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

Lesson 92--Emphasizing

 

 

Emphasizing in English can be fun.  Sometimes the expressions are a little odd, but they are still interesting--as the following examples will illustrate.  The more emphatic meaning is on the right.  Oddly, quite a few of these expressions used dead as the emphatic word.

 

broke:              dead broke/flat broke

poor:                dirt poor

stupid:             incredibly stupid

last                   dead last

tired                 dead tired

cold                 ice cold

gorgeous          drop dead gorgeous

beautiful          stunningly beautiful

Lesson 91--I didn't see that coming.

 

 

This is an expression used a lot on TV and in movies.  It basically means that what just happened was unpredictable, or rather surprising.  When the popular girl falls in love with the nerd, somebody will say that line.

It can also be used ironically; as in, I knew that was going to happen because it was obvious and you're a fool because you didn't realize that was going to happen.

Both usages are funny.  Try using it yourself when something surprising happens.  You should get a good laugh.

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.

Lesson 89--Phrasal Verbs

 

get in touch with someone

keep in touch with/stay in touch

be in touch

both of these words relate to contacting someone.  To get in touch means to make contact, and keep in touch means that you want to maintain connection to someone.  Sometimes we say that we want to keep in touch, but we are actually lying, and have no intention of maintaining contact with them.

I got in touch with my friends through Skype.

I keep in touch with my friends through Facebook.

Lesson 88--Interesting Food Counters

 

There are lots of interesting ways to count food, and here are some useful ones

scoop--for ice cream cones

Three scoops of chocolate.

slices--good for pizza, pie, cake and bread.

Three slices of pizza filled me up.

bucket--good for popcorn (and chicken from an international franchise)

I can eat a whole bucket of popcorn during a good movie.

Pint--good for beer.  (half-pints exist, but I don't see the point)

A pint of beer after work on a hot day is fantastic.

Lesson 87--Bored

 

Though I do not want my student to use these words when they talk about my classes, they will probably need these expressions at some point in their lives.

These expressions all mean the same thing.

I am bored to tears.

I am bored to death.

I am bored out of my skull.

This bores the heck out of me.*

* There are some more colourful expressions that can be made with this one.  I leave it up to your creativity..... if you've got a good idea, leave a comment.

NOTE:  the noun for bored is boredom.