Grammar : Second
【明報專訊】The Smarties are wandering around the shopping centre, and Bill wants to buy some new clothes.
“ Bill : This shirt must look good on me. I am going to spend the red pocket money on this. ”
“ Dr Panda : Are you sure? You don't need to make a decision in a split second. Give it a second thought! ”
“ MoMo : Also, the shirt is exceedingly expensive. It is going to cost you all of your red pocket money! ”
“ Bill : I know. Look at this, it is a designer's brand. Its products are all second to none! ”
“ MoMo : We all know this brand. The quality of its products is good, but do you really need to buy it in such a short period of time? ”
“ Dr Panda : How much money have you spent on buying clothes this year? ”
“ Bill : If you really need to count... I spent about $1000 in January, and a few thousand in February. ”
“ MoMo : Are you kidding me? Where does the money come from? I don't think you are currently investing or working! ”
“ Dr Panda : He has gotten his parents' credit card. Bill, you seriously need to cut down your spending. Spending over thousands of dollars is not a reasonable spending behaviour for students. ”
“ MoMo : Yes, you should consider buying second-hand clothes as well. ”
“ Dr Panda : I just had a call with your parents. They said they didn't notice your spending pattern, and they were furious about your overspending patterns. Your credit card account is now cancelled. ”
“ Bill : This is ridiculous! ”
■English highway
Split second
A very short period of time.
e.g. The trains are leaving, we need to determine where to go in a split second!
Give a second thought
To reconsider a decision.
e.g. I heard that Peter was having second thoughts about his marriage.
Second to none
Almost better than everyone else.
e.g. This singer has obtained several awards from places around the world, she is literally second to none!
Second-hand
In a condition of being used before.
e.g. There are stores selling second-hand goods.
■Gear up
Fill in the blanks with phrases consisting of "second" .
1. I want you to think about it more thoroughly, please give it a ________.
2. This hairstylist is _________, I think you should give it a try.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
cut down (phr v) 減少
reasonable (adj) 合理的
furious (adj) 憤怒的
ridiculous (adj) 荒謬的
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[Smarties' Power English 第346期]
