VOA慢速英语:A Visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon

短语讲解：

1. His birth date moved up a year and 11 days when the Gregorian calendar was accepted. 

move up （使）升级，提升
例句：They could move up to a new level of efficiency. 
它们可以提高效率到一个新的水平。 

2. He helped to set up the country now called the United States of America.

set up 建立; 准备
例句：Set up tie-ins with others.
记得要和别人建立搭售关系。

3. George Washington took possession of Mount Vernon in 1754.

take possession of 占领， 夺取
例句：To occupy or take possession of in advance or before another.
先占预先或在另一人之前占据或占有。

4. Washington was responsible for much of its design.

be responsible for 为…负责，形成…的原因
例句：One person should be responsible for new employee orientation.
应当有一个人负责新员工的培训。

5. By the 1850s, the individual who owned Mount Vernon did not have enough money to keep it in good condition.

in good condition 情况良好; 完好
例句：I promise to return your bicycle in good condition.
我答应一定完好无损地还你的自行车。