Vocabulary practice · Episode 215

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 12 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

pay rise

An increase in the amount someone is paid for work.

Nuance: Pay rise is common in British English; pay raise is common in American English.

Amina wanted to ask about a pay rise.

She received a pay rise after her annual review.

Expression 2

set aside time

To reserve time for a particular activity.

Nuance: Set aside can also be used for money or resources; here it is followed by time.

Could we set aside some time to discuss my responsibilities?

I set aside an hour to prepare for the interview.

Expression 3

take on

To accept new work or responsibility.

Nuance: In this meaning, take on is followed by a task, role or responsibility.

Amina had taken on two new client projects.

He took on the training of new staff.

Expression 4

pay review

A process in which an employer considers someone’s pay.

Nuance: A review is a discussion or decision process; it does not guarantee an increase.

Amina checked the company’s pay review policy.

The next pay review is scheduled for January.

Expression 5

in light of

Considering new information or changed circumstances.

Nuance: This formal phrase often links a request or decision to a reason.

Could my pay be reviewed in light of my new responsibilities?

We changed the schedule in light of the weather forecast.

Expression 6

revisit a conversation

To return to a topic and discuss it again later.

Nuance: Revisit does not imply that the first conversation failed; it can mark an agreed next step.

Amina asked when they could revisit the conversation.

Let us revisit this conversation after the trial period.

Expression 7

follow up

To contact someone or take action after an earlier conversation.

Nuance: A follow-up email can record agreed next steps and dates.

Amina asked when she should follow up about the review.

I will follow up next week if I have not heard back.

Expression 8

salary expectations

The amount of pay someone hopes or expects to receive.

Nuance: The plural form is common in recruitment questions about a desired range.

The next episode will discuss questions about salary expectations.

The recruiter asked about my salary expectations.

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