All Ears English Podcast

AEE 2386: Wait Up! English Phrasal Verbs for Softening Imperatives

65 snips
Apr 7, 2025
Unlock the power of phrasal verbs to make your commands more polite! Discover how 'wait up!' can change the tone of your conversations. The humor of partners walking at different paces adds a relatable twist. Learn about softening imperatives in professional settings and explore various expressions like 'drink up!' that create a friendly atmosphere. Intonation plays a key role in communication, shaping how urgency is perceived. Engage with these insights to enhance your connections in both casual and formal interactions.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Walking Speed Differences

  • Aubrey Carter's husband walks far ahead of her.
  • She often tells him, "Wait up!"
ADVICE

Softening Imperatives with "Up"

  • Use phrasal verbs with "up" to soften commands in casual settings.
  • Add these to your conversations for more natural English.
INSIGHT

Nuance of "Wait Up"

  • "Wait" sounds urgent and serious.
  • "Wait up" is more casual, friendly, and less urgent.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app