VOA慢速英语:US Considering Action in South China Sea

短语讲解：

1. He told a Senate hearing that, “We are going to continue exercising that right, both on the surface of the waters and in the air.”

be going to 将要
例句：It felt pleasant to be going to work.
走上工作岗位是很愉快的。

2. Satellite images have documented China’s development of four coral reefs since President Xi Jinping took office in 2012.

take office 就职;绾结印绶;到职
例句：When will the new President take office?
新总统什么时候就职。

3. In his words, “No matter how much sand you pile on a reef...you can’t manufacture sovereignty.”

how much 多少
例句：How much time do you spend practicing English everyday?
你每天花多少时间练习英文？

4. Some lawmakers expressed concern that what China is building could be used to enforce control of the sea. They said U.S. efforts to stop the work might be too little, too late.
 
be used to 习惯于，适用于
例句：Lasers can also be used to purify materials.
激光还可以用于材料提纯。