Relationships
Describe friendships, family and romantic relationships: getting to know people, getting on, arguing and making up.
In this lesson you will
- Use vocabulary for different relationships
- Describe how relationships change
- Talk about qualities of a good friend
Learn
Types: a close friend, an acquaintance (someone you know a little), a colleague, a partner, a flatmate, relatives, in-laws.
Stages: meet, get to know, become friends, go out with, fall in love, get engaged, get married, drift apart, break up, get divorced.
Getting on: get on (well) with, have a lot in common, trust, support, rely on. Problems: have an argument / a row, fall out with, make up, lose touch with.
Qualities: loyal, reliable, supportive, honest, easy-going, trustworthy.
Examples
- We met at university and have been close friends ever since.
- I get on really well with my in-laws.
- We drifted apart after she moved abroad.
- A good friend is someone you can rely on.
Vocabulary
acquaintance
someone you know but not well
in-laws
your husband’s or wife’s family
drift apart
slowly become less close
lose touch
stop contacting someone
loyal
always supporting someone
rely on
trust someone to help
Practice
Someone you know a little is an…
Listening: Old friends
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Rosa: Do you still see Ana from school?
Jin: Not really. We drifted apart when she moved to Chile.
Rosa: That’s a shame. You two were so close.
Jin: I know. We lost touch for years, but she messaged me last month.
Rosa: Oh nice! Are you going to meet up?
Jin: Yes — she’s visiting in June. It’ll be strange, but I’m looking forward to it.
1.Why did Jin and Ana drift apart?
2.They have kept in touch all the time.
3.When is Ana visiting?
Speaking
Describe your closest friend: how you met, what you have in common, and why they’re important. What makes a good friend?
Writing
Write a paragraph (100–120 words): Is it possible to stay close friends with someone who lives far away?
Lesson quiz
To stop contacting someone gradually is to…
Review
Key points
- close friend, acquaintance, in-laws, partner.
- get to know, go out with, get engaged/married, drift apart, break up.
- get on with, rely on, fall out, make up, lose touch.
What you learned
- ✓ I can describe relationships.
- ✓ I can talk about how relationships change.
- ✓ I can describe good qualities.