實用口語:不要“拖拖拉拉”

下週五要交論文，這週二要交工作報告，下個月1號要考試了……好像我們的生活中總是有這樣那樣的“期限”。於是大家都努力趕在期限前完成該做的事。可是人都是有惰性的，就難免有“拖拖拉拉”的毛病。今天我們就來學學關於“最後期限”和“拖拉”的表達。

1. The report is due on Friday / this coming Friday. 這個報告這週五要交。

Note: If you're talking about the end of the current week on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, "on Friday" is OK. But, if you're referring to Friday on a Saturday or Sunday, "this coming Friday" is clearer than "next Friday".

2. We have a research paper due every other week. 我們每兩週就要交篇論文。

Note: We also have "every other day" (每隔一天).

I have to see my dentist every three days. (我每隔三天就要去看一次牙醫。)

However, "every single day" means every day. "Single" simply strengthen the repetitive sense.

Mom, why should I have to brush my teeth every single day? (媽媽，爲什麼我每天都得刷牙啊？)

3. We are out of time. 我們時間不夠了。

Note: You're sweating on the final test, and suddenly the teacher announces, "We're running out of time. Be sure to sign your tests." (時間快到了，請確定考卷填好了姓名) So, you try to write down as many words as possible in the final minutes until he announces, "Time's up".

4. How much longer do you need to get all this stuff done? 你還要多久才能把事情做完？

Note: "How much longer" puts emphasis on the length of the time (sometimes with an air of annoyance or impatience), while "How long" is a neutral expression simply asking for the numerical figure.

5. Don't put things off until the last minute next time.下次不要再臨陣磨槍了。

Note: You can also put something off until the "last second", depending on how disorganized you are. For those who do, there's another expression: "I'm cramming for the test." (我正在臨時抱佛腳，準備考試。)