QB 17 September 20

Vocabulary: a plethora

means

a. a type of musical instrument

b. a large amount

c. a wonderful experience

Idiom: We are in a tight spot.

means

a. We are in a difficult situation.

b. We are in a lovely location.

c. We are in good condition.

Grammar: Which is correct?

a. Let's try to avoid having too many meetings.

b. Let's try to avoid to have too many meetings.

c. Let's try to avoid have too many meetings.

Vocabulary: a plethora

means

b. a large amount / an abundance / an excess / an overabundance

Examples:

• There is a plethora of information on the Internet.

• The city offers a plethora of activities, restaurants and entertainment.

• A plethora of studies refuting this belief can be found in scientific research papers.

• I have a plethora of documents to read before the end of the week.

Idiom: We are in a tight spot.

US cellphone voice mailboxes that haven't been set up have a message saying, "I'm sorry, but the person you called has a voicemail box that has not been set up yet." It is quite annoying.

means

a. We are in a difficult situation.

Examples:

• I'll be in a bit of a tight spot if I don't find a job soon.

• The world is in a tight spot over COVID. It has been very difficult to get it under control.

• Wildfires are putting residents in a very tight spot at the moment; in fact, the situation is dire.

• Who do you turn to when you are in a tight spot?

Grammar: Which is correct?

a. Let's try to avoid having too many meetings.

Avoid + -ing verb form

Some verbs are followed by "to + verb" and others are followed by "-ing".

Examples:

I try to avoid going shopping on an empty stomach.

Do you avoid looking at people when you walk past them on the street?