QB 3 September 20

Vocabulary: to hamper

means

a. to anger

b. to encourage

c. to obstruct

Idiom: We missed the boat!

means

a. We were too slow!

b. We did not go sailing!

c. We couldn't wait to go on holiday!

Grammar: Which is correct?

a. A lot of people working at home.

b. A lot of people work at home.

c. A lot of people works at home.

Vocabulary: to hamper

means

c. to obstruct / to hinder the movement or progress (of something) / to restrict / to impede / to delay / to hold back / to create difficulty for the work or activity / to interfere

Examples:

• The project was hampered by budget constraints and unreliable workers.

• Road construction is hampering traffic.

• Bad weather might hamper efforts to finish construction of our new office building on time.

Idiom: We missed the boat!

means

a. We were too slow! (and so we missed the opportunity)

to miss the boat = to be too slow to take advantage of the opportunity

Examples:

• Harry did not read his email this morning; there was a time-restricted offer for 50% off a new computer. He missed the boat! He had been planning to buy a new computer.

• There was a great business opportunity, but I missed the boat by procrastinating and putting off making the phone call.

• You are going to miss the boat if you don't apply for that job right away!

Grammar: Which is correct?

b. A lot of people work at home.

people = a plural noun = they

people + plural verb form (they)

people work = present simple

Examples:

• People don't go to the cinema much.

• Many people are staying at home more.

• Do people like dancing in your country?

• A few people want to go to the party.