Distance is a tricky concept because it can refer to distance in space, time, emotions, or reality. In this post, I'll give you a few ways to use Close and Far.
The prepositions are "Close To" and "Far From". Don't confuse the two. Also, remember that the first nouns is the subject, and therefore emphasized.
Examples (Close To):
The supermarket is close to the liquor store. (space)
San Diego is close to the Mexican border. (space)
I'm close to finishing the project. I only need one more day. (time)
She said that she was close to a nervous breakdown. (time)
Even though they live in different cities, he's still close to his family. (emotion)
The boy is closest to his mother because his father works all the time. (emotion)
Note: When describing emotions, you can also say, "He and his family are close." or "The boy and his mother are close."
Examples (Far From):
Unfortunately, our hotel room is far from the beach. (space)
My home is far from my university. (space)
We dream of tourist flights into space, but this is far from a realization. (reality)
The battle is finished, but the war is far from over. (time)
Note: Commonly, far is only used for talking about space. For reality and time, you only use it to express a very long distance. Never use it for emotion.
Examples (Not Close To):
We've been working for days, but we're not close to finishing. (time)
I'm not close to my family. (emotion)
Note: When you express a long distance, it's often better to use not close to. In some situation, far is too strong of an expression.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Marriage and Graduation
The two subjects of this post show how an event and the resulting status can be confused. Once your wedding has taken place, you are married. After that, you continue to have a marriage. Once your graduation has taken place, you are a graduate. The easiest way to explain all of this is to give a succession of examples (Note: watch the prepositions). Enjoy!
Example (Marriage):
I am a married man.
I'm married to a lovely woman.
I have been married for five years now.
We were married in the summer of 2005.
Our wedding was in a church.
I believe we have a very happy marriage.
A good marriage takes a lot of work, but it's worth it.
Example (Graduation):
I am a graduate.
I graduated with honors.
I have been a graduate for five years now.
I graduated in the summer of 2005.
My parents came to my graduation.
My brother will graduate next year.
He is graduating from the same university I did.
Example (Marriage):
I am a married man.
I'm married to a lovely woman.
I have been married for five years now.
We were married in the summer of 2005.
Our wedding was in a church.
I believe we have a very happy marriage.
A good marriage takes a lot of work, but it's worth it.
Example (Graduation):
I am a graduate.
I graduated with honors.
I have been a graduate for five years now.
I graduated in the summer of 2005.
My parents came to my graduation.
My brother will graduate next year.
He is graduating from the same university I did.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Memory (part 2)
To Memorize means to commit something to memory.
To Remember means:
(#1) to recall information from memory.
(#2) to not forget something.
(#3) to put information into your memory (e.g. to commit something to memory).
As you see, memorize and remember (#3) have the same definition. However, in everyday English, they aren't used in the same way.
Memorize is commonly used when remembering long lists of information.
Example: I memorized all of the countries and their capitals.
Sylvia is trying to memorize all of the chemicals in the periodic table.
When I was younger, I wanted to memorize the entire dictionary.
Hot Tip!!!: In all of these examples, you can replace memorize with learn.
Remember is used much more broadly than memorize because it has several more meanings.
Example: I remember where he works, but I don't remember where he lives.
This is embarrassing. I can't remember my own phone number.
Do you remember your old friend Richard from middle school?
I didn't remember my girlfriend's birthday, and she broke up with me.
I have to remember a lot of information for the test next week.
I tried to remember what my mother said, but I couldn't.
Remember me when I'm gone!
To Remember means:
(#1) to recall information from memory.
(#2) to not forget something.
(#3) to put information into your memory (e.g. to commit something to memory).
As you see, memorize and remember (#3) have the same definition. However, in everyday English, they aren't used in the same way.
Memorize is commonly used when remembering long lists of information.
Example: I memorized all of the countries and their capitals.
Sylvia is trying to memorize all of the chemicals in the periodic table.
When I was younger, I wanted to memorize the entire dictionary.
Hot Tip!!!: In all of these examples, you can replace memorize with learn.
Remember is used much more broadly than memorize because it has several more meanings.
Example: I remember where he works, but I don't remember where he lives.
This is embarrassing. I can't remember my own phone number.
Do you remember your old friend Richard from middle school?
I didn't remember my girlfriend's birthday, and she broke up with me.
I have to remember a lot of information for the test next week.
I tried to remember what my mother said, but I couldn't.
Remember me when I'm gone!
Memory (part 1)
Memory is a grammatically difficult subject for many English learners.
The events and actions regarding memory are the same or similar, and we don't always know how to treat them separately. This is a short guide for how to do that.
Memory (uncountable) is the ability to record information or events, and the ability to recall them later.
Memory (countable) is a record of information or events. (pl. memories)
Hot Tip!!!: Since the ability to recall information and the information use the same word, try to use the plural "memories" when discussing the information.
For example:
"I have a bad memory." means you cannot recall information easily.
"I have bad memories of my childhood." means you recall negative events from your childhood.
In the same way, "I have a great memory." means you can recall information easily.
"I have great memories of my vacation." means you recall great events from your vacation.
If you want to discuss one particular memory (countable), it's probably better to use the word "experience."
Example:
"I have a bad memory of that date." (not preferable)
"I had a bad experience during that date." (good)
"The earthquake was the worst memory of my life."
"The earthquake was the worst experience of my life."
Also, it's possible to say "I have no memory of/from..." which is the countable form and means you cannot recall specific information or events.
Example:
"I have no memory of last night." means you probably drank too much and forgot what you did.
"I have no memory from that summer camp." means you went to a summer camp, but you can't recall anything about it.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Hot Tip!!!
The events and actions regarding memory are the same or similar, and we don't always know how to treat them separately. This is a short guide for how to do that.
Memory (uncountable) is the ability to record information or events, and the ability to recall them later.
Memory (countable) is a record of information or events. (pl. memories)
Hot Tip!!!: Since the ability to recall information and the information use the same word, try to use the plural "memories" when discussing the information.
For example:
"I have a bad memory." means you cannot recall information easily.
"I have bad memories of my childhood." means you recall negative events from your childhood.
In the same way, "I have a great memory." means you can recall information easily.
"I have great memories of my vacation." means you recall great events from your vacation.
If you want to discuss one particular memory (countable), it's probably better to use the word "experience."
Example:
"I have a bad memory of that date." (not preferable)
"I had a bad experience during that date." (good)
"The earthquake was the worst memory of my life."
"The earthquake was the worst experience of my life."
Also, it's possible to say "I have no memory of/from..." which is the countable form and means you cannot recall specific information or events.
Example:
"I have no memory of last night." means you probably drank too much and forgot what you did.
"I have no memory from that summer camp." means you went to a summer camp, but you can't recall anything about it.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Hot Tip!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Crying and Tears
Everybody has heard the verb to cry, but there are many more ways to express your sadness than just crying.
To sob means to cry with falling tears and gasping. Example: I woke up to the sound of my brother sobbing.
To shed a tear means that one teardrop has fallen down your cheek. To shed tears could mean several tears have fallen. Likewise, tears can roll down your cheek, or a stream of tears could be flowing down your cheek.
If tears flood your eyes, it means they are in your eyes, but haven't fallen. My eyes welled up with tears means exactly the same thing.
You can be teary-eyed and misty-eyed, which means your close to crying.
A tearjerker is a very sad movie.
However, if you want to appear strong, you can choke back the tears, which means you prevent yourself from crying.
Once you've finished crying, your eyes may be puffy or swollen.
So, have some ice cream and take a bath.
This too will pass. ^^
Lance Powell
To sob means to cry with falling tears and gasping. Example: I woke up to the sound of my brother sobbing.
To shed a tear means that one teardrop has fallen down your cheek. To shed tears could mean several tears have fallen. Likewise, tears can roll down your cheek, or a stream of tears could be flowing down your cheek.
If tears flood your eyes, it means they are in your eyes, but haven't fallen. My eyes welled up with tears means exactly the same thing.
You can be teary-eyed and misty-eyed, which means your close to crying.
A tearjerker is a very sad movie.
However, if you want to appear strong, you can choke back the tears, which means you prevent yourself from crying.
Once you've finished crying, your eyes may be puffy or swollen.
So, have some ice cream and take a bath.
This too will pass. ^^
Lance Powell
Thursday, June 24, 2010
"-ate" Verb Mistakes
Even with high level speakers, I hear a few common mistakes with "-tion" nouns that become "-ate" verbs. There are are many words that can be converted correctly. For example:
I made a donation.
I'm going to donate money.
The activation of the security system hasn't begun.
I'm going to activate the security system.
The extermination of the rodents will be messy.
We will exterminate the rodents brutally.
Sometimes, the noun and verb don't share the same meaning:
I'm going on vacation.
I'm going to vacate the country. (to vacate means "to leave an area, usually by public order or to avoid a disaster")
Some "-ate" verbs are incorrect. These are the four most common:
We had a conversation.
We conversed.
We conversated. (incorrect)
We need to make a reservation at a hotel.
We need to reserve a room.
We need to reservate a room. (incorrect)
I gave a presentation.
I presented a lot of information.
I presentated. (incorrect)
You're pronunciation is clear.
You pronounce your words very clearly.
You pronunciate very well.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect
I made a donation.
I'm going to donate money.
The activation of the security system hasn't begun.
I'm going to activate the security system.
The extermination of the rodents will be messy.
We will exterminate the rodents brutally.
Sometimes, the noun and verb don't share the same meaning:
I'm going on vacation.
I'm going to vacate the country. (to vacate means "to leave an area, usually by public order or to avoid a disaster")
Some "-ate" verbs are incorrect. These are the four most common:
We had a conversation.
We conversed.
We conversated. (incorrect)
We need to make a reservation at a hotel.
We need to reserve a room.
We need to reservate a room. (incorrect)
I gave a presentation.
I presented a lot of information.
I presentated. (incorrect)
You're pronunciation is clear.
You pronounce your words very clearly.
You pronunciate very well.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect
Monday, June 21, 2010
Care About or Care For
Today, let's discuss the phrasal verbs care about and care for, which is a major source of confusion for English learners.
Caring about something only refers to your feeling towards it. Example: #1) Soccer is a stupid sport and I don't care about the World Cup. #2) I care about the environment, but I feel powerless to do anything about it. #3) I send my children to an institute because I care about their education.
Caring for someone can be a very strong statement of your emotions, usually it is romantic. Example: I care for you, but I can't marry you.
Caring for something can also be an action, and mean that you are providing for their basic needs. Example: #1) I cared for my husband while he was sick. #2) My children need me and it's me duty to care for them.
However, to not care for something can mean you dislike it. (Note: it is a little formal, so most people use: "don't like") Example: #1) I don't care for caramel coffee. #2) I don't care for action movies.
That's it today.
Take care! ^^
Lance Powell
Caring about something only refers to your feeling towards it. Example: #1) Soccer is a stupid sport and I don't care about the World Cup. #2) I care about the environment, but I feel powerless to do anything about it. #3) I send my children to an institute because I care about their education.
Caring for someone can be a very strong statement of your emotions, usually it is romantic. Example: I care for you, but I can't marry you.
Caring for something can also be an action, and mean that you are providing for their basic needs. Example: #1) I cared for my husband while he was sick. #2) My children need me and it's me duty to care for them.
However, to not care for something can mean you dislike it. (Note: it is a little formal, so most people use: "don't like") Example: #1) I don't care for caramel coffee. #2) I don't care for action movies.
That's it today.
Take care! ^^
Lance Powell
Face
Hello All!
I hope you had a satisfying weekend.
Today's subject is expressions with face.
Poker face
Lately, many people are asking me how to use the expression, "Poker Face" (Thank you, Lady Gaga), so I would like to explain that first. You have a poker face when you are trying to hide your true emotions. In the game poker, you don't want people to know what's in your hand, so you hide your happiness or disappointment. In a similar fashion, there are times when you don't want people to know what you're thinking. Look at these examples:
#1) I told her I loved her, but she didn't show her emotion. She wore a poker face as she listened to me.
#2) I heard a rumor about massive firings at work. When I questioned my boss, he put on a poker face and said that he couldn't tell me anything.
Saving Face
When you try to save yourself from shame, embarrassment or humiliation, this is called saving face. This can involve a very serious situation, or minor embarrassment. For example:
#1) The man tripped in the middle of the street. He tried to save face by pretending he did it on purpose.
#2) The son betrayed his family. In order to save face, the father disowned his son and kicked him out of the house.
To Face (Your Fears)
When you use "face" as a verb, it literally means "to look towards". However, sometimes it means to deal with a situation courageously. Look at the following examples:
#1) The sofa in our living room faces the TV.
#2) The window to our apartment faces the river, so we have an excellent view.
#3) Everybody faces challenges within their life.
#4) If you are afraid of something, you can only improve by facing those fears.
#5) I've faced many hardships throughout my life.
#6) I can't face another day at work.
Face-to-Face
Lastly, face-to-face has the exact same meaning as "in person." However, it is not the same as "one-on-one", which only includes two people. Sometimes, face-to-face implies two people, but it can be more people. Look at these examples:
#1) I need you to understand the situation perfectly, which is why we're talking face-to-face now.
#2) I have news to tell you, but I want to wait until we can meet face-to-face.
I hope you had a satisfying weekend.
Today's subject is expressions with face.
Poker face
Lately, many people are asking me how to use the expression, "Poker Face" (Thank you, Lady Gaga), so I would like to explain that first. You have a poker face when you are trying to hide your true emotions. In the game poker, you don't want people to know what's in your hand, so you hide your happiness or disappointment. In a similar fashion, there are times when you don't want people to know what you're thinking. Look at these examples:
#1) I told her I loved her, but she didn't show her emotion. She wore a poker face as she listened to me.
#2) I heard a rumor about massive firings at work. When I questioned my boss, he put on a poker face and said that he couldn't tell me anything.
Saving Face
When you try to save yourself from shame, embarrassment or humiliation, this is called saving face. This can involve a very serious situation, or minor embarrassment. For example:
#1) The man tripped in the middle of the street. He tried to save face by pretending he did it on purpose.
#2) The son betrayed his family. In order to save face, the father disowned his son and kicked him out of the house.
To Face (Your Fears)
When you use "face" as a verb, it literally means "to look towards". However, sometimes it means to deal with a situation courageously. Look at the following examples:
#1) The sofa in our living room faces the TV.
#2) The window to our apartment faces the river, so we have an excellent view.
#3) Everybody faces challenges within their life.
#4) If you are afraid of something, you can only improve by facing those fears.
#5) I've faced many hardships throughout my life.
#6) I can't face another day at work.
Face-to-Face
Lastly, face-to-face has the exact same meaning as "in person." However, it is not the same as "one-on-one", which only includes two people. Sometimes, face-to-face implies two people, but it can be more people. Look at these examples:
#1) I need you to understand the situation perfectly, which is why we're talking face-to-face now.
#2) I have news to tell you, but I want to wait until we can meet face-to-face.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Kicked Out, Let Go, and Dumped
There are many expressions for getting rid of someone you don't want any more. However, different entities have different ways of getting rid of unwanted people.
to kick someone out - this can be permanent removal from your home, or from a place where you're not wanted at the moment.
Example:
#1a) My parents kicked me out of the house because I quit school.
#1b) The landlord kicked the tenant out because he didn't pay his rent.
#2a) I was kicked out of the bar for starting a fight.
#2b) They kicked the vagrant out of the building for sleeping in the restroom.
#2c) My girlfriend kicked me out of bed for eating crackers.
to let someone go - this means you've been fired from your job.
#1) My company let me go because I was habitually late to work.
to be dumped - this means your boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with you, ending the relationship.
#1) Marie dumped Ronnie because of his excessive drinking.
#2) My ex-boyfriend dumped me because he thinks I'm too materialistic.
to kick someone out - this can be permanent removal from your home, or from a place where you're not wanted at the moment.
Example:
#1a) My parents kicked me out of the house because I quit school.
#1b) The landlord kicked the tenant out because he didn't pay his rent.
#2a) I was kicked out of the bar for starting a fight.
#2b) They kicked the vagrant out of the building for sleeping in the restroom.
#2c) My girlfriend kicked me out of bed for eating crackers.
to let someone go - this means you've been fired from your job.
#1) My company let me go because I was habitually late to work.
to be dumped - this means your boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with you, ending the relationship.
#1) Marie dumped Ronnie because of his excessive drinking.
#2) My ex-boyfriend dumped me because he thinks I'm too materialistic.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Going on foot
Many English learners make a common error when talking about their mode of transportation.
Let's say, I ask you the question: "How did you get here today?"
You can answer: "I came here...by car, by bus, by subway, by bicycle, by train, by taxi, by plane, by UFO, by jet, by rocket..."
However, if you are healthy or environmentally conscious, you might prefer to walk. In this case, the answer is not "by walking." The correct answer is: "on foot."
Still, if you want to avoid prepositions, you can use the expression "I took..." for public transportation. Example: I took a bus. I took a taxi. I took the subway. I took a ferry...
Let's say, I ask you the question: "How did you get here today?"
You can answer: "I came here...by car, by bus, by subway, by bicycle, by train, by taxi, by plane, by UFO, by jet, by rocket..."
However, if you are healthy or environmentally conscious, you might prefer to walk. In this case, the answer is not "by walking." The correct answer is: "on foot."
Still, if you want to avoid prepositions, you can use the expression "I took..." for public transportation. Example: I took a bus. I took a taxi. I took the subway. I took a ferry...
Almost, Most, Mostly, Most of the Time
This is a short guide on how to use: almost, most, mostly and most the time. These terms are often used erroneously in sentences. Read the following examples and practice using them.
#1)
Most penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = more than 50% of penguins have black feathers)
Most mothers love their children.
(meaning = more than 50% of mothers love their children)
#2)
Most of the time, penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = same as #1. more than 50% of penguins have black feathers)
Most of the time, mothers love their children.
(meaning #1 = more than 50% of mothers love their children)
(meaning #2 = mothers spend more time loving their children than not loving their children)
#3) Almost all penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = close to 100% of all penguins have black feathers)
Almost all mothers love their children.
(meaning = close to 100% of all mothers love their children)
#4)
Penguins have mostly black feathers.
(meaning = some of the individual feathers are more than 50% black)
Mothers mostly love their children.
(meaning = not clear. perhaps, mothers love their children, but their love is mixed with other emotions.)
Common Errors:
#1) Most of penguins have black feathers. Most of mothers love their children.
#2) Almost penguins have black feathers. Almost mothers love their children.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect
#1)
Most penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = more than 50% of penguins have black feathers)
Most mothers love their children.
(meaning = more than 50% of mothers love their children)
#2)
Most of the time, penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = same as #1. more than 50% of penguins have black feathers)
Most of the time, mothers love their children.
(meaning #1 = more than 50% of mothers love their children)
(meaning #2 = mothers spend more time loving their children than not loving their children)
#3) Almost all penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = close to 100% of all penguins have black feathers)
Almost all mothers love their children.
(meaning = close to 100% of all mothers love their children)
#4)
Penguins have mostly black feathers.
(meaning = some of the individual feathers are more than 50% black)
Mothers mostly love their children.
(meaning = not clear. perhaps, mothers love their children, but their love is mixed with other emotions.)
Common Errors:
#1) Most of penguins have black feathers. Most of mothers love their children.
#2) Almost penguins have black feathers. Almost mothers love their children.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
It's my lucky day!
Today, one of my conversation classes had the topic of casinos, and I thought it would be appropriate to talk about luck. These are some common expressions for luck.
#1) Your luck is rubbing off on me.
Explanation: If you are around someone who is lucky and, like them, you start to experience good luck.
#2) It's my lucky day!
Explanation: Some days it seems like only good things are happening to you. Use this expression on these days.
#3) Better luck next time.
Explanation: You failed in this attempt, but next time could be better.
#4) Wish me luck.
Explanation: I'm doing something that requires luck, so please give me your support.
#5) good luck charm - This is any item that brings you good luck, such as: a piece of your baby blanket, a lucky coin, a rabbit's foot, a four-leaf clover, etc.
#6) "to be lucky" vs. "to get lucky"
Be careful with these expressions. Of course, "to be lucky" is the state of having luck.
However, "to get lucky" is commonly used for convincing someone to have sex with you.
For example:
"I'm going to the horse track today, and I think I'll be lucky." means that you expect to win money at the race track.
"I'm going to the horse track today, and I think I'll get lucky." means that you expect to have sex at the race track.
This is a small difference, but it can be very significant, for both you and the horse.
Good luck, everyone!
~~Lance
#1) Your luck is rubbing off on me.
Explanation: If you are around someone who is lucky and, like them, you start to experience good luck.
#2) It's my lucky day!
Explanation: Some days it seems like only good things are happening to you. Use this expression on these days.
#3) Better luck next time.
Explanation: You failed in this attempt, but next time could be better.
#4) Wish me luck.
Explanation: I'm doing something that requires luck, so please give me your support.
#5) good luck charm - This is any item that brings you good luck, such as: a piece of your baby blanket, a lucky coin, a rabbit's foot, a four-leaf clover, etc.
#6) "to be lucky" vs. "to get lucky"
Be careful with these expressions. Of course, "to be lucky" is the state of having luck.
However, "to get lucky" is commonly used for convincing someone to have sex with you.
For example:
"I'm going to the horse track today, and I think I'll be lucky." means that you expect to win money at the race track.
"I'm going to the horse track today, and I think I'll get lucky." means that you expect to have sex at the race track.
This is a small difference, but it can be very significant, for both you and the horse.
Good luck, everyone!
~~Lance
Sunday, June 13, 2010
How do I...? How can I...?
Many English students use the phrase "how can I" to discuss ability, instructions or directions. In a question, this isn't incorrect, but it's certainly incorrect in the answer.
Example:
How can I fix my computer? (OK, but not preferred)
I don't know how can I fix my computer. (incorrect)
Since the uses for "can" are confusing to many people, it's best avoided wherever possible.
Correct Examples:
How do I fix my computer? (correct)
I don't know how to fix my computer. (correct)
#1) How do I get to the bank from here?
#2) I know how to swim, but I'm not very good at it.
#3) I don't know how to play the guitar, but I can play the piano.
#4) How do I make you love me?
#5) I don't know how to speak Chinese.
#6) I'm learning how to drive a car.
Practice using it.
It's the best way to learn.
~~Lance Powell
P.S.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect
Example:
How can I fix my computer? (OK, but not preferred)
I don't know how can I fix my computer. (incorrect)
Since the uses for "can" are confusing to many people, it's best avoided wherever possible.
Correct Examples:
How do I fix my computer? (correct)
I don't know how to fix my computer. (correct)
#1) How do I get to the bank from here?
#2) I know how to swim, but I'm not very good at it.
#3) I don't know how to play the guitar, but I can play the piano.
#4) How do I make you love me?
#5) I don't know how to speak Chinese.
#6) I'm learning how to drive a car.
Practice using it.
It's the best way to learn.
~~Lance Powell
P.S.
Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Hooray!
In honor of Korea's first victory in the World Cup. I want to teach you a few verbs for supporting athletes, performers, etc.
#1a) to cheer for someone - This is yelling, screaming and shouting your support for a team or athlete, hoping that they will win. Example: I cheered loudly for the Korean soccer team during the game.
#1b) to cheer someone on - This is similar to "to cheer for", but it suggests that you know the person you're cheering for personally. Example: My mother cheered me on during my soccer game.
#2) to root for someone - This is simply hoping that a particular team will win, but may not include cheering. Example: I rooted for Korea when they played against Greece.
#3a) to applaud for someone - This is clapping, usually reserved for a performance and not sports. Example: The audience applauded for the actors when the play was finished.
#3b) to applaud someone for something - This is a little different than "applaud for", as it can be used as a synonym for "congratulate" or "honor". There is no actual clapping in this case. Example: The teacher applauded his students for their hard work.
#4) to go wild - The fans are really excited and showing their support intensely, through wild screaming, dancing, crying, etc. Example: Korea scored a goal in the first five minutes, and the fans went wild.
That's all for today. And Korea, good luck against Argentina! Really...good luck.
~~Lance Powell
#1a) to cheer for someone - This is yelling, screaming and shouting your support for a team or athlete, hoping that they will win. Example: I cheered loudly for the Korean soccer team during the game.
#1b) to cheer someone on - This is similar to "to cheer for", but it suggests that you know the person you're cheering for personally. Example: My mother cheered me on during my soccer game.
#2) to root for someone - This is simply hoping that a particular team will win, but may not include cheering. Example: I rooted for Korea when they played against Greece.
#3a) to applaud for someone - This is clapping, usually reserved for a performance and not sports. Example: The audience applauded for the actors when the play was finished.
#3b) to applaud someone for something - This is a little different than "applaud for", as it can be used as a synonym for "congratulate" or "honor". There is no actual clapping in this case. Example: The teacher applauded his students for their hard work.
#4) to go wild - The fans are really excited and showing their support intensely, through wild screaming, dancing, crying, etc. Example: Korea scored a goal in the first five minutes, and the fans went wild.
That's all for today. And Korea, good luck against Argentina! Really...good luck.
~~Lance Powell
Friday, June 11, 2010
Compared to and Compared with
Today, one student asked me when you can use 'compared to' and 'compared with'. At that moment, I didn't have an answer. Now, I've done my research and this is it:
"compared to" is used when equating two things as whole.
Example: The proud father compared his daughter to an angel.
(e.g. The proud father thinks his daughter is like an angel.)
"compared with" is used when making an in-depth comparison.
Example: The proud father compared his daughter with an angel. He decided they were similar because they're both beautiful, but dissimilar because angels have wings and his daughter doesn't.
Other times, using "with" or "to" is commonly done by native speakers, so don't dwell on it.
Example: The weather very cold compared with/to yesterday.
~~Lance
"compared to" is used when equating two things as whole.
Example: The proud father compared his daughter to an angel.
(e.g. The proud father thinks his daughter is like an angel.)
"compared with" is used when making an in-depth comparison.
Example: The proud father compared his daughter with an angel. He decided they were similar because they're both beautiful, but dissimilar because angels have wings and his daughter doesn't.
Other times, using "with" or "to" is commonly done by native speakers, so don't dwell on it.
Example: The weather very cold compared with/to yesterday.
~~Lance
An English Blog - - Statement Of Purpose
Hello Visitors,
My name is Lance and I've been teaching at an English institute in Seoul for the past year. I teach adults and, while my classes are usually conversational, I do include a large amount of error correction.
As you can imagine, I've heard quite a number of mistakes by English learners. Many are common mistakes specific to Korean students, but I encounter other mistakes which are unique and, quite frankly, hilarious.
I'm starting this blog because I want to make my students, past and present, aware of the most common English problems and be able to fix them. Of course, this blog is free and open to anybody. My only hope is that people find it useful or somehow interesting.
I'll make an effort to include a post every workday.
Enjoy! ~~Lance Powell
My name is Lance and I've been teaching at an English institute in Seoul for the past year. I teach adults and, while my classes are usually conversational, I do include a large amount of error correction.
As you can imagine, I've heard quite a number of mistakes by English learners. Many are common mistakes specific to Korean students, but I encounter other mistakes which are unique and, quite frankly, hilarious.
I'm starting this blog because I want to make my students, past and present, aware of the most common English problems and be able to fix them. Of course, this blog is free and open to anybody. My only hope is that people find it useful or somehow interesting.
I'll make an effort to include a post every workday.
Enjoy! ~~Lance Powell
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