These idioms could relate to relationships between friends, family members or partners. Can you work out which idiom completes each sentence? When you're finished, why not try and write some of your own sentences using these idioms?
Lesson by Caroline
Language is alive and forever changing. Approximately 25,000 new words are introduced into English on an annual basis, and, in an attempt to keep you with a finger on the linguistic pulse, so to speak, and in the spirit of doing something a little different, here's a list of my five favourite 'new' words to the language. Enjoy!
1. A Nonversation a conversation that seems meaningless or ridiculous.
How much do you remember about countable and uncountable nouns? Can you remember when you use:
Here is a review quiz. In some cases, you may think that both answers are possible, but think about the meaning of the sentence very carefully and you will change your mind!
If you have any questions, post them at the bottom of this lesson. Good luck!
Lesson by Caroline Devane
I think this song by Marina and the Diamonds has a really positive message.
Sometimes it can be really difficult to be everything that society expects of you.
We need to remember that we are only human and that we cannot please everyone.
Listen to the song and try and complete the gaps with the correct vocabulary.
What message do you hear when you listen to the song?
Lesson by Caroline Devane
Satire: Witty language to convey insults or scorn. It's a way of criticising people or ideas in a humorous way, or a piece of writing or play which uses this style.
A while ago I posted a lesson based on a satirical article about Facebook. Here's another one, for your amusement, about illegal downloading! Read the article and try and complete the gaps with the correct words. Right, I’m off to listen to Spotify...
Lesson by Caroline Devane
When two verbs are used together in a sentence the second verb takes either the gerund or infinitive form.
In some cases the second verb can take both form BUT the meaning is different.
Use the context of the sentences below to decide whether the verb takes the infinitive or gerund form.
After last year's World Cup in South Africa, Cape Town is becoming a more and more popular destination for English learners. The whole planet got to see what an amazing city it is, and now people really want to check it out for themselves.
Students are attracted to this area because of its culture, nature and climate. Cape Town is a fascinating city that travellers soon fall in love with.
This article, written by professional funny man David Mitchell, discusses whether young people should still be taking gap years. Do you think a gap year helps you grow as a person, or do you, like the writer, think it is just a waste of money? Read the article carefully then answer the true or false questions at the end. Let me know your opinion.
Lesson by Caroline Devane
A Gap Year: A yearlong break from study taken by some students on leaving school before starting university, often spent gaining work experience or travelling.
Today we take a look at the idiom keep an eye on.
Definition
When we keep an eye on someone or something, we watch it carefully.
Example Sentences:
Listen to this beautiful Beyonce song and fill the gaps with the correct vocabulary. You only need to listen to half the song to complete this exercise and I’ve given you the meanings of the words (as they are in the context of the song) to help you out. Good luck!
By Caroline Devane
