Pre-Intermediate Unit 1

Natalya from Canada:

These are questions from Worksheet C (listening). I don't understand the phrase "over there". I know everybody says this, but I don't understand the meaning of "over" in this case.

Answer: We use ‘over there’ when we are talking about a place that we can see at the time of speaking and we often point our finger in that direction.

For example: Please put the books over there (I am pointing to a table).

I left the bags over there (I am pointing to beside the door).

What does "over the counter" mean?

Answer: Over-the-counter refers to medicines/drugs that are sold without a prescription and without a visit to a medical professional. The opposite is ‘prescription medicine /drugs’.

For example: In Canada, you can buy cold medicine over the counter, but you must have a prescription for cancer drugs.

In the phrase "Oh and here comes Casey". Is the order of words is wrong? I studied before that the subject must be first, then a verb in affirmative.

Answer: This is an expression and must be learned. Sometimes expresssions follow no rules!

We say things like 'Here comes trouble!' as a joke when a person who is often silly or naughty walks into the room.

Another example is 'Here comes the rain' when we see dark clouds.

In the phrase "He'll get here on time", does the word "get" mean "come"? Why do we use "get"?

Answer: 'Get here' is a casual way of saying 'arrive'. It is fine to speak like this with friends, but in a formal situation 'arrive' is better.

What does the phrase "I'm looking forward to working here" mean? And why do you say "to working", but not "to work"?

Answer: It means you are happy to start the job.

To express this idea, we use a form of to look forward to + -ing verb.

Other examples of this structure are:

He looks forward to driving his new car.