Yuri Zverev

DISCOURSE MARKERS are words or phrases used for organizing the flow of conversation (e.g. anyway, you know, so, etc). When used properly, discourse markers may be indicative of a higher level of language proficiency. Keep in mind that...

SIT ABOUT – sit somewhere doing nothing and wasting time In any difficult situation, Florence prefers to sit about hoping somebody else will solve her problems. SIT BACK – 1) to sit somewhere and relax; 2) to not be involved in something...

PASS AROUND/ROUND – to distribute smth among those who are present They were sitting near the fire passing around a bowl with a strange substance inside it. Everybody had to drink it, otherwise it would be disrespectful to others. PASS...

KNOCK ABOUT/AROUND – 1) to discuss something or exchange ideas casually; 2) to beat someone or treat someone in a brutal way; 3) to be or walk somewhere without a purpose Fred knocked his wife about (2)! They seemed to be the perfect...

GROW APART – to experience changes in the relationship and become less friendly or close Despite being very close in the past, Budin and Brumb are growing apart now. They don't share their toys anymore and can't decide who's bigger and...

DROP AROUND – to visit a place for a short time Well, I just think it’s a good idea to drop around Kara to see how she is doing. DROP BACK – 1) to move slower than other people and take the position behind them; 2) to take a lower...

COUNT AGAINST – 1) to be disadvantageous and cause someone or something to fail or be less successful; 2) (count something against someone) to use something against someone Don’t tell’em anything! Your words may count against (1) you and...

CAST ABOUT/AROUND FOR – to search for or think of the right thing to say or do especially when it must be done quickly Translators and interpreters usually face the problem of casting about for an appropriate word or phrase in the target...

KEEP AROUND – to continue to have something near you Mr.Grey grabbed Mr.Purple's collar and grinned: “Don't even expect that I will let you leave. It’s better to keep you around to make sure you don't get us into a mess again" KEEP...

RUN ACROSS – to find / meet / encounter smth by accident. I ran across my childhood diary when I was looking for my birth certificate. RUN AFTER – to chase smth or sb (both literally and figuratively) “He should stop running after her,...

CARRY FORWARD – 1) to take a column of figures or a page and transfer it to the next column or page; 2) to progress or make something or someone else progress Tom, you should carry forward (1) the total from this page to the next one!...

CALL AFTER – to name someone (usually a baby) in honor of someone else How did she even come to an idea to call her baby after a cartoon character? Maybe she got a psychological trauma when she first saw Mufasa’s death? CALL AROUND...