In a Jiffy

Learn the phrase in a Jiffy in just a few minutes. This conversation simulation will help you to see just how we use the common English phrase, in a jiffy. A conversation simulation is the closest you can get to a real live conversation with a native English speaker. You will hear how a native English speaker might respond to a series of questions or statements and can practice your own speaking when working your way through this conversation. Conversations simulations are created using the latest e-learning technology and can give you a learning experience unlike anything you can find in a book, and quite unlike most of the material you find on other English learning websites.

Hi, I'm Britlicious. Welcome to this English in a Jiffy lesson. | What does "in a jiffy" mean? | Great. Let's get started. | I already know what "in a jiffy" means. | What do you think it means? | I think it means in a short time. | I think it means slowly. | I don't have any idea. | Yes, that's exactly what it means. | So, this English lesson can be done in just a few minutes. It's great if you don't have much time to spare. | What things can be done in a jiffy? | making a cup of tea | baking a loaf of bread | doing the weekly shop | If I said that we can get started in a jiffy, what would I mean? | We are going to start very soon. | We are not going to start for a while yet. | Something is going to be done quickly. | It means to do something quickly or soon. | Which of the following sentences is correct? | We'll get this lesson done in a jiffy. | We'll be done in a jiffy. | We can start this lesson in a jiffy. | That's right! | Do you think that in a jiffy is a formal or an informal expression? | I think it's formal. | It think it's informal. | I think you could use it both in formal and in informal situations. | Yes, it's an informal British expression. | Which of the following situations could you use in a jiffy in? | When writing a letter to your bank manager or boss. | When speaking to friends. | When writing to a member of your family. | No, you don't want to use "in a jiffy" in formal communication, only for informal communication. | Which expression should you use for formal communication instead? | soon | immediately | right away | That's right. Soon, immediately, or right away, would be more formal ways of saying "in a jiffy". | Are there any other expressions to use in a formal setting? | No, "in a jiffy" means in a short period of time or very soon. | Which of these things could be done in a jiffy? | brush your teeth | make an apple pie | fry an egg | Yes, you can use "in a jiffy" in any informal situation, but not in a formal situation. | Which of these expressions could you use in a formal situation? | at once | directly | forthwith | I'm afraid that would take a while and could not be done in a jiffy. | Which of these things could be done in a jiffy? | scramble an egg for breakfast | swim  lengths of a swimming pool | paint the whole house | I'm afraid that would take ages and could not be done in a jiffy. | Which of these things could be done in a jiffy? | write a short shopping list | comb your hair | prepare a meal for six people | At once, directly, or forthwith, are more formal ways of saying "in a jiffy". | Can we try using "in a jiffy" in a conversation? | I don't have any more time for this lesson, sorry! | Yes, that could be done in a jiffy. | Do you think that in a jiffy is a formal or an informal expression? | I think it's formal. | I think it's informal. | I think you could use it both in formal and in informal situations. | Thanks for doing this lesson. I hope you found it useful. There will be more new material added to the Britlish Library every week, so I hope to see you soon. | Of course we can. | Would you like a cup of tea? I can make one in a jiffy. | I'm going to the shops for some eggs. I'll be back in a jiffy. | Jane went to Japan for a month's holiday yesterday. She'll be back in a jiffy. | Yes, I'd love a cuppa. | It'll be done in a jiffy. | Oh, no! I've run out of milk. Don't worry, though, as I can ask my neighbour for some. I'll be back in a jiffy. | No, that's not the correct use of "in a jiffy" because the thing you are talking about is too long. | So, in a jiffy only talks about a very short space of time. A few minutes, in fact. | Okay. I'll see you in a few minutes. | I think I understand how to use "in a jiffy" now. | I think I should go back and try this again. | Yes, that's right. | Can we try this conversation again? | That's a good use of "in a jiffy". Would you like to go through it with me again? | Yes, please. | No, thank you. I think I've got it. | Not quite. If I say we can get started in a jiffy, it means that we are going to start very soon. Something which will be done in a jiffy will be done very quickly. | Oh, I see. So if we are going to get started in a jiffy we are just about to begin. | Can you explain what it really means, then? 

Listen to this audio to help you with the questions.

Read this text to help you with the questions.

No records found.

No records found.

Download Agreement for In a Jiffy

Teachers and students are welcome to use printed material from our website for personal, non-commercial use in the classroom and personal self-study. This includes reproducing the material for personal use, as well as using it as a learning tool for self-study. However, it is important to note that this permission is granted for non-commercial use only and any other use of the material, including commercial use, is strictly prohibited. The material may not be distributed or sold for commercial gain, or used for any other commercial purposes. The source of the material, The Britlish Library and Britlish.com must be acknowledged when reproducing or using the material. Additionally, we retain all rights to the material and it cannot be altered in any way. By downloading and using the printed material, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. This permission is valid indefinitely.