Shedloads
Sian is running late for the show, because she has just got back from her summer holiday to find hundreds of emails in her inbox. She has a strange expression about 'sheds' to emphasise this huge number. Find out what it is in the programme.
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei and joining me is Sian. If she ever arrives. Where is she?
Sian
Hi everyone. Sorry I'm late Feifei.
Feifei
That's OK, you're here now. How was your trip to France?
Sian
The holiday was lovely thanks—but it's not so great being back! I've returned to a shedload of emails. That's why I'm so late.
Feifei
A 'what' load of emails?—did you forget how to speak English on your holiday Sian!?
Sian
Of course not! 'A shedload' just means 'a lot'. So, 'a shedload of something' is 'a very large amount or number of something'.
Feifei
Hmmm, so I can say 'I've got shedloads of money'?
Sian
Yes—that's right. Lucky you! We can also use the singular form 'a shedload', as in 'you've got a shedload of money'. Let's hear some more examples.
Examples
Jim gets paid shedloads of money, so don't worry, I'm sure he can afford it.
We don't need to go out for dinner tonight; we've got a shedload of food in the fridge!
Sian
We can also use 'shedload' or 'shedloads' without 'of' if it's clear what we're talking about. Like in these examples.
Examples
He spent shedloads on his new car.
I can't go anywhere. I've got shedloads to do today.
Feifei
Great, so shall we go and get some lunch now?
Sian
I told you I've got all those emails to get through.
Feifei
Yes—but you've got shedloads of time! There's no rush.
Sian
OK, but as you've got shedloads of money, you're paying!
Feifei
I didn't say that.
Sian
Yes you did, you said it a few minutes ago—we all heard you!
Feifei
But it was just an example… Oh never mind. Come on—lunch is on me!