Meaning
Today's Sentences
- That’s what I need to do.
- That’s what I like about you.
- That’s what I meant to say.
- That’s what I’d like to know.
- That’s what I would do.
- Writer's Note
01
That’s what I need to do.
Situation 1
Your shoelaces are untied.
Again? This happens way too often.
又来？这种情况发生得太频繁了。
You should buy a pair of springer laces.
That’s what I need to do!
Situation 2
I wish I could track the distance when I run.
You should buy a smart watch!
That’s what I need to do.
Yea,
it’s great for collecting data when you work out.
在锻炼时收集数据非常有用。
02
That’s what I like about you.
Situation 1
So I helped this elderly woman walk across the street today.
That’s what I like about you.
Because I helped someone?
Because you’re compassionate to others.
Situation 2
I love having a smoothie after a good workout.
That’s what I like about you.
That I like smoothies?
No,
that you take care of your body.
03
That’s what I meant to say.
Situation 1
Did you say you’re going to the conference tomorrow?
Actually, I’m going today. That’s what I meant to say.
Oh, I thought I heard you wrong.
Do wanna go together?
Situation 2
I love my workplace.
That’s great!
Also, I love the people that I work with.
That’s what I meant to say.
这就是我想说的。
I’m glad to hear that you’re so happy at your job.
04
That’s what I’d like to know.
Situation 1
Can I do my taxes for this year?
Do you mean today?
Or would you like to make an appointment?
或者您想预约一个时间？
I’m wondering if it’s too early to file.
That’s what I’d like to know.
这正是我想了解的。
I can help you file today.
Situation 2
You should head east and then take the ramp west.
Should I go left or right after the ramp?
That’s what I’d like to know.
这正是我想知道的。
Oh you take a right after the ramp.
Thanks so much for the directions.
05
That’s what I would do.
Situation 1
I just had another argument again.
Was it about the same thing?
It’s always about going out with friends.
I would try to talk it over when you’re both in a better mood. That’s what I would do.
Situation 2
I’ve been taking golf lessons but I’m not getting any better.
Have you tried 3D swing analysis?
Is there an app for that?
There are apps or you can just use your camera.
That’s what I would do.
我会这么做。
Writer's Note
Usually you use "That’s what I meant to say" when you want to correct or rephrase what said. Also, you can use it to add on more information to what was said.
Important: "That’s what I meant" = past simple meaning it is used to clarify something that was said in the past seen in Situation 1. "That’s what I mean" = present simple meaning you want to correct what you’ve just said.
"That’s what I would do" is said to suggest your way of doing something. You can use it to show how you would take action and make a situation better.
- Situation: Parking a car
A: I find parallel parking so stressful.
B: Take the car out on the weekend and practice parallel street parking. That's what I would do. - Situation: Baking cookies
A: My cookies always seem to turn out flat.
B: Check that the butter isn't too soft. That's what I would do. - Situation: Syncing a smartphone
A: I can never sync my devices after buying a new phone.
B: Check the ID and login using a browser. That's what I would do. - Situation: Relationship advice
A: She's still mad at me and she won't answer any of my calls.
B: I'd leave a voicemail and then give her some space. It's always better to talk when you've both cooled down. That's what I would do.
A: 我觉得平行停车太有压力了。
B: 周末开车出去练习平行街道停车。“That's what I would do”。
A: 我的饼干总是烤得很扁。
B: 检查一下黄油是否太软了。那是我会做的。
A: 我买新手机后总是无法同步我的设备。
B: 检查ID并使用浏览器登录。那就是我会做的。
A: 她还在生我的气，不接我任何电话。
B: 我会留个语音留言，然后给她一些空间。等你们都冷静下来再沟通会更好。这是我会做的。
