Exercise 1

In the middle of the dialogue, Fiona tells Icarus that she "could really use a glass of water". Which of the following sentences best expresses what Fiona means here?

I couldn't care less about your water

Fiona is not insulting Icarus and his offer of water, she is simply expressing her desire for a glass of water.

I want a glass of water

The construction "I could (really) use..." expresses the speaker's desire or need for something. For example: "I could really use a good night's sleep" expresses that the speaker wants or would appreciate a good night of sleep.

I am capable of drinking a glass of water

This is a very literal interpretation of this idiom which doesn't make very much sense. It is true that "could" does occasionally express capacity (as in the sentence, I could hurt you if I wanted to), this is not the case here.

I find water to be ever so useful

Although this water is extremely useful, this is not Fiona is expressing here.

Exercise 2

"I could use a massage."

Which of the following sentences best expresses what Philip means here?

I could employ a masseuse

This is incorrect. Philip is not expressing a desire to employ someone who gives massages, he is simply saying that he wants a massage. To "employ (someone)" is to engage in their services, or "hire" them. Example: We employed a secretary to write the sales reports.

I give good massages

This is incorrect. Philip is not talking about his qualities as a masseur, he is simply expressing his desire for a massage.

I want a massage

This is the correct choice. The idiomatic expression "I could use (a cup of coffee)" shares a similar meaning with "I need" or "I would like" a cup of coffee. Example: Luna could really use a holiday right now.

I find massages to be useful

This is incorrect. Although massages are extremely useful, this is not what Philip is expressing here.

I could really use meaning in English

Definition

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