英语听力精选进阶版 7949

This week’s question comes from Yu Chaojun in Xi’an who wants to know more about the expression do’s and don’ts.

Callum from BBC Learning¹ English explains to us that do’s and don’ts are basically² things you should do and shouldn’t do.

So for example, at your place you work, some do’s and don’ts might be:

Do call your manager if you are going to be late.

Don’t leave your computer switched on at work.

It is merely another way of listing rules, often using ‘do’ in the imperative³ form. Imperatives⁴ are verbs used to give orders or instructions.

You might hear people talk about the do’s and don’ts of doing a particular thing.

"Here are some do’s and don’ts at the swimming pool – don’t run, do wear a swimming cap."

"Safe cycling: do’s and don’ts – you should always wear bright clothes, you must never cycle through a red light."

Do’s and don’t are sometimes seen on signs or notices to help you, but more often than not you will hear the expression do’s and don’ts in conversation and people talking about what you should and shouldn’t do in different situations.

Take note of how it’s written too – make sure you put the apostrophes in the right places.

Thanks for your question Chaojun. We hope the answer helped you.

Glossary 词汇

switched on 开启

listing 列举

imperative form 祈使形式

orders 指令

instructions 指令、指示

signs 指示牌

notices 布告

take note 记笔记

make sure 确保

apostrophes 撇号

1 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

2 basically   

adv.基本上，从根本上说

参考例句：

• His heart is basically sound.他的心脏基本上健康。
• Basically I agree with your plan.我基本上同意你的计划。

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。

4 imperatives   

n.必要的事( imperative的名词复数 )；祈使语气；必须履行的责任

参考例句：

• Nixon, however, had other imperatives. 但尼克松另有需要。 来自辞典例句
• There could be some cultural imperatives in there somewhere! 在公共传播那里，在某些方面，可能有更迫切的文化需要！ 来自互联网