'I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty.'
Connotations are a feeling or idea that is suggested by a particular word. They give us the emotional connection with words.
Words can be split into 'negative','positive' and 'neutral' connotations.
Let's take a look at some words that appear to be similar, but have connotational differences.
Phrasal Verbs can often be split when they use an object. For example we can say:
'I'm going to take off my shirt.'
'I'm going to take my shirt off'.
'She was happy to hear that there would be no lay offs at her company.'
A euphemism is a word or phrase that we use instead of a more direct, unpleasant word. Euphemisms are used when we talk about difficult subject matters like death, for example.
Here we take a look at some set expressions we use in spoken English to start and end conversations.
You probably know and use the question 'How are you?'
You can also use these in casual spoken English:
'What's happening?'
'Are you bull-headed?' What does that mean?
Time to learn some new words!
Below you can see ten sentences. Choose the word which has the closest meaning to the key word in each sentence.
Make a note of any new words and try to use them in some sentences. You can use the 'comment' box to write your example sentences.
Compare these two sentences:
1) 'Could you close the door?'
2) 'Close the door.'
You probably think that the first sentence is more polite than the second – and you are right.
1) is a request. We are asking someone to do something.
2) is an instruction. We are telling some what to do.
Fry? boil? spread? stir? bake? grill? whisk?
Can you cook? I prefer eating to cooking. As much as I hate washing dishes, cooking is an important skill because everyone loves a good cook. Today we take a look at 7 cooking verbs. All you have to do is match the pictures to the correct verbs.
The verbs you need are:
'We were worried but the doctor was able to bring her to.'
Today we take a look at phrasal verbs which use the verb 'bring'. Below you will find a definition of each with example sentences. When you have finished, try the quiz at the bottom.
to cause something to happen:
Have your ever been the victim of a crime?
Have you ever witnessed a crime?
Have you ever committed a crime?
