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B2At the Dentist

Don't Put Off That Dentist Visit!

Phrasal Verb: put off |Grammar: Present Perfect

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'put off' in the present perfect tense to talk about delaying dental appointments.

Article

Many people have put off visiting the dentist at some point in their lives. It is common to put off appointments because of fear, busy schedules, or simply forgetting. Recently, more patients have put off their check-ups due to the pandemic, which has caused dental problems to worsen. Dentists have noticed that patients have put off treatments longer than usual, leading to more complex procedures. However, putting off regular visits can cause serious dental issues, so it is important to schedule appointments promptly. Some have put off their dental cleanings for months, but it’s never too late to take care of your teeth. If you have put off going to the dentist, it’s a good idea to book an appointment soon to avoid future problems.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'put off' means to delay or postpone doing something.

Grammar Note

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and have relevance or effects in the present. It is formed with 'have/has' + past participle.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'put off' to talk about delaying actions, especially unpleasant ones.
  • Combine 'put off' with present perfect to emphasize the delay up to now.
  • Remember the structure: subject + have/has + put off + object.

Examples

I have put off my dentist appointment twice this year.

Delaying scheduled visits

She has put off getting a filling because she was scared.

Fear causing delay

They have put off their dental check-ups for too long.

Ignoring regular visits

We have put off seeing the dentist until the pain got worse.

Waiting despite discomfort

He has put off scheduling his cleaning due to a busy work schedule.

Busy life causing postponement

Dialogue

Context: A patient talks with the receptionist about rescheduling a dental appointment they have delayed.

A:
Hi, I’ve put off my last two appointments, but I really need to come in now.
B:
No problem. When would you like to reschedule your visit?
A:
As soon as possible. I’ve put off going for too long and my tooth hurts.
B:
I understand. We have an opening this Friday afternoon. Does that work for you?
A:
Yes, that’s perfect. I’ve really put it off too much.
B:
Great, I’ve booked you in for Friday. Please try not to put it off again!

Vocabulary

appointment
A scheduled meeting with a professional, like a dentist.
Example: I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.
Synonym: meeting
postpone
To delay something to a later time.
Example: They postponed their dental visit due to illness.
Synonym: delay
check-up
A routine medical or dental examination.
Example: Regular check-ups help prevent problems.
Synonym: examination
treatment
Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
Example: He started treatment for his toothache last week.
Synonym: therapy
delay
To make something happen later than planned.
Example: She delayed her appointment because she was busy.
Synonym: put off
fear
An unpleasant emotion caused by danger or worry.
Example: Fear of pain can cause people to avoid the dentist.
Synonym: anxiety
schedule
A plan that lists times for events or tasks.
Example: I need to schedule my next dental cleaning.
Synonym: timetable
urgent
Needing immediate attention.
Example: If you have urgent pain, see the dentist quickly.
Synonym: immediate
procedure
A medical or dental operation or treatment.
Example: The dentist explained the procedure before starting.
Synonym: process
complex
Involving many parts or difficult to understand or do.
Example: Putting off treatment can lead to more complex problems.
Synonym: complicated

Tips

  • Try to use 'put off' when talking about delaying appointments to sound natural.
  • Remember to use 'have/has put off' to express delays affecting the present.
  • Avoid confusing 'put off' with 'put on'; the former means delay, the latter means to wear.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'put off' in the present perfect tense to talk about delaying dental visits. You read a mini-article, saw examples, and practiced using 'put off' in realistic contexts related to the dentist. Remember, putting off appointments can cause bigger problems, so it’s best to schedule visits promptly.

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