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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 2 Dec, 1000

Catch Word #163 – Testing the waters

Episode description

Sometimes it’s smart to be cautious. In this episode, we take a look at three expressions that are used when you want to get more information about a situation before making a decision or a commitment. Join Harp and Andrew as they chat about getting the details and explain how and when these expressions can be used.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • To suss something out
  • To test the waters
  • To workout
  • High-intensity interval training
  • Cheap
  • To put out feelers
  • A headhunter
  • To make a leap
  • To float an idea
  • To get the nerve to do something
  • To cross your fingers
  • In the first place

Informal Contractions in this Episode

Informal contractions are unofficial short forms of other words, and they’re usually only used in casual conversation. For example, when a native English speaker talks casually, they might say gonna instead of going to, or whaddya instead of what do you. Even though informal contractions are usually only used in spoken English, we include them in the Culips written transcripts to help you get used to how they’re used and what they sound like.

These are the informal contractions used in today’s episode, along with their meanings:

  • ’cause: because
  • gonna: going to
  • kinda: kind of
  • wanna: want to

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~16 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 2 Dec, 1000
~16 minutes

Catch Word #163 – Testing the waters

Episode description

Sometimes it’s smart to be cautious. In this episode, we take a look at three expressions that are used when you want to get more information about a situation before making a decision or a commitment. Join Harp and Andrew as they chat about getting the details and explain how and when these expressions can be used.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • To suss something out
  • To test the waters
  • To workout
  • High-intensity interval training
  • Cheap
  • To put out feelers
  • A headhunter
  • To make a leap
  • To float an idea
  • To get the nerve to do something
  • To cross your fingers
  • In the first place

Informal Contractions in this Episode

Informal contractions are unofficial short forms of other words, and they’re usually only used in casual conversation. For example, when a native English speaker talks casually, they might say gonna instead of going to, or whaddya instead of what do you. Even though informal contractions are usually only used in spoken English, we include them in the Culips written transcripts to help you get used to how they’re used and what they sound like. These are the informal contractions used in today’s episode, along with their meanings:
  • ’cause: because
  • gonna: going to
  • kinda: kind of
  • wanna: want to

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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
The best way to study with Culips is with our study guides.