After you (holding the door)
Thank you, that's very kind.
Are you new to the class?
Yes, I'm starting late because I've just moved here.
Well, I'm sure you'll fit right in. It's a great class.
I hope so. So far, so good.
Thanks for joining me. Please send me your questions and comments to acupofenglish@hotmail.com. You're all welcome to join me on my FACEBOOK page Anna Fromacupofenglish.
Science education has taken new life(1) with the opening, six months ago, of the Mobius Science Center in Spokane, Washington. A $14 million fund put the new Science Center into operation. It is operating along with(2) the Mobius Children's Museum which has been open for seven years. The museum, aimed at children up to 8 years old(3), has been a very successful part of downtown Spokane. The demands for better-informed(4) and trained people in science have led to support for both centers. The Mobius Science Center has 26,000 square feet of exhibition space. There are 65 hands-on(5), interactive science and technology exhibits, plus educational programs. Here, young people can experience the worlds of Robotics, Flight, Space, Optics, Earth Science, Math and many more. It's a lively place that curious minds of all ages(6) will love.
1. 'Science education has taken new life....' this is an unusual sentence, though we can understand the meaning. Another phrase that talks about new life is the following: 'New life has been breathed into...(science, business, the district, education etc). We talk of new life being 'breathed into' something.
a. The project has breathed new life into the city.
b. The updated curriculum has breathed new life into my class.
2. 'Along with..' is like saying 'as well as' or 'side by side'. The meaning here is that the Children's Museum and the Science Center are two parts of the same project.
a. The water park, along with the golf course, are open to the public 6 days a week.
b. School children, along with other people from the neighborhood, planted trees in the park.
3. 'Up to 8 years old' here 'up to' is showing the limit, or maximum age of those served in the museum.
We also use 'over' to show the minimum and above.
a. This film is for eighteen year olds and over.
b. The class is for children up to the age of 12.
4. 'Better' can be attached to many adjectives with a hyphon.
a. We need better-equipped police on the streets.
b. We need better-educated teachers in the schools.
c. I wish the teenagers were better-behaved.
5. 'Hands-on' is a very popular expression. It means that a person can physically touch, play with, and experiment with something.
a. It will be a hands-on experience for the kids.
b. It will be a hands-on job, action, not just talk.
6. '....of all ages' is also a common expression when mentioning people of many ages who have a certain hobby or preference.
a. Sweet lovers of all ages will adore this new chocolate shop.
b. Children of all ages will appreciate this book.
c. Dance fanatics of all ages can use this new dance video.
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Excuse me, am I close to the college?
Yes, it's just around the corner. Which department do you need?
I need to go to the Science department.
Ok, that's on the fourth floor. Go through the main entrance, and on your left you'll find the stairs.
Thank you so much!
You're welcome.
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It's not often that(1) I find myself trapped, stuck in the middle of two things. However, I put myself in the middle of two things the other day deliberately(2). The two things were my dog and cat. The dog wanted to get the cat, and the cat wanted to test her young claws on the dog's nose. I have been training my little kitten. She is getting used to(3) the front garden, so when she's older, I can let her out by herself. I have a little harness(4) for her, (I call it her bra), which attaches around her chest. Then the leash(5) clips into it, so I can gently hold the leash and follow her while she explores. Perfect. Well, not really. My dog Foxy can jump over the gate and come to the front garden whenever she wants to(6). That's the problem. She is very, very smart. She approaches us, focusing on the cat. I tell her "no" and act like a confident boss. She responds by lying down and acting sweet. However, I can see in her eyes that she is just pretending for her stupid human owner. Really, she's ready for war, and her enemy is the cat. She looks at me with sad, sweet eyes, and then back at the cat with an unbreakable(7) stare. She licks her lips. I feel quite proud of myself for staying(8) right in the middle, the great protector. Suddenly a car scares the cat and she runs for the door. Foxy, the dog, jumps to attack, but the cat is too quick. She gets out her weapon, her claws, and goes for the nose. This is a new experience for Foxy; her precious nose must be protected, so she backs away(9). When the cat and I are back inside the house, I realize how ridiculous that scene was. And was I even necessary? I'm sure the natural dog and natural cat don't need a civilized woman to keep the peace. Why? Because naturally speaking, there is no peace between a cat and a dog.
1. 'It's not often that I...' this sentence and the use of 'often' could be written a different way, and with 'often' at the end.
a. I don't find myself trapped (very) often. OR It's not often that I find myself trapped.
b. It's not often that he reads all night. OR He doesn't read all night (very) often.
c. It's not often they visit us. OR They don't visit us (very) often.
2. 'Deliberately' means 'on purpose'. Let's practice the pronunciation.
Del-i-ber-ate-ly Del-i-ber-ate-ly Del-i-ber-ate-ly Del-i-ber-ate-ly
3. 'To get used to' is a phrase that we have covered before. It is the same as 'to familiarize yourself with' or 'to become accustomed to'. It is much easier to use 'to get used to',
a. It might take a long time, but you will get used to the weather here.
b. I just can't get used to my new work schedule.
c. Get used to it! You have no choice.
4. 'A harness' is like a piece of clothing made of straps that fits around the body. In rock climbing, a rope is attached to it to keep the climber safe.
a. The rock climber checked his harness before he started climbing.
5. 'A leash' is the cord or rope that is attached to a dog or cat collar when you take them for a walk.
a. I bought a new leash for my dog because she had chewed the other one.
b. You need a stronger leash for that big dog.
6. 'Whenever she wants to' in the U.S the preposition 'to' is often missed out. In England, however, we normally include it.
a. They'll do it whenever they want to. OR They'll do it whenever they want.
b. I'll say whatever I want to. OR I'll say whatever I want.
c. They always went wherever they wanted to. OR They always went wherever they wanted.
7. 'Unbreakable' means that it is impossible to break.
Un-break-able un-break-able un-break-able un-break-able
8. 'I feel quite proud of myself for staying.....' it is the structure of this sentence that is useful:
Subject + emotion + preposition + (oneself) + for + gerund
a. He's happy with himself for getting the promotion.
b. I'm disappointed in myself for getting angry.
c. She's ashamed of herself for being lazy.
d. They're proud of themselves for building the house.
9. 'To back away' can also be expressed as 'to back off'. 'To back down' is similar, but it also means to give up in a fight, or to stop offering a threat.
a. The protesters backed off when the police arrived.
b. The younger lion backed down when the alpha male confronted him.
Thanks for joining me! Let me know your questions and comments at acupofenglish@hotmail.com, and I will send you an email in return. You're all invited to join my FACEBOOK page Anna Fromacupofenglish.
Can I help you?
Yes please. Which way is it to the college?
You are on the right road. Keep going straight, and then take a right.
Is it far?
No, you're quite close. It'll take you about five minutes.
Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.
Join me on Monday's and Wednesday's for more basic pronunciation practice. My regular intermediate level podcasts are Tuesday's and Thursday's. I hope it helps! You are all welcome to join my FACEBOOK page called Anna Fromacupofenglish; just send me a friend request.
Throw it, chuck it(1), give it away!
All of this furniture can't possibly stay!
Every room, cupboard, and closet is filled to the brim(2),
But most of this stuff should be thrown in the bin!(3)
So off to(4) the dump with these old, broken possessions,
Chairs, tables, and computers that long ago were in fashion.
Just look at this old sofa; it's seen better days,(5)
Why do you think that keeping it pays?(6)
The mattress, pillows, and table are on their last legs,(7)
They're covered in stains, holes, scribbles, and bacon and eggs!(8)
The kids have used them as a castle, a playground, and even a hobbit's hole,
But to throw them all away is definitely my goal.
So, give away want you want, and don't forget to recycle,
Take our ornaments, broken kitchen appliances, records, toys, and bicycle.
The dump is a glorious place, with an unforgettable smell,
It's there we get rid of our trash, and feel free, and clean, and well.
At first sight it's quite scary, deep, and dark, with mold, dust, sticky stuff, and fungus,(9)
But be brave, chuck that ancient computer in there, and come and join us.
We'll celebrate our clean houses and new lives with martinis one, two and three,
And promise to never again spend too much on junk, now that's the key!(10)
1. 'To chuck' is the same as 'to throw away' or 'to get rid of'. It's mainly used in England.
a. Chuck those old papers in the fire, would you please?
2. 'Filled to the brim' we have seen before. It means to be completely full, up to the very top.
a. He filled my wine glass to the brim.
3. 'Bin' is another word for 'the garbage can' or 'the trash can'.
a. Oh dear, I think I threw ten dollars in the bin!
4. 'Off to' is like saying 'go to' or 'let's go to'.
a. Off to the swimming pool! Let's go!
5. 'To have seen better days' means that something or someone is very old and in bad shape.
a. My television has seen better days; it huge, black and white, and only three channels work.
6. 'Something pays' means that something is worth it or worthwhile.
a. It pays to study a little everyday instead of once a week.
7. 'To be on your last legs' can apply to people, animals, or objects. It is just like 'to have seen better days' in meaning.
a. That car is on it's last legs; it will break down any day!
8. 'Scribble' is a messy piece of writing or drawing that children do on paper, and sometimes where they shouldn't do it, like furniture, or on the walls.
a. My son scribbled all over our new table with a permanent pen.
9. 'Fungus' is a growth similar to a mushroom. We generally think of fungus growing on old food, or damp materials.
a. I opened the closet and found fungus growing on the wall.
10. 'That's the key!' is a set phrase that means, 'that is the solution', 'that is the answer'.
a. Prepare yourself for your classes if you want to be successful; that's the key!
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Do you have photos around your house? Perhaps photos of family and friends? I have been in some people's houses where there are photos in every room. The fridge, in the kitchen, is a place where a lot of people place photos of loved ones or fond memories. I have had our family photos in a huge box for quite a few years. The project of sorting through them, putting some in chronological albums, and others in frames, has been a project that I have avoided for all this time. Am I lazy? I don't think so. It's just a really big job that requires a lot of time and concentration. I want to do the job right, after all. So, the other day, after buying some frames that were on sale, I decided to at least start the project. The photos I selected to put in the frames are our most recent family and individual photos. We had a professional photographer come to our house in the Autumn (Fall). It was the first time that we had hired anyone to take semi-formal pictures of us. It happened to be the perfect time of year, because the light in the Autumn really adds color and depth to a picture, plus the leaves had changed color and fallen on the ground, creating a pretty background. I love how these photos turned out. They are casual, and show each person's character. She did such a good job. A few days ago, I cleaned up the frames, and divided up the pictures. There were twelve photos and three frames, each with four holes. A perfect match! Every frame would have one of each of the children. I placed the photos carefully in each frame, put sticky tape on the back to secure them, closed up the back of the frames, and then decided where to hang them. Should I put them in the entryway next to the mirror, or on the stair wall? Should I put them all together, or separate them? Decisions, decisions. I ended up putting two on one wall, and one a little further up the stair case. I've had positive comments about them already, and I am quite satisfied with what I have done.
Grammar notes.
Related vocabulary and expressions: chronological, to avoid, after all, (it) happens to ....
1. The video of the man's life was not in chronological order, so it was a bit confusing.
2. I would avoid that part of the city, if I were you.
3. Sit down and relax. You have been working hard all day, after all.
4. It happens to be my mother's birthday. OR She happens to be my best friend. OR They happen to be our relatives.
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These days(1) everybody seems to be trying to(2) save money. On the television, we hear about sales, discounts, and 'cash back'(3) on things that we buy. Most receipts now give opportunities to win money, or products. And the shops do the same. Have you noticed generic brands in your local shops? A generic brand is a line of products made for that shop, not a famous brand name. They are always cheaper than other brands. The question is, "Are they good quality, or of the same quality as(4) the brand name products?" Over the past few years, I have shopped almost exclusively(5) at Walmart, and I have got to know(6) some things about generic brands. Great Value is a brand name made for Walmart. The boxes, packets, and bottles(7) of products are simple to look at, and stand out from the rest. In my opinion, the basic products like detergents(8), paper products, and simple house items are worth buying. However, when it comes to eating, the cheaper product often doesn't taste as good. Pastas, bread, dairy products, and canned goods are not quite as good as(9) the brand name ones. I'm fussy about what I eat, and so cheaper ingredients are not always the best option(10). It might be better to spend a few more pennies, to taste good quality food. However, you can always save your money on the non-edible(12) items.
1. 'These days' can be replaced with 'now-a-days'. They are interchangeable.
a. These days, we spend a lot of time in the car.
b. Now-a-days, people drive a lot.
2. 'Everybody seems to be trying to save money'. Notice there are 3 verbs in a row. This isn't complicated, you just have to decide how you wish to follow 'seems to be'.
a. The cat seems to be trying to climb the tree.
b. They seems to be walking very fast.
c. The clouds seem to be getting dark over the mountains.
3. 'Cash back' is a very common thing over here. When you buy something with a credit card, sometimes, if it is a big purchase, like a car or a computer, you might get 'cash back', meaning a check from your credit card company in a few months or at the end of the year.
a. I will get my cash back at the end of the year; I have bought a lot of things, so I should get a big check.
b. With the cash back from buying my car, I bought an iPad.
4. '...of the same quality as..'
a. That material is of the same quality as the more expensive one.
b. That sofa is made of the same leather as the chair.
5. 'Exclusively' means 'only' when excluding other options. It is a great word to practice as, when used correctly, gives the impression of fluency.
Ex-clu-sive-ly ex-clu-sive-ly ex-clu-sive-ly ex-clu-sive-ly
6. 'To get to know' is the same as 'to come to know', and 'to become familiar with'.
a. When I stayed with my grandmother in the summer, I really got to know her.
b. Let's get to know eachother before we go on a date.
7. 'Boxes, packets and bottles' are some of the containers of products. Others are 'cans, jars, tubes, bags, containers and tubs'.
a. We need a packet of cookies and a large container of icecream, like a tub.
b. I have jars of spaghetti sauce and cans of soup on the shelf.
8. 'Detergent' is the name of a soap that is not used for the body.
a. I like the new laundry detergent; all the clothes smell really nice.
b. That detergent makes me itchy.
9. '....are not quite as good as..' is an effective use of comparison, but in the negative.
a. The second and third films were not quite as good as the first.
b. The painting is not quite as colorful as the photo.
c. My new gloves are not quite as comfortable as my old ones.
10. 'The best option' could be replaced by 'the best choice', 'the best idea', 'the best decision'.
a. I think that the cheaper hotel is the best option.
b. He recently broke his leg so I don't think that night skiing is the best option.
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Over the years I have collected books and cassettes to learn different languages. I have them lined up(1) on my desk, all in a row: Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian. Unfortunately I don't speak all of them, only Spanish and French. I learned a little Russian as well, but only a few sentences. I would love to know all of these languages, but I know that it would take me years and years to both study and practice(2) them. I pick up the books sometimes and look at the Chinese and Arabic characters. "Wow!" is usually what I say to myself as I look at these beautiful but unrecognizable(3) shapes. So, what are the steps to learning a language? First, decided which one you need to learn. That sounds obvious, but, if you're like me, you will want to learn several. Limit yourself because you need lots of time to learn a language. Perhaps you can plan to(4) listen to 2 podcasts a day, read a paragraph, and practice singing a song. If you did this five days a week, you would progress quickly(5). Memorize some basic conversation sentences. Make a list of the twenty most important verbs and expressions. Read a joke book in that language, perhaps a children's joke book. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions? Is there a better way to learn a language? Personally, I think that the ear is the key. If you hear a language a lot, it will become part of you. And then, you must repeat what you hear, to hear yourself speak the language. And, finally you must have fun! Humor, laughter, and silliness can make you relax and remember.
1. 'To line up' is to put in a line or a row. It can be used for things or people. It is similar in meaning to 'to queue up';however, we would not use 'to queue up' with objects.
a. The child lined up all of his cars in a straight line.
b. We queued up outside the cinema, and the taxis were lined up on the street.
2. 'To both study and practice'. The use of 'both' here gives a nice sound of fluency in English. It can be used in front of two verbs, or two adjectives, and two nouns in many different occasions.
a. He will both run and swim in the race.
b. She has both intelligence and generosity.
c. The bank employees are both unprofessional and slow.
3. 'Unrecognizable' means something that you don't recognize, that is not familiar at all.
Un-re-cog-niz-able un-re-cog-niz-able un-re-cog-niz-able un-re-cog-niz-able
4. 'To plan to ..' is useful when talking about the future.
a. I plan to travel this Summer if I can get plane tickets.
b. He plans to finish his exams and then look for an apprenticeship.
5. 'If you did this...., you would progress quickly'. This is an example of subjunctive with conditional. The simple past is used in the first half of the sentence, then 'would' plus the infinitive with no 'to'.
a. If you drank this, you would feel better.
b. If he read the letter, he would understand.
c. If they came early, they would have time to talk.
d. If they invested now, they would make an early profit.
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The subject of many people's conversations is the flu. Everybody is talking about it. The clinics and hospitals are full of people who have flu symptoms, and supermarkets have shelves full of medicines, tissues(1), and vitamin powders. I've been lucky so far(2); my children and my husband have had it, but not me(3). And I'm not going to, I keep telling myself. I'm using mind over matter(4). When I do go to the supermarket, I'll often hear a horrible cough in one direction, and a sneeze in another(5). So what do I do then? I get as far away as possible(6). I push my shopping cart to the opposite part of the store as quickly as possible. I bumped into a man I know the other day, and he said, "Anna, you are the fastest moving thing(7) in the store!" At home I've been moving fast as well. There is extra washing to do. I wipe the countertops with disinfecting wipes(8). I remind the kids to wash their hands with soap and water, and to drink lots of water and juice. And I open windows as much as possible. And after all of that, really the only thing you should do is rest, stay warm, and sleep.
1. 'Tissues' here mean paper handkerchiefs. The word 'tissue' is the general word used, as 'handkerchief' is out dated. It is also the general word for organic material.
a. Do you need a tissue? It sounds like you have a bad cold.
b. He lost tissue from his hand in the accident.
2. 'So far' could be replaced by 'up until now'.
a. So far he has been very successful in his career.
b. We haven't been able to get a loan so far.
3. 'My children and husband have had it, but not me.' The last part of this sentence is a simplified way of speaking. It is equally normal to say 'but I haven't' at the end of the sentence, as I have already used the verb 'to have'. However, I think an easier way of completing the sentence is by saying 'but not me'. It is correct and also common use. Even if I had used the verb 'to do', I could have finished the sentence the same way.
a. They did it, but not me (but I didn't).
b. The class read the book, but not her (name).
4. 'Mind over matter' is a set phrase which means that you are trying to convince yourself, and control your own physical symptoms.
a. I was terrified of bungie jumping, but I used mind over matter, and I did it!
b. He doesn't like giving speeches, but with mind over matter he manages.
5. As with most languages, the word 'another' or other implies the repetition of a noun, so you don't have to mention it twice.
a. In my kitchen I found a mouse on one chair, and a spider on another!
b. He cut his finger on one knife, and his thumb on another.
6. 'As far away as possible' is an example of the phrase 'as ....as possible'. The words 'far away' might make it seem more complicated, but it's actually not. 'Far away' is simply put in between 'as' and 'as possible', like many, many other things.
a. He ran as fast as possible to catch the bus.
b. He always stands as close as possible to people, but his breath stinks!
c. She writes her essays as carefully as possible.
7. "Anna, you're the fastest moving thing in the store" this sentence uses 'moving thing' to add humor because it shows me as a thing and not a person. In fact, the speaker could have said just 'the fastest thing in the store' and missed out 'moving'. We use a superlative adjective with 'thing' in these sentences.
a. That child is the loudest thing in the whole shopping center.
b. That dog is the ugliest thing I've ever seen!
c. That article is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read!
8. 'Disinfecting wipes' are disposable cloths that have disinfecting liquid in them. The word 'wipe' is a verb, and a noun with two meanings: the action of wiping, and the cloth,
a. I need a 'baby wipe' to clean the baby.
b. Wipe your mouth, you have spaghetti sauce on it.
c. He cleaned the glass with one wipe.
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It's been a rough couple of weeks(1). My three boys have had the flu, and one of them has had two different kinds. As a mother, I try to do all that I can to make them comfortable: medicine, liquids, blankets, and peace and quiet(2). I try to give them some extra attention, if they want it. At times(3) I have taken their temperatures, asked them how they feel, felt their foreheads, and given them popsicles(4) for their sore throats. Sometimes, however, they have wanted to be left alone(5). I can understand that. As a mother, you have to become a judge of who will want what and when(6). My daughter gave me a good suggestion today, to help Robert feel better: buy him a teddy. He is ten years old, almost too 'cool' to have teddies, but not quite. And, of course, there are teddies and teddies(7). The one she chose for him is a gorilla with a tie and a big smile. That's perfect for an 'almost too cool boy'. It's soft, cuddly(8), and funny, but it's also masculine looking, and it goes well with his giant soft lion that he uses as a pillow. It was a good idea, I told Domini. It's a little, soft creature that wishes him well, with a huge smile to make him feel better.
1. 'A rough couple of weeks'. 'Rough' is a common word to describe a length of time that has been difficult.
a. This week has been rough at work.
b. The two years after the divorce were very rough.
2. 'Peace and quiet' is a set phrase that is used in both England and the U.S. The meaning is self-explanatory, but it should be noted that they often, automatically go together.
a. After a noisy week, I really need peace and quiet at the weekend.
b. When you have the flu, you need medicine, liquids, rest, and peace and quiet.
3. 'At times' is the same as saying 'sometimes', though it can indicate less occasions than 'sometimes'.
a. At times he looks happy, but then at other times he looks sad.
b. At times I really don't know if he is joking or not.
4. 'Popsicle' is like a cross between 'pop' and 'icicle'. It is a frozen lollipop, and comes in many different flavors and shapes.
a. In the Summer we always fill the freezer with popsicles.
b. Popsicles can help a sore throat feel better.
5. To be 'left alone' often goes with the word 'want', or it is phrased to show that the person desires to be alone. 'Left' indicates other people letting go, or permitting.
a. I just want to be left alone.
b. I'm sure he'll calm down if you leave him alone/ if he's left alone.
6. 'Who will want what and when' is an example of a string of interrogatives. Because I have already mentioned the medicines, blankets, liquids etc and the boys, I don't need to repeat these nouns. The sentence that is full of interrogatives is simply referring back to those nouns.
a. We have ham, cheese, salad, soup, and cake for everyone. Anyone can help themselves to what they want, when they want it.
b. I don't know why, when, or how this mess was made; I just want it cleaned up!
7. 'There are teddies and teddies' echoes a similar sentence that I discussed in a previous podcast. This sentence format is comparing equal things, but it implies that they are not equal. Some teddies are better than others.
a. We saw the musical Les Miserable. Of course there are musicals and there are musicals, but that's one of the best.
b. I wish you didn't buy that cheap ham. It's not all the same you know. There's ham and then there's ham.
8. 'Cuddly' is one of my favorite words. It means something that is easy to hug, perhaps even built to hug.
a. That homemade pillow is so cuddly; I could just hug it all day.
b. When our cat is sleepy, she is so cuddly.
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Some state lawmakers are pushing to ban(1) potentially(2) cancer-causing(3) chemicals from children's products and sofas. The two flame retardant(4) chemicals are known as TCEP and TDCCP and are found in car seats, strollers(5), changing pads(6), other children's products, and furniture. Manufacturers often add the chemicals to foam(7), plastics and fabrics to prevent fires and to slow down fires if they have already started. The chemical industry says that flame retardants have been useful in reducing fires and saving lives. However, supporters(8) of the bill say there are better ways to protect against fires without the chemicals.
1. 'To ban' is the similar in meaning to 'to forbid', 'to stop', or 'to not allow'.
a. Certain weapons are banned for civilian use.
b. Chewing gum is banned from the schools.
2. 'Potentially' means 'having the power to' or 'possibly'. It is a powerful word to use in the right context.
a. The new flu virus could potentially affect all of us.
b. The recession could potentially cause the cost of flights to double.
3. '-causing' can be added to many nouns, especially names of diseases.
a. The street party had lots of conflict-causing elements; I'm not surprised there was a riot.
b. Cholera-causing bacteria were found in the drinking water.
4. 'Flame retardant' is a set phrase used for particular chemicals that reduce the risk of fire. 'Retardant' means 'stopping' or 'slowing'.
a. Often, kids' pajamas are flame retardant.
b. Sofas also have a flame retardant chemical added to them.
5. 'Stroller' is the American word for a 'push chair' used to transport a baby or youngster while the parent is walking. It's basically a seat with wheels and handlebars at the top. The word is taken from the verb 'to stroll' which means to walk slowly.
a. It was such a lovely day that I put the baby in the stroller and walked in the park.
b. We need some equipment for the new baby, including a stroller.
6. 'A changing pad' is another piece of equipment or furniture used when a person has a baby. It is like a long, flat, waterproof pillow that you lay the baby on in order to change its diaper. The word 'pad' is used for many things, such as: a seat pad, a panty pad, a pad of paper. Also 'padding' is similar to a material filling, such as in a cushion. It can be used figuratively.
a. The changing pad needs to be disinfected after each use.
b. He's on a diet. He said that he has five pounds of padding on his stomach that he wants to lose.
7. 'Foam' is an aerated, bubbly substance that is either made out of rubber or plastic material, or an organic substance such as egg, toothpaste, or sea water. The padding in furniture is often made out of 'foam'.
a. The foam padding in the sofa has gone flat; it needs to be replaced.
b. There is a lot of foam on the waves today.
8. 'Supporters' are people who agree with a person, a group, or a cause. A supporter is also someone who helps financially.
a. The supporters of the presidential candidate filled the stadium.
b. It was the supporters of the Committee of Arts and Culture who paid for the statue.
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Farmers, ranchers(1) and county officials(2) from Eastern Washington said a plan to manage(3) wolves as they are re-established in the state has good ideas but doesn't go far enough to cover their potential losses(4) or protect their property. Wolves are making a remarkable comeback(5) in Washington. A year ago there were five confirmed wolf packs in the state: now there are eight confirmed packs and three more suspected (6)packs. But wolves will remain protected under Washington's endangered species(7) law until there are at least 15 packs for three years. In the meantime(8), the department has developed a management plan with farmers, ranchers, wildlife experts and conservationists to minimize damage caused by wolves to livestock(9) and domestic animals. It's a combination of nonlethal techniques to keep wolves away and capture and relocate them, and includes killing them under certain circumstances. Senator John Smith said the state should be ready to list wolves as a big game(10) species, which would allow for hunting when they reach a certain level.
1. A 'rancher' is usually a farmer who has cattle, sheep, or pigs.
a. The rancher takes his cows up to the mountains for the good grass.
b. The rancher uses sheep dogs to help him control and direct his sheep.
2. 'Official' refers to a person with a recognised position in government, and has sometimes been elected.
a. Local officials said that they will make safety their priority.
b.State officials met today to discuss the new tax laws.
3. 'To manage' in this context means to control. Managing the wolves would mean allowing them freedom to populate an area, but only up to a certain number.
a. The deer population in this area is managed by the department of fish and game.
b. Predatory animals need to be managed for our safety and to maintain healthy numbers of their prey.
4. 'To cover a loss' relates to insurance paying to replace valuable property or possessions, including livestock.
a. What we got from the insurance company will cover our loss of sheep.
b. We must cover our losses before we look for any profits.
5. 'A comeback', the meaning of which is self-explanatory, is often paired with the word 'remarkable', which means 'to be noted', 'astonishing', or 'surprising'.
a. The old singer has made a remarkable comeback, and still sings very well.
b. Tight jeans have made a comeback; I remember wearing them twenty years ago.
6. 'Confirmed and suspected'. Studies have been carried out to count the number of packs of wolves. The 'confirmed' packs are definitely there; the 'suspected' packs have not been proven to exist.
a. The suspected engagement of the Royal Prince and his girlfriend has been confirmed; they will marry in May.
b. Cadbury has confirmed international contracts for the next year of up to two billion dollars.
7. 'Endangered species' are the groups of animals that are in danger of extinction.
En - dangered spe - cies En - dangered spe - cies En - dangered spe - cies
8. 'In the meantime' is a handy phrase to add to a conversation. It means 'until then' or 'while we are waiting for that to happen'.
a. They'll get here in two hours; in the meantime, let's get the food ready.
b. We're still waiting for rain; in the meantime, the grass is getting dryer and dryer.
9. 'Livestock' means farmed animals of all kinds: cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, geese, chickens etc.
10. 'Game' is used in hunting terms to describe the animal as being available to be hunted. 'Big game' are the larger animals, of which the wolf would be one.
a. Does the hunter prefer small or big game?
b. He's a big game hunter; there are big heads all over his walls.
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Do you ever check your bills? It's a good practice(1), but sometimes seems unnecessary. If you do, however, you might find the occasional odd charge, or you might have a question about something on the bill that you don't recognize. That is exactly what happened to me last week when I took my dog, Rosie, to the vet. The poor thing had a skin infection of some kind. Apparently it was the result of an allergy. She obviously felt itchy because she would scratch herself all over. Well, the vet got to the bottom of (2)the problem, gave her a medicinal (3)bath and prescribed antibiotics and steroids. As I sat in the waiting room, I looked over(4) the bill and spotted(5) an item that immediately made me curious: an Elizabethan collar. I blinked because I thought I had misread(6) the words. An Elizabethan collar, no I wasn't mistaken; those were the words written, along with the pills, the bath, and the ear cleaning. A mental picture of Queen Elizabeth I came to my mind, with her wide, ruffled collar. What was she doing back there with the animals? Pet owners can never really know what is going on beyond(7) the waiting room. Perhaps the vet likes historical costumes....Maybe her assistants dress up all the animals to put on a Tudor play, “Ok people we need an Elizabeth, a Henry VIII, and a Mary Queen of Scots, … and a few servants and advisers of course. Rosie, if you want to play Elizabeth, make sure you put on her collar..., and get ready for that Armada scene, ok?” “Woof!” replies Rosie. Oh my! My imagination can certainly run wild(8) when I'm bored! So, I asked the lady behind the counter about the Elizabethan collar, and she told me that it's just a plastic cone that is put around the dog's head so it doesn't scratch it's ears. Oh, well that's disappointing. It's not even frilly(9). My idea was far more interesting.
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'A good practice' is something that you do that is beneficial, practical, or helpful.
a. It's good practice to double check that your doors are locked.
b. Helping your neighbors is a good practice.
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'To get to the bottom of...' is to find the solution or the answer.
a. The detective got to the bottom of the crime.
b. We need to get to the bottom of what happened.
-
'Medicinal' means 'of medicine'. It is used when we refer to a treatment.
a. He put a medicinal wrap on his wound.
b. That tea is medicinal; it has many health benefits.
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'To look over..' is often used when we talk about examining a document of some kind, a collection of information, or a list.
a. We looked over the plans for the house and found three things that we didn't like.
b. I looked over the phone bill; it was higher than last month.
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'To spot' something is 'to notice'.
a. I spotted her orange coat in the crowd.
b. I've spotted a family of doves in my back garden.
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'To misread' means to read incorrectly. The prefix 'mis' shows an error or negative slant given to the verb. Similar words are: mistake, mismanage, misinform. Notice, the past of 'to misread' is spelt exactly the same but pronounced 'misread'.
a. I misread the highway directions, and ended up in Canada instead of Idaho!
b. Read slowly so you don't misread the words.
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The use of 'beyond' here shows three things: distance, separation, and mystery. It is the context that gives 'beyond' those meanings. Normally, 'beyond' means 'further on from/ than', especially when you are giving directions. However, because 'beyond' often refers to a place that is not yet seen, there can be an element of mystery attached to it.
a. I love the series 'Stories from beyond the grave'; it's really scary.
b. God exists probably beyond space and time, beyond what we see.
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To have your 'imagination run wild' is an expression that is self explanatory.
a. When you write this descriptive essay, let your imagination run wild.
b. When the kids are playing, their imaginations run wild.
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'Frilly' refers to the 'ruffled' collar in the paragraph. It describes material that is folded, wavy, or doubled, often with delicate edges.
a. The edge of the skirt is frilly; it looks like a country dress.
b. Queen Elizabeth's collar was very wide and very frilly.
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Nationwide(1), metal theft has become a serious problem since about 2005, according to(2) a 2010 report on metal theft by the U.S. Department of Justice. That's when metal prices rose substantially(3). In 2002, for example, copper prices hit a record low(4), falling to 65 cents a pound. By 2006, it was worth $4 a pound, prompted mainly by the industrialization(5) of Asian countries. One figure(6) was available for copper losses. According to a survey, about $20 million worth of copper was stolen in(7) more than 50,000 incidents at U.S electric utilities in 2008. Another indicator comes from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which reports that claims(8) for metal theft are up significantly.
'Nationwide' is similar to 'nationally' or 'national'.
a. The program is being broadcast nationwide.
b. There will be educational improvements nationwide.
2. 'According to' is used in front of persons, organizations, or bodies of information, such as surveys or polls.
a. According to a recent survey, women prefer the color green to blue.
b. According to the boss, we can't have another raise.
c. According to the weather update, we will get snow tomorrow.
3. 'Substantially' is a difficult word to pronounce, so let's practice it in sections
Sub – stan – tially sub – stan – tially sub – stan – tially
4. 'Record low' similarly to 'record high', is used for financial decreases or losses, and also temperature changes. Occasionally, it is used for emotion.
a. Record low temperatures have been reported nationally.
b. The value of gold is at a record high.
c. He told me that his confidence is at a record low these days. ' 5. 'Industrialization' is a long word and needs to be practiced
In-dus-triali-zation In-dus-triali-zation In-dus-triali-zation
6. 'A figure' can be a shape, the shape of a person, or a number.
a. That dress suits her figure.
b. Write the correct name under each figure on the math sheet.
c. The latest figures show that the stock market has improved.
7. 'Copper was stolen in more than 50,000 incidents'. I'm going over this phrase to talk about the
use of 'in'. 'In' is referring to the incidents of theft, the occurrences 'in' which the thefts took place.
You will more usually hear the word 'from' with the verb stolen, because often we will mention the person or place 'from' which something was stolen.
a. The diamond was stolen from the museum.
b. Three cars crashed in the incident.
c. Five homes were lost in ten flooding incidents in the state.
8. 'A claim' is a noun, as opposed to the verb 'to claim', though both are obviously related. If you have suffered a loss due to fire, flooding, theft, or some kind of accident, you make or report a claim to your insurance company.
a. We will have to make a claim to the insurance company because of the fire.
b. They made claims that were false; they just wanted the insurance money.
"Mum, can you put in your password?" is a question that I hear almost on a daily basis. My kids are into apps in a big way(1). We are slowly getting sucked(2) into the app market. I allow my daughter to play on my iPhone every now and then(3). That's fine. There are lots of fun, creative apps that you can download for free, so we do(4). After a few days, however, the credits, or ammunition, or points, or whatever currency it is that you need to play the game, run out. Then my children look around to find their saviour, me. They suddenly remember how much they love me. They become very polite and very sweet, as they ask me to solve their problem of a lack of (5)credits. They do this with one eye on me, and one eye on my purse. Ha, ha! I have their full attention, the power of an emperor. Will it be thumbs up or thumbs down(6)? Exactly how nice(7) can they be to me if they really need those credits? May be they can vacuum the lounge, or clean out the cat's litter box(8). Or maybe I'll just have them kiss the ring on my right hand. Oh the power has gone to my head(9). I do realise that the older I get, the less power I will have. So, for now, I'll make the most of it(10). A few dollars here and there for app credits is fine; I let them buy them most of the time. It would only be a problem if I had an iron will. However, it is satisfying to know that my hand holds the purse strings(11).
1. 'To be into something in a big way' is an American expression for really liking something, or really practicing something.
a. My brother is into photography in a big way; he does it as often as he can, and he's very good at it.
b. They're into Minecraft in a big way; they play it everyday.
2. 'To get sucked into something' is an expression that means that you are slowly being forced to do something. You can get a mental image perhaps of stepping into mud and getting sucked into it. It is used figuratively, and implies that you are not happy about it.
a. I have been asked to be the president of the committee; I don't really want to, but I'm getting sucked into it.
b. He got sucked right into buying that car, but it was a bad one and broke down in two days.
3. 'Every now and then' is similar to saying 'sometimes' or 'occasionally'.
4. The verb 'to do' has many uses; one is emphasis.
a. They told us not to, so we didn't.
b. He won't let us eat in the lounge, so we don't.
5. 'A lack of' is not having enough of something.
a. The project cannot continue due to lack of money.
b. This talent show has a real lack of talent.
c. She has so many shoes that you won't believe it; she really does.
6. 'Thumbs up' is a phrase that is used sometimes to give approval of something. However, the 'thumbs up or thumbs down' is a reference to Roman Emperors and their 'life or death' use of this signal.
7. 'Exactly how + adjective / noun' is used a lot in both questions and statements to show doubt about someone's attributes, actions, abilities, or about something that has or will happen? It can show attitude, impatience, or sarcasm.
a. Exactly how clever is he supposed to be?
b. Exactly how late are they going to be?
c. Exactly where are we supposed to be?
d. Exactly how tall is he?
8. 'A litter box' is the box filled with a sandy substance that cats use as a toilet. I'm not sure why it's called a 'litter box'.
9. 'To have something go to your head' means that you become proud or fixated on an accomplishment?desire, and because of that, your behavior is affected.
a. He won the race, but his win went to his head and he spent the whole week bragging.
b. Don't let your new wealth go to your head; you might do something stupid.
c. She let his words go to her head; she was easily influenced.
10. 'To make the most of ....' means to either thoroughly enjoy something, or to take advantage of an opportunity.
a. I have nothing to do tonight; I'm going to make the most of it and relax.
b. We made the most of our free cruise; we tried all the food, and went to every activity.
11. 'My (someone else's) hands hold the purse strings' is a saying which means the person has control of the money. Purses used to have string tops instead of zips or buttons, so if your hand is holding the strings, you control when the purse is opened.
Facing powerful opposition to new gun laws, President Barack Obama is considering(1) 19 steps that he could take through executive action(2). The steps could include punishing(3) people who lie on gun sale background checks(4), getting more complete records in the federal background check database(5), more federal research into gun use, ordering tougher(6) penalties against gun trafficking, and giving schools flexibility to improve safety. "My starting point is not to worry(7) about the politics," said the President. "My starting point is to focus on what makes sense, on what works." At the same time Obama said that he will not back off(8) of his support for sweeping(9) gun legislation that requires congressional support. There is, however, great opposition from the very influential gun lobby(10). "Will all of these (changes) get through Congress? I don't know," Obama said at a news conference on Monday.
1. 'To consider' is to think about before making a decision. The word 'considering' is used a lot in English in the same way as 'understanding that' or 'taking into account'.
a. We're considering buying the house; we'll make a decision in a few weeks.
b. Considering the bank's past mistakes, I wouldn't invest in them.
2. 'Executive action' is the ability of the President to pass laws, or make changes to laws without Congress. This power is limited. The word 'executive' comes from the word 'to execute' meaning to put into action, and also to kill. It is, therefore, used as the title of the head of a company. The person who makes the decisions.
3. 'The steps could include punishing...' this sentence has a list of verbs, all in the gerund form. You wouldn't actually use the infinitive form of the verbs instead; the gerund sounds more normal.
a. To make a cabinet, the steps include buying and cutting the wood, finishing it, drilling holes, measuring, and putting it all together.
b. The steps to make a good cake should include buying good quality ingredients, and having the right setting on the oven.
4. 'A background check' is an investigation into someone's background or personal, past life. 'Background' is like the back scene of something, a picture, or a person.
a. You have to have a background check before you can become a teacher.
b. His background check revealed that he had been in prison for stealing.
5. 'Database' is a collection of information or 'data'. It is like a big file.
a. Your computer's database is full; you need to get more memory.
b. They lost information from their database.
6. 'Tough' or 'tougher' can be used when talking about penalties, punishments, laws, or luck.
a. He lost his job and then crashed his car; what tough luck!
b. We must have tougher punishments for violent crimes.
7. "My starting point is not to worry.." here you could say 'to not worry'. There is only a slight difference. If you want to emphasize that you are deliberately avoiding worrying, then it is more effective to have 'not' first. The other way around emphasizes the whole meaning rather than the negative of the verb.
a. I will control my classroom by not paying attention to noisy, distracting students.
b. They were advised not to go on the lake while it was frozen.
8. 'To back off' means to walk away from, to back away, to leave alone, or to forget. I have mentioned it before in a previous podcast. In this instant, it describes how President Obama doesnot want to walk away from proposed changes.
9. 'Sweeping ' is often used when talking about the making or changing of laws. When a big change is made it is described in this way.
a. Sweeping changes have been made to the way the office is run.
b. Sweeping legislation about school safety will be proposed.
10. 'Lobby' is a noun and a verb. The verb means to try and influence, and the noun is a group of people who do just that. It is also the entry into a hotel, where you book your room, or like an ante room or a gallery.
a. The environmentalists are lobbying for forest preservation.
b. The turkey protection lobby is asking for more rights for turkeys.
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We have a new addition to our house. It's a furry, playful little thing that, at the moment, is fast asleep(1). Lilly is her name, but I'm not sure if it suits(2) her. Most of the time 'mini monster' would suit her, as she hides around the corners, waiting for us, and then jumps out and attacks our ankles. Thankfully, she doesn't use her claws very much, and she's not big enough to do any damage, though she seems to think that(3) she's as big as the local mountain lions. We bought her a few weeks ago from the humane society, or the pound(4). She was, what they call, a throw-away(5)cat. They have so many of them in the pound; they're often not wanted, and so they are very cheap. When Lilly's not dashing(6) around, or attacking us, she naps. Well, of course she naps, she's a kitten. And then, everybody fights over her. We all want her to be on our laps(7) because she is so cute and warm and cozy. It's surprising what a comforting influence a cat can be. Mind you, our dogs would disagree. They are outside dogs, and only rarely(8) come in the house. Lilly has learned that a window can be the ultimate weapon. She stands at our glass door and stares, while on the other side, both dogs are going bananas, barking and jumping up and down, trying to get her. "Oh, what a fuss," she seems to think, as she licks her paw, gives them one last look, and climbs onto my lap.
1. 'Fast asleep' means to be deeply asleep. 'Fast' is an old English word meaning 'thoroughly', 'quickly', or 'deeply'. We often use 'fast' in this way when talking about something being thoroughly stuck (with glue).
a. The two pieces of wood are stuck fast and can't be separated.
b. When he is fast asleep, it's very difficult to wake him up.
2. 'To suit' means to go well with, to look good on, to complement, to seem natural with.
a. The landscaping really suits the house.
b. Red suits you; you look good in it.
3. '...seems to think that...' is a normal part of English speech, and is good to practice. It can be said as an observation, or it can be used humorously or ironically.
a. He seems to think that women don't have opinions of their own.
b. The Chancellor seems to think that the public loves to pay taxes.
4. 'The pound' is a nickname for the humane society, where unwanted animals are cared for and held up for adoption. It is obviously written and pronounced the same way as the currency and weight 'pound'.
a. Our pets came from the pound; they had been found on the road, and taken there for safety.
b. Some teenagers volunteer at the pound. They walk the dogs and play with the cats.
5. 'Throw-away' is a made up compound. It is self-explanatory, and used infront of items that are for sale.
a. I bought a throw-away camera for our vacation. When the film was used and developed, I threw it away.
b. Those are throw-away knives and forks; you can only wash and reuse them a few times, they they need to be thrown away.
6. 'To dash' is similar to 'to dart' which means to move very quickly and suddenly. 'Dashing' is also used as 'handsome'.
a. The cat dashes here and there around the house; you never know when she will do it.
b. He looks very dashing in that long, black coat.
7. 'Lap' is the top of your leg, between your knee and your hip. It is where a child or animal will sit, if they sit on you. In fact, we never say, "Come and sit on my leg"; we use the word 'lap'. The same word is also used in sports: a lap of a swimming pool (is one length), and a lap when running (is one circuit).
a. The cat sat on my lap and fell fast asleep.
b. We swam ten laps and then had a break.
8. 'Rarely' means not often. It is mainly used just before the verb.
a. We rarely go to the theatre, but I do love to go there.
b. There are coyotes in town, but you rarely see them because they are so well disguised.
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This following paragraph was taken from a home magazine that focuses on storage and using spaces well in the home.
It might seem, in this age of electronic books and computer tablets, that a library is an outdated (1)room to include in a home. But, it could be argued(2), that it is because we have so much noise and technology in our lives that we need a quiet room of books. Libraries are places of peace. When we are in them we need to whisper (3)and walk quietly. Sometimes they are the perfect place to go to when we want to be alone, or perhaps when we need time to think. In such moments(4), books are the perfect companions - not a TV and certainly not a computer. Books are silent and respectful(5) and their weight and even their smell can be comforting. Even though we are all attached to(6) e-books, most of us still have many real books in different parts of the house. Why not put them all in one place, and make that place special, cozy, and quiet. It would be a place to enjoy a new book, or an old favorite.
1. 'Outdated' is a funny combination of two words which together mean 'old fashioned' or 'no longer fashionable'.
a. Our house is so outdated; it's not historic, nor is it modern. It's just out of fashion.
b. Some people thinkt that curtains are outdated, but I think they are an important part of decor.
2. 'It could be argued' is like saying 'you could say' or 'the point could be made that...'
a. He is the laziest music student, but one could argue that he's the most talented.
b. The building is impressive, you could say that it is over-the-top.
3. 'To whisper' is one of my favorite verbs; it just means to talk very, very quietly. I like it because it sounds like its meaning.
a. Grandma is asleep; you should whisper.
b. The library rule is that everyone whispers.
4. 'In such moments' is like saying 'at times like these', or 'on these occasions'.
a. National holidays can bring us together. On these occasions we can enjoy being with family and friends.
b. Being stuck in an airport is no fun. At times like these it's really handy to have an iPhone.
5. 'Respectful' has a meaning that is easy to imagine: full of respect. It only has one meaning.
a. He is very respectful; he always listens carefully to whatever anyone says.
b. I wish they would be more respectful in this public area.
6. 'To be attached to' is an interesting expression which means that a person likes something very much. You can visualize the meaning of being connected to the thing you like.
a. I know my car is really old, but I'm very attached to it.
b. My neighbor is so attached to her five cats that she takes them everywhere, even to her doctor's apppointments!
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One of the great consolations(1) of the end of the year is a New Year's Eve party. We don't always go to a party on New Year's Eve. Sometimes we prefer to stay at home, by the fire, with good food and drink, family and maybe a few friends, and welcome the new year quietly. This December 31st, however, was different. We were invited to two parties, and we decided to go to both of them. The first was quiet and relaxed. A friend of mine, Barbara, was hosting(2) it, and she had decided that it should only be two hours long. It went from five o'clock until seven(3). She has two small children and wanted to be able to put them in bed by eight o'clock, which I understand. So, it was an unusual party, short and sweet(4). "The party will finish when it's New Year's in Sao Paolo" she joked. The next party was quite different. There were lots of people, lots of noise, food, music, drink, and games. This felt like a celebration. I bumped(5) into a few people I knew, and we caught up with eachother. Then the hostess of the party announced that we all had to go outside. There was a large wooden fire burning in a round fire pit; people were standing around it keeping warm. Large, colored paper rectangles were handed out to groups of three or four people. They gently opened them, and I could see that they were tissue paper (6)bags. But they weren't just bags. These groups of people then held them upside down and lit a pad(7) of paper that was attached to a small wire frame. The paper had some kind of flamable fluid in it that burned well, and filled the paper bags, or lanterns with hot air. After a few minutes each lantern lifted slowly into the air and we all cheered and clapped. It was a beautiful sight. About seventeen of them, of different colors, floated up into the night's sky. We were all moved by the scene; it seemed to symbolize part of us leaving, and new hopes rising, a silent prayer for the New Year.
1. 'Consolation' is a noun that means a 'benefit' or 'positive element that makes up for negative ones'.
a. He didn't win; he was second in the race. However, he got $2000 which was a great consolation.
b. We missed our plane, and got home late. Our only consolation was that there was no traffic.
2. 'To host' means to organise an event, and to be in charge of the location.
a. Toyota will be hosting an international party celebrating clean energy cars.
b. I'm going to host a surprise party for my best friend.
3. Often with expressions of time, we miss out the word 'o'clock'.
a. The movie starts at five thirty and finishes at seven.
b. We'll leave at six o'clock, so we should arrive at their place by eight.
4. 'Short and sweet' could be a literal description, but it is often used figuratively as 'conveniently brief and to the point'.
a. My doctor's appointment was short and sweet. She answered all my questions and explained everything without going on and on.
b. "Did you get your wall painted?"
"Yes, thanks. The project was short and sweet."
5. 'To bump into someone' can mean the literal act of knocking into someone, but it often means to meet someone by chance.
a. I was coming out of Safeway, and I bumped into my neighbor.
b. You'll never guess who I bumped into...my ex-husband.
6. 'Tissue paper' is a very fine, very breakable paper that is often used to fill up a gift bag.
a. Fill the bag with tissue paper so the present inside doesn't move around.
b. You can use tissue paper for many craft projects.
7. The word 'pad' has several meanings. 'A pad of paper' is like a small book of paper, pad being like a block. 'Pad' is also slang for a house/home. And 'cotton pads' are often used to cover injuries that have bled.
a. I need to buy each of my children 6 pads of writing paper for school.
b. Hey, this is a nice pad. How long have you lived here?
c. In the hospital they put cotton pads on his injuries and held them in place with bandages.
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