新房客伙伴1

　　Helen: Ok everyone, Ive got an announcement. We need to get someone for Michals room as soon as possible. Alice/Tim: Really? Helen: Yeah well, he e-mailed me the other day and he seems to be staying in Poland, at least for the time being. And my dads starting to get twitchy about the rent. He doesnt want the room sitting empty much longer. Tim: Fair enough, I suppose. So, have you got anyone in mind? Helen: Well we could advertise for someone? Alice: Ive got a colleague whos looking for a room! Helen: Have you? Alice: Yeah, shes got to move out of her flat by the end of the month. Tim: Oh no. Were having another guy, thank you very much... Helen: So lets get an advert in the paper, straight away!

　　Vocabulary 字汇

　　fair enough 说得通，有道理，表示同意 ok, fine, no problem

　　twitchy 焦急的 nervous, worried, uncomfortable

　　colleague 同事 a person who works with you, or at the same place as you

　　advert 广告 short for advertisement

　　本单元的语言点是时间表达，请看下面的解释和例句

　　Time expressions

　　Background 背景 There are a great variety of expressions that are used to refer to time: a selection is presented here. Most of them function as adverbials or prepositional phrases.

　　Referring to the past 描述过去时间

　　a short time ago: this means something was recent. Example: Ive already heard the news. She told me a short time ago.

　　the other day: this means that something was recent, without saying exactly which day. Example: I went shopping the other day.

　　ages and ages ago: this means something was not recent; it happened a long time ago. Example: Ive known about it for a very long time. She told me ages and ages ago.

　　many moons ago : this means something was not recent; it happened a long time ago. Example: Many moons ago, he told me the story of his life.

　　Referring to the present 描述现在

　　for the time being: at the moment, until something changes. Example: For the time b being, Im catching the bus to work, but I hope to get a bicycle soon.

　　these days: the current period of time. NOTE: we dont usually say in these days. Example: These days Im happy at work, but there were times in the past when I was unhappy.

　　in this day and age: the present era; the current period of time in history. Example: In this day and age it is nomp3al for women to be senior managers, but it wasnt always like that.

　　Very soon or immediately 马上或立刻会发生的事

　　as soon as possible: this is often a polite way to ask someone to do something soon. Example: Could you please return the books to me as soon as possible?

　　straight away: immediately. Example: Lets call him straight away.

　　in a minute or two / in a second or two: shortly; very soon. It is common to be a little vague when talking about time, so we use or two. Example: Sorry to keep you waiting. Ill be with you in a minute or two.

　　Referring to the future 描述未来的事

　　by the end of the month: something will happen before this current month finishes. Example: The new restaurant will be open by the end of the month.

　　this time next year: about one year from now. Example: This time next year, well be millionaires!

　　in the not too distant future: fairly soon. Example: Ill be seeing my sister in the not too distant future.

　　Duration (a length of time) 描述一段时间

　　Not much longer / not any more / not any longer: these all mean that a period of time for something needs to end soon. Example: I cant wait any longer, Ill have to leave in a minute or two.

　　For the foreseeable future: a period of time from now into the future, a future that is near enough to be reasonably sure what will happen. Example: Im going to continue working here for the foreseeable future. I have no plans to change my career and my school is happy with my work.

　　For as long as anyone can remember: this means that no-one can remember a time when this thing did not exist or happen. This expression is not always used literally: it simply means a period of time that started a long time ago. Example: For as long as anyone can remember, fish and chips has been the national food of Britain.