Duy and two friends all help clear the table and repair the fallen model.
pitch in
If we all pitch in, we can finish before lunch.
Read the example again
If we all pitch in, we can finish before lunch.
My friends pitched in and helped repair the model.
Read the example again
My friends pitched in and helped repair the model.
View meaning & usage
Join in and help with a task
pitch inpitch in with something
An informal way to describe helping with a shared task. It is not about throwing things; “pitch in” does not need an object.
Haven't studied yet
Duy adds colourful paper and decorative shapes to a plain paper model.
jazz up
We can jazz up the model with colourful paper.
Read the example again
We can jazz up the model with colourful paper.
She jazzed her notebook up with stickers.
Read the example again
She jazzed her notebook up with stickers.
View meaning & usage
Make something more lively or attractive
jazz up somethingjazz something upjazz something up with something
An informal phrase emphasising a livelier, more attractive appearance. It does not necessarily refer to jazz music.
Haven't studied yet
Duy compares a new model with a stable base to the older leaning version, pleased with the improvement.
improve on
We improved on our first design by adding a wider base.
Read the example again
We improved on our first design by adding a wider base.
Can you improve on your last result?
Read the example again
Can you improve on your last result?
View meaning & usage
Produce something better than an earlier version
improve on somethingimprove on something by doing something
After “on”, name the earlier version or result you want to better. “Improve on” does not replace “improve” in every context.
Haven't studied yet
The examples were written for this course. Usage was checked against Matt Errey’s book, pages 46, 97, 97, 69, 66. A2–B1 is the course’s intended level.
Recall it · Use it
One step forward every day
Practice completed!
Your browser could not save your play history. Results from this session may be lost when you close the page.
Sentences using suggestions are counted as needing more practice. Review schedule based on each phrase's meaning.
Drag a wire from the dot beside a phrase to the dot beside its matching picture. You can also tap a phrase, then a picture. Drag again to change a pair before checking.
Read the picture descriptions for more context. Similar expressions are accepted when they fit the particular scene.
Phrases
Actions in the pictures
Picture description
Duy joins two model pieces whose connecting edges fit exactly.
The picture could not load. Try loading it again before matching.
Picture description
Duy examines before-and-after photos of a fallen model and water on the table to work out what happened.
The picture could not load. Try loading it again before matching.
Picture description
Duy and two friends all help clear the table and repair the fallen model.
The picture could not load. Try loading it again before matching.
Picture description
Duy adds colourful paper and decorative shapes to a plain paper model.
The picture could not load. Try loading it again before matching.
Picture description
Duy compares a new model with a stable base to the older leaning version, pleased with the improvement.
The picture could not load. Try loading it again before matching.
Choose a phrase to begin.
Your browser could not save your play history. Results from this session may be lost when you close the page.
A conversation in context
Read the conversation and find the expressions you have learned.
Mai
These two sections fit together neatly.
Read the example again
These two sections fit together neatly.
Alex
The photos and notes may help us piece together how the old model broke.
Read the example again
The photos and notes may help us piece together how the old model broke.
Mai
I can pitch in by holding the frame while you check it.
Read the example again
I can pitch in by holding the frame while you check it.
Compare the uses
fit together / piece together
“Fit together” describes physical parts matching; “piece together” here combines clues to understand events. The difference is what is being joined.
Practice and check your answers
Try answering before revealing the suggested answer. This practice is not scored.
The answers below are models. Other answers can also work if they preserve the facts, meaning and structure requested in the task.
A situation to apply what you have learned
Two model sections match neatly. Notes and photos provide separate clues about how an older version broke.
Describe the matching sections.
Show the answer and explanation
The two sections fit together neatly.
The two sections match neatly, so they “fit together”; this differs from assembling the third section.
Replace “the clues” with “them”: Piece the clues together.
Show the answer and explanation
Piece them together.
“Them” refers to the clues in the notes and photos; “piece them together” combines information to understand the breakage.
Offer practical help with the model.
Show the answer and explanation
I can pitch in by holding the frame while you attach the pieces.
“Pitch in by holding the frame” offers the specific contribution of holding the frame during assembly.
The usage comparisons are checked against the Cambridge Dictionary entries linked beside the compared expressions. The additional conversations and exercises are written for this course.
Progress is saved on the device. Sign in with Google to save with the same account and continue on another device.
