more or less

What is the population, more or less?

The phrase 'more or less' means about or approximately. Speakers use the phrase to show they are talking generally, not specifically. Notice the following examples:

1. The trip should take three hours, more or less.
2. I am happy with my new job, more or less.

2.7

2.7 million

When speaking of decimals, we say 'point'. So for example, 3.4 would be pronounced 'three point four'.

1. He broke the record with a time of 9.9 seconds.
2. The average family has 1.3 children.

migrating (to migrate)

Jamaicans have been migrating for centuries now.

When you migrate from one place to another place, you move for a season or for a long time from one place to another. The move is usually not permanent.

1. Young people tend to migrate to the city.
2. Birds migrate to warmer climates in the winter.

immigration

Do you get a lot of immigration?

Immigration can refer to people entering a country to live permanently. Immigration can also refer to foreigners coming into a country. Immigrate is close in meaning to the verb 'come', while migrate is close in meaning to 'go'. Notice the following:

1. My father works for the immigration department at the airport.
2. If you overstay your visa, immigration will come looking for you.

boat people

Are there boat people in the Caribbean?

Boat people are people that try to leave their country permanently to immigrate to another country. Because they are poor, these people try to travel by boat, so they are called boat people. Notice the following:

1. Several boat people sadly died in the ocean.
2. Boat people are very brave but very desperate as well.

go for

What jobs do people go for?

When you 'go for' something you actively choose it. 'Go for' is similar in meaning to the verb 'select'. Here are a few examples:

1. I think I am going to go for the chicken.
2. I didn't go for the job. I felt I was not ready.

end up

A lot them end up working in bars.

When you end up somewhere or doing something, you reach a place or action that was not originally planned for. Here are a few examples:

1. After driving for hours, we ended up lost and hungry.
2. After I quit my job, I ended up living back with my parents.