#88 Turning the Table 1

Key Word

can’t afford ~: not have enough money or time for something

We cannot afford that price, so we are asking for a discount.

It seems that we can’t quite afford the price increase that you are suggesting.

 

check with ~: ask someone about something

I will check with my manager before I sign the papers.

 

start from scratch: start from the very beginning; start from nothing

In case of failure, we have to start from scratch again.

 

no choice: if you have no choice but to do something, you cannot avoid doing it

We have no choice but to give up on this negotiation.

 

I see no choice but to...

I’m sorry, but I see no choice but to refuse that offer.

I see no choice but to change our approach.

I see no choice but to reevaluate our goals.

I see no choice but to start again from scatch.

 

I’d be willing to comply if you...

I'd be willing to comply if you met me halfway.

I'd be willing to comply if you agreed with me on this point.

I'd be willing to comply if you found more evidence to support your idea. 

Feedback

Original: I think it is very safe when I am in home.

Better: I think it is safer to stay at home.

 

Original: Many water come to the tunnel and many cars sink.

Better: A lot of water flowed into the tunnel, and many cars sank under the water.

 

Original: I'm trying to endure and still make a smile and explain "you are wrong concisely".

Better: I try to endure the situation and still smile, and I also try to explain to them concisely that they are wrong.