SPEECH UNITS
I would rather = Preference
- I would rather have coffee than tea
- I would rather keep quiet than argu with you
- I would rather sleep than watch the TV programme.
Had better……..
- It means the same as “should” but is much stronger.
- It refers only to the present or future, never the past.
- The negative form is had better + not
- Recommendation: I”d better get back to office.
- Warning: You had better not take sick leave without asking.
- Urgency: We had’d better leave now or we’ll be late.
- Question: Hadn’t we better call the school?
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
A fraction of = very less
- You can learn valuable computer skills online for a fraction of the cost of the college fee
- They bought the house for a fraction of its original price.
- We only used a fraction of the budget”.
- “She completed the task in a fraction of the time”.
- “Only a small fraction of customers complained”.
SENTENCE PATTERN
- It’s = it is so nice to see you here
- It’s pity to waste the food at the parties
- It’s such a relief to see you talking again
- It’s a pleasant surpirse to see you here.
- It would be a mistake to ignore the offer
PHRASAL VERBS
BACK AWAY = move in backward direction’ also called retreat
They backed away from the gang wielding a knife (not wanting to get harmed)
BACK DOWN = To stop defending yourself or your argument
Clara never backs down, when she argues with her colleagues.
BACK OUT = A. move in reverse direction
B. To break promise
C. To not show up
A. She backed out of the parking carefully (Driving the Car backward)
B. The Musicians backed out of the concert when it started raining.
CONNECTORS IN SPEECH
What are connectors?
A connector (also called a linking word) is a word or phrase used to join ideas, sentences, or clauses and show the relationship between them (such as contrast, cause, or addition).
1. Nevertheless (contrast / despite that)
The exam was very difficult; nevertheless, she passed with good marks.
He was tired; nevertheless, he continued working late into the night.
2. However (contrast / but)
The plan looked perfect; however, it failed in execution.
She studied hard; however, she did not perform well in the test.
3. Nonetheless (contrast / in spite of that)
The weather was bad; nonetheless, the match continued.
He had little experience; nonetheless, he handled the project confidently.
AMERICAN ENGLISH
1. Above and beyond the call of duty
We did not expect the police officer to drive us home; it was above and beyond the call of duty.
The English teacher helped students after school every day; it was above and beyond the call of duty.
2. Above par (better than average)
His work is above par, so he should be paid better.
Your performance is above par, so you have a good chance of winning the game.
3. Above reproach (not deserving criticism)
Some politicians act as if they are above reproach.
You must accept your punishment; you are not above reproach.

