(right rights righting righted) CORRECT, APPROPRIATE, OR ACCEPTABLE
Please look at category 16 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [ADJ]
If something is right, it is correct and agrees with the facts.
That's absolutely right...
Clocks never told the right time...
The barman tells me you saw Ann on Tuesday morning. Is that right?
= correct
≠ wrong
[ADV] ADV after v
Right is also an adverb.
He guessed right about some things.
● rightly [ADV] ADV after v
She attended one meeting only, if I remember rightly.
2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you do something in the right way or in the right place, you do it as or where it should be done or was planned to be done.
Walking, done in the right way, is a form of aerobic exercise...
The chocolate is then melted down to exactly the right temperature.
= correct
≠ wrong
[ADV] ADV after v
Right is also an adverb.
To make sure I did everything right, I bought a fat instruction book.
= correctly
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you say that someone is seen in all the right places or knows all the right people, you mean that they go to places which are socially acceptable or know people who are socially acceptable.
He was always to be seen in the right places...
≠ wrong
4 [ADJ]
If someone is right about something, they are correct in what they say or think about it.
Ron has been right about the result of every General Election but one...
≠ wrong
● rightly [ADV]
He rightly assumed that the boy was hiding.
5 [ADJ]
If something such as a choice, action, or decision is the right one, it is the best or most suitable one.
She'd made the right choice in leaving New York...
The right decision was made, but probably for the wrong reasons...
≠ wrong
● rightly [ADV] ADV with v
She hoped she'd decided rightly.
6 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, with brd-neg
If something is not right, there is something unsatisfactory about the situation or thing that you are talking about.
Ratatouille doesn't taste right with any other oil...
≠ wrong
7 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf
If you think that someone was right to do something, you think that there were good moral reasons why they did it.
You were right to do what you did, under the circumstances...
≠ wrong
● rightly [ADV] ADV before v, ADV with cl
The crowd screamed for a penalty but the referee rightly ignored them...
8 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, oft with brd-neg
Right is used to refer to activities or actions that are considered to be morally good and acceptable.
It's not right, leaving her like this...
≠ wrong
[N-UNCOUNT]
Right is also a noun.
At least he knew right from wrong.
● rightness [N-UNCOUNT] usu N of n
Many people have very strong opinions about the rightness or wrongness of abortion.
9 [VERB] V n, V pron-refl
If you right something or if it rights itself, it returns to its normal or correct state, after being in an undesirable state.
They recognise the urgency of righting the economy...
Your eyesight rights itself very quickly.
10 [VERB] V n
If you right a wrong, you do something to make up for a mistake or something bad that you did in the past.
We've made progress in righting the wrongs of the past...
= rectify
11 [VERB] V n, V pron-refl
If you right something that has fallen or rolled over, or if it rights itself, it returns to its normal upright position.
He righted the yacht and continued the race...
The helicopter turned at an awful angle before righting itself.
12 [ADJ] ADJ n
The right side of a material is the side that is intended to be seen and that faces outwards when it is made into something.
≠ wrong
13 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that things are going right, you mean that your life or a situation is developing as you intended or expected and you are pleased with it.
I can't think of anything in my life that's going right...
14 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If someone has behaved in a way which is morally or legally right, you can say that they are in the right. You usually use this expression when the person is involved in an argument or dispute.
She wasn't entirely in the right...
≠ in the wrong
15 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you put something right, you correct something that was wrong or that was causing problems.
We've discovered what's gone wrong and are going to put it right.
16
heart in the right place: see heart
it serves you right: see serve
on the right side of: see side
(right) DIRECTION AND POLITICAL GROUPINGS
The spelling Right is also used for meaning 3.
1 [N-SING] usu the N
The right is one of two opposite directions, sides, or positions. If you are facing north and you turn to the right, you will be facing east. In the word `to', the `o' is to the right of the `t'.
Ahead of you on the right will be a lovely garden...
≠ left
[ADV] ADV after v
Right is also an adverb.
Turn right into the street.
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
Your right arm, leg, or ear, for example, is the one which is on the right side of your body. Your right shoe or glove is the one which is intended to be worn on your right foot or hand.
≠ left
3 [N-SING-COLL] the N
You can refer to people who support the political ideals of capitalism and conservatism as the right. They are often contrasted with the left, who support the political ideals of socialism.
The Tory Right despise him...
≠ left
4 [N-SING] the N
If you say that someone has moved to the right, you mean that their political beliefs have become more right-wing.
They see the shift to the right as a worldwide phenomenon.
≠ left
5 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If someone is at a person's right hand, they work closely with that person so they can help and advise them.
I think he ought to be at the right hand of the president.
(right rights) ENTITLEMENT
1 [N-PLURAL] usu poss N
Your rights are what you are morally or legally entitled to do or to have.
They don't know their rights...
You must stand up for your rights.
2 [N-SING] usu N to-inf
If you have a right to do or to have something, you are morally or legally entitled to do it or to have it.
...a woman's right to choose...
3 [N-PLURAL] the N, usu with supp
If someone has the rights to a story or book, they are legally allowed to publish it or reproduce it in another form, and nobody else can do so without their permission.
An agent bought the rights to his life...
He'd tried to buy the film rights of all George Bernard Shaw's plays.
4 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something is not the case but you think that it should be, you can say that by rights it should be the case.
She did work which by rights should be done by someone else.
5 [PHRASE] usu n adj PHR
If someone is a successful or respected person in their own right, they are successful or respected because of their own efforts and talents rather than those of the people they are closely connected with.
Although now a celebrity in her own right, actress Lynn Redgrave knows the difficulties of living in the shadow of her famous older sister...
6 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR to-inf
If you say that you reserve the right to do something, you mean that you will do it if you feel that it is necessary.
He reserved the right to change his mind...
7 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If you say that someone is within their rights to do something, you mean that they are morally or legally entitled to do it.
You were quite within your rights to refuse to co-operate with him.
= justified
(right) DISCOURSE USES
1 [ADV] ADV cl
You use right in order to attract someone's attention or to indicate that you have dealt with one thing so you can go on to another. (SPOKEN)
Right, I'll be back in a minute...
2 [CONVENTION]
You can use right to check whether what you have just said is correct. (SPOKEN)
They have a small plane, right?
3 [ADV] ADV as reply
You can say `right' to show that you are listening to what someone is saying and that you accept it or understand it. (SPOKEN)
`Your children may well come away speaking with a bit of a broad country accent'--`Right.'--`because they're mixing with country children.'
= yes
4
see also all right
(right) USED FOR EMPHASIS
1 [ADV] ADV adv/prep
You can use right to emphasize the precise place, position, or time of something.
The back of a car appeared right in front of him.
...a charming resort right on the Italian frontier...
2 [ADV] ADV prep/adv
You can use right to emphasize how far something moves or extends or how long it continues.
...the highway that runs through the Indian zone right to the army positions...
She was kept very busy right up to the moment of her departure...
3 [ADV] ADV adv/prep
You can use right to emphasize that an action or state is complete.
The candle had burned right down...
The handle came right off in my hand.
4 [ADJ] ADJ n
You can use right to emphasize a noun, usually a noun referring to something bad. (BRIT INFORMAL)
He gave them a right telling off...
= real
5 [ADV] ADV prep/adv
If you say that something happened right after a particular time or event or right before it, you mean that it happened immediately after or before it.
All of a sudden, right after the summer, Mother gets married...
= just
6 [ADV] ADV adv
If you say I'll be right there or I'll be right back, you mean that you will get to a place or get back to it in a very short time.
I'm going to get some water. I'll be right back.
7 [PHRASE] PHR after v, PHR with cl
If you do something right away or right off, you do it immediately. (INFORMAL)
He wants to see you right away...
Right off I want to confess that I was wrong.
= straight away
8 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
You can use right now to emphasize that you are referring to the present moment. (INFORMAL)
I'm warning you; stop it right now!
Showing posts with label noun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label noun. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
time
(times timing timed)
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Time is what we measure in minutes, hours, days, and years.
...a two-week period of time...
Time passed, and still Ma did not appear...
The social significance of religion has changed over time.
2 [N-SING] wh/the N
You use time to ask or talk about a specific point in the day, which can be stated in hours and minutes and is shown on clocks.
`What time is it?'--`Eight o'clock.'...
He asked me the time...
What time did he leave?...
The time is now 19 minutes past the hour.
3 [N-COUNT]
The time when something happens is the point in the day when it happens or is supposed to happen.
Departure times are 08:15 from St Quay, and 18:15 from St Helier.
see also opening time
4 [N-UNCOUNT] supp N
You use time to refer to the system of expressing time and counting hours that is used in a particular part of the world.
The incident happened just after ten o'clock local time.
5 [N-UNCOUNT] also a N
You use time to refer to the period that you spend doing something or when something has been happening.
Adam spent a lot of time in his grandfather's office...
He wouldn't have the time or money to take care of me...
Listen to me, I haven't got much time...
The route was blocked for some time...
For a long time I didn't tell anyone...
A short time later they sat down to eat...
6 [N-SING] a N
If you say that something has been happening for a time, you mean that it has been happening for a fairly long period of time.
He stayed for quite a time...
After a time they came to a pond.
7 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft prep N
You use time to refer to a period of time or a point in time, when you are describing what is happening then. For example, if something happened at a particular time, that is when it happened. If it happens at all times, it always happens.
We were in the same college, which was male-only at that time...
By this time he was thirty...
It was a time of terrible uncertainty...
Homes are more affordable than at any time in the past five years...
It seemed like a good time to tell her...
8 [N-COUNT] with supp, usu adj N, N of n
You use time or times to talk about a particular period in history or in your life.
We'll be alone together, quite like old times...
We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times...
9 [N-PLURAL] the N
You can use the times to refer to the present time and to modern fashions, tastes, and developments. For example, if you say that someone keeps up with the times, you mean they are fashionable or aware of modern developments. If you say they are behind the times, you mean they are unfashionable or not aware of them.
This approach is now seriously out of step with the times...
Johnny has changed his image to fit the times.
10 [N-COUNT] adj N
When you describe the time that you had on a particular occasion or during a particular part of your life, you are describing the sort of experience that you had then.
Sarah and I had a great time while the kids were away...
She's had a really tough time the last year and a half...
11 [N-SING] poss N
Your time is the amount of time that you have to live, or to do a particular thing.
Now Martin has begun to suffer the effects of AIDS, and he says his time is running out...
12 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N for n, N to-inf, N that
If you say it is time for something, time to do something, or time you did something, you mean that this thing ought to happen or be done now.
Opinion polls indicated a feeling among the public that it was time for a change...
It was time for him to go to work...
This was no time to make a speech...
13 [N-COUNT] with supp
When you talk about a time when something happens, you are referring to a specific occasion when it happens.
Every time she travels on the bus it's delayed by at least three hours...
The last time I saw her was about sixteen years ago...
14 [N-COUNT] usu num/ord N
You use time after numbers to say how often something happens.
It was her job to make tea three times a day...
15 [N-PLURAL] num N compar, num N as adj/adv, num N n
You use times after numbers when comparing one thing to another and saying, for example, how much bigger, smaller, better, or worse it is.
Its profits are rising four times faster than the average company...
...an area five times the size of Britain.
16 [CONJ]
You use times in arithmetic to link numbers or amounts that are multiplied together to reach a total.
Four times six is 24.
17 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft poss N, N of n
Someone's time in a race is the amount of time it takes them to finish the race.
He was over a second faster than his previous best time...
18 [N-UNCOUNT] usu supp N, oft in N
The time of a piece of music is the number of beats that the piece has in each bar.
A reel is in four-four time, and a jig is in six-eight time.
19 [VERB] V n to-inf, V n for n, V n adv, V-ed, also V n
If you time something for a particular time, you plan or decide to do it or cause it to happen at this time.
He timed the election to coincide with new measures to boost the economy...
We had timed our visit for March 7...
He had timed his intervention well...
Operation Amazon is timed to coincide with the start of the dry season.
20 [VERB] V n
If you time an action or activity, you measure how long someone takes to do it or how long it lasts.
He timed each performance with a stop-watch.
21
see also timing
22 [PHRASE] it v-link PHR that, PHR as reply
If you say it is about time that something was done, you are saying in an emphatic way that it should happen or be done now, and really should have happened or been done sooner.
It's about time a few movie makers with original ideas were given a chance...
23 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you do something ahead of time, you do it before a particular event or before you need to, in order to be well prepared.
Find out ahead of time what regulations apply to your situation.
24 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, oft PHR in -ing
If someone is ahead of their time or before their time, they have new ideas a long time before other people start to think in the same way.
My mother was ahead of her time. She surrounded me with culture and art.
25 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If something happens or is done all the time, it happens or is done continually.
We can't be together all the time...
= continually
26 [PHRASE] amount PHR
You say at a time after an amount to say how many things or how much of something is involved in one action, place, or group.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time...
27 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something could happen at any time, it is possible that it will happen very soon, though nobody can predict exactly when.
Conditions are still very tense and the fighting could escalate at any time.
28 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
You say at the best of times when you are making a negative or critical comment to emphasize that it is true even when the circumstances are as favourable as possible.
A trade war would be bad at the best of times, but in the current economic climate, it would be a disaster.
29 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something was the case at one time, you mean that it was the case during a particular period in the past.
At one time 400 men, women and children lived in the village.
30 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If two or more things exist, happen, or are true at the same time, they exist, happen, or are true together although they seem to contradict each other.
I was afraid of her, but at the same time I really liked her...
31 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
At the same time is used to introduce a statement that slightly changes or contradicts the previous statement.
I don't think I set out to come up with a different sound for each album. At the same time, I do have a sense of what is right for the moment.
32 [PHRASE] PHR with cl/group
You use at times to say that something happens or is true on some occasions or at some moments.
The debate was highly emotional at times...
33 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If you say that something was before your time, you mean that it happened or existed before you were born or before you were able to know about it or remember it.
`You've never seen the Marilyn Monroe film?'--`No, I think it was a bit before my time.'
34 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If someone has reached a particular stage in life before their time, they have reached it at a younger age than is normal.
The small print has forced me, years before my time, to buy spectacles...
35 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say not before time after a statement has been made about something that has been done, you are saying in an emphatic way that you think it should have been done sooner. (BRIT)
The virus is getting more and more attention, and not before time...
36 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you call time on something, you end it. (mainly BRIT JOURNALISM)
Scott Hastings has called time on his international career by cutting short his contract.
37 [PHRASE] V inflects
Someone who is doing time is in prison. (INFORMAL)
He is serving 11 years for robbery, and did time for a similar offence before that.
38 [PHRASE] usu PHR with v, PHR with group
If you say that something will be the case for all time, you mean that it will always be the case.
The desperate condition of the world is that madness has always been here, and that it will remain so for all time.
39 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something is the case or will happen for the time being, it is the case or will happen now, but only until something else becomes possible or happens.
For the time being, however, immunotherapy is still in its experimental stages...
40 [PHRASE] PHR with v, PHR with cl
If you do something from time to time, you do it occasionally but not regularly.
Her daughters visited him from time to time when he was ill.
41 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something is the case half the time you mean that it often is the case. (INFORMAL)
Half the time, I don't have the slightest idea what he's talking about.
42 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you say that you have no time for a person or thing, you mean you do not like them or approve of them, and if you say that you have a lot of time for a person or thing, you mean you like them or approve of them very much.
When I think of what he's done to my mother and me, I've just got no time for him...
43 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR that, PHR to-inf
If you say that it is high time that something happened or was done, you are saying in an emphatic way that it should happen or be done now, and really should have happened or been done sooner.
It is high time the Government displayed a more humanitarian approach towards victims of the recession...
44 [PHRASE] PHR after v, oft PHR for n, PHR to-inf
If you are in time for a particular event, you are not too late for it.
I arrived just in time for my flight to London...
45 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something will happen in time or given time, you mean that it will happen eventually, when a lot of time has passed.
He would sort out his own problems, in time...
Tina believed that, given time, her business would become profitable.
46 [PHRASE] PHR after v, oft PHR with n
If you are playing, singing, or dancing in time with a piece of music, you are following the rhythm and speed of the music correctly. If you are out of time with it, you are not following the rhythm and speed of the music correctly.
Her body swayed in time with the music...
We were standing onstage playing completely out of time.
47 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something will happen, for example, in a week 's time or in two years ' time, you mean that it will happen a week from now or two years from now.
Presidential elections are due to be held in ten days' time...
48 [PHRASE] PHR after v, oft PHR for n
If you arrive somewhere in good time, you arrive early so that there is time to spare before a particular event.
If we're out, we always make sure we're home in good time for the programme.
49 [PHRASE] PHR after v, PHR as reply
If you tell someone that something will happen in good time or all in good time, you are telling them to be patient because it will happen eventually.
There will be many advanced exercises that you won't be able to do at first. You will get to them in good time...
50 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something happens in no time or in next to no time, it happens almost immediately or very quickly.
He expects to be out of prison in next to no time.
51 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you do something in your own time, you do it at the speed that you choose, rather than allowing anyone to hurry you.
Now, in your own time, tell me what happened.
52 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you do something such as work in your own time in British English, or on your own time in American English, you do it in your free time rather than, for example, at work or school.
If I choose to work on other projects in my own time, then I say that is my business.
53 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you keep time when playing or singing music, you follow or play the beat, without going too fast or too slowly.
As he sang he kept time on a small drum.
54 [PHRASE] V inflects
When you talk about how well a watch or clock keeps time, you are talking about how accurately it measures time.
Some pulsars keep time better than the earth's most accurate clocks.
55 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR for n, PHR to-inf
If you make time for a particular activity or person, you arrange to have some free time so that you can do the activity or spend time with the person.
Before leaving the city, be sure to make time for a shopping trip...
56 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that you made good time on a journey, you mean it did not take you very long compared to the length of time you expected it to take.
They had left early in the morning, on quiet roads, and made good time.
57 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone is making up for lost time, they are doing something actively and with enthusiasm because they have not had the opportunity to do it before or when they were younger.
Five years older than the majority of officers of his same rank, he was determined to make up for lost time.
58 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you are marking time, you are doing something that is not particularly useful or interesting while you wait for something more important or interesting to happen.
He's really just marking time until he's old enough to leave.
59 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something happens or is the case nine times out of ten or ninety-nine times out of a hundred, you mean that it happens on nearly every occasion or is almost always the case.
When they want something, nine times out of ten they get it...
60 [PHRASE] n PHR, usu PHR after adj-superl
If you say that someone or something is, for example, the best writer of all time, or the most successful film of all time, you mean that they are the best or most successful that there has ever been.
`Monopoly' is one of the best-selling games of all time...
61 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you are on time, you are not late.
Don't worry, she'll be on time...
62 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, oft it v-link PHR before cl
If you say that it is only a matter of time or only a question of time before something happens, you mean that it cannot be avoided and will definitely happen at some future date.
It now seems only a matter of time before they resign...
63 [PHRASE] usu of/in/for PHR
When you refer to our time or our times you are referring to the present period in the history of the world.
It would be wrong to say that the Church doesn't enter the great moral debates of our time.
64 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you do something to pass the time you do it because you have some time available and not because you really want to do it.
Without particular interest and just to pass the time, I read a story...
65 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you play for time, you try to make something happen more slowly, because you do not want it to happen or because you need time to think about what to do if it happens.
The president's decision is being seen as an attempt to play for time.
66 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft it PHR to-inf
If you say that something will take time, you mean that it will take a long time.
Change will come, but it will take time...
67 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR -ing
If you take your time doing something, you do it quite slowly and do not hurry.
`Take your time,' Cross told him. `I'm in no hurry.'
68 [PHRASE] V inflects
If a child can tell the time, they are able to find out what the time is by looking at a clock or watch.
My four-year-old daughter cannot quite tell the time.
69 [PHRASE] PHR with cl, PHR after v
If something happens time after time, it happens in a similar way on many occasions.
Burns had escaped from jail time after time...
= repeatedly
70 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that time flies, you mean that it seems to pass very quickly.
Time flies when you're having fun.
71 [PHRASE] Ns inflect, PHR after v, v-link PHR
If you have the time of your life, you enjoy yourself very much indeed.
We're taking our little grandchild away with us. We'll make sure he has the time of his life...
72 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you say there is no time to lose or no time to be lost, you mean you must hurry as fast as you can to do something.
He rushed home, realising there was no time to lose.
73 [PHRASE] oft PHR whether/if
If you say that time will tell whether something is true or correct, you mean that it will not be known until some time in the future whether it is true or correct.
Only time will tell whether Broughton's optimism is justified...
74 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR in -ing
If you waste no time in doing something, you take the opportunity to do it immediately or quickly.
Tom wasted no time in telling me why he had come.
75
time and again: see again
in the fullness of time: see fullness
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Time is what we measure in minutes, hours, days, and years.
...a two-week period of time...
Time passed, and still Ma did not appear...
The social significance of religion has changed over time.
2 [N-SING] wh/the N
You use time to ask or talk about a specific point in the day, which can be stated in hours and minutes and is shown on clocks.
`What time is it?'--`Eight o'clock.'...
He asked me the time...
What time did he leave?...
The time is now 19 minutes past the hour.
3 [N-COUNT]
The time when something happens is the point in the day when it happens or is supposed to happen.
Departure times are 08:15 from St Quay, and 18:15 from St Helier.
see also opening time
4 [N-UNCOUNT] supp N
You use time to refer to the system of expressing time and counting hours that is used in a particular part of the world.
The incident happened just after ten o'clock local time.
5 [N-UNCOUNT] also a N
You use time to refer to the period that you spend doing something or when something has been happening.
Adam spent a lot of time in his grandfather's office...
He wouldn't have the time or money to take care of me...
Listen to me, I haven't got much time...
The route was blocked for some time...
For a long time I didn't tell anyone...
A short time later they sat down to eat...
6 [N-SING] a N
If you say that something has been happening for a time, you mean that it has been happening for a fairly long period of time.
He stayed for quite a time...
After a time they came to a pond.
7 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft prep N
You use time to refer to a period of time or a point in time, when you are describing what is happening then. For example, if something happened at a particular time, that is when it happened. If it happens at all times, it always happens.
We were in the same college, which was male-only at that time...
By this time he was thirty...
It was a time of terrible uncertainty...
Homes are more affordable than at any time in the past five years...
It seemed like a good time to tell her...
8 [N-COUNT] with supp, usu adj N, N of n
You use time or times to talk about a particular period in history or in your life.
We'll be alone together, quite like old times...
We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times...
9 [N-PLURAL] the N
You can use the times to refer to the present time and to modern fashions, tastes, and developments. For example, if you say that someone keeps up with the times, you mean they are fashionable or aware of modern developments. If you say they are behind the times, you mean they are unfashionable or not aware of them.
This approach is now seriously out of step with the times...
Johnny has changed his image to fit the times.
10 [N-COUNT] adj N
When you describe the time that you had on a particular occasion or during a particular part of your life, you are describing the sort of experience that you had then.
Sarah and I had a great time while the kids were away...
She's had a really tough time the last year and a half...
11 [N-SING] poss N
Your time is the amount of time that you have to live, or to do a particular thing.
Now Martin has begun to suffer the effects of AIDS, and he says his time is running out...
12 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N for n, N to-inf, N that
If you say it is time for something, time to do something, or time you did something, you mean that this thing ought to happen or be done now.
Opinion polls indicated a feeling among the public that it was time for a change...
It was time for him to go to work...
This was no time to make a speech...
13 [N-COUNT] with supp
When you talk about a time when something happens, you are referring to a specific occasion when it happens.
Every time she travels on the bus it's delayed by at least three hours...
The last time I saw her was about sixteen years ago...
14 [N-COUNT] usu num/ord N
You use time after numbers to say how often something happens.
It was her job to make tea three times a day...
15 [N-PLURAL] num N compar, num N as adj/adv, num N n
You use times after numbers when comparing one thing to another and saying, for example, how much bigger, smaller, better, or worse it is.
Its profits are rising four times faster than the average company...
...an area five times the size of Britain.
16 [CONJ]
You use times in arithmetic to link numbers or amounts that are multiplied together to reach a total.
Four times six is 24.
17 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft poss N, N of n
Someone's time in a race is the amount of time it takes them to finish the race.
He was over a second faster than his previous best time...
18 [N-UNCOUNT] usu supp N, oft in N
The time of a piece of music is the number of beats that the piece has in each bar.
A reel is in four-four time, and a jig is in six-eight time.
19 [VERB] V n to-inf, V n for n, V n adv, V-ed, also V n
If you time something for a particular time, you plan or decide to do it or cause it to happen at this time.
He timed the election to coincide with new measures to boost the economy...
We had timed our visit for March 7...
He had timed his intervention well...
Operation Amazon is timed to coincide with the start of the dry season.
20 [VERB] V n
If you time an action or activity, you measure how long someone takes to do it or how long it lasts.
He timed each performance with a stop-watch.
21
see also timing
22 [PHRASE] it v-link PHR that, PHR as reply
If you say it is about time that something was done, you are saying in an emphatic way that it should happen or be done now, and really should have happened or been done sooner.
It's about time a few movie makers with original ideas were given a chance...
23 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you do something ahead of time, you do it before a particular event or before you need to, in order to be well prepared.
Find out ahead of time what regulations apply to your situation.
24 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, oft PHR in -ing
If someone is ahead of their time or before their time, they have new ideas a long time before other people start to think in the same way.
My mother was ahead of her time. She surrounded me with culture and art.
25 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If something happens or is done all the time, it happens or is done continually.
We can't be together all the time...
= continually
26 [PHRASE] amount PHR
You say at a time after an amount to say how many things or how much of something is involved in one action, place, or group.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time...
27 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something could happen at any time, it is possible that it will happen very soon, though nobody can predict exactly when.
Conditions are still very tense and the fighting could escalate at any time.
28 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
You say at the best of times when you are making a negative or critical comment to emphasize that it is true even when the circumstances are as favourable as possible.
A trade war would be bad at the best of times, but in the current economic climate, it would be a disaster.
29 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something was the case at one time, you mean that it was the case during a particular period in the past.
At one time 400 men, women and children lived in the village.
30 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If two or more things exist, happen, or are true at the same time, they exist, happen, or are true together although they seem to contradict each other.
I was afraid of her, but at the same time I really liked her...
31 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
At the same time is used to introduce a statement that slightly changes or contradicts the previous statement.
I don't think I set out to come up with a different sound for each album. At the same time, I do have a sense of what is right for the moment.
32 [PHRASE] PHR with cl/group
You use at times to say that something happens or is true on some occasions or at some moments.
The debate was highly emotional at times...
33 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If you say that something was before your time, you mean that it happened or existed before you were born or before you were able to know about it or remember it.
`You've never seen the Marilyn Monroe film?'--`No, I think it was a bit before my time.'
34 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If someone has reached a particular stage in life before their time, they have reached it at a younger age than is normal.
The small print has forced me, years before my time, to buy spectacles...
35 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say not before time after a statement has been made about something that has been done, you are saying in an emphatic way that you think it should have been done sooner. (BRIT)
The virus is getting more and more attention, and not before time...
36 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you call time on something, you end it. (mainly BRIT JOURNALISM)
Scott Hastings has called time on his international career by cutting short his contract.
37 [PHRASE] V inflects
Someone who is doing time is in prison. (INFORMAL)
He is serving 11 years for robbery, and did time for a similar offence before that.
38 [PHRASE] usu PHR with v, PHR with group
If you say that something will be the case for all time, you mean that it will always be the case.
The desperate condition of the world is that madness has always been here, and that it will remain so for all time.
39 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something is the case or will happen for the time being, it is the case or will happen now, but only until something else becomes possible or happens.
For the time being, however, immunotherapy is still in its experimental stages...
40 [PHRASE] PHR with v, PHR with cl
If you do something from time to time, you do it occasionally but not regularly.
Her daughters visited him from time to time when he was ill.
41 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something is the case half the time you mean that it often is the case. (INFORMAL)
Half the time, I don't have the slightest idea what he's talking about.
42 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you say that you have no time for a person or thing, you mean you do not like them or approve of them, and if you say that you have a lot of time for a person or thing, you mean you like them or approve of them very much.
When I think of what he's done to my mother and me, I've just got no time for him...
43 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR that, PHR to-inf
If you say that it is high time that something happened or was done, you are saying in an emphatic way that it should happen or be done now, and really should have happened or been done sooner.
It is high time the Government displayed a more humanitarian approach towards victims of the recession...
44 [PHRASE] PHR after v, oft PHR for n, PHR to-inf
If you are in time for a particular event, you are not too late for it.
I arrived just in time for my flight to London...
45 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something will happen in time or given time, you mean that it will happen eventually, when a lot of time has passed.
He would sort out his own problems, in time...
Tina believed that, given time, her business would become profitable.
46 [PHRASE] PHR after v, oft PHR with n
If you are playing, singing, or dancing in time with a piece of music, you are following the rhythm and speed of the music correctly. If you are out of time with it, you are not following the rhythm and speed of the music correctly.
Her body swayed in time with the music...
We were standing onstage playing completely out of time.
47 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something will happen, for example, in a week 's time or in two years ' time, you mean that it will happen a week from now or two years from now.
Presidential elections are due to be held in ten days' time...
48 [PHRASE] PHR after v, oft PHR for n
If you arrive somewhere in good time, you arrive early so that there is time to spare before a particular event.
If we're out, we always make sure we're home in good time for the programme.
49 [PHRASE] PHR after v, PHR as reply
If you tell someone that something will happen in good time or all in good time, you are telling them to be patient because it will happen eventually.
There will be many advanced exercises that you won't be able to do at first. You will get to them in good time...
50 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If something happens in no time or in next to no time, it happens almost immediately or very quickly.
He expects to be out of prison in next to no time.
51 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you do something in your own time, you do it at the speed that you choose, rather than allowing anyone to hurry you.
Now, in your own time, tell me what happened.
52 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you do something such as work in your own time in British English, or on your own time in American English, you do it in your free time rather than, for example, at work or school.
If I choose to work on other projects in my own time, then I say that is my business.
53 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you keep time when playing or singing music, you follow or play the beat, without going too fast or too slowly.
As he sang he kept time on a small drum.
54 [PHRASE] V inflects
When you talk about how well a watch or clock keeps time, you are talking about how accurately it measures time.
Some pulsars keep time better than the earth's most accurate clocks.
55 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR for n, PHR to-inf
If you make time for a particular activity or person, you arrange to have some free time so that you can do the activity or spend time with the person.
Before leaving the city, be sure to make time for a shopping trip...
56 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that you made good time on a journey, you mean it did not take you very long compared to the length of time you expected it to take.
They had left early in the morning, on quiet roads, and made good time.
57 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone is making up for lost time, they are doing something actively and with enthusiasm because they have not had the opportunity to do it before or when they were younger.
Five years older than the majority of officers of his same rank, he was determined to make up for lost time.
58 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you are marking time, you are doing something that is not particularly useful or interesting while you wait for something more important or interesting to happen.
He's really just marking time until he's old enough to leave.
59 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
If you say that something happens or is the case nine times out of ten or ninety-nine times out of a hundred, you mean that it happens on nearly every occasion or is almost always the case.
When they want something, nine times out of ten they get it...
60 [PHRASE] n PHR, usu PHR after adj-superl
If you say that someone or something is, for example, the best writer of all time, or the most successful film of all time, you mean that they are the best or most successful that there has ever been.
`Monopoly' is one of the best-selling games of all time...
61 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you are on time, you are not late.
Don't worry, she'll be on time...
62 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, oft it v-link PHR before cl
If you say that it is only a matter of time or only a question of time before something happens, you mean that it cannot be avoided and will definitely happen at some future date.
It now seems only a matter of time before they resign...
63 [PHRASE] usu of/in/for PHR
When you refer to our time or our times you are referring to the present period in the history of the world.
It would be wrong to say that the Church doesn't enter the great moral debates of our time.
64 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you do something to pass the time you do it because you have some time available and not because you really want to do it.
Without particular interest and just to pass the time, I read a story...
65 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you play for time, you try to make something happen more slowly, because you do not want it to happen or because you need time to think about what to do if it happens.
The president's decision is being seen as an attempt to play for time.
66 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft it PHR to-inf
If you say that something will take time, you mean that it will take a long time.
Change will come, but it will take time...
67 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR -ing
If you take your time doing something, you do it quite slowly and do not hurry.
`Take your time,' Cross told him. `I'm in no hurry.'
68 [PHRASE] V inflects
If a child can tell the time, they are able to find out what the time is by looking at a clock or watch.
My four-year-old daughter cannot quite tell the time.
69 [PHRASE] PHR with cl, PHR after v
If something happens time after time, it happens in a similar way on many occasions.
Burns had escaped from jail time after time...
= repeatedly
70 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that time flies, you mean that it seems to pass very quickly.
Time flies when you're having fun.
71 [PHRASE] Ns inflect, PHR after v, v-link PHR
If you have the time of your life, you enjoy yourself very much indeed.
We're taking our little grandchild away with us. We'll make sure he has the time of his life...
72 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you say there is no time to lose or no time to be lost, you mean you must hurry as fast as you can to do something.
He rushed home, realising there was no time to lose.
73 [PHRASE] oft PHR whether/if
If you say that time will tell whether something is true or correct, you mean that it will not be known until some time in the future whether it is true or correct.
Only time will tell whether Broughton's optimism is justified...
74 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR in -ing
If you waste no time in doing something, you take the opportunity to do it immediately or quickly.
Tom wasted no time in telling me why he had come.
75
time and again: see again
in the fullness of time: see fullness
inventory
(inventories)
1 [N-COUNT]
An inventory is a written list of all the objects in a particular place.
Before starting, he made an inventory of everything that was to stay.
2 [N-VAR]
An inventory is a supply or stock of something. (AM)
...one inventory of twelve sails for each yacht.
1 [N-COUNT]
An inventory is a written list of all the objects in a particular place.
Before starting, he made an inventory of everything that was to stay.
2 [N-VAR]
An inventory is a supply or stock of something. (AM)
...one inventory of twelve sails for each yacht.
October
(Octobers)
[N-VAR]
October is the tenth month of the year in the Western calendar.
Most seasonal hiring is done in early October...
The first plane is due to leave on October 2...
My grandson has been away since last October.
[N-VAR]
October is the tenth month of the year in the Western calendar.
Most seasonal hiring is done in early October...
The first plane is due to leave on October 2...
My grandson has been away since last October.
storage
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
If you refer to the storage of something, you mean that it is kept in a special place until it is needed.
...the storage of toxic waste...
Some of the space will at first be used for storage...
The collection has been in storage for decades.
2 [N-UNCOUNT]
Storage is the process of storing data in a computer.
His task is to ensure the fair use and storage of personal information held on computer.
3
see also cold storage
If you refer to the storage of something, you mean that it is kept in a special place until it is needed.
...the storage of toxic waste...
Some of the space will at first be used for storage...
The collection has been in storage for decades.
2 [N-UNCOUNT]
Storage is the process of storing data in a computer.
His task is to ensure the fair use and storage of personal information held on computer.
3
see also cold storage
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
determiner
(determiners)
[N-COUNT]
In grammar, a determiner is a word which is used at the beginning of a noun group to indicate, for example, which thing you are referring to or whether you are referring to one thing or several. Common English determiners are `a', `the', `some', `this', and `each'.
[N-COUNT]
In grammar, a determiner is a word which is used at the beginning of a noun group to indicate, for example, which thing you are referring to or whether you are referring to one thing or several. Common English determiners are `a', `the', `some', `this', and `each'.
table
(tables tabling tabled)
1 [N-COUNT]
A table is a piece of furniture with a flat top that you put things on or sit at.
She was sitting at the kitchen table eating a currant bun...
I placed his drink on the small table at his elbow.
2 [VERB] V n
If someone tables a proposal, they say formally that they want it to be discussed at a meeting. (mainly BRIT)
They've tabled a motion criticising the Government for doing nothing about the problem.
= propose
3 [VERB] V n
If someone tables a proposal or plan which has been put forward, they decide to discuss it or deal with it at a later date, rather than straight away. (AM)
We will table that for later.
4 [N-COUNT] also N num
A table is a written set of facts and figures arranged in columns and rows.
Consult the table on page 104...
Other research supports the figures in Table 3.3.
5
see also coffee table, dressing table, round table, round table, tea table
6 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If you put something on the table, you present it at a meeting for it to be discussed.
This is one of the best packages we've put on the table in years...
7 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR on n
If you turn the tables on someone, you change the situation completely, so that instead of them causing problems for you, you are causing problems for them.
The only question is whether the President can use his extraordinary political skills to turn the tables on his opponents.
8
to put your cards on the table: see card
1 [N-COUNT]
A table is a piece of furniture with a flat top that you put things on or sit at.
She was sitting at the kitchen table eating a currant bun...
I placed his drink on the small table at his elbow.
2 [VERB] V n
If someone tables a proposal, they say formally that they want it to be discussed at a meeting. (mainly BRIT)
They've tabled a motion criticising the Government for doing nothing about the problem.
= propose
3 [VERB] V n
If someone tables a proposal or plan which has been put forward, they decide to discuss it or deal with it at a later date, rather than straight away. (AM)
We will table that for later.
4 [N-COUNT] also N num
A table is a written set of facts and figures arranged in columns and rows.
Consult the table on page 104...
Other research supports the figures in Table 3.3.
5
see also coffee table, dressing table, round table, round table, tea table
6 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If you put something on the table, you present it at a meeting for it to be discussed.
This is one of the best packages we've put on the table in years...
7 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR on n
If you turn the tables on someone, you change the situation completely, so that instead of them causing problems for you, you are causing problems for them.
The only question is whether the President can use his extraordinary political skills to turn the tables on his opponents.
8
to put your cards on the table: see card
blackjack
(BrE also pontoon) [U] a card game in which players try to collect cards with a total value of 21
(especially AmE) a type of CLUB used as a weapon, especially a metal pipe covered with leather
(especially AmE) a type of CLUB used as a weapon, especially a metal pipe covered with leather
money
(moniesor moneys)
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Money is the coins or bank notes that you use to buy things, or the sum that you have in a bank account.
A lot of the money that you pay at the cinema goes back to the film distributors...
Players should be allowed to earn money from advertising...
...discounts and money saving offers.
2 [N-PLURAL]
Monies is used to refer to several separate sums of money that form part of a larger amount that is received or spent. (FORMAL)
We drew up a schedule of payments for the rest of the monies owed.
3
see also blood money, pocket money
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone has money to burn, you mean that they have more money than they need or that they spend their money on things that you think are unnecessary.
He was a high-earning broker with money to burn.
5 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If you are in the money, you have a lot of money to spend. (INFORMAL)
If you are one of the lucky callers chosen to play, you could be in the money.
6 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you make money, you obtain money by earning it or by making a profit.
...the only bit of the firm that consistently made money.
7 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that you want someone to put their money where their mouth is, you want them to spend money to improve a bad situation, instead of just talking about improving it.
The government might be obliged to put its money where its mouth is to prove its commitment.
8 [PHRASE]
If you say that the smart money is on a particular person or thing, you mean that people who know a lot about it think that this person will be successful, or this thing will happen. (JOURNALISM)
With England not playing, the smart money was on the Germans...
9 [PHRASE]
If you say that money talks, you mean that if someone has a lot of money, they also have a lot of power.
The formula in Hollywood is simple-money talks.
10 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you say that someone is throwing money at a problem, you are critical of them for trying to improve it by spending money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful and practical things to improve it.
The Australian government's answer to the problem has been to throw money at it.
11 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone is throwing good money after bad, you are critical of them for trying to improve a bad situation by spending more money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful or practical things to improve it.
Further heavy intervention would be throwing good money after bad.
12 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you get your money's worth, you get something which is worth the money that it costs or the effort you have put in.
The fans get their money's worth.
13
to be rolling in money: see rolling
money for old rope: see rope
to give someone a run for their money: see run
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Money is the coins or bank notes that you use to buy things, or the sum that you have in a bank account.
A lot of the money that you pay at the cinema goes back to the film distributors...
Players should be allowed to earn money from advertising...
...discounts and money saving offers.
2 [N-PLURAL]
Monies is used to refer to several separate sums of money that form part of a larger amount that is received or spent. (FORMAL)
We drew up a schedule of payments for the rest of the monies owed.
3
see also blood money, pocket money
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone has money to burn, you mean that they have more money than they need or that they spend their money on things that you think are unnecessary.
He was a high-earning broker with money to burn.
5 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If you are in the money, you have a lot of money to spend. (INFORMAL)
If you are one of the lucky callers chosen to play, you could be in the money.
6 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you make money, you obtain money by earning it or by making a profit.
...the only bit of the firm that consistently made money.
7 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that you want someone to put their money where their mouth is, you want them to spend money to improve a bad situation, instead of just talking about improving it.
The government might be obliged to put its money where its mouth is to prove its commitment.
8 [PHRASE]
If you say that the smart money is on a particular person or thing, you mean that people who know a lot about it think that this person will be successful, or this thing will happen. (JOURNALISM)
With England not playing, the smart money was on the Germans...
9 [PHRASE]
If you say that money talks, you mean that if someone has a lot of money, they also have a lot of power.
The formula in Hollywood is simple-money talks.
10 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you say that someone is throwing money at a problem, you are critical of them for trying to improve it by spending money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful and practical things to improve it.
The Australian government's answer to the problem has been to throw money at it.
11 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone is throwing good money after bad, you are critical of them for trying to improve a bad situation by spending more money on it, instead of doing more thoughtful or practical things to improve it.
Further heavy intervention would be throwing good money after bad.
12 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you get your money's worth, you get something which is worth the money that it costs or the effort you have put in.
The fans get their money's worth.
13
to be rolling in money: see rolling
money for old rope: see rope
to give someone a run for their money: see run
go
(go goes going went gone) MOVING OR LEAVING
In most cases the past participle of go is gone, but occasionally you use `been': see been.
1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V amount
When you go somewhere, you move or travel there.
We went to Rome...
Gladys had just gone into the kitchen...
I went home at the weekend...
It took us an hour to go three miles.
2 [VERB] V, V
When you go, you leave the place where you are.
Let's go...
She's going tomorrow.
3 [VERB] V -ing, V -ing, V for n
You use go to say that someone leaves the place where they are and does an activity, often a leisure activity.
We went swimming very early...
Maybe they've just gone shopping...
He went for a walk.
4 [VERB] V to-inf, V and v, V inf
When you go to do something, you move to a place in order to do it and you do it. You can also go and do something, and in American English, you can go do something. However, you always say that someone went and did something.
His second son, Paddy, had gone to live in Canada...
I must go and see this film...
Go ask whoever you want.
5 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you go to school, work, or church, you attend it regularly as part of your normal life.
She will have to go to school...
His son went to a top university in America.
6 [VERB] V prep/adv
When you say where a road or path goes, you are saying where it begins or ends, or what places it is in.
There's a mountain road that goes from Blairstown to Millbrook Village.
= lead
7 [VERB] with brd-neg, V -ing, V -ing
You can use go in expressions such as `don't go telling everybody', in order to express disapproval of the kind of behaviour you mention, or to tell someone not to behave in that way.
You don't have to go running upstairs every time she rings...
Don't you go thinking it was your fault.
8 [VERB] V adv/prep, V adv/prep
You can use go with words like `further' and `beyond' to show the degree or extent of something.
He went even further in his speech to the conference...
Some physicists have gone so far as to suggest that the entire Universe is a sort of gigantic computer.
9 [VERB] V adv
If you say that a period of time goes quickly or slowly, you mean that it seems to pass quickly or slowly.
The weeks go so quickly!
= pass
10 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If you say where money goes, you are saying what it is spent on.
Most of my money goes on bills...
The money goes to projects chosen by the wider community.
11 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you say that something goes to someone, you mean that it is given to them.
A lot of credit must go to the chairman and his father...
The job went to Yuri Skokov, a capable administrator.
12 [VERB] V on n, V on n
If someone goes on television or radio, they take part in a television or radio programme.
The Turkish president has gone on television to defend stringent new security measures...
We went on the air, live, at 7.30.
13 [VERB] V, V
If something goes, someone gets rid of it.
The Institute of Export now fears that 100,000 jobs will go...
If people stand firm against the tax, it is only a matter of time before it has to go.
14 [VERB] V
If someone goes, they leave their job, usually because they are forced to.
He had made a humiliating tactical error and he had to go.
15 [VERB] V into/in n
If something goes into something else, it is put in it as one of the parts or elements that form it.
...the really interesting ingredients that go into the dishes that we all love to eat.
16 [VERB] V, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it fits in that place or should be put there because it is the right size or shape.
He was trying to push it through the hole and it wouldn't go.
...This knob goes here.
17 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it belongs there or should be put there, because that is where you normally keep it.
The shoes go on the shoe shelf...
`Where does everything go?'
18 [VERB] V into num
If you say that one number goes into another number a particular number of times, you are dividing the second number by the first.
Six goes into thirty five times.
19 [VERB] V, V
If one of a person's senses, such as their sight or hearing, is going, it is getting weak and they may soon lose it completely. (INFORMAL)
His eyes are going; he says he has glaucoma...
Lately he'd been making mistakes; his nerve was beginning to go.
= fail
20 [VERB] V
If something such as a light bulb or a part of an engine is going, it is no longer working properly and will soon need to be replaced.
I thought it looked as though the battery was going.
(go goes going went gone) LINK VERB USES
1 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj, V prep
You can use go to say that a person or thing changes to another state or condition. For example, if someone goes crazy, they become crazy, and if something goes green, it changes colour and becomes green.
I'm going bald...
You'd better serve it to them before it goes cold...
50,000 companies have gone out of business.
2 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj
You can use go when indicating whether or not someone wears or has something. For example, if someone goes barefoot, they do not wear any shoes.
The baby went naked on the beach...
But if you arm the police won't more criminals go armed?
3 [V-LINK] V -ed
You can use go before adjectives beginning with `un-' to say that something does not happen. For example, if something goes unheard, nobody hears it.
As President, he affirmed that no tyranny went unnoticed.
In most cases the past participle of go is gone, but occasionally you use `been': see been.
1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V amount
When you go somewhere, you move or travel there.
We went to Rome...
Gladys had just gone into the kitchen...
I went home at the weekend...
It took us an hour to go three miles.
2 [VERB] V, V
When you go, you leave the place where you are.
Let's go...
She's going tomorrow.
3 [VERB] V -ing, V -ing, V for n
You use go to say that someone leaves the place where they are and does an activity, often a leisure activity.
We went swimming very early...
Maybe they've just gone shopping...
He went for a walk.
4 [VERB] V to-inf, V and v, V inf
When you go to do something, you move to a place in order to do it and you do it. You can also go and do something, and in American English, you can go do something. However, you always say that someone went and did something.
His second son, Paddy, had gone to live in Canada...
I must go and see this film...
Go ask whoever you want.
5 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you go to school, work, or church, you attend it regularly as part of your normal life.
She will have to go to school...
His son went to a top university in America.
6 [VERB] V prep/adv
When you say where a road or path goes, you are saying where it begins or ends, or what places it is in.
There's a mountain road that goes from Blairstown to Millbrook Village.
= lead
7 [VERB] with brd-neg, V -ing, V -ing
You can use go in expressions such as `don't go telling everybody', in order to express disapproval of the kind of behaviour you mention, or to tell someone not to behave in that way.
You don't have to go running upstairs every time she rings...
Don't you go thinking it was your fault.
8 [VERB] V adv/prep, V adv/prep
You can use go with words like `further' and `beyond' to show the degree or extent of something.
He went even further in his speech to the conference...
Some physicists have gone so far as to suggest that the entire Universe is a sort of gigantic computer.
9 [VERB] V adv
If you say that a period of time goes quickly or slowly, you mean that it seems to pass quickly or slowly.
The weeks go so quickly!
= pass
10 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If you say where money goes, you are saying what it is spent on.
Most of my money goes on bills...
The money goes to projects chosen by the wider community.
11 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you say that something goes to someone, you mean that it is given to them.
A lot of credit must go to the chairman and his father...
The job went to Yuri Skokov, a capable administrator.
12 [VERB] V on n, V on n
If someone goes on television or radio, they take part in a television or radio programme.
The Turkish president has gone on television to defend stringent new security measures...
We went on the air, live, at 7.30.
13 [VERB] V, V
If something goes, someone gets rid of it.
The Institute of Export now fears that 100,000 jobs will go...
If people stand firm against the tax, it is only a matter of time before it has to go.
14 [VERB] V
If someone goes, they leave their job, usually because they are forced to.
He had made a humiliating tactical error and he had to go.
15 [VERB] V into/in n
If something goes into something else, it is put in it as one of the parts or elements that form it.
...the really interesting ingredients that go into the dishes that we all love to eat.
16 [VERB] V, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it fits in that place or should be put there because it is the right size or shape.
He was trying to push it through the hole and it wouldn't go.
...This knob goes here.
17 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it belongs there or should be put there, because that is where you normally keep it.
The shoes go on the shoe shelf...
`Where does everything go?'
18 [VERB] V into num
If you say that one number goes into another number a particular number of times, you are dividing the second number by the first.
Six goes into thirty five times.
19 [VERB] V, V
If one of a person's senses, such as their sight or hearing, is going, it is getting weak and they may soon lose it completely. (INFORMAL)
His eyes are going; he says he has glaucoma...
Lately he'd been making mistakes; his nerve was beginning to go.
= fail
20 [VERB] V
If something such as a light bulb or a part of an engine is going, it is no longer working properly and will soon need to be replaced.
I thought it looked as though the battery was going.
(go goes going went gone) LINK VERB USES
1 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj, V prep
You can use go to say that a person or thing changes to another state or condition. For example, if someone goes crazy, they become crazy, and if something goes green, it changes colour and becomes green.
I'm going bald...
You'd better serve it to them before it goes cold...
50,000 companies have gone out of business.
2 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj
You can use go when indicating whether or not someone wears or has something. For example, if someone goes barefoot, they do not wear any shoes.
The baby went naked on the beach...
But if you arm the police won't more criminals go armed?
3 [V-LINK] V -ed
You can use go before adjectives beginning with `un-' to say that something does not happen. For example, if something goes unheard, nobody hears it.
As President, he affirmed that no tyranny went unnoticed.
friend
(friends)
1 [N-COUNT]
A friend is someone who you know well and like, but who is not related to you.
I had a long talk about this with my best friend...
She never was a close friend of mine.
...Sara's old friend, Ogden.
2 [N-PLURAL] oft N with n
If you are friends with someone, you are their friend and they are yours.
I still wanted to be friends with Alison...
We remained good friends...
Sally and I became friends.
3 [N-PLURAL; N-IN-NAMES]
The friends of a country, cause, organization, or a famous politician are the people and organizations who help and support them.
...The Friends of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
4 [N-COUNT]
If one country refers to another as a friend, they mean that the other country is not an enemy of theirs.
The president said that Japan is now a friend and international partner.
= ally
5 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR with n
If you make friends with someone, you begin a friendship with them. You can also say that two people make friends.
He has made friends with the kids on the street...
He had made a friend of both girls.
1 [N-COUNT]
A friend is someone who you know well and like, but who is not related to you.
I had a long talk about this with my best friend...
She never was a close friend of mine.
...Sara's old friend, Ogden.
2 [N-PLURAL] oft N with n
If you are friends with someone, you are their friend and they are yours.
I still wanted to be friends with Alison...
We remained good friends...
Sally and I became friends.
3 [N-PLURAL; N-IN-NAMES]
The friends of a country, cause, organization, or a famous politician are the people and organizations who help and support them.
...The Friends of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
4 [N-COUNT]
If one country refers to another as a friend, they mean that the other country is not an enemy of theirs.
The president said that Japan is now a friend and international partner.
= ally
5 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR with n
If you make friends with someone, you begin a friendship with them. You can also say that two people make friends.
He has made friends with the kids on the street...
He had made a friend of both girls.
restaurant
(restaurants)
[N-COUNT]
A restaurant is a place where you can eat a meal and pay for it. In restaurants your food is usually served to you at your table by a waiter or waitress.
They ate in an Italian restaurant in Forth Street...
[N-COUNT]
A restaurant is a place where you can eat a meal and pay for it. In restaurants your food is usually served to you at your table by a waiter or waitress.
They ate in an Italian restaurant in Forth Street...
kind
(kind kinds) NOUN USES AND PHRASES
1 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
If you talk about a particular kind of thing, you are talking about one of the types or sorts of that thing.
The party needs a different kind of leadership...
Had Jamie ever been in any kind of trouble?...
This book prize is the biggest of its kind in the world...
= sort, type
2 [N-COUNT] poss N
If you refer to someone's kind, you are referring to all the other people that are like them or that belong to the same class or set.
I can take care of your kind.
= sort, type
3 [PHRASE] PHR n
You can use all kinds of to emphasize that there are a great number and variety of particular things or people.
Adoption can fail for all kinds of reasons...
4 [PHRASE] PHR adj/adv/n, PHR before v
You use kind of when you want to say that something or someone can be roughly described in a particular way. (SPOKEN)
It was kind of sad, really...
5 [PHRASE] n PHR
You can use of a kind to indicate that something is not as good as it might be expected to be, but that it seems to be the best that is possible or available.
She finds solace of a kind in alcohol.
6 [PHRASE]
If you refer to someone or something as one of a kind, you mean that there is nobody or nothing else like them.
She's a very unusual woman, one of a kind.
7 [PHRASE]
If you refer, for example, to two, three, or four of a kind, you mean two, three, or four similar people or things that seem to go well or belong together.
They were two of a kind, from the same sort of background.
8 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you respond in kind, you react to something that someone has done to you by doing the same thing to them.
They hurled defiant taunts at the riot police, who responded in kind.
9 [PHRASE] PHR after v, n PHR
If you pay a debt in kind, you pay it in the form of goods or services and not money.
...benefits in kind.
(kind kinder kindest) ADJECTIVE USES
1 [ADJ] oft ADJ to n, it v-link ADJ of n to-inf
Someone who is kind behaves in a gentle, caring, and helpful way towards other people.
I must thank you for being so kind to me...
It was very kind of you to come.
● kindly [ADV] ADV after v
`You seem tired this morning, Jenny,' she said kindly.
2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ
You can use kind in expressions such as please be so kind as to and would you be kind enough to in order to ask someone to do something in a firm but polite way.
I wonder if you'd be kind enough to call him.
3
see also kindly, kindness
1 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
If you talk about a particular kind of thing, you are talking about one of the types or sorts of that thing.
The party needs a different kind of leadership...
Had Jamie ever been in any kind of trouble?...
This book prize is the biggest of its kind in the world...
= sort, type
2 [N-COUNT] poss N
If you refer to someone's kind, you are referring to all the other people that are like them or that belong to the same class or set.
I can take care of your kind.
= sort, type
3 [PHRASE] PHR n
You can use all kinds of to emphasize that there are a great number and variety of particular things or people.
Adoption can fail for all kinds of reasons...
4 [PHRASE] PHR adj/adv/n, PHR before v
You use kind of when you want to say that something or someone can be roughly described in a particular way. (SPOKEN)
It was kind of sad, really...
5 [PHRASE] n PHR
You can use of a kind to indicate that something is not as good as it might be expected to be, but that it seems to be the best that is possible or available.
She finds solace of a kind in alcohol.
6 [PHRASE]
If you refer to someone or something as one of a kind, you mean that there is nobody or nothing else like them.
She's a very unusual woman, one of a kind.
7 [PHRASE]
If you refer, for example, to two, three, or four of a kind, you mean two, three, or four similar people or things that seem to go well or belong together.
They were two of a kind, from the same sort of background.
8 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you respond in kind, you react to something that someone has done to you by doing the same thing to them.
They hurled defiant taunts at the riot police, who responded in kind.
9 [PHRASE] PHR after v, n PHR
If you pay a debt in kind, you pay it in the form of goods or services and not money.
...benefits in kind.
(kind kinder kindest) ADJECTIVE USES
1 [ADJ] oft ADJ to n, it v-link ADJ of n to-inf
Someone who is kind behaves in a gentle, caring, and helpful way towards other people.
I must thank you for being so kind to me...
It was very kind of you to come.
● kindly [ADV] ADV after v
`You seem tired this morning, Jenny,' she said kindly.
2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ
You can use kind in expressions such as please be so kind as to and would you be kind enough to in order to ask someone to do something in a firm but polite way.
I wonder if you'd be kind enough to call him.
3
see also kindly, kindness
group
(groups grouping grouped)
1 [N-COUNT-COLL] oft N of n
A group of people or things is a number of people or things which are together in one place at one time.
The trouble involved a small group of football supporters...
The students work in groups on complex problems.
2 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A group is a set of people who have the same interests or aims, and who organize themselves to work or act together.
...the Minority Rights Group...
Members of an environmental group are staging a protest inside a chemical plant.
3 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A group is a set of people, organizations, or things which are considered together because they have something in common.
She is among the most promising players in her age group...
As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.
4 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A group is a number of separate commercial or industrial firms which all have the same owner. (BUSINESS)
The group made a pre-tax profit of £1.05 million.
...a French-based insurance group.
5 [N-COUNT]
A group is a number of musicians who perform together, especially ones who play popular music.
At school he played bass in a pop group called The Urge.
...Billy Bragg's backing group.
= band
6 [VERB] be V-ed prep, V pl-n with together, V together, also V n prep
If a number of things or people are grouped together or group together, they are together in one place or within one organization or system.
The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections...
The G-7 organization groups together the world's seven leading industrialized nations...
We want to encourage them to group together to act as a big purchaser.
7
see also grouping, blood group, pressure group, pressure group
1 [N-COUNT-COLL] oft N of n
A group of people or things is a number of people or things which are together in one place at one time.
The trouble involved a small group of football supporters...
The students work in groups on complex problems.
2 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A group is a set of people who have the same interests or aims, and who organize themselves to work or act together.
...the Minority Rights Group...
Members of an environmental group are staging a protest inside a chemical plant.
3 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A group is a set of people, organizations, or things which are considered together because they have something in common.
She is among the most promising players in her age group...
As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.
4 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A group is a number of separate commercial or industrial firms which all have the same owner. (BUSINESS)
The group made a pre-tax profit of £1.05 million.
...a French-based insurance group.
5 [N-COUNT]
A group is a number of musicians who perform together, especially ones who play popular music.
At school he played bass in a pop group called The Urge.
...Billy Bragg's backing group.
= band
6 [VERB] be V-ed prep, V pl-n with together, V together, also V n prep
If a number of things or people are grouped together or group together, they are together in one place or within one organization or system.
The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections...
The G-7 organization groups together the world's seven leading industrialized nations...
We want to encourage them to group together to act as a big purchaser.
7
see also grouping, blood group, pressure group, pressure group
thing
object
[C] an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it: Can you pass me that thing over there? ◆ She's very fond of sweet things (= sweet foods). ◆ He's just bought one of those exercise things. ◆ Turn that thing off while I'm talking to you!
[C] an object that is not alive in the way that people and plants are: Don't treat her like that-she's a person, not a thing! ◆ He's good at making things with his hands. ◆ She took no interest in the people and things around her.
possessions / equipment
(things) [pl.] objects, clothing or tools that belong to sb or are used for a particular purpose: Shall I help you pack your things? ◆ Bring your swimming things with you. ◆ I'll just clear away the breakfast things. ◆ Put your things (= coat, etc.) on and let's go.
anything
(a thing) [sing.] used with negatives to mean 'anything' in order to emphasize what you are saying: I haven't got a thing to wear! ◆ She hasn't had a thing to eat all day. ◆ There wasn't a thing we could do to help. ◆ Ignore what he said-it doesn't mean a thing.
fact / event / situation / action
[C] a fact, an event, a situation or an action; what sb says or thinks: There are a lot of things she doesn't know about me. ◆ There's another thing I'd like to ask you. ◆ A terrible thing happened last night. ◆ He found the whole thing very boring. ◆ I've got loads of things to do today. ◆ The main thing to remember is to switch off the burglar alarm. ◆ I like camping, climbing and that sort of thing. ◆ She said the first thing that came into her head. ◆ 'Why did you tell her our secret?' 'I did no such thing!' ◆ Let's forget the whole thing (= everything).
(things) [pl.] the general situation, as it affects sb: Things haven't gone entirely to plan. ◆ (spoken) Hi, Jane! How are things? ◆ Think things over before you decide. ◆ As things stand at present, he seems certain to win. ◆ All things considered (= considering all the difficulties or problems), she's done very well. ◆ Why do you make things so difficult for yourself?
what is needed / right
[C, usually sing.] what is needed or socially acceptable: You need something to cheer you up-I know just the thing! ◆ to do / say the right / wrong thing ◆ The best thing to do is to apologize.
things of particular type
(things) [pl.] (formal) (followed by an adjective) all that can be described in a particular way: She loves all things Japanese.
creature
[C] (used with an adjective) a living creature: All living things are composed of cells.
person / animal
[C] (with an adjective) (spoken) used to talk to or about a person or an animal, to show how you feel about them: You silly thing! ◆ You must be starving, you poor things. ◆ The cat's very ill, poor old thing.
[C] an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it: Can you pass me that thing over there? ◆ She's very fond of sweet things (= sweet foods). ◆ He's just bought one of those exercise things. ◆ Turn that thing off while I'm talking to you! [C] an object that is not alive in the way that people and plants are: Don't treat her like that-she's a person, not a thing! ◆ He's good at making things with his hands. ◆ She took no interest in the people and things around her.possessions / equipment
(things) [pl.] objects, clothing or tools that belong to sb or are used for a particular purpose: Shall I help you pack your things? ◆ Bring your swimming things with you. ◆ I'll just clear away the breakfast things. ◆ Put your things (= coat, etc.) on and let's go.anything
(a thing) [sing.] used with negatives to mean 'anything' in order to emphasize what you are saying: I haven't got a thing to wear! ◆ She hasn't had a thing to eat all day. ◆ There wasn't a thing we could do to help. ◆ Ignore what he said-it doesn't mean a thing.fact / event / situation / action
[C] a fact, an event, a situation or an action; what sb says or thinks: There are a lot of things she doesn't know about me. ◆ There's another thing I'd like to ask you. ◆ A terrible thing happened last night. ◆ He found the whole thing very boring. ◆ I've got loads of things to do today. ◆ The main thing to remember is to switch off the burglar alarm. ◆ I like camping, climbing and that sort of thing. ◆ She said the first thing that came into her head. ◆ 'Why did you tell her our secret?' 'I did no such thing!' ◆ Let's forget the whole thing (= everything). (things) [pl.] the general situation, as it affects sb: Things haven't gone entirely to plan. ◆ (spoken) Hi, Jane! How are things? ◆ Think things over before you decide. ◆ As things stand at present, he seems certain to win. ◆ All things considered (= considering all the difficulties or problems), she's done very well. ◆ Why do you make things so difficult for yourself?what is needed / right
[C, usually sing.] what is needed or socially acceptable: You need something to cheer you up-I know just the thing! ◆ to do / say the right / wrong thing ◆ The best thing to do is to apologize.things of particular type
(things) [pl.] (formal) (followed by an adjective) all that can be described in a particular way: She loves all things Japanese.creature
[C] (used with an adjective) a living creature: All living things are composed of cells.person / animal
[C] (with an adjective) (spoken) used to talk to or about a person or an animal, to show how you feel about them: You silly thing! ◆ You must be starving, you poor things. ◆ The cat's very ill, poor old thing.
particular
noun (formal)
[usually pl.] a fact or detail especially one that is officially written down: The police officer took down all the particulars of the burglary. ◆ The nurse asked me for my particulars (= personal details such as your name, address, etc.). ◆ The new contract will be the same in every particular as the old one.
(particulars) [pl.] written information and details about a property, business, job, etc: Application forms and further particulars are available from the Personnel Office. ◆ the particulars of a house in Bury
[usually pl.] a fact or detail especially one that is officially written down: The police officer took down all the particulars of the burglary. ◆ The nurse asked me for my particulars (= personal details such as your name, address, etc.). ◆ The new contract will be the same in every particular as the old one. (particulars) [pl.] written information and details about a property, business, job, etc: Application forms and further particulars are available from the Personnel Office. ◆ the particulars of a house in Bury
feeling
sth that you feel
[C] ~ (of sth) something that you feel through the mind or through the senses: a feeling of hunger / excitement / sadness ◆ guilty feelings ◆ I've got a tight feeling in my stomach. ◆ (spoken) 'I really resent the way he treated me.' 'I know the feeling.' (= I know how you feel) ◆ 'I'm going to miss you.' 'The feeling's mutual (= I feel exactly the same).'
idea / belief
[sing.] ~ (of sth)
~ (that ...) the idea or belief that a particular thing is true or a particular situation is likely to happen: He suddenly had the feeling of being followed. ◆ I got the feeling that he didn't like me much. ◆ I had a nasty feeling that we were lost.
attitude / opinion
[U, C] ~ (about / on sth) an attitude or opinion about sth: The general feeling of the meeting was against the decision. ◆ I don't have any strong feelings about it one way or the other. ◆ My own feeling is that we should buy the cheaper one. ◆ She had mixed feelings about giving up her job. ◆ Public feeling is being ignored by the government.
emotions
(feelings) [pl.] a person's emotions rather than their thoughts or ideas: He hates talking about his feelings. ◆ I didn't mean to hurt your feelings (= offend you). ◆ I kept off the subject of divorce so as to spare her feelings.
[U, C] strong emotion: She spoke with feeling about the plight of the homeless. ◆ Feelings are running high (= people are very angry or excited).
understanding
[U] ~ (for sb/sth) the ability to understand sb/sth or to do sth in a sensitive way: She has a wonderful feeling for colour. ◆ He played the piano with great feeling.
sympathy / love
[U] ~ (for sb/sth) sympathy or love for sb/sth: You have no feeling for the sufferings of others. ◆ She still had a lot of feeling for David.
physical
[U] the ability to feel physically: I've lost all feeling in my legs. ◆ Feeling gradually began to return to my frozen feet.
atmosphere
[sing.] the atmosphere of a place, situation, etc: They have managed to recreate the feeling of the original theatre. ◆ The house had a feeling of neglect about it.
[C] ~ (of sth) something that you feel through the mind or through the senses: a feeling of hunger / excitement / sadness ◆ guilty feelings ◆ I've got a tight feeling in my stomach. ◆ (spoken) 'I really resent the way he treated me.' 'I know the feeling.' (= I know how you feel) ◆ 'I'm going to miss you.' 'The feeling's mutual (= I feel exactly the same).'idea / belief
[sing.] ~ (of sth)~ (that ...) the idea or belief that a particular thing is true or a particular situation is likely to happen: He suddenly had the feeling of being followed. ◆ I got the feeling that he didn't like me much. ◆ I had a nasty feeling that we were lost.
attitude / opinion
[U, C] ~ (about / on sth) an attitude or opinion about sth: The general feeling of the meeting was against the decision. ◆ I don't have any strong feelings about it one way or the other. ◆ My own feeling is that we should buy the cheaper one. ◆ She had mixed feelings about giving up her job. ◆ Public feeling is being ignored by the government.emotions
(feelings) [pl.] a person's emotions rather than their thoughts or ideas: He hates talking about his feelings. ◆ I didn't mean to hurt your feelings (= offend you). ◆ I kept off the subject of divorce so as to spare her feelings. [U, C] strong emotion: She spoke with feeling about the plight of the homeless. ◆ Feelings are running high (= people are very angry or excited).understanding
[U] ~ (for sb/sth) the ability to understand sb/sth or to do sth in a sensitive way: She has a wonderful feeling for colour. ◆ He played the piano with great feeling.sympathy / love
[U] ~ (for sb/sth) sympathy or love for sb/sth: You have no feeling for the sufferings of others. ◆ She still had a lot of feeling for David.physical
[U] the ability to feel physically: I've lost all feeling in my legs. ◆ Feeling gradually began to return to my frozen feet.atmosphere
[sing.] the atmosphere of a place, situation, etc: They have managed to recreate the feeling of the original theatre. ◆ The house had a feeling of neglect about it.
bad
noun (the bad) [U] bad people, things, or events: You will always have the bad as well as the good in the world.
bad
noun (the bad) [U] bad people, things, or events: You will always have the bad as well as the good in the world.
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