π― Today's Learning Goal: Master 5 essential words and phrases for talking about friendships, campus life, and social situations β so you can connect with new people confidently!
phrasal verb β Level: A2Meaning: To begin to know and like someone and become their friend. Example: It took me a while to make friends with anyone at my new school, but now I have a great group. β οΈ Common Mistake: Saying "make a friend with" β always use the plural "friends" in this expression. π‘ Usage: Use this whenever you're talking about forming new friendships. It emphasizes the process of building a connection.
phrasal verb β Level: B1Meaning: To spend time with someone in a relaxed, informal way. Example: We usually hang out with our classmates at the campus cafΓ© after lectures. β οΈ Common Mistake: Confusing "hang out" (social) with "hang" (to suspend an object). They are entirely different! π‘ Usage: Very casual and friendly. Perfect for everyday conversation with friends, but avoid it in formal writing or professional emails.
idiom β Level: B1Meaning: In the same difficult situation as other people. Example: Don't worry about the exam β we're all in the same boat! β οΈ Common Mistake: Taking the idiom literally. There is no actual boat involved β it's purely figurative! π‘ Usage: Use this to express solidarity and comfort someone. Great for exams, first-day nerves, or any shared challenge.
idiom β Level: B2Meaning: To do or say something that makes people feel more relaxed in a social situation. Example: The teacher played a fun game to break the ice on the first day of class. β οΈ Common Mistake: Dropping "the" β it is always "break THE ice," never "break ice." π‘ Usage: Common at parties, orientations, first meetings, and group activities. An essential social phrase!
phrasal verb β Level: A2Meaning: To have a friendly relationship with someone. Example: I get along with everyone in my study group, especially my lab partner. β οΈ Common Mistake: Forgetting the "with" β you must always say "get along WITH someone." π‘ Usage: An everyday expression for describing how well you connect with others. Can be used in both casual and semi-formal contexts.
A: "Hey, are you nervous about starting at this new school too?"
B: "Totally! But I think we're all in the same boat. Want to grab coffee after this?"
A: "That'd be great! I'm trying to make friends with people before classes get intense."
B: "Same here. The orientation games really helped break the ice, didn't they?"
A: "For sure! I already get along with a few people from my group. We should all hang out with each other this weekend."
After the orientation workshop helped us break the ice, I realized everyone was in the same boat, so it was easy to make friends with my new classmates, and now we hang out with each other every day because we genuinely get along with one another.
| Word | Quick Reminder |
|---|---|
| hit the ground running | Start a new task with energy and enthusiasm |
| follow up | To check on something after initial contact |
| prioritize | To arrange tasks in order of importance |
| feedback | Helpful comments or criticism about someone's work |
| deadline | The latest time by which something must be finished |
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