Driving and the road B1
Setting off, pulling over, and the odd near-miss.
Setting off
set off — start a journeyA: What time are you setting off for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., so I can catch my flight.
drive off — leave by carA: Where did Dad go?
B: He just drove off to work.
head off — leave for a placeA: Are you leaving already?
B: Yeah, I need to head off or I'll miss my train.
Slowing and stopping
slow down — reduce speedA: You're driving a bit fast.
B: Oh, sorry! I'll slow down.
pull over — stop a vehicle at the side of the roadA: I think there's something wrong with the car.
B: Okay, I'll pull over so we can check it.
pull up — to stop a vehicleA: Is that your friend?
B: Yeah, that's him pulling up in the blue car.
Joining and leaving traffic
back up — reverse a vehicleA: There's not enough space in front.
B: Okay, I'll back up.
pull out B2 — to drive onto a road from another placeA: Why did that car honk at you?
B: I think I pulled out a bit too quickly.
cut in B2 — suddenly drive in front of another vehicleA: Did you see that guy just cut in?
B: Yeah, that was really dangerous.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
run into — hit or collide withA: What happened to your bike?
B: I ran into a tree while riding too fast.
run over — hit with a vehicleA: Why is there a police car outside?
B: Someone ran over a cyclist on the corner.
set off for — to start a journey to a placeA: What time are you leaving tomorrow?
B: We're setting off for the airport at 6 a.m.
set out — to start a journeyA: What time are you setting out for the airport?
B: Around 6 a.m., just to be safe.
turn back — to return in the direction you came fromA: Did you make it to the top of the hill?
B: No, we had to turn back because the path was too slippery.
Setting off
Mia: We should set off soon if we want to beat the traffic.
Dan: Two minutes — let me just back up out of the drive.
Mia: Mind the bins as you reverse.
On the main road
Mia: Can you slow down a bit? Someone might pull out at that junction.
Dan: Good shout. I'll pull over if you fancy a break too.
A near miss
Dan: Did you see that? He just cut in without indicating.
Mia: I know — I nearly ran into the back of him.