English Class
What are you doing? Whatever it is - grab a pen or run your fingers on the keyboard and start writing anything - I am sure you will enjoy and live this moment!
Words of the day
Beeline v. To move quickly in a direct, straight course. All the young, cheerful cyclists were beelining to win the race.
Jeepers interj. Used to express annoyance or surprise. (Alteration of Jesus.) Jeepers! Were you supposed to come so late to this home? Sarah and John, this is your 7th child, Jeepers!
Decapitate v. To cut off the head from the body, behead. Decapitating was prevalent in the olden days.
Idioms of the day
Be a dead cert (this is British, Australian and informal): To be certain to happen or achieve something. John was a dead cert to win the match.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating: Something that you say which means that you cannot judge the value of a thing until you have tested it. Both the car models appeared excellent but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
A magic wand: An easy way to solve a difficulty. There is no magic wand that could solve your problem.
Combinations of words
Adventurous mind: Tom has an adventurous mind, he remains eager to invite danger.
A curious and inexplicable uneasiness: Before getting the results of my exams, I was in a curious and inexplicable uneasiness.
Comforting assurance: Dispelling Sarah’s fears, doctor told that her illness isn’t long-lasting, which was a comforting assurance for her.
The class is over. Pack up your bag baggage and all!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Peculiarities and Sayings of English Language
Peculiarities and Sayings of English Language
Difference between ‘ex and ‘former’. Careful scholars point out that even many great scholars are caught napping while using these words. They say we can have only one ‘ex-Secretary-General’ and several ‘former Secretary-Generals’ of United Nations. This is because when we say ‘ex-Secretary-General ’, we mean the Secretary-General which was just before the present Secretary-General. For example, Mr Kofi Annan is the ex-Secretary-General, because he was just before the present Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon; whereas those who were before Mr Kofi Annan such as Mr Boutros-Ghali, Mr Kurt Waldheim, Mr U Thant etc. are all former Secretary-Generals.
Difference between ‘talk to’ and ‘talk with’. ‘Talk to’ is used in common matters. For example, we can say ‘John talked to Joseph about the cricket match.’ ‘Talk with’ is used in serious matters. ‘The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talked with President Obama about the economic meltdown.’
Difference between ‘towards’ and ‘toward’. Both are correct. ‘Towards’ is used in British English and ‘toward’ in American English.
Difference between ‘murder’ and ‘manslaughter’. ‘Murder’ is carried out in a thoughtful manner and has a motive. For example, ‘some murder their relatives because of property.’ ‘Manslaughter’ is used when the killing may not be intentional. ‘A drunkard is charged for manslaughter as he crashed his car into the sidewalk and killed a man.’
Using ‘Irregardless’. This word, which is used in the informal American English, has stirred up a lot of controversy. The word ‘irregardless’, scholars argue, is senseless because the prefix ‘ir’ means ‘not’ and the suffix ‘less’ means ‘without’. Many dictionaries don’t include this word. Better, don’t use it.
Sayings
You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. This saying means that sometimes if you want to make or achieve something, you cannot do it without sacrificing or destroying another thing.
Many a true word is spoken in jest. This saying means that something said as a joke can be sensible and true.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. This saying means that there is no point in saying that we didn’t know that the thing we did was illegal.
A word to the wise is enough. This saying means that a very short warning or explanation to the wise is enough.
The tide must be taken when it comes. This saying means that we should make the best use of all the opportunities when they come, otherwise it would be too late.
Difference between ‘ex and ‘former’. Careful scholars point out that even many great scholars are caught napping while using these words. They say we can have only one ‘ex-Secretary-General’ and several ‘former Secretary-Generals’ of United Nations. This is because when we say ‘ex-Secretary-General ’, we mean the Secretary-General which was just before the present Secretary-General. For example, Mr Kofi Annan is the ex-Secretary-General, because he was just before the present Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon; whereas those who were before Mr Kofi Annan such as Mr Boutros-Ghali, Mr Kurt Waldheim, Mr U Thant etc. are all former Secretary-Generals.
Difference between ‘talk to’ and ‘talk with’. ‘Talk to’ is used in common matters. For example, we can say ‘John talked to Joseph about the cricket match.’ ‘Talk with’ is used in serious matters. ‘The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talked with President Obama about the economic meltdown.’
Difference between ‘towards’ and ‘toward’. Both are correct. ‘Towards’ is used in British English and ‘toward’ in American English.
Difference between ‘murder’ and ‘manslaughter’. ‘Murder’ is carried out in a thoughtful manner and has a motive. For example, ‘some murder their relatives because of property.’ ‘Manslaughter’ is used when the killing may not be intentional. ‘A drunkard is charged for manslaughter as he crashed his car into the sidewalk and killed a man.’
Using ‘Irregardless’. This word, which is used in the informal American English, has stirred up a lot of controversy. The word ‘irregardless’, scholars argue, is senseless because the prefix ‘ir’ means ‘not’ and the suffix ‘less’ means ‘without’. Many dictionaries don’t include this word. Better, don’t use it.
Sayings
You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. This saying means that sometimes if you want to make or achieve something, you cannot do it without sacrificing or destroying another thing.
Many a true word is spoken in jest. This saying means that something said as a joke can be sensible and true.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. This saying means that there is no point in saying that we didn’t know that the thing we did was illegal.
A word to the wise is enough. This saying means that a very short warning or explanation to the wise is enough.
The tide must be taken when it comes. This saying means that we should make the best use of all the opportunities when they come, otherwise it would be too late.
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