee can contrast with each other meaning ‘person who does something’ (-er) and ‘person who receives or experiences something’ (-ee)

-tion/-sion/-ion are used to form nouns from verbs

-ist (a person) and –ism (an activity or ideology) are used for people’s politics, beliefs and ideologies, and sometimes their profession.

-ist is also often used for people who play musical instruments

-ness is used to make nouns from adjectives

B. Adjective suffixes

-able/-ible with verbs means ‘can be done’

C. Verbs

-ise (or –ize) forms verbs from adjectives

D. Other suffixes that can help you recognize the word class

-ment (nouns)


-ity (nouns)

-hood (abstract nouns especially family terms)

-ship (abstract nouns especially status)

-ive (adjectives)

-al (adjectives)

-ous (adjectives)

-ful (adjectives)

-less (adjectives)

-ify (verbs)

70. Prefixes

A. Negative prefixes on adjectives

B. Negative prefixes on verbs

The prefixes un- and dis- can also form the opposites of verbs

C. Other common prefixes

Anti (against)

Auto (of or by oneself)

Bi (two/twice)

Ex (former)

Ex (out of)

Micro (small)

Mis (badly/wrongly)

Mono (one/single)

Multi (many)

Over (too much)

Post (after)

Pre (before)

Pro (in favour of)

Pseudo (false)


Re (again/back)

Semi (half)

Sub (under)

Under (not enough)

71. Roots

A. Verbs based on Latin words

Duc, duct (lead)

Naar school gaan : to educate : go to school

Leiden : to conduct : to lead

Maken : to produce : to make

Pone, pose (place, put)

Uitstellen : to postpone : put off to a later date

Afzetten : to depose : to put out of office

Invoeren : to impose : to put into force

Samenstellen : to compose : to create, to put together

Plaatsen : to deposit : to place, put in

Port (carry, take)

Overbrengen : to transport : to send across

Importeren : to import : to buy in

Exporteren : to export : to sell out

Ondersteunen : to support : to hold up/to back

Uitwijzen : to deport : to take/send away to another country

Press (press, push)

Imponeren : to impress : Filled with admiration and respect

Deprimeren : to depress : Filled with miserable feelings

Uitdrukken : to express : To put thoughts into words

Spect (see, look)

Respecteren : to respect : to look up to


Inspecteren : to inspect : to look into/examine

Zoeken : to prospect : to look for/search

Vert (turn)

Terugkeren : to revert : to turn back

Omzetten : to convert : to change from one form to another

Omleggen : to divert : to send it a different way

B. Nouns based on Latin words

Inspect Inspector InspectionAdvertise Advertiser AdvertisementDeport Deportee DeportationIntroduce Introducer IntroductionOppress Oppressor OppressionCompose Composer Composition

72. Abstract nouns

A. What are abstract nouns?

= An idea, experience or quality rather than an object that you can touch.

E.g. advice, happiness, intention and (in)justice

B. Suffixes in abstract nouns

-ment (V → AN)

-ion (V → AN) (-sion, -tion, -ation, -ition)

-ness (A → AN)

-ity (A → AN)

C. Less common suffixes forming abstract nouns


-ship (N → AN)

-dom (N → AN)

-th (A → AN)

-hood (A/N → AN)

D. Abstract nouns with no suffix

Woede : anger

Vertrouwen : faith

Geluk : luck

Zin : sense

Geloof : belief

Angst : fear

Principe : principle

Zicht : sight

Kalmte : calm

Humor : humour

Woede : rage

Snelheid : speed

Kans : chance

Idee : idea

Reden : reason

Gedachte : thought

73. Compound adjectives

A. Form and meaning

A CA has two parts. It is usually written with a hyphen, e.g. well-dressed, never-ending, sky-blue, etc. Its meaning is usually clear from the combined words. The second part of the adjective is often a present participle (ending in –ing) or past participle (ending in –ed, except for irregular verbs).

B. Personal appearance


Vergezocht : far-fetched : hard to believe

Krullend haar : curly-haired

Gebruind : suntanned

Blauwe ogen : blue-eyed

Blozende wangen : rosy-cheeked

Dunne lippen : thin-lipped

Breed geschouderd : broad-shouldered

Linkshandig : left-handed

Lange benen : long-legged

Open nek : open-necked

Gloednieuw : brand-new

Nauwaansluitend : tight-fitting

Open tenen : open-toed

C. Personality and character

Afwezig : absent-minded : forgetful

Ontspannen : easy-going : relaxed

Goed geluimd : good-tempered : cheerful

Vriendelijk : warm-hearted : kind

Scherp : quick-witted : quick-thinking, sharp

Zelfvoldaan : big-headed : proud of oneself

Niet oprecht : two-faced : not sincere

Egoïstisch : self-centered : always thinking about herself instead of others

Hooggevallen : stuck-up : thinks she’s better than other people (colloquial)

D. Prepositions and particles

Totale : all-out : total

Bebouwd : built-up

Gegoed : well-off : rich

Minder gegoed : hard-up : poor


Versleten : worn-out

In slechte staat : run-down : in a very bad condition

E. Collocations

Air-conditioned rooms

Bullet-proof windows

Business-class ticket

Cut-price goods

Duty-free items

Handmade furniture

Interest-free credit

Last-minute revision

Long-distance lorry driver

Long-standing relationship

Off-peak train travel

Part-time job

So-called expert

Sugar-free diet

Time-consuming writing

Top-secret information

World-famous film star

F. Changing compound adjectives

Curly-haired, long-haired, red-haired, wavy-haired

First-hand, first-class, first-born

74. Compound nouns 1 : noun + noun


A. What are compound nouns

= A fixed expression, which is made up of more than one word and functions as a nouns. Such expressions are frequently combination of two nouns, e.g. car park, human being, science fiction.

B. How are compound nouns written?

If you understand both parts of the compound noun, the meaning will usually be clear. Compound nouns are usually written as two words.

Blikopener : tin opener : an opener for thins

Bankrekening : bank account : an account in a bank

Zebrapad : pedestrian crossing : a place for people to cross a road

But sometimes they are written with a hyphen instead of a space between the words.

Zelfcontrole : self-control : control over your own emotions and reactions

Sometimes they may be written as one word.

Oorbel : earring

Handelsmerk : trademark : the symbol of a product

Oppas : babysitter : someone who stays with a baby/child while parents are out.

C. Stress in compound nouns

Usually the main stress is on the first part of the compound but sometimes it is on the second part.

D. Grammar of compound nouns

Compound nouns may be countable, uncountable or only used in either the singular or the plural.

75. Compound nouns 2 : verb + preposition

A. Compound nouns based on phrasal verbs

Overname : a takeover : when one company takes control of another one.

To form the plural, ‘s’ is added to the end, e.g. workout-s.

Training : a workout : exercise session


B. Journalism

Een staking : a walkout : a strike

Een campagne : a crackdown : action to stop/reduce

Een uitbraak : a breakout : escape

Verandering : shake-up : change

Breuk : break-up : collapse

C. The economy

Overname : takeover : purchase by another country

Vestiging : outlet : place to sell

Kassa : check-out : cash desk

Besparing : cutback : reduction

Omzet : turnover : money passing through a company

D. Aspects of modern life

Invoer : input : information that is put in

Uitvoer : output : production

Verandering : turnover : change

Drop-out : dropout : person who rejects society

Radioactieve neerslag : fallout : radioactive dust in the atmosphere

Uitdraai : printout : paper on which computer information has been printed

Doorbraak : breakthrough : important discovery

E. General

Defect : breakdown : failure

Uitzicht : outlook : prospect

Nadeel : drawback : negative apect

Conclusie : outcome : conclusion

Respons : feedback : comments

Aanvang : outset : start

Situatie : set-up : situation


Parkeerplaats : lay-by : parking space at the side of the road

Rondweg : bypass : road avoiding the centre of a town

Uitbraak : outbreak : start of something unpleasant

76. Binomials

A. What are binomials?

= expressions (often idiomatic) where two words are joined by a conjunction (usually ‘and’). The order of the words is normally fixed.

Odds and ends : small unimportant things

Give and take : a spirit of compromise

You can often tell something is a binomial because of the sound pattern, which may be a repetition of the same first sound or a rhyme.

Part and parcel : an important part of/belong to

Ranting and raving : shouting/very angry

Rack and ruin : is ruined/has decayed

Prim and proper : rather formal and fussy

Rough and ready : poor standard or quality

Wine and dine : entertain/take out to restaurants

High and dry : in a very difficult position

B. Pairs of near synonyms

At other times, the clue is that the words are near synonyms.

Pick and choose : have a wide choice

Leaps and bounds : big jumps

Peace and quiet : a peaceful/calm situation

Rest and recreation/R and R : relaxation

First and foremost : first and most importantly

C. Binomials composed of grammar words

Many grammar word combine to form binomials.

Here and there : scattered round/in different places


On and off/off and on : occasionally

Back and forth/to and fro : to and from somewhere

Out and about : going out

Up and down : in both directions

D. Binomials linked by words other than ‘and’

Back to front : the wrong way

Sink or swim : survive or fail

Slowly but surely : gradually

Sooner or later : sometime in the future

All or nothing

Take it or leave it

Give or take : perhaps a mile or two more, or a mile or two less

77. Abbreviations and acronyms

A. Abbreviations pronounced as individual letters

BBC : British Broadcasting Corporation

ID : Identity (an identity card or passport)

GM : Genetically modified

WHO : World Health Organisation

DNA : deoxyribonucleic acid (chemical at centre of living cells)

CIA : Central Intelligence Agency (US government agency collecting information about other countries)

MI6 : Military Intelligence 6 (UK equivalent of CIA)

FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions

AKA : Also Known As

IOU : I owe you

ATM : Automated teller machine (cash machine usually outside bank)

ASAP : As soon as possible (it is occasionally pronounced as a word)


B. Abbreviations pronounced as words (acronyms)

NATO : North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

PIN : Personal Identity Number

SAD : Seasonal affective disorder (lacking energy and enthusiasm in winter in latitudes where there is little sunlight at that time)

AWOL : Absent without leave (permission, usually used in military contexts)

! Laser, radar, scuba, sonar

C. Clippings

Some words are often used in an abbreviated form in informal situations.

Kilo : kilogram

Gig : gigabyte

Air con : Air conditioning

Satnav : satellite navigation system

Uni : University

Mobile : mobile phone

Cell : cellphone

Carbs : carbohydrates

Sci-fi : science fiction

High-tech : high-technology

D. Abbreviations in texts and instant messaging

BTW : By the way

LOL : Laughing out loud

BRB : Be right back

CUL8R : See you later

FYI : For your information

AFAIK : As far as I know

AFK : Away from keyboard

IMHO : In my humble/honest opinion


78. Multi-word expressions

A. Learning and remembering multi-word expressions

Fixed expressions, also known as idioms, often have meanings that are not clear or obvious.

To feel under the weather : to feel unwell

To have seen better days : It is rather old and broken down, usually for things, always perfect tense form.

To take the weight of your feet : to sit down

B. Organising multi-word expressions

GROUPING BY GRAMMAR

Get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick : Misunderstand

Pull a fast one : Trick/deceive somebody

Poke your nose in(to) : Interfere

Be over the moon : Extremely happy/elated

Feel down in the dumps : Depressed/low

Be in the red : Have a negative bank balance

GROUPING BY MEANING

As daft as a brush : Very stupid, silly

Takes the biscuit : Is the extreme, the worst of all

To be a pain in the neck : A nuisance/a difficult person

As good as gold : Behaves very well – usually used about children

GROUPING BY A VERB OR OTHER KAY WORD

Make a meal out of : Exaggerate the importance of everything

Make a move : Go/leave

On the make : Wanting money/power for oneself

Making heavy weather : Making slow and difficult progress

C. Grammar of multi-word expressions


Verb + object

Verb + prepositional phrase

79. Words commonly mispronounced

Lees in handboek

80. Onomatopoeic words

A. What are onomatopoeic words

= Those which seem to sound like their meaning.

Loeien : to moo

Miauwen : to meow

Spinnen : to purr

Brullen : to roar

Zoemen : to buzz

Tsjilpen : to tweet

B. Letters, sounds and their associations

Certain combinations of sounds have particular associations in English.

Gr- at the beginning of a word can suggest something unpleasant or miserable.

Uitbrullen : to groan : make a deep sound forced out by pain or despair

Mopperen : to grumble : complain in a bad-tempered way

Slecht gezind : grumpy : bad-tempered

Grommen : to growl : make a deep, threatening sound, like an angry dog

Cl- at the beginning of a word can suggest something sharp and/or metallic

Klikken : to click : make a short sharp sound

Knal : clang : make a loud ringing noise

Horses go clip-clop on the road.

Sp- at the beginning of a word can suggest water or liquids or powders.

Pletsen : to splash : cause a liquid to fly about in drops

Uitspuwen : to spit out : send liquid or food out from the mouth


Sprayen : to spray : send liquid or food out from the mouth

Sprinkelen : to sprinkle : scatter small drops

Spuiten : to spurt : come out in a sudden burst

Wh- at the beginning of a word often suggests the movement of air.

Fluiten : to whistle : a high-pitched noise made by forcing air or steam through a small-opening

Scheuren : to whizz : make the sound of something rushing through air

Hevig ademen : to wheeze : breath noisily especially with a whistling sound in the chest

-ash at the end of a word can suggest something fast and violent

Breken : to smash : break violently into small pieces

Snel bewegen : to dash : move fast or violently

Botsen : to crash : suddenly strike violently and noisily

Slaan : to bash : strike heavily so as to break or injure

Pletten : to mash : make soft or pulpy by beating or crushing

Openrijten : to gash : a long deep cut or wound

81. Homophones and homographs

A. Homophones and homographs

HOMOPHONES = Words with different meanings which are pronounced in the same way but are spelt differently.

HOMORAPHS = Words which are written in the same way but have different meanings and may be pronounced differently.

B. Homophones

Zie handbook

C. Homographs with differing pronunciations

Zie handbook

82. Uncountable nouns


A. What are uncountable nouns?

Countable nouns can be used with (a)n or the plural. You can learn uncountable nouns in groups associated with the same subject or area.

B. Travel

Baggage : luggage/baggage

Verblijf : accommodation

Geld : money/currency

Informatie : information

Vevoer : transport

C. Food

Voedsel : food

Suiker : sugar

Spaghetti : spaghetti

Boter : butter

Brood : brood

Bloem : flour

Soep : soup

D. Abstract uncountable nouns and nouns for activities

Advies : advice

Kennis : knowledge

Vooruitgang : progress

Onderzoek : research

Werk : work

Huiswerk : homework

Ervarig : experience

Rijkdom : wealth (state of being rich)

Armoede : poverty (state of being poor)

E. Material and resources

Stof : cloth


Leder : leather

Kool : coal

Olie : oil

Steen : stone

Baksteen : brick

Plastiek : plastic

Uitrusting : equipment

Software : software

F. Other common uncountable nouns

Nieuws : news

Weer : weather

83. Words that only occur in the plural

A. Tools, instruments, pieces of equipments

Schaar : scissors

Knijptang : pliers

Oortjes : earphones

Pincet : tweezers

Tang : tongs

Koptelefoon : headphones

Verrekijker : binoculars

Weegschaal : scales

Hanboeien : handcuffs

Heggeschaar : shears

Zonnebril : glasses/spectacles

Zwembril : goggles

B. Things we wear

Kledij : clothes

Pyjama : pyjamas


Ondergoed : knickers/pants

Ondergoed : underpants/pants

Jeans : jeans

Kousenbroek : tights

Overal : overalls

Legging : leggings

Salopet : dungarees

Short : shorts

Broek : trousers

Bretellen : braces

Zwembroek : (swimming) trunks

C. Other useful words

Verblijf : lodgings

Goederen : goods : articles/items

Funderingen : foundations : under the building

Gebouw : premises : the building itself

Overheid : authorities

Hoofdkwartier : headquarters

Akoestiek : acoustics : quality of sound

Inboedel : contents

Uiterlijk : looks

Rand : outskirts : the beginning or end of a village

Verkeerslichten : traffic lights

Trap : stairs

Opbrengst : proceeds : money

Gegevens : whereabouts : where she is

D. Words with plural form but used mostly with singular verbs

Biljard : billiards

Domino : dominoes


Dammen : draughts

Vogelpik : darts

Bowling : bowls

Kaarten : cards

Fysica : physics

Economie : economics

Klassiek : classics

Turnen : gymnastics

Athletiek : athletics

84. Countable and uncountable nouns with different meanings

A. Countable and uncountable nouns

When we use a countable noun we are thinking of specific things that can be counted. When we use an uncountable noun we are thinking of stuff or material or the idea of a thing in general.

Zie handboek

B. Food

The names of food items often have a different meaning depending on whether they are used as countable or uncountable nouns

Zie handbook

85. Making uncountable nouns countable

A. Bit and piece

You can make many uncountable nouns singular and countable by adding a piece of or a (little) bit of. Similarly, you can make such nouns plural with pieces of or bits of. Bot is less formal than piece and they are not always interchangeable. But can be used with all types of nouns. Piece tends to be used more with uncountable nouns. Bit suggests a smaller amount than piece.

B. Words that go with specific uncountable nouns


WEATHER

Showers of rain Spell of weather Rumbles of thunder Flashes of lightning Claps of thunder Spots of rain Gusts of wind

GROCERIES

Loaf of bread Slices of ham Bars of chocolate Tube of toothpaste Cartons of milk Bars of soap

NATURE

Blade of grass Cloud of smoke Puff of smoke Breath of fresh air Lump of coal

OTHER WORDS

Stroke of luck Stroke of work Fit of temper Means of transport Article/item of clothing Item of news

C. A state of

Nouns used with a state of are usually abstract and include chaos, tension, confusion, health, disorder, uncertainty, agitation, disrepair and flux.

86. Collective nouns

A. People

Collective nouns are used to describe a group of the same people or things.

Groep : Group : Smaller number


Menigte : crowd : large number

Bende : gang : rather negative

B. Words associated with certain animals

A flock of sheep

A herd of cows

A shoal of fish

A swarm of insects

A pack of dogs

C. People involved in the same job/activity

These nouns are used with singular or plural verbs, depending on your point of view.

A team

The crew : workers on a ship, ambulance, plane

The company : Group of actors

The cast : actors in a film or theatre production

The public : the people as a whole

The staff : Groups who share a place of work

D. Physical features of landscapes

Een rij : a row

Een groep : a clump

Een rij : a range

Een groep : a group

E. Things in general

Een paar : a pair : two of anything that are the same

Een stel : a couple : vague way of saying two, not necessarily exactly the same

Een hoopje : a pile/heap

Een bosje : a bunch

Een stapel : a stack

Een stel : a set


87. Containers and contents

A. Containers

Een zak : a bag

Een ton : a barrel

Een mand : a basket

Een fles : a bottle

Een kom : a bowl

Een doos : a box

Een emmer : a bucket

Een blikje : a can

Een brikje : a carton

Een hoesje : a case

Een krat : a crate

Een glas : a glass

Een bokaal : a jar

Een kan : a jug

Een mok : a mug

Een pakje : a pack

Een pak : a packet

Een pan : a pan

Een pot : a pot

Een zak : a sack

Een conservenblik : a tin

Een kuip : a tub

Een tube : a tube

B. More information about these containers

Zie handbook


88. Expressions with do and make

A. Phrasal verbs with do and make

To do without : to manage without

To do away with : to abolish, get rid of

To make for : move in the direction of

To make of : to think (opinion)

To make off : leave hurriedly

To make up for : to compensate for

B. Meanings of phrasal verbs

Some phrasal verbs have a number of different meanings

To do up : to fasten – to renovate – to put into a bundle

To make out : to claim – manage to see – understand

To make up : to compose – to invent – to constitute – to form – to put on cosmetics – to prepare by mixing together various ingredients – to make something more numerous or complete

C. Collocations with do and make

Do : activities, work or duty

Make : Lead to an end product

Zie handbook

89. Expressions with bring and take

A. Phrasal verbs with bring

Grootbrengen : to bring up : to raise

Voor elkaar krijgen : to bring off : succeed

Veroorzaken : to bring on : cause to start

Veroorzaken : to bring about : cause to happen

Uitbrengen : to bring out : to introduce

Heruitbrengen : to bring back : re-introduce

Verlagen : to bring down : lower


Neerhalen : to bring down : destroy, remove from power

Overtuigen : to bring round : to persuade

B. Phrasal verbs with take

Lijken op : to take after : to resemble

Terugnemen : to take back : to withdraw

Opnemen : to take in : to absorb, understand

Innemen : to take in : to deceive

Stijgen : to take off : started to improve

Opstijgen : to take off : to leave the ground

Imiteren : to take off : to imitate

Aannemen : to take on : to employ

Accepteren : to take on : to accept

Overnemen : to take over : to start doing a job

Aardig vinden : to take to : formed an immediate liking for

Beginnen : to take up : to start (a hobby)

C. Common expressions with bring and take

Van kracht gaan : to be brought to force : become law

Aan het licht brengen : to bring to light : to reveal

Tot het punt komen waar een beslissing noodzakelijk is

: matters were brought to a head

Openbaar maken : to bring into the open : made public

Het beste naar boven halen : to bring out the best : to be good

Misbruiken : to take advantage : unfairly use of superiority

Als vanzelfsprekend nemen : to take for granted : not appreciating qualities

Aannemen : to take for granted : to assume

De leiding nemen : to take control : to start organizing

Perplex doen staan : to take one’s breath away : to surprise

Plaatsvinden : to take place : to happen


Risico nemen : to take a risk : doing something risky

Serieus nemen : to take seriously : consider as serious

Rekening houden met : to take into account : to consider

Trots zijn op : to take pride in : draw satisfaction from

De gelegenheid nemen : to take the opportunity : use the chance

90. Expressions with get

A. Meanings of get

Get is used frequently in spoken English. It has the following basic meanings :

Receive, obtain or buy something Change position – move or be moved Change state – become or make

B. Specific meanings of get

To get dinner : to prepare a meal

To get it : to understand

To get someone : to annoy

To get to … : to manage

To get to know : to become acquainted

To get … : to answer, respond to

C. Phrasal verbs based on get

To get across : to successfully communicate an idea

To get at : to reach, to find

To get behind with : to fail to do something by a certain time

To get down : to depress

To get down to : to begin to give some serious attention to

To get into : to be successful with an application

To get on : to manage

To get on : to advance, develop

To get out of : to avoid a responsibility


To get over : to recover from

To get round : to spread

To get round to: to do something you’ve intended to do for a long time

To get through : to come to a successful end

To get through : to use up all of

To get up to : to do (especially something bad)

D. Other expressions based on get

Get out of bed on the wrong side : to be in a bad mood

To get off to a good/bad start : to start well/badly

Get-together : informal meeting/party

To get rid of : to throw away/destroy

To get my own back : to take my revenge

91. Expressions with set and put

A. Phrasal verbs based on set

Opzij zetten : to set aside : to reserve

Vertrekken : to set off : to begin a journey

Trachten : to set out : to begin a journey with a particular aim in mind

Veroorzaken : to set off : to cause

Opstarten : to set up : to establish

Veronachtzamen : to set aside : to ignore

B. Phrasal verbs with put

Voordragen : to put forward : to propose

Indienen : to put in : to submit

Overbrengen : to put across : to communicate

Kleineren : to put down : making someone look small

Plaatsen : to put in : to install

Verzamelen : to put together : to assemble


Opvoeren : to put on : to present

Storen : to put out : inconvenience

Opruimen : to put away : to tidy

Logeren : to put op : to give accommodation to

Uitstellen : to put off : to postpone

Verhogen : to put up : to raise

Ophangen : to put up : to display

Aannemen : to put on : to pretend to have

Afleiden : to put off : to distract

Tolereren : to put up with : to tolerate

C. Expressions with set and put

He set his heart/sights on : Longs to

I’ve set myself a target : I am aiming to

Setting/putting the world to rights : discussing important problems

Set fire to : put a match to

To set free : to release

To set foot in : been to

To set a new record : established an achievement record

To set a good example : to be a good example

To put your foot down : to be firm about something

To put pressure on someone : to try to force someone to do something

To put your mind to : to direct all your thoughts towards

To put two and two together : to draw an obvious conclusion

To put an end/a stop to something : to cause something to stop

To put someone’s back up : to irritate someone

A put-up job : something arranged to give a false impression


92. Expressions with come and go

A. Phrasal verbs based on come

Plaatshebben : to come off : to take place

Bekend maken : to come out : to be published, to be made public

Ter sprake komen : to come up : to be raised

Langskomen : to come round : to pay an informal visit

Tussenbeide komen : to come between : to separate, to be a barrier between

Stoten op : to come across : to find by chance

Komen aan : to come by : to receive, to obtain

Dalen : to come down : to decrease

Bedenken : to come up with : to think of/to suggest a plan or solution to a problem

B. Collocations with come to and come into

Come to = arriving at

An agreement A conclusion A standstill An end A decision To trems with

Come into = starting or acquiring

Contact A fortune Operation Sight/view Existence Fashion

C. Phrasal verbs based on go

GO ON

To happen To continue To pass To go in advance To criticizing/to complain


GO THROUGH

To experience, to endure To check To complete or to approve

GO FOR

To attack To choose

GO WITH

To suit

D. Other expressions based on go

Make a go of : make a success of

On the go : very busy, on the move

It goes without saying : clear without being said

As far as it goes : but is limited or insufficient

The story goes that : it is said that …/it seems that …

Went to great lengths : took a lot of trouble

Gone bankrupt : not got enough money to pay debts

93. Expressions with other common verbs

A. Look

Look forward to

Looking into : investigating

Look at : examine

Look down on : despise, opp. Look up to = admire

Look on the bright side : be optimistic

B. See

See about/to : deal with

See off : accompany someone who is leaving

See through : understand she was trying to deceive

Seeing things : imagining it

C. Run


Ran into : met by chance

Run out : come to an end

Run out of : there is none left

Run over : quickly go through

In the long run : in the distant future

Running : travelling

D. Turn

Turned down : rejected

Turned up : appeared

Turn over a new leaf : start doing something in a better way

Turned out : was discovered

E. Let

Let down

Let go

Let off : received a small punishment for a crime

Let it slip : say something, sometimes without meaning to

D. Break

Break their promises : don’t do what they day they’ll do

Broke off : suddenly stopped talking

Breaking the news to him : telling someone something

Broke her heart : made her very sad

Broke the record : ran faster than anyone had run before

94. Formal and informal words 1

A. What is formality?

Formality is all about your relationship with the person you’re speaking or writing to. If you use formal language, it may be because you wish to show respect, politeness or to put yourself at a distance (for example, ‘official language, or academic language). Informal language can show friendliness, equality or a feeling of closeness and solidarity with someone. You should NEVER use informal language just to sound fluent or clever.


B. Scales of formality

Formal → Neutral → InformalOffspringAbode/residenceGoodbyeGo amiss

ChildrenHouse/flat/homeBye-byeGo wrong

KidsPlaceBye/cheerioGo pear-shape

C. Words of Latin and Greek origin

Many longer words that come from Latin and Greek are quite formal.

Formal → Neutral → InformalImmediatelyUtiliseFrequently occursEstablishedProvides withAttemptedFundamental

At onceUseOften happensShowed/provedGivesTriedSearch for/look for

Right away

D. Formal phrases

In terms of : As regards, about

In particular : especially

On account of : because of

On the basis of : according to

In relation to : as regards, about, in connection with

E. Formality in notices, instructions, etc.

-> Zie handbook

95. Formal and informal words 2

A. Monosyllabic informal words


The cops : the police

The loos : the toilets

Quid : pounds

Spuds : potatoes

Bike : bicycle

Tube : Words used for the London Underground

Nick : prison

Cab : taxi

B. Clippings

Lab : laboratory

Telly : television

Mag : magazine

Ad/advert : advertisement

Paper : newspaper

Mobile : mobile phone

Phone : telephone

Fridge : refrigerator

Vet : veterinary surgeon

Celeb : celebrity : famous person

C. Slang

Slang is extremely colloquial language. Slang helps to make speech vivid, colourful and interesting but it can easily be used inappropriately. Slang is mainly used in in speech, but it is also often found in the popular press and in literature. Slang changes very quickly, so some words go out of fashion, but you may meet them in novels and films. Some slang expressions may cause offence to some people.

Money : bread – dosh – readies

Food and drinks : nosh – grub – cuppa (cup of tea)

People obsessed with computers : nerd – anorak

Doctor : quack

The police : the old bill/the bill


Soldier of low rank : squaddie

96. Similes

A. As … as

As blind as a bat

As thin as a rake

As strong as an ox

As quiet as a mouse

As heavy as lead ↔ as light as a feather

As black as night ↔ as white as snow

As good as gold

As cool as a cucumber

As busy as a bee

As hard as iron

As dry as a bone

As mad as a hatter

As bold as brass

As deaf as a post

As easy as falling off a log

As quick as a flash

as white as sheer (pale with fear/horror)

as sick as a dog (vomiting)

as sick as parrot (disappointment/frustration)

B. Like

Worked like a dream : worked very smoothly and well

Eyes like a hawk : sees everything

Drinks like a fish

Sleeps like a log

A mind/a head like a sieve : very forgetful


Like a bear with a sore head : in a very bad temper

Like a bull in a china shop : behaving in a very clumsy, insensitive way

Like a red rag to a bull : certain to make him very angry

97. Proverbs

A. Advice and warnings

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch : Don’t anticipate the future to much

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket : Don’t invest all your efforts or attention in just one thing

Never judge a book by its cover : Don’t judge people/things by their outward appearance.

Never look a gift-horse in the mouth : Never refuse a good fortune when it is there in front of you.

Take care if the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves : Take care of small sums of money and they will become large sums

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it : We’ll deal with that problem when it actually happens.

B. Key elements

When the cat’s away, the mice will play : People will take advantage of someone else’s absence to behave more freely

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink : you can try to persuade someone, but you can’t force them

One swallow doesn’t make a summer : One positive sign does not mean that all will be well, a swallow is a bird that returns to Britain in late spring.

C. Visualising

There’s no smoke without fire/Where there’s smoke, there’s fire : Rumours are usually based on some degree of truth.

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones : Don’t criticize others’ faults if you suffer from them yourself.

Too many cooks spoil the broth : too many people interfering is a bad way of doing things (broth = a kind of soup)


Many hands make light work : a lot of people helping makes a job easier

98. The language of sign and notices

-> zie handboek

99. Headline English

A. The grammar of headlines

Newpapers headlines try to catch the reader’s eye by using as few words as possible.

Grammar words like articles or auxiliary verbs are often left out A present simple form of the verb is used The infinitive is used to express the fact that something is going to

happen in the future

B. Short dramatic words

Newspapers usually prefer words that are shorter and sound more dramatic than ordinary English words. The words marked * can be used either as nouns or verbs.

-> Zie handboek

C. Jokes in headlines

Some newspapers also enjoy making jokes in their headlines. They do this by playing with words or punning.

100. US English

A. English in the USA

BE AE

Pronunciation Vocabulary Spelling Grammar

Autumn fall

At the weekend on the weekend

B. American English spelling


-our and –re -or and –er

-ise -ize

C. US words and their British equivalents

-> Zie handboek

D. Different meanings

-> zie handboek


english vocabulary in use 51-100 toledo

Documents

particular time

time vague

time passingvoorbijgaan

timefrom time

right time

periods of time words

long broadhoog

long waydiep