![[C+] In the first place... (Making A Case)](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/By0C72CPRqgLrUB1NoEXR/5813ec78c2b4ab4db1ff798aac376792/In_the_first_place..__Making_A_Case_.png)
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Pattern I
(subject) + (verb) + in the first place,
- used to begin a series of arguments that are intended to convince someone to agree with your positive argument
-
I didn’t want to go in the first place, so I’m not upset that it was canceled.
-
They shouldn’t have agreed in the first place if they weren’t prepared to commit.
Examples:
Pattern II
(subject) + (verb) + just sayin'
- an expression that is intended to subtly show the speaker's desire that you consider something just suggested
-
I am just sayin' that maybe you should double-check your work next time.
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She was just sayin' that the movie wasn't as good as the reviews claimed.
Examples:
Pattern III
(subject) + put one's two cents in
- to offer one's opinion
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If the changes are going to affect me, then I want to put my two cents in.
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If I can just put my two cents in, I think the staff would really appreciate a wage hike.
Examples:
Pattern IV
(subject) + put someone's name up
- to nominate someone for a position or office
-
She put John's name up for the award.
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They put Sarah's name up on the board for the competition.
Examples:
Pattern V
(first idea) + besides + (second idea)
- in addition to something already mentioned; used for adding stronger reason
-
I don’t want to go to the party tonight, besides I have too much work.
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They haven’t seen the latest episode of the show, besides they’re not interested.
Examples:
Pattern VI
(information) + what's more + (additional information)
- used to add something surprising or interesting to what you have just said; more importantly
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The decorations were absolutely beautiful and, what's more, the children had made them themselves.
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He was now an actor, and what's more, a well-beloved celebrity.
Examples:
Pattern VII
(subject) + had better + (base verb), [ otherwise + consequence]
- indicates a warning and implies that if something isn't done, there will be negative consequences
- usually used in the form of a contraction
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She had better tell the truth, otherwise she might get into trouble.
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He had better finish his work, otherwise he won’t get paid.
Examples:
Pattern VIII
(statement) + to top it all, + (subject) + (verb) + (rest of the sentence)
- an expression indicating the final item in a list of particularly positive or negative experiences or situations
-
I got a promotion, moved to a bigger office, and to top it all, I got a pay raise!
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The restaurant was crowded, the service was slow, and to top it all, the food was cold.
Examples:
Pattern IX
(subject) + (be) + a bit uppity + [about something]
- to describe someone who is acting slightly arrogant, self-important, or overly confident.
- often in a way that is considered inappropriate for their situation or social standing
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She is a bit uppity about her new role as team leader.
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The new intern started acting a bit uppity when he realized he could actually contribute valuable ideas to the project.
Examples:
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Two colleagues, Emma and Jake, are having a casual conversation in the office break room.
Emma
Jake
Chaotic is an understatement. In the first place, nobody even stuck to the agenda. Everyone just kept going off on tangents — and some of them were a bit uppity if you ask me.
Emma
Exactly! And then there's Mark, who just had to put his two cents in on every single topic. I get it — he’s experienced — but sometimes less is more, you know?
Jake
Oh, Mark never misses a chance to enlighten us with his wisdom. What's more, he kept contradicting himself. One minute he’s saying we should be flexible with deadlines, and the next he’s insisting on strict timelines. Make it make sense!
Emma
Right?! And to top it all, Sarah’s name was put up as the project lead for the next quarter, and you know Mark’s been eyeing that position. You could see it all over his face. I wouldn't be surprised if he finds a way to volunteer himself for it later.
Jake
Oh, definitely. He’s probably crafting a humble suggestion email as we speak. [Rolls eyes] But honestly, Sarah deserves it. She’s been handling those last-minute client requests like a pro.
Emma
True. Besides, she has the patience of a saint — and that’s not something you can teach.
Jake
No kidding. We had better support her when the next project kicks off; otherwise, you know Mark will swoop in and claim credit for her work.
Emma
Ugh, classic Mark move. I just hope Sarah doesn’t let him get to her. But honestly, I’m glad she’s getting the recognition she deserves. It’s about time someone on the team got a fair shot.
Jake
Couldn’t agree more. Just sayin', if people focused on doing their job instead of politicking, we’d all be a lot further ahead.
Emma
Preach, Jake. Preach. [Raises her coffee cup like a toast]
QUESTIONS
1. What does Jake mean when he says, "Chaotic is an understatement"?
2. Why does Emma think Mark's behavior during the meeting was unnecessary?
3. How did Sarah get recognized during the meeting, and why does Jake think she deserves it?
4. What lesson does Jake suggest at the end of the conversation?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. Complete the sentences with your own ideas.
1. [ a bit uppity | supervisor ]
Emma
Liza
No wonder, everyone in the design department got really stressed out lately.
2. [ put one's two cents in | session ]
Trainer
Cheska
As a newbie, I'm interested to learn some simple yoga poses to relieve back tension.
3. [ in the first place | preoccupied ]
Karen
Are we gonna start the meeting without Mike? Don't you think he'll mind it?
Dave
4. [ had better | distracted ]
Paul
That was close! Luckily, I pressed my brakes in time.
Allison
5. [ put someone's name up | eager ]
Billy
Mitch
That's right. We have our own candidates in mind and we can't wait to see who will be chosen.
B. Direction: Provide possible sentence endings to each given sentence using the patterns in the first place, what's more, had better, and to top it all.
1. Leah turned down her friends' invitation for dinner. She doesn't have time.
Answer: What's more, .
2. Farmers are facing tons of challenges such as food waste and land management.
Answer: To top it all, .
3. Climate change is disrupting the regularity of the seasons.
Answer: We'd better .
4. The project is in full swing. You are one of the big contributors to our success.
Answer: In the first place, .
5. Success is not by chance. It is diligence, determination, learning, and studying.
Answer: To top it all, .
6. The days are getting hotter now.
Answer: You'd better .
LET'S TALK! 🗣️
- Besides English, which other languages do you want to learn?
- Would you be okay if someone put your name up for the team leader position?
- If you had to put your two cents in about the new office rules, what changes would you suggest?
- If your laptop broke, your phone ran out of battery, and, to top it all, your car wouldn’t start, how would you handle a day like that?
- Have you ever met someone who acted a bit uppity after getting a promotion? How did you deal with it?
You know, I’ve been thinking about the team meeting this morning. It was a bit chaotic, don’t you think?