Building And Construction Terminology

noun a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls

• Education is often considered the cornerstone of a successful society.
• Having a strong work ethic is the cornerstone of getting ahead in life.
• Dude, trust is the cornerstone of any good friendship.
• Hard work and determination are the cornerstones to achieving your dreams.

noun an extra telephone connected to the main line

• The deadline for filing the tax extension is quickly approaching.
• I need to ask for an extension on my assignment because I didn't finish it on time.
• I'm gonna need a time extension for this project, I'm way behind.
• The company decided to open an extension in a new market to increase their reach.

adjective poorly or hastily constructed; flimsy or shoddy in construction

• The contractor was criticized for constructing a jerry-built structure that did not meet safety standards.
• My uncle's shed is so jerry-built, I'm surprised it hasn't fallen down yet.
• That car looks so jerry-built, I wouldn't trust it to make it across town.
• Her argument was jerry-built, with weak evidence and flawed reasoning.

verb to place or insert something into a particular position or location

• The new regulations require all employees to put in a request for time off at least two weeks in advance.
• Hey, don't forget to put in your order for lunch before noon!
• I'm going to put in for that promotion and hopefully get a raise.
• She really put in the effort to make sure the event was a success.

noun the act of separating and examining carefully

verb to separate and examine carefully

• The archaeologist spent hours meticulously sifting through the dirt for any artifacts.
• I've been sifting through my closet trying to find that old shirt.
• I saw you sifting through her Instagram photos, you creeper.
• She spent the afternoon sifting through her memories of the past.

noun a mass of snow piled up by the wind

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• The car got stuck in a deep snowdrift on the side of the road.
• We had to dig the car out of a huge snowdrift this morning.
• I nearly wiped out on my snowboard when I hit that massive snowdrift.
• She felt like she was trapped in a snowdrift of paperwork at work.

verb to develop or become clear or definite; to start to have a particular form or structure

• As the project progressed, we began to see the final design take shape.
• Once we started adding the decorations, the party really started to take shape.
• After a few practice sessions, the dance routine finally began to take shape.
• The plan for the new business venture is starting to take shape in my mind.

noun a flexible ruler used for measuring length, typically made of a thin strip of metal, cloth, or plastic

• The tailor used a tape measure to take precise measurements for the custom suit.
• Can you pass me the tape measure so I can see if this couch will fit through the door?
• I always keep a tape measure in my toolbox for quick fixes around the house.
• She used her intelligence as a tape measure to gauge the situation before making a decision.

noun a high point or level

verb to complete or finish something by adding a final touch or element

• Before serving the guests, make sure to top off their glasses with fresh water.
• Hey, can you top off my coffee before you sit down?
• I'm going to top off my outfit with a cool hat.
• She wanted to top off her successful year with a well-deserved vacation.

adjective not able to be saved or repaired

• The damage to the antique vase was deemed unsalvageable by the restoration experts.
• The car was so badly wrecked in the accident that it was considered unsalvageable.
• That phone is completely trashed, dude. It's unsalvageable.
• After years of neglect, their friendship had become unsalvageable.

adjective showing skill and efficiency in one's work; competent and professional

• The workmanlike approach taken by the team resulted in a high-quality final product.
• He has a workmanlike attitude towards his job, always putting in the effort to do things properly.
• She's got a real workmanlike way of getting things done, no messing around.
• His workmanlike precision on the basketball court earned him the nickname 'The Craftsman'.