Pre-Intermediate
What is this lesson about?
We study English language using the video “The House Purchase” with subtitles. In each lesson you will find 5 useful phrases in English. Learn phrases using listening, writing and speaking skills.
Phrase 1
If we are talking about objects that are distant in time or distance, then for the singular we use ‘ ’ - that\that - and for the plural - ‘ ’.
Phrase 2
In our example, ‘have bought’ is an example of the Present Perfect tense, the present completed tense. The action expressed by the Present perfect is not completed or completed; perhaps it will be continued in the future.
And completed times are sometimes called indefinite. All this is because of their marker words, which indicate only approximate, imprecise time:
- ALREADY - already
- YET - not yet
- JUST - just now
- RECENTLY - recently
- LATELY/ OF LATE - recently
- THIS WEEK/ MONTH/ YEAR - this week, this month, this year
Phrase 3
There are three similar words in English that mean “comfortable” - cozy, comfortable and convenient.
Cozy - cozy, warm, friendly.
Comfortable - comfortable, physically convenient
Convenient - suitable, comfortable, lightweight, problem-free
Phrase 4
When you need to show that something is located somewhere, the construction there is/ are + noun is used. After the noun itself there is a circumstance of place, that is, a designation of where this “something” is located. The choice there is or there are depends on whether the noun is in singular or plural, respectively.
Please note that although in the English version the verb is/ are, in the Russian equivalent any verb suitable in meaning is used.
1. Apartment complex[əˈpɑːtmənt ˈkɒmplɛks] - apartment building
This is usually the name given to a group of apartments owned by one company.
“Let's go check out that new apartment complex over on Riverside Drive.” - “Let's see that new apartment building on Riverside Drive.”
2. Landlord[ˈlænlɔːd] ,landlady[ˈlændˌleɪdi] - lessor
The owner or owner of the apartment for rent. The landlord collects monthly rent and is responsible for repairs to the property according to the lease agreement.
“My landlord gets angry if I pay the rent late!” - “My landlord is unhappy if I’m late on rent!”
3. Tenant[ˈtɛnənt] - tenant
A person who rents an apartment or house. His name is on the lease.
“The tenant is responsible for any damage to the apartment.” - “The tenant is responsible for any damage caused to the apartment.”
4. Lease- lease contract
A contract between a tenant and a landlord that sets out the terms and conditions of the lease of a property. The tenant signs an agreement before moving into the property. If the tenant violates the terms of the contract, he may be evicted or be required to pay a fine.
“I signed a lease for one year.” - “I signed a lease for a year.”
5. To break a lease- violate the terms of the lease agreement
When a tenant fails to pay the agreed amount of rent for a specified period of time, it is called a breach of the lease agreement.
“If you break the lease your credit score will be bad.” - “If you violate the terms of the lease agreement, your credit history will be damaged.”
6.Credit approval[ˈkrɛdɪt əˈpruːvəl] — credit permit
Before you can rent or buy an apartment or house, the person you are paying to will need to check your credit history to make sure you are responsible and solvent. If your credit history is considered satisfactory, the bank will agree to issue you a loan. You can then rent a home or get a mortgage to pay for it.
“If I can get credit approval I will be able to get that new house.” “If I get a loan, I can buy that new house.”
In order for the bank to issue you a loan, you may be asked to make a list with the names and telephone numbers of those who are able to confirm your identity and solvency, that is, give you recommendations.
“Before they let me sign a lease, they want to check my references" “Before they give me a contract to sign, they want to check my references.”
8.Security deposit- deposit
A certain amount that you will have to pay to the landlord before moving into a rented apartment. This money will be returned to you when the rental period expires, provided that no damage was caused to the property. Landlords ask for a security deposit to have some money for expenses in case the tenant moves out early or causes damage to the apartment.
“Before you move in you’ll have to pay a security deposit of $250.” - “Before moving into your new home, you will have to pay a deposit of $250.”
9. Co-signer- guarantor
If you need to rent a house or apartment, but the landlord considers your income insufficient, you can use a third party to sign the lease. This third party will be your “guarantor”. Your income plus the guarantor's income will be considered when deciding whether you can afford the rent.
“Since I am a student, I don’t have a high income. I will need a co-signer so I can get into that apartment.” “I’m a student and therefore I don’t earn much. I will need a guarantor to be able to move into this property.”
10. Notice of eviction[ˈnəʊtɪs əv i(ː)ˈvɪkʃən] - notice of eviction
Eviction is being forced to move out of your rental property. Typically, tenants are evicted for violating the terms of the lease.
“When I returned home there was a notice of eviction on my door. I should have paid the rent!” “When I got home, there was an eviction notice on my door. We had to pay rent!”
11. Amenities[əˈmiːnɪtiz] - arrangement
Additional benefits in an apartment or apartment building. A swimming pool or gym is an example for. A fireplace or jacuzzi is an example for a direct living space.
“This apartment complex has a lot of great amenities. They have an indoor pool, a basketball court and a game room.” “This apartment building is beautifully appointed with an indoor pool, basketball court and games room!”
12. Mortgage[ˈmɔːgɪʤ] - mortgage loan
A loan for the purchase of a home in the form of a guarantee of loan repayment. Individuals receive a mortgage loan through a mortgage company (bank), after which they can immediately buy a house or apartment. The person pays the company (bank) a set amount every month until the loan is repaid in full.
“Our mortgage payment each month is $1300.” - “We pay $1,300 on our mortgage every month.”
13.Down payment- down payment for housing
In some situations, you will be required to pay a certain amount as a down payment on your home - usually before you can even move into it.
“We will need $10,000 for the down payment on our new house.” - “We will need $10,000 for a down payment on our new home.”
14.Realtor[ˈrɪəltə] /Real estate agent- realtor/real estate agent
The profession of a person who specializes in real estate (“real estate”) and selects housing for you. This person will also help you find a buyer for the house you want to sell. Realtors receive a percentage of the transaction amount.
“My realtor is Barbara Smith. She is really good at her job.” — “My realtor is Barbara Smith. She knows her stuff."
15. Asking price[ˈɑːskɪŋ praɪs] - asking price
The price at which the owner of the house wants to sell it. Depending on the state of the economy and other factors, the seller may raise or lower the price.
“His asking price is way too high. Nobody is going to make him an offer.” “He's asking too high a price. Nobody will propose to him."
16. To flip a house- resell the house
This expression is used to describe the act of buying a home with the intention of selling it for a profit in the near future. Typically, a buyer purchases a dilapidated house, renovates it and tries to sell it for a higher price. This is called flipping a house.
“How long do you think it would take to flip that house? - “How quickly do you think this house can be resold?”
17.Lot- plot
The portion of land on which a house is (or will be) built. The advertisement for sale may state: “A beautiful two-story house on a spacious lot.”
“I want a large lot so that my kids have somewhere to play.” - “I want a large plot of land so that my children have a place to play.”
18. Wooded lot[ˈwʊdɪd lɒt] - forest area
This is the name given to an area where many trees grow. Wooded lots are in demand because they provide shade and privacy, so they tend to command a slightly higher price.
“If you live in a wooded lot your neighbors won’t be able to see into your windows.” - “If you live in a forested area, your neighbors will not be able to look into your windows.”
19. Cul-de-sac / dead end- dead end
At this point the street ends, there is no further passage. The cul-de-sac is circular in shape and houses are usually built around it. Many people prefer to settle in such areas due to the low traffic volume. The movement is carried out only by those who live here.
“I like living in a cul-de-sac because there isn’t a lot of traffic.” - “I like living in a cul-de-sac because there are few cars.”
20. Upgrades[ˈʌpgreɪdz] - “improved” version
When you buy a new home from a developer, you are usually faced with two alternatives. You can get standard housing or housing with some “improvements” (which will be more expensive). When you choose the second, it means you are choosing an “improved” housing option. An example is more expensive lamps instead of those offered in the “standard” version and, let’s face it, they are ugly.
“This house comes with a lot of upgrades like tile floors and stainless steel appliances.” “This home has a lot of upgrades, including tile floors and stainless steel appliances.”
21. Subdivision[ˈsʌbdɪˌvɪʒən] - microdistrict
A real estate area or area of land divided into sections on which houses are built. Houses are usually built on a small plot and by the same developer.
“In our subdivision there are 100 homes all built by Centex.” “There are 100 houses in our microdistrict, all built by Centex.”
22.HOA /Home Owners Association— Homeowners Association
An organization created by the developer of a neighborhood that enforces rules and laws. This group is responsible for maintaining common areas such as swimming pools or walking paths. Each resident belongs to this association and pays a monthly fee. This money goes, for example, to landscaping and landscaping the area. The HOA meets several times throughout the year to discuss current issues.
“The HOA has decided to put a new pool in.” “The HOA decided that the house needed a new pool.”
23.Townhouse[ˈtaʊnhaʊs] - townhouse
Another name is “row house”. Typically the dwelling has two floors, with living space and kitchen on the first and bedrooms on the second. The townhouses are connected by common side walls.
“Near the downtown area you will find a lot of townhouses" “There are many townhouses located close to the city center.”
24. "No money down"— “No down payment”
When you buy a home, you usually need to make a down payment. If the seller promises “no money down” in the ad, then there is no need to make a down payment.
“Now is a great time to buy a house. You can get a new home with no money down" “Now is a great time to buy a home. You can get a new home without a down payment.”
25. 4BD/2BA
You may come across these kinds of expressions in newspapers that publish real estate advertisements. “BD” means “bedroom”, sleeping room, and “BA” - “bathroom”, bathroom. In our example, the house or apartment has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
“We have three kids so we want four bedrooms and two bathrooms. We are only looking at the adds that say, 4BD/2BA.” - “We have three children, so we need 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We only pay attention to those advertisements that indicate: 4BD/2BA.”
26. Breach of contract- violation of contract terms
Failure to comply with contractual agreements. If I sign a contract stating that I will not have animals in the apartment, but at the same time I get a pet, then this is a violation of the terms of the contract.
“My landlord is suing me for a breach of contract because I have too many people living with me.” “My landlord is accusing me of violating my contract because I have too many people living with me.”
27. Furnished apartment[ˈfɜːnɪʃt əˈpɑːtmənt] - furnished apartment
Apartment, (furniture [ˈfɜːnɪʧə]). Such apartments are usually designed for those who rent an apartment for a short period of time.
“I am only going to be in Seattle for six months. I will need to rent a furnished apartment" “I'll only be in Seattle for six months. I will need to rent a furnished apartment.”
28. To put down money— deposit money
If you are required to make a down payment on a home you are planning to buy, you will need to put down a certain amount of money. You can say: “I put down $10,000 on my new house in Atlanta.”
“If you don’t want another buyer to buy that house you’ll have to put money down on it.” “If you don’t want someone else to buy this house, you’ll have to pay money for it.”
29. "All bills paid"[ɔːl bɪlz peɪd] - “including utility bills”
If you rent a house or apartment and the monthly payment includes payments for utilities (electricity, gas, telephone...), then this is called “all bills paid”. The tenant does not need to worry about paying utility bills - the landlord has already included these services in the rental price.
“The rent for this house is $1000 a month. This price is all paid bills" “The rent for the house is $1,000 a month, including utilities.”
30.Floor plan— layout
Interior arrangement of the house. Location of rooms. Old man A person who has difficulty getting around may prefer a layout where the rooms are close together so that he doesn't have to walk a lot.
“I like this floor plan. Having the kitchen next to the day is great.” - “I like this layout. The kitchen is next to the room - it’s convenient.”
Layout of Sheldon and Leonard's apartment and Penny's apartment (from The Big Bang Theory)
31. One-story,two-story- one-story or two-story house
A floor or level of a house is called a “story”. A one-story house is called a “one-story house.” Most homes for sale are one or two story. Houses with three or more floors usually belong to the category of elite housing, luxury houses [ˈlʌkʃəri ˈhaʊzɪz].
“My grandmother needs a one-story house since she can’t walk up the stairs.” - “My grandmother needs a one-story house, she can’t climb the steps.”
32. Ghetto[ˈgɛtəʊ] /Slum- slums
Slang for poor areas with high crime rates.
“There is a lot of crime in the ghetto" “There’s a lot of crime going on in the slums.”
33. Ritzy area[ˈrɪtsɪ ˈeərɪə] - fashionable area
In a fashionable area, all the houses are expensive and sophisticated.
“Our friends make a lot of money. They live in a nice big house in the ritzy area of town.” — “Our friends earn decent money. They live in a beautiful big house in a fashionable area of the city."
34. Starter home[ˈstɑːtə həʊm] - first housing
A relatively small house that newlyweds buy as an option for the first time. It is assumed that when the couple earns more, they will move to a larger house.
“My son and his wife just got married. They just bought a small house near their work. It is cute, but it is just a starter home. In a few years, when they have more money saved, they’ll move to a bigger house.” - “My son just got married. He and his wife just bought a small house not far from work. It's cute, but it's only the first home. In a couple of years, when they have saved some money, they will move to a bigger house.”
35. Curb appeal- attractive appearance
The external attractiveness of a house in terms of its sale, from curb - “border” and appeal - “attractiveness”.
“If you want to sell your house you need some curb appeal" “If you want to sell a house, it needs to look attractive.”
36. Run down- dilapidated
An old, crumbling home.
“My home is old and run down. I need to make some repairs and paint the exterior.” - “My house is old and dilapidated. I need to do some repairs and paint the outside.”
37. Fixer upper[ˈfɪksər ˈʌpə] - house for renovation
An old and dilapidated house, if renovated and updated, can again turn into a nice home. Such houses can often be seen near the business center of the city. It was here that many years ago the first houses in the city were built. Old houses are being restored new life and, due to its favorable location, can be quite expensive.
“If you are going to buy fixer upper you better have some money for repairs.” - “If you are going to buy a house for renovation, you will need money.”
Instead of starting renovations, you can buy an already updated, renovated house.
“A newly renovated house in the historic downtown." — "Recently renovated house in historical center cities".
Here are a few more useful expressions for those who want to rent an apartment (the translation of these words and phrases is given below):
Classifieds[ˈklæsɪfaɪdz] – bulletin board
“For sale”- "For sale"
“For rent”- "For rent"
Price range— price range
Furnished[ˈfɜːnɪʃt], unfurnished[ʌnˈfɜːnɪʃt], semi-furnished[ˈsɛmi-ˈfɜːnɪʃt] - furnished, unfurnished, partially furnished
Balcony[ˈbælkəni] (overlooking the park) - balcony (overlooking the park)
I can't afford BrE, AmE - “I can’t afford it”
Roommate[ˈruˌmeɪt] - roommate
Spacious[ˈspeɪʃəs] - spacious
Upscale neighborhood[ˈʌpˌskeɪl ˈneɪbərˌhʊd] - respectable area
To move in- move in, move into (an apartment)
To move out- move out, move out (from an apartment)
On average[ɒn ˈævərɪʤ] - on average
Utilities- public utilities
Come to- (in this context) “total”
Laundromat[ˈlɔndrəˌmæt] - self-service laundry
To sublet[ˈsʌˌblɛt] - to sublease
Studio apartment[ˈst(j)uːdɪəʊ əˈpɑːtmənt], bachelor flat[ˈbæʧələ flæt] - studio apartment consisting of one room (with built-in kitchen)
One- (two-, three-) bedroom apartment— apartment with one (two, three) bedrooms and one living room.
Now let's listen to how a simple English guy living in his parents' house is trying to rent an apartment in London. If you don't understand, turn on the English subtitles (or just close your eyes and enjoy the sound of English speech with a characteristic British pronunciation).
1. Do you have many relatives? 2. What would we call them in English? 3. Do they live close or far from you? (live close) 4. You see them oftenWould you like to see them more often? Why? (I often see, I live in the same house) 5. Who is the person closest to you? Why? (the closest person is my mother) Please.. help me write an essay using these questions in English... some questions have already been answered....
It is enough to see the sun, but for others even half the world is not enough. You can list many things that will make me happier at the moment, but when you start to think about it more deeply, you realize that everything is learned by comparison, and there are many examples of this. My grandmother liked to repeat that if you don’t know grief, then you won’t appreciate happiness. She was right.
I study in the 11th grade of school No. 29. What I like most about school is spending time with my friends and going to math and Russian classes.
Please complete the essay and translate this passage that I wrote into English. Thank you very much to those who will help in any way!!! :))))
who are you watching now? - I'm looking at this girl. 3. Do you often visit your friends? 4. What are you writing? – We are writing the words of lesson 7. 5. During the lesson, our teacher usually stands at the table. 6. These students are learning new words now. 7. Do they usually go home together? 8. Where are you going? - I'm going home. II. Translate the sentences into English, paying attention to the use of tenses. 1. In the morning Anna called me. 2. I already know her. She is a good person. 3. Why didn’t you bring me these magazines? - Forgive me, but my brother is reading them now. 4. What time did you have dinner today? - At 8 o'clock in the evening. 5. I have never been to this park. Let's go there. 6.When are you going to visit your parents? - I visited them this week. 7. Have you repeated the grammar rules of the 8th lesson? - Yes, and I’m going to- learn the words of this lesson
II. Translate into English using verbs in Activeor Passive Voice . 1. I am often invited to the movies. 2. My sister often gets help at school. 3. The teacher gave me a good grade. 4. I was praised at home. 5. Mom will be asked not to worry. 6. Mom will be given a cup of coffee. 7. When the cup broke?
III.Translate into English, observing the rule of tense agreement. She said she wouldn't swim anymore because the water was cold. My cousin said that she loved opera and would be glad to go to the theater with us, although she had already listened to La Traviata twice. Everyone was sure that Boris would do well in the exams. He said that Leo Tolstoy was his favorite writer. I knew that. you live in Moscow, but didn’t know your address.
