Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[stevenukd]

Dear Teachers,

1. I'm having a bath, but my friend really needs to use the bathroom at once, so I'll say these, right?

- I'll be out in five minutes more.
- I'll get out / come out at once / immediately.

2. Would you please not ask me this question?
- Is this natural? or are there any other ways to say?

3. Don't come in / get in. I'm changing my clothes.
- Is this natural?

4. Does "step off!" mean "stay away from me!"?

5. After clearing my relationship with her, I really felt very relieved and more comfortable.
- Is this natural?

Thanks a lot to Teachers,

Stevenukd.

[nostril5]

1. I'm having a bath, but my friend really needs to use the bathroom at once, so I'll say these, right?

- I'll be out in five minutes more.
- I'll get out / come out at once / immediately.
I'll be out in five minutes." or "Just a second." are fine. The others are strange.
2. Would you please not ask me this question?
- Is this natural? or are there any other ways to say?
It's a bit formal. Do you mean, "It's personal."?
3. Don't come in / get in. I'm changing my clothes.
- Is this natural?
> "Just a second." would be natural.
4. Does "step off!" mean "stay away from me!"?
No. "Step away" means 'Stay away from me.' if a police officer is speaking
5. After clearing my relationship with her, I really felt very relieved and more comfortable.
- Is this natural?
NO. "After breaking up with her, I felt relieved." would be better if she was hard work]

[river1974]

[Brian Boyd]

I think 'step off' comes from hip hop slang. I think it means the same as 'back off' or 'stay outta (out of) my face'.

They are all used to warn somebody that you're getting angry. If they continue what they're doing, you're going to lose your temper and possibly hit them.
_________________
'
Comics for students ...

http://www.grammarmancomic.com

.

[LucentShade]

I think #5 could also be, "After clearing up my relationship with her, I felt more comfortable and relieved."

to "clear up" in this case means to have a long, detailed conversation about the relationship so that both people know how things are and what's going on.