TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

To catch the right train is to be able to board the next train.

• I need to catch the next train to get to the meeting on time.

To catch the right train is to be able to board the correct train.

• Make sure to catch the right train so you don't end up in the wrong city.

A day pass is a convenient option for tourists or temporary visitors who want to access a service or location multiple times within a single day. It is often more cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets for each entry. This type of pass is commonly used in urban transportation networks, recreational facilities, and cultural institutions.

• I bought a day pass for the subway to explore the city.

• The museum offers a day pass that allows you to visit all the exhibits.

• Make sure to get a day pass at the gym if you're only in town for a short visit. 

Derailment in the context of trains refers to an accident where the train comes off its railway tracks. This can be due to various reasons such as mechanical failure, obstructions on the track, or human error. The term can also metaphorically refer to any situation where plans or discussions go off course.

• The investigation focused on the causes of the train derailment.

• The conversation suffered a derailment when an unrelated issue was brought up.

• Efforts to keep the project on track were challenged by constant derailments due to unforeseen issues. 

Fare is commonly used to refer to the fee paid by a passenger for use of public transportation like buses, taxis, or trains. The word can also extend to mean the range of food offered at a place or in a meal, though this usage is less common in everyday conversation. Understanding the cost of fare is essential for daily commuting and budgeting for travel.

• How much is the bus fare from here to downtown?

• The taxi fare in New York City can be quite expensive.

• She paid her fare and boarded the train.

"Get around" is a versatile phrase used in various contexts. When used in the sense of mobility, it refers to the ability to move or travel freely in an area. This can be within a city, as in navigating through different neighborhoods, or through different environments, such as getting around in a forest or a mountainous area. When it pertains to information, "get around" implies the spread of news or gossip through a community or group. Lastly, in the context of rules or obstacles, it suggests finding a loophole or an alternative method to avoid direct confrontation or compliance with a regulation.

• It's easy to get around the city using public transportation.

• News about the celebrity's visit got around quickly.

• He always finds a way to get around the rules. 

"Get in" is a phrasal verb used to express entering a place or becoming part of a group. It can be used in various contexts, from literally entering a vehicle or building to figuratively joining a team or organization. In British English, when a train, bus, or plane gets in, it arrives.

• Get in the car, we are late!

• Can you get in the house quietly? Everyone is asleep.

• He finally got in the club after trying for months. 

• What time does the train get in? 

• Did you get in alright?

• Let's get in before it starts to rain.

"Get off" is a phrasal verb used in various contexts. It primarily means to leave a vehicle like a bus, train, or car, or to remove oneself from an object or surface. In a legal or informal context, it can also mean to escape punishment or to be let go with a minor or no penalty. Its usage is versatile, making it a common phrase in everyday English conversations.

• Please get off at the next stop.

• He managed to get off with just a warning.

• The cat needs to get off the table. 

"Get on" in English can be used in various contexts. Primarily, it refers to the action of entering or boarding a vehicle, such as a bus, train, or airplane. It can also be used metaphorically to discuss how someone progresses with tasks or interacts in relationships, asking about compatibility or progress in social and professional environments.

• I need to get on the bus to reach the city center.

• She managed to get on the last train home.

• How do you get on with your new coworkers? 

If the train goes off the track, it leaves the railway tracks it is supposed to travel on. The phrase "go off the track" can also be used to describe a situation where a discussion or activity deviates from its intended course or main topic.

• The train went off the track this morning, causing 10 deaths and more than 100 people injured.

• The meeting went off the track when everyone started discussing unrelated personal issues. 

The term "long ride" often refers to an extended journey taken by means of a vehicle such as a bicycle, motorcycle, or car. It highlights not just the physical distance covered but also the endurance required to complete such a trip. Long rides can be undertaken for various reasons including leisure, sport, or charity events, and they often offer a way to explore new areas or enjoy the scenery.

• We're planning a long ride across the state next weekend.

• The motorcycle club organized a long ride to raise money for charity.

• After the long ride, we felt exhausted but fulfilled

A pier is typically a raised structure over water, supported by well-spaced piles or pillars. It serves various purposes such as providing a docking place for ships and boats, a walking area for visitors, or even a spot for fishing. Piers can be simple, functional structures or more elaborate ones including amenities like restaurants, shops, and entertainment facilities.

• We walked along the pier and enjoyed the cool breeze.

• The old fishing pier is still a popular spot for locals.

• Children were jumping off the pier into the lake on a hot summer day. 

"Pull in" is a versatile phrase that is commonly used in English to describe a vehicle arriving and stopping at a location, such as "pull in to a parking spot" or "pull in to a station." It can also metaphorically mean to attract or draw in, often used in contexts involving attracting people, interest, or resources.

• The car will pull in at the next rest stop.

• We need to pull in more customers to increase sales.

• As the train pulled in, passengers prepared to disembark. 

The word "ride" primarily functions as a verb, describing the act of sitting on and controlling the movement of an animal or vehicle. As a noun, it refers to a journey made on a vehicle or animal. It can be used in various contexts, whether referring to riding a bike, a horse, or taking a ride in a car or on a bus.

• She loves to ride her bicycle around the park.

• Every morning, I ride a bus to work through the busy downtown streets.

• I decided to ride a bus to go home.

• We decided to take a ride in the new car.

• Can you give me a ride to the airport?

A sleeper car is a type of railway passenger car that is equipped with sleeping facilities for the passengers. These cars allow travelers to have a bed on long journeys, making overnight trips more comfortable. They are especially popular on long-distance routes and are often equipped with amenities such as bathrooms and sometimes even showers, providing a higher level of comfort compared to regular seating.

• I booked a sleeper car for our overnight journey to Scotland.

• Traveling in a sleeper car allows you to rest comfortably during long train rides.

• Many luxury trains offer sleeper cars with private bathrooms and showers. 

The word "track" can be used both as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it involves following the course or trail of something, often for observational or monitoring purposes. As a noun, it refers to a path, often designated for specific uses such as racing or trains. The versatility of the word makes it applicable in various contexts, from technology to sports.

• We need to track the shipment to ensure it arrives on time.

• The software allows you to track your spending habits.

• The police used dogs to track the escaped prisoner. 

“Transfer” as a verb primarily refers to the act of moving something from one place to another. This can be applied to various contexts such as transferring funds between bank accounts, moving or shifting responsibilities from one person to another, or even changing locations, like transferring to a different bus, school or job. The word can also be used as a noun, referring to the act itself or the process involved in moving or shifting.

• To get to the city center, you need to transfer to bus 10 at the next stop.

• I need to transfer money to my other bank account.

• She will transfer to a new school next semester.

• The data transfer was completed successfully. 

A wharf is a structure on the shore of a harbor where ships may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Such structures are typically built on the shore of a harbor or on the bank of a river or canal. Wharves can handle ocean-going vessels in coastal areas and river freighters in river ports. They are essential for maritime trade and transportation.

• The ship docked at the wharf early in the morning.

• Fishermen unloaded their catch at the old wharf.

• The city plans to renovate the waterfront and expand the wharf.