Verbs and nouns spelled identically

1. 1
   project/ˈprɑːdʒekt/

   noun

   A piece of work you take on and see through.
2. 2
   contract/ˈkɑːnˌtrækt/

   noun

   A written deal two sides sign and can be held to in court.
3. 3
   record/ˈrekərd/

   noun

   Something kept in writing or on file that shows what happened.
4. 4
   estimate/ˈestəmət/iAlso said ˈestəˌmeɪt.

   noun

   A rough number you work out when you can't count exactly.
5. 5
   present/ˈprezənt/

   verb

   To show or perform something for people who are watching.
6. 6
   object/əbˈdʒekt/

   verb

   To say out loud that you disagree with something.
7. 7
   conduct/kɑːnˈdʌkt/

   verb

   To run something and keep it on course.
8. 8
   increase/ˌɪnˈkriːs/

   verb

   To make something bigger or greater in amount.
9. 9
   transfer/trænsˈfɜːr/

   verb

   To move from one place to another.
10. 10
    suspect/səˈspekt/

    adjective

    Looking wrong, or not to be trusted.

The sentences

1. The project came in under budget last quarter.

2. We signed the contract before the meeting started.

3. Is there a record of that call anywhere?

4. That number is just an estimate for now.

5. I'll present the numbers right after the break.

6. Does anyone object to moving the deadline back?

7. We conduct these reviews once every three months.

8. Can we increase the budget for next year?

9. I'd like to transfer that cost to marketing.

10. Those figures from last week look a little suspect.

Pronunciation

• project/ˈprɑːdʒekt/

  The noun leans on the first syllable, with an open 'ah' vowel: PRAH-ject.

• contract/ˈkɑːnˌtrækt/

  Weight on the first syllable: KAHN-tract.

• record/ˈrekərd/

  The noun starts with 'reck', not 'reek', and the stress sits there.

• estimate/ˈestəmət/

  The noun's last syllable is a flat 'mət' that doesn't rhyme with 'mate'.

• suspect/səˈspekt/

  Stress the second syllable: suh-SPECT.

Questions

What do you say if the numbers on the report look off?

You can say they look a little suspect, as in 'Those figures from last week look a little suspect.'

What does estimate mean here?

It's a rough number you work out when you can't count exactly, as in 'That number is just an estimate for now.'

What do you say to move a cost to another team?

You say you'd like to transfer it, as in 'I'd like to transfer that cost to marketing.'