to let (someone) down (to disappoint [someone])

a letdown (a disappointment)

Eg 1:

A: I made so many mistakes in the speech yesterday. I feel like I really let everyone down.

B: You didn’t let anybody down. We thought you did a good job.

Eg 2:

A: How was the picnic on the beach?

B: It was a bit of a letdown. Hardly anyone came, and it was very windy, so we had to eat in the car.

to count on (someone) (to rely on/depend on [someone])

Eg 1:

A: Are you sure you can help me with this?

B: Sure. Don’t worry! You can count on me!

Eg 2:

A: Are you ready for your meeting in Korea?

B: Yes, but I don’t speak Korean, so I am counting on my interpreter to tell me what is going on!

——

Who can you count on for help when you are in trouble?

in shape  (fit/in good physical condition)

out of shape (unfit/in bad physical condition)

Eg 1:

A: I’m going to start going to the gym. I need to get in shape before my wedding.

B: Yes, I think I might join you!

Eg 2:

A: How was your holiday?

B: It was really good, but I ate and drank so much and didn’t exercise at all. I feel really out of shape.

A: You’ll get back in shape once you start running again.

—–

Are you in shape or out of shape?

What do you do to stay in shape?

loads of / tons of / a load of  / a ton of  (a large amount)

*These expressions are informal.

Eg 1:

A: Is there anything to eat?

B: Yes, we have tons of food left over from the party last night. Help yourself!

Eg 2:

A: Have you been to that new shopping centre in town yet?

B: Yes, I went there last week.

A: How was it?

B: It was really good. There are loads of shops and restaurants.

Eg 3:

A: Can you come out tonight?

B: I’d love to, but I’ve got a ton of homework for class next week.

A: I’ve got a load of work to do, too, but I’m going to leave it until Sunday night.

—–

Do you have a ton of work to do?

to dress up (to wear formal or elegant clothes)

to dress down (to wear casual clothes)

Eg 1:

A: What should we wear at the wedding reception?

B: The reception is at a very expensive hotel, so I think we should dress up.

Eg 2:

A: Should we dress up for the party?

B: I don’t think so. I heard it is a casual party, so most people will probably dress down.

—–

Do you “dress up” when you go parties?

Do you usually “dress up” or “dress down”?

to give (someone) a ring (to call/phone [someone])

Eg 1:

A: What time is Maria’s party on Saturday night?

B: I’m not sure. I’ll give Maria a ring later and check.

A: Thanks. Give me a ring after you have spoken to Maria.

Eg 2:

A: Have you heard from Simon recently?

B: No. I gave him a ring last night, but he didn’t answer his phone.

—-

Have you given anyone a ring recently?

to give (someone) a hand (to help [someone])

Eg 1:

A: Brian, could you give me a hand with this table? It is very heavy.

B: Sure. where do you want to put it?

A: Over there, by the window.

Eg 2:

A: Are you okay? Shall I give you a hand with those bags?

B: Oh, thank you. That’s very kind of you.

—–

Can you make a sentence using give (someone) a hand?

to hand out (to distribute)

a handout (something that has been distributed)

Eg 1:

A: Where did you get that pamphlet?

B: Someone was handing them out in the centre of town.

Eg 2:

A: How many handouts did you get in class yesterday?

B: We got about ten. The teacher handed out five at the start of class and five at the end.

—–

Can you make a sentence using “hand out”?

to hand in (to submit)

Eg 1:

A: Have you handed in your homework yet?

B: No, I haven’t. We don’t have to hand it in until next month, right?

Eg 2:

A: I found a wallet on the train, so I handed it in at the lost property office.

B: I’m sure the person who dropped it will be very grateful.

—–

Can you make a sentence using “hand in”?

(every) now and then / (every) once in a while / from time to time (occasionally)

Eg 1:

A: Do you see Eddie often?

B: I see him (every) now and then when he comes to visit his family.

Eg 2:

A: How often do you go on holiday?

B: I go (every) once in a while. Not as often as I would like!

Eg 3:

A: What did you do at the weekend?

B: I went to the cinema. It’s nice to get out from time to time. Unfortunately I don’t have much chance to do so lately.

——

Can you make a sentence using “now and then” / “once in a while” / “from time to time”?