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[C] What are you up to? (Striking up a conversation)

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

Pattern I

As soon as... - it indicates that something will happen at the same time that something else happens

    Examples:

  • We'll clean as soon as you finish your meal.

  • I'll update you as soon as I arrive at the place.

Pattern II

What are you up to? - is a way to ask people what they have been doing for the past few days/months/years etc.

Examples:

Icon_Mentor

So, what are you up to these days?

Icon_Learner

Oh, just chillin' at home.

Icon_Mentor

Shiela's wondering, what are you up to?

Icon_Learner

I'm just busy with work lately. I have been bombarded with lots of tasks.

Pattern III

Before you know it... - it means very quickly

Examples:

Icon_Mentor

I am sick and tired of being here.

Icon_Learner

Relax Mark. Before you know it, you'll achieve it and wish you'll experience it again!

Icon_Mentor

I want this to end quickly.

Icon_Learner

Chill Yumi. Before you know it, things will be over and everything will be fine for sure.

Pattern IV

Fancy running into you here - means "I didn't imagine I would see you." It is often said when you see people in places where it is unusual.

- Other expressions are:

     ✧ - "fancy meeting you here"

     ✧ - "what a coincidence"

    Example:

  • It's fancy running into you here. I am glad to see you again after 5 years. How have you been?

  • Wow! Nancy! What a coincidence! You are also here, I've been thinking to invite you to this party so that we could hangout more.

Pattern V

Have one's fingers crossed - to indicate strong desire or hope that something happens.

    Example:

  • I have my finger's crossed that he will arrive next month.

Pattern VI

Which reminds me.... - introduces new information that is remembered because of something that was just said

- an alternative to this expression is "speaking of which"

    Example:

  • I'm about to clean the house entirely - which reminds me - do we still have the bleaching product that we normally use in the bathroom?

Pattern VII

Get ahead of oneself.... - to make plans based on something that may not happen.

- another expression that has the same meaning is "to count one's chicken before they hatch"

    Examples:

  • What?! You gave her your car and house keys although you just met her last month? I think you are getting ahead of yourself!

  • Please don't assume right away that you'll end up together for good. You should never count your chickens before they hatch!

LET'S READ! 📖

Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.


friends

Situation:

Anna and Melly ran into each other in the middle of the road. They are high school friends who have not seen each other in a while.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Hi, Melly. What's up? I haven't seen you for ages.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Anna! Fancy running into you here. Do you have time for a quick chitchat?

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Sure. We really need to catch up. What are you doing around here?

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

I just came here to look around for my business expansion. I’m searching for a rental space to open my 2nd boutique. I own the “Fashion Hub” near Harrison Park.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Oh--I love that shop. The style is not just run of the mill. I am very happy to know that you own that shop.

Expanding your business is a step in the right direction. By the way, congratulations!

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Thank you. I enjoy juggling my time between school and my business.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Good for you. And I think the idea of becoming an entrepreneur is great.

Before you know it, your business will be a huge fashion brand in the future.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

I hope so, I will strive to do my best to succeed in the fashion industry. Now, what are you up to?

The last I heard, you were about to take the bar exam.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

As a matter of fact, I did. I passed the bar exam 2 months ago. Now, I am waiting for the acceptance of my application to one of the biggest law firms in the country. I have my fingers crossed, I'll achieve such a career path soon.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Wow, that’s great news. Congratulations! I am glad to hear that you will pursue your passion. I am sure you will be a very good lawyer some day.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I am also aiming to take my master’s degree in business law. I'll take the time to study further as soon as I have the chance to review and experience such case for exposure purposes. Thanks for cheering me up! Which reminds me – you were searching for a place for your business expansion right? I think I know a place 4 blocks from here.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Great. It would be my pleasure to check that out.

Later:

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Wow. I love this one. I think this is the perfect spot to gain new customers, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself.

However, I have a feeling that I need to do some renovations.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Yeah, you may add good lighting to this corner such as a lamp or mini chandelier to add accent to the place.

Plus you may place a huge mirror on the wall on this side.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Thanks for the tip. Now I'm really pumped! I'm so happy I ran into you today.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Me, too. Let's make sure we get together more often.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Yeah. I promise I'll keep in touch.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Take care, and let me know what happens. Bye for now.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

Bye and thanks again!

QUESTIONS

1. Who bumped into each other?

2. What is Melly doing in the area?

3. What is Anna's next step for her career?

4. What were the tips Anna shared to Melly?

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

A. Complete the sentences using "As soon as.." or "I have my fingers crossed that.." based on the given words and what you see in the photographs.

fell asleep

1. As soon as . (as soon as / asleep)

baking oven

2. As soon as . (as soon as / remove)

promotion

3. He has his fingers crossed that . (fingers crossed / promotion)

B. Read the following statements and come up with an advice using the phrase "Before you know it".

    Example:

  • My business hasn't been doing well for the past few months. I think I'm giving up.

    • ➡ Don't give up just yet. Invest on marketing and you will see success in your business before you know it.

  1. "I don't like my new job. Everything is new and I can't seem to get anything right."

  2. "I want to lose weight, but I can't find the motivation to."

  3. "I really don't get along well with my colleagues at work. "

  4. "I don't think my skills in English are improving."

  5. "I always get nervous speaking in front of a crowd. My mind sometimes goes blank."