itch and scratch

Many English learners use the terms itch and scratch incorrectly. The most common error is using the word itch in place of scratch. This is how to use the terms correctly.

to itch (verb) - is a physical sensation.
I have been wearing the same shirt for three days and now my skin itches.
I didn't take a shower this morning, so my scalp itches.

itchy (adj) - describes an object that makes you itch.
While playing in the beach, I got sand in my hair and it was itchy.
I don't like to wear that sweater because it's itchy.

itch (noun) - is a part of your body that itches.
I have an itch on my back. I should clean my sheets.
I have an itch on my toes. I think it's a mosquito bite.

to scratch (verb) - is the action that relieves your itch.
I scratched the mosquito bite too much, and now it's swollen.
There's an itch on my back, but I can't reach it. Would you scratch it for me?


Scratch Alternatives
scratchy (adj) - is usually used just to describe voices.
I was sick last weekend and my voice is still scratchy.

scratched (adj) - can be used to describe some objects.
I will not buy this record. It is scratched.
My friend borrowed my DVD, and now it's scratched.

Traffic Terms Pt. 1

The road is a dangerous place, and it comes with its own vocabulary. Try some of the phrases below:

Having the Right-of-way means that you have the right to go first.

To cut SO off means to move quickly into another lane, causing someone to slow down or stop.

A collision happens when something violently strikes something else.

Combined Example: I clearly had the right-of-way, but the car cut me off, nearly causing a collision.

To speed up simply means to go faster.

To ram into someone means to hit someone with intent.

Road rage is the feeling of extreme and uncontrollable anger when driving.

Combined Example: I was so angry that I sped up and rammed into him. I suppose you can call that road rage.

Heavy traffic is what you experience when the roads are extremely busy.

A traffic jam happens when everyone has stopped moving completely.

Combined example: Right now, there’s heavy traffic downtown, but we’re still moving. At least, it isn’t a traffic jam.

To double park means to park next to a car that is parked next to the sidewalk. You cannot do this for long periods of time because the car next to the sidewalk cannot pull out.

To back up means to move backwards in a car.

Combined example: We were double parked on the street, so I had to back up to let him out.

Schedule and Appointments

Your schedule is the list of "things" you need to do throughout the day. It is normally organized by day and time. Those "things" are called appointments. Look at the following dialogue to see the difference:

Person A: Are you busy these days?
Person B: Yes, I have a busy schedule.
Person A: Are you free at 10am tomorrow?
Person B: No, I already have an appointment at 10am, and another one at 11am.
Person A: Would you like to get some lunch then?
Person B: Sorry, I already have a lunch appoinment with my boyfriend.
Person A: You have a boyfriend?


Hot Tip!!! You can use the words together to make the verb schedule an appointment. It has the same meaning as make an appointment.

Example: I tried to schedule an appointment with my psychiatrist, but she was on vacation.


Next, there are some expressions for a busy schedule and a not-so busy schedule:

Busy:
I have a full schedule tomorrow. (no free time)
My schedule is packed. (no free time)
I have a hectic schedule. (busy)
My schedule is tight. (very little gap between appointments)

Not-so Busy: My schedule is open. (a lot of free time)
My schedule is flexible. (I have things to do, but I can do them at different times.)

Korean Vocabulary Errors

There are two common Korean vocabulary errors when translating the words, NOL-DA and JAE-MEET-DA. I've heard these mistakes even at a high level.

#1) NOL-DA means to play in English. However, when you become a teenager, you don't really play anymore. As an adult, you usually hang out. Although, you can play something if it's a specific, like a board game or sport.

Examples:
When my sister and I were young, we liked to play with dolls.
The children spent all afternoon playing in the park.

I played basketball in university.
Let's play Monopoly. I haven't played that game in about 10 years.

I hung out with my friends on Friday night.
If you have the chance, let's hang out after work.



#2) JAE-MEET-DA means three different things in English: funny, fun, interesting. These all have different meanings in English, and they should definitely be treated separately. Individually, they have more than one meaning, but I think a rough guide will be more useful than a full description.

If something is fun, it makes you happy and you enjoy it/them.
Example: I had a fun time last night, and I hope we can do it again.
Let's have some fun at the amusement park next weekend.
Barry is a really fun guy, and I hope to see more of him.

If something is funny, it makes you laugh.
Example: The movie was funny, and I couldn't stop laughing.
Jerry is a funny guy. He's always telling jokes.

If something is interesting, it makes you think.
Example: The class was interesting. I feel like I got a lot of new ideas.
The book was very interesting. I couldn't put it down.
Perry is really interesting. I could listen to him talk for hours.


Note: This is a rough guide to fun, funny, and interesting. Consult your dictionary if you think you need more details.

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