When you learn a new word in a text written on the web or in a book, it is not enough to simply try and memorise it. As you know, the way English words sound and the way they are written are very different. This is why it is crucial to look up the pronunciation of new words that you … Read More
PAST SIMPLE TENSE – Form and Use
PAST SIMPLE FORM Regular Form: Add ‘ed’ to the bare infinitive for regular verbs – I worked / he played Negative Form: Use DID NOT + Base of Verb (long form) or DIDN’T + Base of Verb Question Form (Regular & Irregular Verbs): DID Subject Base of Verb – Did you buy a book at the shop? Irregular Form: Remember … Read More
IDIOM – TO HAVE A LOT ON YOUR PLATE
Meaning – to have a lot of work to do or things to deal with. This idiom is also often used to express burdens or responsibilities. In Context – Anthea has to complete her dissertation in 2 weeks and she’s also looking after her mother who broke her leg. She has a lot on her plate right now.
IDIOM – EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK
Meaning – unnecessary items, everything including things which you do not need, almost everything In Context – Pam’s always overweight when she travels. She packs her luggage with everything but the kitchen sink. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – everything under the sun QUOTES WITH ‘EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK’ Some couture collections have everything including the kitchen sink! Everything … Read More
IDIOM – PULL THE PLUG
Meaning – to put an end to something, to terminate a project / situation In Context – I’m pulling the plug on this marketing strategy, it’s just not working. Origin – This is an American idiom which originated in the 19th century. Plug has a second meaning in English. It is also the object used to prevent water escaping … Read More
IDIOM – TO BE ON THE FENCE
Meaning – to remain neutral in an argument or in a decision In Context – The two of you can fight it out between yourselves. I am not going to take sides in your argument. I’m on the fence here. Note – You can also say, ‘to sit on the fence’. There is no change in meaning.
IDIOM – TO CRACK SOMEONE UP
Meaning – to make someone laugh hard In Context – I love Bill’s jokes. He really cracks me up. Origin – To crack someone up is an American idiom which comes from the 1600’s. At the time, make up was applied so thickly to a woman’s face that if she laughed it would crack up (break).
IDIOM – COUCH POTATO
Meaning – to be a lazy individual / to have a sedentary life-style. This idiom conjures up an image of an overweight person sitting in front of TV eating crisps and junk food. In Context – I’ve had such a busy day today. All I want to do this evening is be a couch potato. Origin – Robert Armstrong, Jack … Read More
IDIOM – THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT
Meaning – it’s your decision now, you need to make the next move or take the next step. This idiom is frequently used during negotiations. In Context – We don’t know if he will accept the package yet. The ball is in his court.
IDIOM – WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
Meaning – an incident which occurred in the past and no longer has any importance In Context – My wife had an affair with her boss but it happened so longer ago, it’s all water under the bridge. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – water over the dam (this idiom is typically used in American English)