Get under one’s Skin – Conversation Practice

Ryan: How do you like living in the city?

Stephen: I like it for the most part, but there are some things that get under my skin.

Ryan: Like what?

Stephen: Well, it gets on my nerves when there is a lot of trash on the street. Also, it bothers me when people honk their car horns at night while I am trying to sleep.

Ryan: I agree. It is a lot more peaceful, calm, and clean outside of the city.

Stephen: True, but living in the city is so much more exciting. I actually can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Ryan: I understand. I’m sure if you lived in the countryside, then there would be things that got under your skin, too.

Stephen: Exactly.

1. to get under one’s skin: to annoy or bother

  • It gets under my skin when people throw trash on the street.

  • My boss gets under my skin.

2. to get on one’s nerves: to annoy or bother

  • It gets on my nerves when my sister plays her music loudly while I am studying.

  • I don’t know why, but he gets on my nerves.

3. I can’t imagine (doing something): I don’t think that I could ever…;

  • I can’t imagine living very far from my family.

  • I can’t image working as a teacher.