Grammar：Useful collocations
【明報專訊】Bill：Mr. Chan, I have trouble managing the relationship with my friends.
Mr. Chan：Bill, it is no use stressing over every little disagreement. Relationships require understanding and compromise.
Bill：But sometimes, it feels like there's no point in trying to mend things when misunderstandings keep happening.
Mr. Chan：I understand, Bill. However, remember that it is worth investing time and effort in nurturing friendships that are important to you.
Bill：You're right, Mr. Chan. I'll try to communicate better and show more patience with my friends.
Mr. Chan：That's the spirit, Bill. Building and maintaining good friendships take effort, but the rewards are truly invaluable.
■English highway﹕
Have trouble (verb)+ing something
This collocation indicates difficulty or challenges faced while performing an action.
E.g. She has trouble pronouncing certain English words correctly.●
It is no use (verb)+ing something
This phrase conveys the idea that an action will not have the desired effect or outcome. It suggests that the effort put into something will be wasted.
E.g. It is no use waiting for him; he won't come.●
There's no point in (verb)+ing something
This collocation is used to express that there is no reason or purpose to do something.
E.g. There's no point in buying a car if you do not have a driver license.●
It is (not) worth (verb)+ing something
This collocation is used to evaluate the value or benefit of an action. It helps to determine whether an action is beneficial or advisable.
E.g. It is worth visiting the museum while you're in town; the exhibits are fascinating.
■ Gear up
Fill in the blanks with the collocations mentioned above.
1. It is ____________ (worrying) about what happened. There's nothing you can do about it.
2. It is a nice place. It is __________ (spending) a few days here.
3. She has __________ (understanding) complex math problems.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
mend (v) 修復
indicate (v) 表明
convey (v) 傳達
complex (adj) 複雜的
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[Smarties' Power English 第433期]
