Animal Care
Kat / Germany
Hey, I have a favor to ask. I'm going to be out of town for two days, and I was wondering if you could take care of my hamsters. You just got to come in and feed them. I'll leave the key in the box. Thank you.
Warren / Canada
Hey, would you mind coming over during the week? I'm going out of town for a few days, and my pet cat, she needs some water and some food, just maybe if you could come once a day and make sure there's food and water there for her, that would be good.
Tim / United States
Hi, Sarah, I'm going out for the weekend, and I wondering if you could go to my house and feed my pet turtle, Shamus. It shouldn't take too much effort. You just need to give them a few pellets. The food is right underneath his tank. Don't feed him too much because it will leave a mess in the tank. And since he's kind of lazy, if you miss a day, it won't be a big deal, because he doesn't need too much food.
Paul / England
Oh, hi, Dave. I'm terribly sorry, and would appreciate it if you could feed my pet bird. It doesn't eat very much, but as long as you provide some water and some seed, then the bird will be happy. But if you could keep an eye out for the local cat, who is its archenemy.
Mike / Singapore
Hey, can you do me a favor help me feed my pet viper? He's very friendly, so you don't have to worry about him biting you. So just go ahead, put your hand inside the cage and feed him like five mice. THanks.
Katia / Mexico
Hey, this is Katia. Listen, can I ask you for a favor? Could you pass by my apartment? The key is under the mat, and if you can feed my dog the food that's in the pantry on the bottom drawer, and if you can just give him enough for only about one night. If he eats too much, it will not be a very good idea. And if you can just do that for me, that would be great. I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.
out of town
I'm going to be out of town for two days.
When people are out of town, they are away on a trip. Notice the following:
- My parents are out of town for a few days so I plan to have a party.
- Bob is out of town for a month. Can I take a message?
leave a mess
Don't feed him too much because it will leave a mess in the tank.
When you leave a mess, you leave things dirty or cluttered. Notice the following:
- If you cook dinner, please do not leave a mess.
- The partiers left a mess in the hotel room.
it won't be a big deal
If you miss a day, it won't be a big deal.
When something is a big deal, it bothers people. Notice the following:
- If you miss class, it won't be a big deal.
- If you do not pay your taxes, eventually it will be a big deal.
as long as
As long as you provide some water and some seed, then the bird will be happy.
Here, the phrase 'as long as' is a conditional phrase similar to 'if'. Notice the following:
- We plan to play tennis as long as it does not rain.
- As long as you study, you should pass the class.
keep an eye out for
Please keep an eye out for the local cat.
When you keep an eye out for something, that means you are consciously looking for it. Notice the following:
- When I shop, I try to keep an eye out for bargains.
- Parents must always keep an eye out for their children.
Vocabulary Quiz
as long as • keep an eye out
