I lit a candle in my apartment, (to light a candle/fire/cigarette)
but I forgot to blow out the candle. (to blow out a candle/flame)
The candle tipped over and started a fire. (to start a fire)
The flames spread very quickly. (flames/fire spread)
Luckily, I put out the fire before it burned down my house. (to put out a fire)
Since then, I have kept a fire extinguisher in my house.
Fire prevention has become a priority for me.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Swearing and Slang
In English, there's a collection of words you can't say on TV.
Example: f*ck, sh*t, son of a b*tch, and so on.
When using these words, many English learners incorrectly refer to it as slang. It is not slang. Slang is an informal idiom. For example, if I say "No sweat", it means "No problem. I can do it." And a "couch potato" is someone who watches a lot of TV.
If you use one of the aggressive or offensive words above it is called swearing or cursing. Swearing is the most common term, so it's best to use that. You may also use the adjective and say, swear words, curse words, or even bad words and dirty words.
Examples: #1) He swore at his boss and he got fired. #2) I said a swear word to my mother and she hit me. #3) My little sister said a bad word, and she got in trouble.
There are also a few ways to refer to someone who swears a lot. Examples:
#1) He has a foul mouth. He is foul-mouthed.
#2) My girlfriend has a dirty mouth.
#3) The little boy had a potty mouth.
#4) My roommate has a filthy mouth.
#5) My mother swears like a sailor.
Example: f*ck, sh*t, son of a b*tch, and so on.
When using these words, many English learners incorrectly refer to it as slang. It is not slang. Slang is an informal idiom. For example, if I say "No sweat", it means "No problem. I can do it." And a "couch potato" is someone who watches a lot of TV.
If you use one of the aggressive or offensive words above it is called swearing or cursing. Swearing is the most common term, so it's best to use that. You may also use the adjective and say, swear words, curse words, or even bad words and dirty words.
Examples: #1) He swore at his boss and he got fired. #2) I said a swear word to my mother and she hit me. #3) My little sister said a bad word, and she got in trouble.
There are also a few ways to refer to someone who swears a lot. Examples:
#1) He has a foul mouth. He is foul-mouthed.
#2) My girlfriend has a dirty mouth.
#3) The little boy had a potty mouth.
#4) My roommate has a filthy mouth.
#5) My mother swears like a sailor.
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