Lily asks
What is your favourite local spot — a cafe, park, or shop?
How to build your answer
Rank it: four moves, about a minute.
- 1Your number oneStart with the winner.
- 2The othersTwo more, a few words on each.
- 3Why it winsWhat puts number one on top.
- 4A near missOne that didn't make it.
Lily's answer, three ways
The same story, from easy to advanced. Tap a highlighted phrase to learn it.
Easy
Lily's voice note
There's a little park near my flat. It's not big or fancy, but it's got a pond with ducks and some lovely old trees. I go there after work when the weather's nice. I sit on the same bench every time and just chill out for a bit. Sometimes I bring a book, sometimes I just watch the dogs. It's five minutes from my door, which is perfect. I love it.
Phrases to borrow
for a bit
/fə ə ˈbɪt/
for a short time
Can you wait here for a bit?
five minutes from somewhere
/faɪv ˈmɪnɪts frəm ˈsʌmweə/
very close, a short walk or drive away
My office is five minutes from the station.
Natural
Lily's voice note
Okay, it's a little park near my flat. It's nothing special, just a pond with ducks and a few lovely old trees. But it's got everything. Dogs, ducks, kids on scooters, you name it. After work, if the weather's nice, I sit on the same bench and read my book or watch the dogs. It's only five minutes away, so I go most days. I'd be lost without it. On a sunny evening, I wouldn't miss it.
Phrases to borrow
you name it
/juː ˈneɪm ɪt/
and everything else you can think of
They sell shoes, bags, toys, you name it.
be lost without something
/biː ˈlɒst wɪˈðaʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
not be able to manage without someone or something
I'd be lost without my phone.
wouldn't miss it
/ˈwʊdnt ˈmɪs ɪt/
you'll definitely go because you love it
Your birthday party? I wouldn't miss it!
Advanced
Lily's voice note
My favourite spot is a little park five minutes from my flat. It's nothing fancy, just a pond with ducks and some lovely old trees, but after work it's full of life. I sit on my bench, always the same one, with a book, and mostly I end up watching the dogs. It's a breath of fresh air after a day in the office. I always come back with a clear head. It's my happy place, really.
Phrases to borrow
full of life
/fʊl əv ˈlaɪf/
busy, lively and full of energy
The streets are full of life in summer.
a breath of fresh air
/ə ˈbreθ əv ˈfreʃ ˈeə/
something new or different that makes you feel better
Our new manager is a breath of fresh air.
come back with something
/kʌm ˈbæk wɪð ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
return home carrying something
I went out for milk and came back with a cake.
my happy place
/maɪ ˈhæpi ˈpleɪs/
a place where you always feel calm and happy
The beach near my nan's house is my happy place.
Your turn: answer Lily
What is your favourite local spot — a cafe, park, or shop?
Answer out loud, in your own words. Try one phrase you just borrowed.
Home & neighbourhood
you name it
and everything else you can think of
“They sell shoes, bags, toys, you name it.”
heytardy