VIP Class Notes (Tony)

Author:  Amy Gillett

Books: Speak English Like an American

Speak Business English Like an American

More Speak English Like an American

Vocabulary

if your company went bankrupt

you can just pay the minimum amount

Etsy – a website that sells stuff online, usually handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Made by artisans.

he’s gonna take the BAR exam.

navigate – to find your way, to find the route

eg: Chinese laws for international businesses can be like a maze. You need someone to help you navigate them.

eg: Their equipment was broken, so they couldn’t navigate to the island safely.

LLC – Limited liability company.

eg: The company is liable(adj) for any damages while they are cleaning your home.

Liable – legally responsible for sth.

Pronunciation

customs

customers

Vocabulary

Phrasal Verbs:

1. Get by – to manage, to be ok with the situation

eg: I just got fired.
That’s too bad. How will you get by for the next few months?
It’s no problem, I saved up a lot from my last job.

eg: I don’t think we can get by on just bread every day.

2. Blurt out
To say something suddenly, usually without thinking.
e.g. I was excited, and blurted out the answer to the question before my turn.

3. Fed up
This is nothing to do with eating (usually!) It can be seen as another way of someone being annoyed:
e.g. Her favorite show wasn’t on today – she’s a little fed up.

4. Rack up
This means to accumulate or collect over time
e.g. She’s done it again! She’s racked up 10 wins in a month!

eg: Her son found out how to make in-app purchases on her ipad. He racked up a bill of 2000 yuan over a week.

5. Get Down
Slang: (Be Down) = (Be ok with)
This can be used for work and play as well as its more literal meaning!

Serious: Get down to work/get down to business – play time is over!
e.g. It was approaching Monday – time to get down to business!

Fun: Get down tonight!
e.g. Have you heard that song? It’s Friday, time to get down tonight and party!

eg: Are you down for Thai food later?

eg: We’re gonna catch a movie. Are you down to join us?
Yeah, I’m down (to see a movie). what time does it start?