Lesson 331--An incredibly useful phrase

 

First off, sorry this blog is late.  I was rushing around a bit this week and didn't get it prepared on time.  I wasn't particularly worried because it seems that most people check these lessons on Saturday or Sunday.  Additionally, it gave me a good idea for today's post.

The phrase I want to teach today is "better late than never".  The meaning of this phrase is pretty simple, but it is a good one to know.   This blog is one day late, but better late than never.

examples

Anthony scolded his students for being late.  They replied, "better late than never."

People criticized Blackberry for taking so long to update their design.  The company responded that it was better late than never.

Since I haven't got a cell phone yet, I am pretty late in joining the trend.  However, better late than never--unless cell phones go out of fashion.

Notes

Now, for all my students, please don't start using this phrase with me.  However, you might want to try it at the office once or twice.  Who knows, it might work.

Lesson 323--Describing Mistakes

 

 

crossing the line

gone too far

 

These two expressions are really good for describing a situation in which you have

a)      said something you shouldn't have.

b)      done something you shouldn't have.

c)      said or done something that cause a person so much pain that they will never forget it.

examples

Paul crossed the line when he insulted Julia's weight.

Megan was okay when Philip got drunk, but when he kissed her sister he crossed the line.

Theresa didn't think she had crossed the line by disagreeing with her boss, but she got fired anyway.

Everyone stopped laughing when Daniela went too far with her joke.

Lesson 290--December 2014 Quiz

For today's post, I have decided that a test would be a good thing.  The test will have two parts.  The first part will be a fix the mistake section and the second part will be a fill in the preposition part.

Part A

In this part of the test, please correct the mistakes in the sentences.  Please check your answers (there is at least one tricky one) by clicking on the test answer link in the top right corner.

1. I haven't been to the mall yesterday.
2. Greg is married with Maria.
3. If I were being taller, I would be a basketball player.
4. It's time I buy a new television.
5. It was too cold that I decided to stay home.
6. Daniel lives near to the library that has the biggest book collection.
7. Being the tallest building in Toronto, I went there.
8. Janine was very exhausted and fell asleep immediately after getting home.

Part B

In this part of the test, please choose the correct preposition to fit in the blank.  Please check your answers (there is at least one tricky one) by clicking on the test answer link in the top right corner.

1. Timothy is looking forward ___ the movie.
2. Matthew is very protective___ his sister.
3. Alonso's father was very disappointed ___ him.
4. The teacher was very pleased ___ her student's work.
5. Brad Pitt is divorced ___ Jennifer Aniston.
6. All of the workers were too engaged ___ their work to notice the argument in the office.
7. Julia was fond ___ writing long letters to her friends and family.
8. John and Cindy rescued several dogs ___ the fire at the farmhouse.
9. The Smiths do not approve ___ their son's choice for a bride.
10. Let's discuss ___ the problem.

Check your answers here

http://englishchunksquizanswers.blogspot.ca/2014/12/december-2014-quiz-answers.html

 

Lesson 90--Making a Mistake

 

 

Let's face it, we all make mistakes.  Sometimes they're small, but sometimes they're huge.  Either way, we need to have ways to express it.  Besides using the one with the F word, here are some other ways to say that you have made a mistake.  Some of these expressions can be used for other things, but they can be used when talking about mistakes.

I messed up.

I slipped up.

I tripped up.

I blew it.

I goofed.

I zigged when I should have zagged.