Jintii
Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 111
Location: New York City
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 Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 11:10 pm Post subject: Re: usage of "sort of" and "give me a break&q |
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Sort of is an informal way to say to some degree/somewhat. In your sentence, he didn't feel strongly about giving me a chance, but at least he wanted to give me one a little bit.
--It's sort of cold out today means it's not very cold, but it is a little cold.
--I feel sort of sick means I don't feel completely sick, but I feel a little sick.
When you speak quickly and informally, sort of is often pronounced sorta.
Give me a break is another informal phrase for situations where you feel exasperated, or you are dismissing something ridiculous, or you want someone to treat you more fairly/kindly when you've done something wrong.
For example:
1. Exasperated:
--Joe and Lisa broke up again. (That is, they ended their relationship.)
Oh, give me a break! They break up every couple days.
--Gas prices just rose again.
Give me a break! It already costs me $40 a week to commute to work.
2. Dismissing something ridiculous:
--Space aliens abducted me, and that's why I don't have my homework today.
Give me a break! That's the craziest excuse I've ever heard.
--I'm 150 years old.
Oh, give me a break! You are not!
(You can also say "Oh, please!" in a sarcastic tone of voice for these two meanings of "give me a break.")
3. You want someone to treat you more fairly when you've done something wrong:
-- I know I was late to class today, but give me a break -- it's my first lateness.
-- You're supposed to clean your room before you can watch TV.
I know, but can't you give me a break? My favorite show is starting now.
(You can also say "cut me some slack" for this meaning of "give me a break.")
When you speak quickly and informally, "give me a break" sounds like "gimme a break." |
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