ESL Podcast 911 – Correcting and Explaining in Conversation

 　　Danny: You look like you need to relax.

　　Sybil: Excuse me?

　　Danny: What I mean is, you look like you could use some R and R.

　　Sybil: I didn’t know I looked tired and worn out.

　　Danny: No, what I’m trying to say is, people need leisure time once in a while.

　　Sybil: Yes, that’s certainly true.

　　Danny: The human body needs downtime to recuperate¹ and to regenerate².

　　Sybil: Okay, I guess that’s true.

　　Danny: Let me rephrase that. People need time away from work to get ready for more work.

　　Sybil: Are you saying you’re planning on giving me more work?

　　Danny: No, no, no. Let me put it another way. It’s imperative³ that you don’t work this weekend.

　　Sybil: Why? What’s going on this weekend? Are you saying that something big is happening in the department this weekend and I’m being left out?

　　Danny: No, not at all. What I’m trying to say is... [sigh]...would you like to go out with me Saturday night?

　　Sybil: Oh, I guess I didn’t catch your drift earlier. You’re asking me out for Saturday.

　　Danny: Yes, I am.

　　Sybil: Then, I accept.

　　Danny: Really?

　　Sybil: Yes, as long as you promise never to ask me out on a first date ever again!

1 recuperate   

v.恢复

参考例句：

• Stay in the hospital for a few more days to recuperate.再住院几天，好好地恢复。
• He went to the country to recuperate.他去乡下养病去了。

2 regenerate   

vt.使恢复，使新生；vi.恢复，再生；adj.恢复的

参考例句：

• Their aim is to regenerate British industry.他们的目的是复兴英国的工业。
• Although it is not easy,you have the power to regenerate your life.尽管这不容易，但你有使生活重获新生的能力。

3 imperative   

n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的

参考例句：

• He always speaks in an imperative tone of voice.他老是用命令的口吻讲话。
• The events of the past few days make it imperative for her to act.过去这几天发生的事迫使她不得不立即行动。