A big _________ – someone important Choose the right answer: arrogant blockhead flower fish scroll down for the answer scroll some more The right answer is: ®Mary Vertulfo&EwaS fish. (Yup, most of us are only small fish = small fry.) Here are some examples of how you… Continue reading Instant Idiom: A big ________
Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary/Expressions, Plus Quiz By Jacqueline Schaalje ®Mary Vertulfo&EwaS Fashion trends are everywhere we go—on television, in magazines, on the billboards we pass by every day, and on the people we pass walking down the street. Some people want to follow the latest fashion slavishly. Others really can’t be bothered. They wear whatever… Continue reading Follow Your Own Fashion
Reason and Result with So and Because Nicola By Jacqueline Schaalje Some learners of English think that so means the same as because. No, sorry, that doesn’t work. In fact, so and because are opposites. Consider the following sentences: I got the job, because I had the right experience. Or: Because I had the right… Continue reading So?
apoplectic (adjective) – very angry apoplectically (adverb) – very angrily Petras Gagilas Examples of how you can use this word: My parents were apoplectic when they discovered I had slept in their bed. Don’t you know she gets an apoplectic fit if she sees you biting your nails? He started throwing furniture around apoplectically.
revere (verb) – respect or admire deeply revered (adjective) – respected deeply reverence (noun) – deep respect Mark Fischer Examples: “At least one third of the population … reveres every sort of holy man” (Rudyard Kipling). The journalist is revered by his readers who drink in his every word. The pupils revered their teacher so much, that they were cross when a replacement came to teach them while she was taking maternity leave.… Continue reading Word to the Wise: revere
Walls have _________ – People are listening, also in situations where you are not aware of it. Choose the right answer: ears eyes stones bricks scroll down for the answer scroll some more The right answer is: moonjazz ears. (Some people say: The walls have ears.) Here are… Continue reading Instant Proverb: Walls have _______
spur (noun) – a sharp object attached to a rider’s boot to make the horse go (faster). Or: something that motivates. Spur (on) (verb) – to make a horse go (faster), to motivate/stimulate Vince Alongi Examples: The rider has spurs attached to his boots, but he claims he never strikes his horse with them. Lack of work… Continue reading Word to the Wise: spur
This is for advanced or expert learners of English By Jacqueline Schaalje In a student exam I found the following sentence: “I’ve read the manual three times to make sure I’m doing everything well, but still the microphone isn’t working both on my laptop and on my brother’s PC.” What is wrong here? Looks like… Continue reading Nor: The Forgotten Word
paediatrics (Br.)/paediatrics (Am.) (noun) – medical care for children paediatrician/pediatrist (noun) – a doctor for children paediatric/pediatric (adjective) – connected to medical care for children Eden, Janine and Jim Examples: After finishing his internship in paediatrics, Edwin became even more interested in child development. When Loretta was only 12 months, his paediatrician diagnosed her with autism.… Continue reading Word to the Wise: paediatrics/pediatrics
tantrum (noun) – a show of anger, by or like a child Examples: When I told Emma she couldn’t have another ice cream she threw a tantrum. It took a long time before she would stop crying. What’s all the banging on tables and slamming with doors? Oh, it’s the boss throwing a tantrum. When he’s… Continue reading Word to the Wise: tantrum
English with a Smile 