会話文：Be動詞
以下の James と Sandra の会話は、主にBe動詞を使った文章にしました。
Be動詞としての意味で使われている場合と、受け身や進行形にするためのBe動詞もあります。
Be動詞はWeak formで発音するのが普通です。
この機会にBe動詞の発音を意識し、是非マスターしてください。
また、この会話文は発音記号で書いたものがあります。
James: When was the last time I saw you?
Sandra: Years ago.
James: What are you doing these days?
Sandra: I’m teaching at the drama college now. I needed a steady income.
James: I seem to remember you were offered a part in a film, but they gave it to someone else… What was that all about?
Sandra: That’s just the way it is in acting. How about you?
James: Oh, same old thing. Helping out my brother in the shop.
Sandra: How's Tim?
James: Fine. It was his birthday yesterday. The party was last night. I’m knackered.
Sandra: How old is he now?
James: He’s 30. He’s not happy about that, I can tell you. Oh, here’s our food.
Waitress: Whose is the lasagne?
James: That’s mine.
Waitress: And the soup of the day for you.
Sandra: Thank you.
James: So, you’re in Liverpool now, aren’t you? What is it like?
Sandra: It’s quite nice up there. I’m going to buy a new flat.
James: What kind of flat are you after?
Sandra: Two bedrooms. And a garden would be nice. But it could be quite expensive. Pity because I love gardening.
James: Yes, I remember that.
Sandra: I hate the flat I’ve got now. It’s far too small.
James: Is it?
Sandra: I haven’t got enough room for… anything, really.
James: Right… Do you want something to drink? I’m in the mood for some wine.
Sandra: How much is the wine here?
James: Quite reasonable, actually. A large glass is four quid.
Sandra: Shall we have two large glasses, then?
James: That would be nice, but there's one problem – I’m driving.
Sandra: Let’s just have small, then.
James: Cool.
この会話はわざとBe動詞を多めに使ったのですが、それ以外の単語も簡単なものばかりです。このように、日常会話では難しい単語を使わずに進む場合が多く、その理由の一つが、ネイティヴはPhrasal verbsをよく使うからです。
この会話で使われたPhrasal verb：
be after（What kind of flat are you after?)
意味： to be looking for someone or something.
ということは、What kind of flat are you after? = What kind of flat are you looking for?
以下は、上記の会話で使われたBe動詞以外の動詞です：
see
do
give x2回
need
seem
remember x2回
offer
help
buy
love
hate
get x2回
want
have x2回
drive
let