Learn English meaning of ‘Have a Thing For’

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• off topic
• trial
• pitch
• contract

• bad boy
• have a thing for
• member
• work out

• sign up
• standard

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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Do you always fall in love with the same type of person? For example, some women love bad boys. They like to live dangerously when they date men. In other words, they have a thing for bad boys. Some people might have a thing for California girls or famous people. To have a thing for someone is to like that person a lot. Boyfriends and girlfriends have a thing for each other.

It’s also possible to have a thing for an activity or an object. Many people have a thing for chocolate. They love it and think that it tastes wonderful. Some people even have a thing for going to the gym. They might become a member and begin to work out every day. They might even sign up for classes and learn that they have a thing for yoga or Zumba.

Marni has a thing for Romeo Trivino. While she and Sara are waiting to get his autograph, she asks Sara about becoming a member of a gym. Find out more in today’s English lesson about being off topic.

3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Marni

Sara_R

Marni:  I can’t believe we’re doing this!

Sara_R:  You said you have a thing for Romeo Trivino.

Marni:  I do. Well, I have a thing for “bad boys.”

Sara_R:  Ah, yes. Romeo is often the “bad boy” in his movies.

Marni:  Hey, this is off topic, but have you ever been a member of a gym?

Sara_R:  I get a lot of exercise at my job, but I used to be. Why?

Marni:  I’m thinking about joining a gym, but I actually have no idea how it works.

Sara_R:  Well, I would start by finding out if there’s one in your neighborhood.

Marni:  There’s one really close to my house.

Sara_R:  Good. You aren’t going to want to go if it’s far away.

Marni:  That’s true. So, are they expensive?

Sara_R:  Some are, but not all of them. Most gyms will give you a trial membership so you can see if you like it.

Marni:  I can work out for free?

Sara_R:  For a few days, or maybe a week. But be ready to hear a pitch.

Marni:  What if I don’t want to sign up?

Sara_R:  You don’t have to. But if you do, you’ll probably have to sign a contract. That’s standard. And you’ll pay once a month.

Marni:  It’s him!

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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