13. Mixed expressions / discussion language

Main practice: Mixed expressions / discussion language
Revision:           would referring to an event that may or may not happen 

Vocabulary
as far as I'm concerned  -  from my point of view, i.e.
- So, who should we give the job to?
- As far as I'm concerned, Sophie is the best candidate: she has the experience we want    
  and her references are good. 

a bungalow  -  a one-story house

cost a bomb  -  very expensive, i.e.

• The holiday cost a bomb but it was worth it: we had a great time.
  
  

(an) extension  -  adding a room to your house; ground floor or a roof extension

point taken  -  I agree,  (often used with a contrasting view), i.e.
- Mobile phones can be a valuable source of information to the students.
- Point taken, however, if we allow them into the classrooms too many students will be 
  tempted to play games on the phones rather than use them as study aids. 

pretty  -  (Informal) to strengthen an adjective; almost as strong as 'very', (not usually used
                  with strong adjectives such as 'brilliant' or 'freezing'), i.e.

• He's a pretty good swimmer. 
• They're pretty bad at maths.
• The movie was pretty awful, I wish I hadn't gone to see it. 

talking of  -  while talking about a particular topic the speaker has new information
                          to add, i.e.
-  ....and so Catherine will go to Manchester University in September. 
-  Ah, talking of Catherine, it's her birthday soon. Any idea what present we can get her?

(to) work out  -  (Phrasal Verb)  to calculate / understand something, i.e.

• We need to work out exactly how much the house extension will cost.
• I worked out how to mend the car and fixed it this morning.
• I've just worked out why Alan doesn't want Julie at his party.