It’s in mint condition
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When buying or selling used items, it’s important to know what condition the items are in. In this episode, we talk about some expressions that are used to describe an item’s condition. We look at expressions to say that something is in excellent condition, bad condition, or somewhere in the middle. If you like looking for deals online from people selling their stuff, or if you’re a second-hand shopper, then this episode is worth a listen!

| Harp: | These expressions are often used when you’re buying or selling something. |
| Maura: | All right. So, first we’re going to talk about an expression that means something is in very, very good condition; that it’s like brand new. |
| Harp: | Yeah. This expression is mint condition. |
| Maura: | You know, I really like this expression. It is mint condition. |
| Harp: | Yeah. Mint condition. |
| Maura: | Now, you know, I kind of remember when I was a kid and hearing this expression for the first time, and thinking that it was so strange. I didn’t understand, because I was thinking of mint, you know? Like the herb or, like, you have a mint after dinner. And I did not understand how mint condition could mean very good condition. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| Mint condition | Brand new |
| New to someone | Or anything |
| Wear and tear | To see something for yourself |
| Craigslist | To keep on an eye on something |
| To have seen better days | Up close |
| To keep an eye out for something | To be in good shape |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo Culips
Commuting
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Most of us travel to work many times in one week. Some of us have a quick little trip and others spend hours on public transportation. This episode is all about that—travelling to and from work. Harp and Maura talk about what commuting is like in Canada, how people get to work, and how long it usually takes them. They also share their own experiences of getting to work every day. If you’re a commuter, listen to this episode on your way to work.

| Harp: | And then we’re gonna talk about our some of our own personal experiences with commuting. |
| Maura: | You know, it is something very personal. Sometimes people love their commute, or they hate their commute. So people really have a strong feeling about it. |
| Harp: | Yes. I definitely agree with you. |
| Maura: | OK. So let’s start by talking about how people get to work in Canada. |
| Harp: | Well, I have to be honest; most people get to work by car. |
| Maura: | That is definitely true. I think, internationally, Canada and the US are known for drivers. People really like to drive around here. |
| Harp: | Yeah. People love their cars and they love driving to work, or anywhere. |
| Maura: | And most of the time, people are alone in their cars. So you have a car with one person driving to their workplace. |
Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:
| To commute/a commute | A carpool/to carpool |
| To take turns | Hardcore |
| A traffic jam | Right off the bat |
| The metro | No problem |
| To hold back | To see where this is going |
| To jaywalk | I don’t blame you |
Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Photo Culips



