VOA慢速英语:Washington's Cherry Blossoms Signal the Start of Spring

短语讲解：

1. The basin was created in the late 1800s to prevent the Potomac River from flooding.

prevent from 阻止， 防止
例句：Further treatment will prevent cancer from developing.
进一步的治疗将阻止癌症恶化。

2. “The blossoming of the cherry blossoms every spring is sort of the great springtime celebration, not only in the District of Columbia but throughout the United States."

not only ...but(also) 不但...而且; 不仅...而且
例句：Things here are not only inexpensive but also of good quality.
这儿的东西又便宜又好。

3. Last year, officials correctly predicted the peak bloom six weeks in advance.

in advance 提前; 先期; 在前头
例句：The guard of honor marched in advance.
仪仗队走在前面。