Vocabulary practice · Episode 205

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

B1–B2Everyday EnglishAbout 8 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
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A short study session

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  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

shift supervisor

A person who manages a team during a particular work shift.

Nuance: Supervisor describes a role; a shift is a period of work.

Juan became the shift supervisor at the café.

The shift supervisor checked the rota.

Expression 2

run a shift

To manage work and people during a scheduled working period.

Nuance: Run means manage here, not move quickly.

Dawn asked Juan to run the Saturday shift.

She runs the evening shift at the café.

Expression 3

feel outside the room

To feel excluded from a conversation even when you understand what is said.

Nuance: Figurative: you may be physically present but unable to join in confidently.

Juan understood almost everything but felt outside the room.

During the meeting, I felt outside the room because I could not contribute.

Expression 4

could you

A polite way to ask someone to do something.

Nuance: Follow could you with the base form of the verb.

Could you take the glasses to the back?

Could you send me the details?

Expression 5

would you mind

A polite way to ask whether someone objects to doing something.

Nuance: Use an -ing verb after would you mind; “No, not at all” accepts the request.

Would you mind taking the glasses to the back?

Would you mind closing the window?

Expression 6

when you get a chance

When you have a suitable opportunity or some free time.

Nuance: Useful for non-urgent tasks; it gives the other person flexibility.

Could you take the glasses back when you get a chance?

Please check my email when you get a chance.

Expression 7

be in charge

To have responsibility for managing a task, team or place.

Nuance: Often followed by of: be in charge of a shift or a team. It describes responsibility, not a personality.

Juan was in charge of the Saturday shift for the first time.

Who is in charge of the event tomorrow?

Expression 8

do you want to

A question about willingness that can also be used as an indirect request.

Nuance: Context and tone determine whether it is a genuine choice or a request.

Do you want to take the glasses to the back?

Do you want to help me with the chairs?

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