Helping English

All is not Lost

Glossary (Vocabulary)

IDIOMS

• fighting a lost battle: to try in vain or without any chance of success

Her colleague doctor told her that she was fighting a lost battle by trying to save the patient. There was no hope of his recovery.

• make up (one’s) mind: to decide with determination

The brave nurse made up her mind to help the patient even if she had to lose her job.

• near and dear one: someone who is very close to you

Every year we travel to Pakistan to visit our near and dear ones.

• bear fruit: to be successful  

The nurse’s efforts bore fruit and the patient was able to walk again.

Use the following words in sentences first as verbs and then as nouns.

care – walk – surprise – request – need – state

Examples:

turn

• First go straight, then turn left. (verb)
• It is my turn now. (noun)

care

• Pleas take care; the floor is wet. (noun)
• Many people don’t care about their health. (verb)

walk

• Let’s walk up to the market. (verb)
• He has gone for a walk. (noun)

surprise

• His courage surprised everyone. (verb)
• Her success was a surprise for many. (noun)

request

• I requested the officer to let me pass. (verb)
• He made a request for a raise in salary. (noun)

need

• The poor man works hard to fulfil his family’s needs. (noun)
• Do you need coffee? (verb)

state

• The patient was in a state of permanent depression. (noun)
• Please state your name, age, and occupation. (verb)