Lesson 105: Useful Verbs

Useful Verbs: Cram

 

meaning:  to fill completely, to overfill (both for physical space, mental space and time)

often this does not mean carefully filling, but quickly, squeezing everything in.

examples

space

I crammed all the luggage into the trunk and left for the airport.

I crammed all my clothes into my suitcase before my trip.

He had crammed so much stuff into the cupboard that I couldn't close the door.

time

I am going to cram two weeks worth of sightseeing into three days.

Because my vacation is short, I am going to have to cram everything in.

mental space (often used when studying for an exam)

I have to cram tonight because the exam is tomorrow.

I have crammed the definition of every word into my brain.

 

useful synonyms:

jam packed (adjective)

example:  My day is jam packed with fun.

Lesson 104--take advantage of someone/something

take advantage of someone or something

this phrasal verb has positive and negative connotations.

 

positive:  to make the most of an opportunity, chance or situation.

i.e.       He took advantage of his boss' absence to make some important changes.

            Take advantage of all your free time to study more.

negative: to use or exploit someone or something unfairly for your gain.

i.e.       He took advantage of his mother's guilt and made her cook for him.

            Carmen took advantage of her brother to get a ride to school.

            People take advantage of his generosity all the time.

Lesson 103--Preposition Quiz

 

 

Yes, it's that time again.  Time for you to take a quiz.  How well do you know your prepositions?  Here are fifteen challenging questions.  Once you have answered, click on the quiz answers button in the top right corner.  Don't forget to check your answers, because there are some surprises.

1. He tried to run away____ his problems, but couldn't.
2. Maria put the pen __ the edge ___ the table.
3. Scott apologized ___ eating the last piece ____ cake.
4. His parents couldn't talk him out ___ joining the army.
5. Jennifer couldn't decided___ a colour ___ her living room.
6. The party is going to be held ___ the first Friday __ December.
7. The two sides couldn't agree __ a date for the next meeting.
8. Donald's work suffered when he was ___ a lot __pressure.
9. Pay attention____ your own work.
10. After drinking too much he fell asleep ___ the couch.
11. He couldn't finish what was ______ his plate.
12. Get ____ the subway before it leaves!
13. Hold the handrail when you are walking ____ or _____ the stairs.
14. I will see you____ two weeks.
15. The painting doesn't look _____ a masterpiece.

Lesson 102--be taken aback

Phrasal Verb:  be taken aback

 

meaning:  to be shocked or surprised, even to the point of being offended or insulted.

i.e.       I was taken aback when she forgot my birthday.

            He was taken aback when he wasn't offered the promotion.

            Tanya and her husband were taken aback when they weren't invited to the party.

Lesson 101--One of, Two of .....

One of is followed by a plural noun, but a singular verb.

e.g.      One of my friends is here.

            One of the best things to do is watch movies on a big screen.

Two of and other expressions are also followed by a plural noun but a plural verb.

e.g.      Two of the best places to visit are the CN Tower and the ROM.

            Half of the people are here.

            Two thirds of the guests have arrived.

Lesson 100--Taste (uses and forms)

the verb taste

taste as a transitive verb is for the act of tasting.

e.g.      Let me taste the wine.

            I can taste the salt, but not the pepper in this dish.

 

taste can also be used to describe the taste of something.

It is followed by an adjective.

e.g.      It tastes nice

            It tastes funny, maybe it has gone off.

            It tastes terrible

 When followed by a noun, we need to use either like or of

e.g.      It tastes like a mix of strawberries and bananas.

            It tastes of saffron.

taste can also be used as a noun.

e.g.      I can't identify the taste.  Maybe, it's cucumber.

taste also can be used to explain someone's preferences in music, fashion, design etc.

e.g.      His taste in music leans toward the blues.

            His taste isn't as good as his wife's.

            They have no taste in art.

            We don't have the same taste in cars.

Lesson 99--Working Hard

Since I am sure all of you work/study hard, you could probably use some expressions to describe to people how hard you are working.  All of these phrases express the idea that you are working hard.

 

 

 

busting my ass/hump (on something)

working like a dog (on something)

putting my shoulder to the grindstone

slaving over (something)

burning the midnight oil (this one is a little old, but you might hear it in movies.

Examples

I am really busting my ass on this report.

Jim is working like a dog at the factory.

He's going to have to put his shoulder to the grindstone if he wants to finish on time.

I slaved over dinner to make it perfect for our anniversary.

To complete the project, Manuel had to burn the midnight oil.

Lesson 98--Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for delicious/not delicious

 English speakers use a lot of words.  Try learning more than one at a time.  Learn word families and learn synonyms and antonyms.  I recommend a good thesaurus, or online resource.  In the meantime, here are some useful ones.

 

Positive	Negative
delicious	unsavoury
scrumptious	disgusting
mouth watering	terrible
delectable	horrible
delicious	stomach turning

 

Lesson 97--Prepositions used with Blame

Prepositions with blame

Blame uses two prepositions.  They can both be used for the same problem, but are structured different.

 

blame for:        this preposition focuses on the negative things that have happened.

                        Blame someone for something.

examples:        My boss blamed me for the problems with the staff.

                        My sister blamed me for burning the dinner.

blame on:         This focuses on the person responsible.

                        Blame something on someone.

examples:        My sister blamed the burnt dinner on me.

                        My boss blamed the problems with the staff on me.

Lesson 96--Idioms

 

 

 

 

 

Idiom:  Letting loose

meaning: taking off the controls

                relaxing

                going wild

                celebrating

This idiom is often used before starting to party and having a good time.

examples

Tonight I am letting loose.

When he lets loose, you know the party is going to be great.

Friday is the day I like to let loose.

Lesson 95--Word Family Quiz

 

Choose the correct form of the word in brackets to complete the sentence.  Check your answers, and see the complete word family by clicking on the answer link in the top right corner of this blog.

 

It wasn't a problem of ethics, but a _________problem.  (politics)

His house is a mess because he is so _________. (organize)

Despite her hard work, she was a total _______as an artist. (fail)

She ____________ in oil painting. (special)

There was an _______ in the finance departments, so he applied. (open)

Lesson 94--To be taken in

Phrasal Verbs -- to be taken in

 

meaning:  to be fooled, to be deceived, to be tricked

example:          I was taken in by her fake smile and beautiful eyes.

                        She was taken in by his charm.

                        They were taken in by his sales pitch.

                        He was taken in by her sad story.

                        He was taken in because he was so naïve.

Though this is most often used in the passive, it can be used in the active form.

example:          She took him in using her looks and her quick wits.

Lesson 93--clockwise and counter clockwise

 

 

There are lots of direction words in English.  Today's lesson is all about circular directions.  When we have to do something in a circular direction the key word is

clockwise

Just like it sounds, we took the inspiration from a clock.  Although most of you probably use a digital clock, you have probably seen an analog clock.  Imagine if the clock were laying down in front of you. 

clockwise--the direction following the clock.

counter clockwise/anticlockwise--going in the opposite direction.

This can be used for:   dealing cards

                                    taking turns

                                    choosing an order to follow

                                    following any circular direction

example:          Deal the cards clockwise.

                        Take turns proceeding clockwise