I love tongue-twisters, and you?

Today's English
October 5th, 2017

A word, phrase or sentence that is very difficult to read fast and correctly is called a tongue-twister.  In order to improve your pronunciation, you need to twist your tongue by reading these tongue-twisters three to seven times as fast as possible.  They are, no doubt, good stuff to challenge your friends and feed their tongue for being phonetically alive. Shall we enjoy some tongue-twisters today?
(Don't forget to repeat 3 to 7 times quickly and correctly. And at least once without seeing the text)

1.Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

2.She sells seashells on the seashore.

3.I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won't wish the wish you wish to wish.

4.A butler bought some butter but the butter was so bitter, so the butler bought some better butter to make the bitter butter better butter. (Last letter r is silent in butler, butter, better and bitter)

5.First, it's a must for a host just to provide best nest to the guest for rest.

6.Come near and don't fear poor dear deer. I’ll fire or tear in a year the mere liar for your tears. (R is silent in all words.)

7.Mr.Bill from mill will pay no bill with will till the owner falls ill.

8.A life with a rough and tough wife is a type of life with a sharp knife.

9.Find a kind mind to wind and bind you with a kind mind like a wind.

10.The minute live programme shows in a minute how people live.

Note:
1.P sound along with different vowel sounds
2.Mastery over s and sh sounds
3.Wish used 12 times
4.Training on b and t sound
5.Practice on words ending with st sound
6.Drilling on diphthongs
7.Practice on L sound
8.To concentrate on the difference between f and p sound
9.Wind used with two different pronunciations
10.Live and minute used with two different pronunciations

(Boy: Miss, I miss you a lot when I wish and miss a missed call from you.

Miss: Sorry boy, I was selecting  Diwali saree with my boyfriend. Bye bye.

Boy: ………?!)

Who won’t like to play games and learn English?

Today’s English
October 4th, 2017

Do you have kids at your home? Are you looking for some games to make your students learn English in a Fun Way? Just by playing games, students can improve their vocabulary, learn English phrases, know sentence formation and avoid grammar mistakes.

www.gamestolearnenglish.com one of the remarkable sites meant for children, launched by Owen who works for a university in China introduces many games that your kids or students who find English difficult to learn will enjoy a lot for the following reasons:

1. For each game the score is awarded based on the time you take. It will really encourage the students a lot.

2. It recognises the efforts and talent of the students. Yes, a learner can save his name, score and Location as a challenge to other participants who would play online.

3. Most of the games are presented with relevant images to make you guess, find and learn.

4. The site has flash games and interactive whiteboard games as well.

5. Downloading the game at free of cost is also available.

The author says that the content is introductory and pre-elementary level but it is true that Indian rural students studying at high schools will also learn a lot regarding grammar and sentence formation. Owen has tried in a different way to make English learning an enjoyable one and each game is interesting and has a relevant title such as hangman, spelling bee, Fast Phrases, Animal Mystery, falling clouds and speak easy.  Hats off to Owen!

Why can't you try it just for fun or recommend this for your kids/students?

To know more about each game and play, www.gamestolearnenglish.com

“There's a difference between playing and playing games. The former is an act of joy, the latter — an act.”
- Vera Nazarian, “The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration”

Are you really capable of speaking ad lib?

Today’s English
October 3rd, 2017

Expect the unexpected and then nothing will threaten you being unexpected.  Our planning won't always go as we expected or planned. How to express your feelings on such contexts is our today's concern.
Have you seen people to think, decide or act on the spur of the moment? Yes, they act without any pre-planning.  They have such a readiness of mind.

1. How do you get these ideas? Just at the spur of the moment.
2. She always makes decisions on the spur of the moment depending upon the situation and need.

You may prepare what to speak in a meeting or a gathering. But if you forget, what will you do? You have to speak “ad lib” that means that you are doing it without preparation or practice.
1. Oh my god! I forgot all the points. Now I have to do it ad lib.
2. What about her practice? Will she speak well? No problem, she can even talk ad lib.

If you do anything without thinking about it, you do it "on autopilot" which needs no effort on your part.  The phrase “play something by ear" also means the same. (You decide what to do while things are going on, not with any pre-plan.)  You may finish eating when you watch TV. You may study for exam while you are coming by bus.  Anyhow you finish two activities at the same time.  The phrase “on the hoof” is used if you do anything while you are moving or doing something else.

1. Just I did it on autopilot.  Still I wonder how I did it.
2. What's your plan? Nothing. Just I will play it by ear.
3. We have just 10 minutes. How will you get ready for the programme? Don't worry. I can finish it on the hoof while eating.

“Most people want to be circled by safety, not by the unexpected. The unexpected can take you out. But the unexpected can also take you over and change your life. Put a heart in your body where a stone used to be.”
- Ron Hall

Can you catch the sun?

Today’s English
October 2nd, 2017

If you are happy with your job that gives you whatever you want, it is said in English – “you have earned a place in the sun.”  If you are enjoying a favourable or dominant position in your job, there too, people say that you have got a place in the sun.
1. What about your new job? I feel as if I earned a place in the sun.
2. Have you got settled in life? Yes, I got a place in the sun.

Can anyone catch the sun? It's not a small ball, even then it is possible that you can catch the sun. In English, the phrase, “catch the sun" means “to get sunburned.”
1. What a hot summer it is! Don't go out. You will catch the sun.
2. You are likely to catch the sun on your trip. Don’t forget to take the sunscreen.

Can you go to bed with the sun? Yes you can.  Our forefathers could do it and why can't you?  If you go to sleep early, especially at the sunset, you go to bed with the sun. 
1. In the modern touch screen world, who goes to bed with the sun?
2. Go to bed with the sun and you can say goodbye to medicines.

“When it was dark, you always carried the sun in your hand for me.”
- Seán O'Casey, “Three More Plays: The Silver Tassie, Purple Dust, Red Roses For Me”

Common Spelling Mistakes in English

Today’s English
October 1st, 2017

Spelling is important to writing as pronunciation is to speaking and reading.  Are you strong or weak in spelling? Here is a sample test. Do it and find it.

1.I never do anything for ______________
A.Complements   B. Compliments

2.He came late to college _____________
A.Every day    B. Everyday

3.Modern girls don't like to wear ____________ clothing.
A.Lose   B.  loose

4.Please refer to the _________ to confirm the government holiday.
A.Calandar.   B.  Calander   C. Calendar

5.He was a _____________ boy during his school days.
A.Mischevous. B. Mischievous. C. mischeivous

6.Your ________ is good.
A.Pronounciation   B.  Pronunciation

7.A working woman can be ____________ for ever.
A.Independant. B.  Independent.

8.Still we need some more money for buying the _______________ items.
A.Miscelaneous. B.  Miscellaneous  C. Miscellanious

9.I dislike having _____________ with others.
A.Argument.  B. Arguement

10.His age was _____________
A.Fourty.      B. Forty

Answers:
1.B         2. A    3.B   4. C    5. B
6.B        7. B.   8. B.  9.A     10.B

“I don't see any use in having a uniform and arbitrary way of spelling words. We might as well make all clothes alike and cook all dishes alike. Sameness is tiresome; variety is pleasing.”

- Mark Twain

Do you think that only fools and horses work?

Today’s English
September 30th, 2017

If you are not the only person to be considered in a particular situation,  the world may neglect you that you are “not the only pebble on the beach.  The same applies to an important thing as well.  In the same situation, people use the expression, “you are not the only fish in the sea.”
1.Ragul is not willing to join us in this project. Leave him. He's not the only fish in the sea.
2.If this plan doesn't work out, I have another one.  Remember that this is not the only pebble in the beach.

But if a particular person or thing is the only one worth considering, we use the expression, “the only game in the town.”
1.He strongly believed that his boss would select him as the team leader because he was the only game in the town.
2.Do you think that this is the only way to solve the problem? Yes, it's the only game in the town.

Have you seen people who would like to make money by easy means, not by working hard for a long time?  Such people always say that “only fools and horses work.” 
1.Why did you resign your job? Only fools and horses work and I have found a different way of investment strategy to make millions quickly.
2.Don't you believe in hard work? Not at all. Only fools and horses work.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
-Mark Twain

How to scold in English?

Today's English
September 29th, 2017

Life is such a bullshit sometimes that we need words to express our vexation, rage,  annoyance and irritation. Here are some ways to find an outlet while you are boiling:
1. Shit – used to show your anger or annoyance
A. Shit! He escaped!
B. Shit! I’ve left my purse at home!

2. Damn / dammit / damn it – a swear word to show your annoyance
A. Damn it! Who called him here?
B. Oh Damn! Why don’t you understand me?

3. Hell – used to show your anger
A. What the hell are you doing here?
B. Sorry da, I couldn't bring the book you asked for. Go to hell!

4. Bitch – to bitch(to complain), somebody’s bitch (somebody’s servant)
A. Shut up! Stop your bitching!
B. You are my bitch, aren’t you?

5. Nonsense/stupid – to show that something  has no meaning
A. What nonsense are you talking?
B. Nonsense! Get away from here.
C. How stupid you are!

“I've been accused of vulgarity. I say that's bullshit.”
- Mel Brooks

British English versus American English

Today’s English
September 28th, 2017

There is subtle difference between British English and American English in spelling, pronunciation, meaning and usage. Indians who earlier used British English are now gradually  switching over to American English. The chief examples are the use of American terms rest room, battery and movie instead of toilet,  cell and cinema which are British terms.  The following is a list of words in which the first one is British English and the second one is American English:
(British English.  -  American English)
1. Action replay – instant replay
2.Anticlockwise – counterclockwise
3.Autumn – fall
4.Bank holiday – legal holiday
5.Biscuit – cookie, cracker
6.Biro – ballpoint pen
7.Black economy – underground economy
8.Bottom drawer- hope chest
9.Brinjal – eggplant
10.Brolly – umbrella
11.Car park – parking lot
12.Casualty – emergency room
13.Cell – battery
14.Chemist – drug store
15.Chips – French fries
16.Cinema – movie
17.Cot – crib
18.Current account – checking account
19.Dressing gown – bathrobe
20.Drinks party – cocktail party
21.Driving licence – driver’s licence
22.Dustbin – garbage can
23.Earth – ground
24.Financial year – fiscal year
25.Fire service – fire department
26.First floor – second floor
27.Flat – apartment
28.Flyover – overpass
29.Football – soccer
30.Footway/pavement – sidewalk
31.Fridge – refrigerator
32.Full stop – period
33.Garden – yard, lawn
34.Goods – freight
35.Grill – broiler
36.Ground floor – First floor
37.Groundnuts – peanuts
38.Holiday – vacation
39.Hotel – restaurant
40.Indicator – turn signal
41.Interval- intermission
42.Level crossing – grade crossing
43. jumper - sweater
44.Ladybird – lady bug
45.Lift – elevator
46.Lolly – lollipop
47.Lorry – truck
48.Mate/close friend – buddy
49.Marks - grade
50.Mobile phone- cell phone
51.Motor way – highway
52.Nail cutter - clippers
53.Number plate – licence plate
54.Pedestrian crossing / zebra crossing– crosswalk
55.Petrol – gas
56.Plaster - bandage
57.Postal vote – absentee ballot
58.Post-box – mailbox
59.Postal code – zip code
60.Power point – electrical outlet
61.Public school- private school
62.Queue – line
63.Railway – railroad
64.Rubber – eraser
65.Tablets - pills
66.Toilet /loo– restroom/ washroom
67.Towel – napkin
68.Share – stock
69.Trolley – cart
70.Trousers - pants
71.Skipping rope- jump rope
72.Sleeping partner – silent partner
73.Snakes and ladders – chutes and ladders
74.Solicitor – lawyer
75.Stag night – bachelor party
76.Starter – appetizer
77.State school – public school
78.Super market – grocery store
79.Sweets – candy
80.Tea towel – dish towel
81.Tablets - pills
82.Trade union – Labor union
83.Trainers / sports shoes– sneakers
84.Underground – subway
85.Wagon – car
86.Wardrobe – closet
87.Zip – zipper

“God created war so that Americans would learn geography.”
- Mark Twain

How to chat online in English?

Today’s English
September 27th, 2017

Are you new to online chatting? Then you are likely to get confused with lot of abbreviations and broken English /butler English used in online chatting.  Frequently used abbreviations are given below for your ready reference:

1. What is your ASL?
23FCbe (Age,Sex and Location.)

2. Whn I can meet?
ADN (Any day now)

3. Leaving nw?
Ya. BFN/ BFN. (Bye for now)

4. Who is he?
BF (boy friend/best friend)

5. CUL
See you later

6. Wht r u doing?
DBAU (doing business as usual)

7. DW
Don’t worry

8. R u busy?
GA (go ahead)

9. GM, GJ, GL
Good morning, good job, good luck

10. H2G
Have to go

11. IC, IDC, IDK
I see, I don’t care, I don’t know

12. ILU/ ILY
I love you

13. Got nw?
K ( ok/okay)

14. Thx
Thanks

15. LOL / JKU
Laughing out loud/ just kidding you

16. LULAB/ LULAS
Love you like a brother/ love you like a sister

17. M / F ?
Male or female ?

18. NOOB /newbie
New to the site / New to the texting

19. N/P
No problem

20. Plz / pcm
Please / please call me

“At the end of the day, I just want to sit with someone I love and chat about what matters and even what doesn’t.”
- Crystal Woods, “Write like no one is reading 2”

Difference between lose and miss

Today’s English
September 26th, 2017

Look at the following two sentences:
1. I lost my mother.
2. Mom, I miss you a lot.
They are definitely not same in meaning.  Missing means staying away from something and not making use of something and feeling sorry for that.  You can miss a bus or train.  You can miss a ball in sports. You can miss an opportunity.   If you are missing the point, it means that you don't understand what others say.

1. She missed the last bus.
2. It's the last ball. Don’t miss it.
3. You are still missing the point. Let me tell you again.
4. I miss you dear friend and I have no one to share my feelings now.

If you are taken away from something or somebody permanently in a way that you could not get back, use the word “lose" (correct pronunciation “looze”, past and past participle “lost", not to be confused with “loose" and the noun loss).  If you could not find something or somebody, you can use “lose” as in the sentences : I lost my key somewhere / I lost my friend in the crowd. It means that you couldn't find them.
1. I lost my friend in the accident.
2. He lost his job.
3. I lost my route while coming back home. (=couldn't find)
4. I lost my pen somewhere here. (= misplaced )
5. She lost her interest in reading books. (= has less interest)

Husband (over phone) I miss you a lot chellam.

Wife: really?!

Husband: yes, without you, I feel as if I have lost everything.

Wife: really?!

Husband: yes da chellam. I'm longing for seeing your face. When will you come back?

Wife: Sorry dear. I have mistaken you a lot. Don't worry dear. Let me take the next bus and come home at once.

Husband: oh my God! I'm lost for ever!

How to talk about possible and impossible situations in English?

Today's English
September 25th, 2017

1.Likely/ unlikely
A.It's likely to rain this evening.
B.They are likely to get married soon.
C.It's unlikely that all students would attend the special classes.

2.Probable, probably / improbable
A.It's probable that aadhaar will soon curb the black money to a great extent.
B.He will probably be on leave for one week.
C.Your statement sounds highly improbable.

3.Expected / anticipated
A.It's expected that prices of shares would go up next week.
B.It's anticipated that exams may be postponed to next month.

4.Predicted, predictable / unpredictable
A.Experts have predicted that Indian economy will go stronger in the coming years.
B.Who will win the match is not predictable now.
C.She may take any decision. She is quite unpredictable.

5.Sure, certain, certainly, definitely, undoubtedly / uncertain, doubtful
A.Are you sure about that?
B.Truth about former chief minister’s death will certainly/ definitely come to light soon.
C.Whether he will come to meeting is doubtful.

6.Ten to one= very likely that
Ten to one, I will be out of station next week.
Ten to one, he will change his number and cut of your relationship.

7.Be a safe bet / fair bet
A.It's a safe bet that he won't buy anything from this shop.
B.It's a fair bet that your son will be a great cricket player in future.

“We know what we are, but not what we may be.”
-Ophelia in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”

What do you mean by ambush interview, popcorn movie and fidget spinner?

Today’s English
September 24th, 2017

English Dictionary grows hands in hand with that of technology, science and civilisation.  Have you heard about the words “ambush interview”, “popcorn movie” and “ fidget spinner” which are new arrivals into the dictionary.

Ambush interview is a surprise interview, something not prearranged and preinformed in order to assess the candidates' real stuff.

Popcorn movie is an entertaining movie but lacking much artistically or in depth.

Fidget spinner, very popular among college students now, is a flat disc like toy with a central bearing and rounded blades used to spin between fingers for fun.

1. I really didn't expect that kind of ambush interview.
2. Many viewers commented that it was a big budgeted popcorn movie.
3. It's dangerous to buy fidget spinners for your young children.

“It is only when the mind is free from the old that it meets everything anew, and in that there is joy.”
- Jiddu Krishnamurti

Once, twice, thrice, what is next?

Today’s English
September 23rd, 2017

If something is done one time, we use “once" and subsequently twice and thrice but what is the word for something done four times? Next to third, there is fourth but next to thrice, there is no term in English like this for 4 times.  Once not only means one time but also sometimes in the past,  rarely /occasionally/ now and then (once in a blue moon, once in a while),  finally (once and for all).suddenly (all at once), immediately (at once), and long time ago (once upon a time). 

1.Once I attended a meeting here with my friend. (Sometimes in the past)
2.Please inform me the progress once in a while (= now and then)
3.I warn you once and for all. Don't repeat this again. (As the first and last one)
4.The door opened all at once and the income tax officers came in. (=suddenly)
5.Do it at once. (=immediately)

If you want to justify your expenditures for a celebration, use the expression -Christmas /Diwali comes but once a year.  Your job soon enters your blood and becomes your character. Whatever you speak or do, unconsciously you will be throwing its shadows. This is what we say by using the English expression – “once a priest, always a priest.” ( here you can put any profession after once, not only priest).
1.Why do you waste this much money for this function? You know, Diwali comes but once a year.
2.Even at home, he was lecturing to all. Once a lecturer, always a lecturer.
3.He accounts for each expense accurately.  Once an accountant, always an accountant.

You can also use “opportunity knocks at your door but once” to encourage someone to try and “once the dust has settled..” to deal with something when it calms down.”
1.Why do you think a lot? Opportunity knocks at your door but once.
2. Once the dust has settled, you can find solution for this problem. Walt for a while.

“Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once. “
Shakespeare, “Julius Caesar”

Are you living in a cotton wool or in a glass house?

Today’s English
September 22nd, 2017

What kind of living you have matters first. You may just be a living soul (any ordinary person who lives on earth) or become a living legend (a person with exclusionary reputation).  If your life is so painful to the extent that you may feel that you had better die, it's a living death and then the place- your working place or your home is a living hell.

1. Our manager, a living legend was honoured by everyone on the special occasion.
2. Any living soul can understand my problem. Why can't you?
3. How do you feel in your new working place? Is it a living hell or living heaven?
4. Without a permanent job on the one side and with a lot of problems in family life on the other side, what a miserable life he has! It's really a living death.

Where and how you actually live matters next. Do you live in a cotton wool (= having a comfortable life) or in a glass house (=a life often easily affected by the criticism and exploitation of others)?  Do you live high on the hog(= live very well with wealth and all comforts) or live on a shoestring(= live with tight financial budget, with hand-to- mouth existence? You know, it's not good if you live payslip to payslip (= spend all salary before next salary, having zero savings).

1. You live in a cotton wool. You can't understand my problem.
2. Why do you take her criticism seriously and worry a lot? Don't live in a glass house.
3. She is living high on the hog but her own brother is living on a shoestring.
4. Could you please give me thousand rupees? Sorry friend, I'm just living payslip to payslip.

What matters finally is to live awake.  Are you in the land of living (= awake and live in the present) or living on another planet (live in the past or dream world, not awake) most of the time in your life?

1. Sorry I couldn't listen to her well. I was just living on another planet. Please tell me what she said.
2. It's time to return to the land of living and understand practical difficulties involved in this work.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
- Albert Einstein

How to offer suggestions and advice in English?

Today’s English
September 21st, 2017

You are likely to offer suggestions or pieces of advice to three categories of people:
1. To your children, students, subordinates, etc. who are below your age and position.
2. To your friends, relatives and colleagues who are almost equals to you in your age and status.
3. To your teachers, parents, elders, seniors, higher officials, boss, etc who are to be approached in a respectful way

(Keep this in mind when you try any one of the following:)

Here are ten ways to offer suggestions / advice
1. Should and shouldn't (less strong)
A. You should submit your assignment on or before next Friday.
B. We should consult a lawyer for legal opinions.
C. You should not leak out this information to anyone. It's highly confidential.
D. You should not repeat this again.

2. Must and have to (strong, there is no other go)
A. You must enter the exam hall before 10 a.m.
B. Do we have to finish this work today itself? Yes, you must.
C. You have to pass this test to move to the next level.

3. Why don't you….
A. Why don't you consult a doctor immediately?
B. Why don't you bring this to my knowledge?  Why don't you tell me about this the other day?
C. Why don't you search for materials online? Why don't you try this app?

4. How about + verb+ ing ? / Would you like…….?
A. How about going for a shopping now?
B. How about taking a small break now?
C. How about taking a taxi?
D. Would you like coffee or tea? / Would you like to see your daughter now?

5. If I were you, I would….
A. If I were you, I would dismiss him first.
B. If I were you, I would contact her parents first.

6. You had better….. (The best thing to do in a situation)
A. You had better cancel your classes tomorrow. Govt buses won't run.
B. He will be on leave tomorrow. You had better go and meet him now.

7. Should have (less strong), must have (strong), might have (more polite)
A. You should have made arrangements in advance.
B. You must have consulted a civil engineer.
C. Madam, you might have informed me earlier. /I think, we might have sent a nil report.

8. Do you think it is a good idea to….
A. Do you think it's a good idea to attend a coaching class for this exam?
B. Do you think it's a good idea to meet her in person now?

9. You could always…
A. You could always discuss with superintendent who will guide you properly in all purchases.
B. You could always take your parents with you for moral support.

10. Use don't and imperatives
A. Don't try the blue whale game. It's difficult to drop out in the half way.
B. Don't make any complaints about him. He's a gentle man.
C. Stop calling him again and again. He may be sleeping now.
D. Keep a distance from him. He's a dangerous guy.

Wife: my birthday comes in the next week. you must give me a costly gift this time.

Hubby: How about a new silk saree like the one your friend Nandhini had put on the other day?

Wife: I hate both Nandhini and silk saree.

Hubby: Do you think it's a good idea to buy iPhone as same as my colleague Malathi's?

Wife: Don’t talk about Malathy and the bloody idea of buying iPhone.

Hubby: Why don't you go for a diamond ring and shine as beautiful as my boss Miss.Shobana?

Wife: it’s the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.

Hubby: Otherwise, we could always go to an orphanage and spend money and time with them as my friend Stella generally does.

Wife: Will you please stop talking about these ladies? You had better just give me a greeting card. That's enough for me.

Hubby: (this, this, this is what I expected) ok da. As you like it da chellam.

Another Twenty Commonly Mispronounced Words in English

Today’s English
September 20th, 2017

(Continuation of yesterday’s posting)
21. Word : plumber
Wrong pronunciation: plumbar
Correct pronunciation: pluma (b and r are silent) /ˈplʌmə/

22. Word : recipe
Wrong pronunciation: risaipee, resipi
Correct pronunciation: resapi /ˈresəpi/

23. Word : colonel
Wrong pronunciation: calo-nel, coloniyal
Correct pronunciation: kenal /ˈkɜːnl/

24. Word : Greenwich Mean Time
Wrong pronunciation: Greenwhich Meen Taim
Correct pronunciation: grenitch meen taim /ˌɡren.ɪtʃ ˈmiːn taɪm/

25. Word : Fahrenheit
Wrong pronunciation: farenheet, farenheit
Correct pronunciation: farenhait /ˈfærənhaɪt/

26. Word : elite
Wrong pronunciation: elait
Correct pronunciation: ileet /ɪˈliːt/

27. Word : niche (meaning suitable role, job, etc.)
Wrong pronunciation: nichey
Correct pronunciation: neesh /niːʃ/

28. Word : cache
Wrong pronunciation: cachi, cachey
Correct pronunciation: cash /kæʃ/

29. Word : women
Wrong pronunciation: wumen
Correct pronunciation: wimin /ˈwɪmɪn/

30. Word : monk
Wrong pronunciation: maangk
Correct pronunciation: mungk  /mʌŋk/

31. Word : suite (a set of rooms in a hotel)
Wrong pronunciation: suoote, suoot
Correct pronunciation: sweet /swiːt/

32. Word : epitome (a perfect example of something)
Wrong pronunciation: epitome
Correct pronunciation: ipitami /ɪˈpɪtəmi/

33. Word : meme (modified humorous internet video, etc.)
Wrong pronunciation: meemee
Correct pronunciation: meem /miːm/

34. Word : valet
Wrong pronunciation: valet
Correct pronunciation: valei and valit /ˈvæleɪ/ and /ˈvælɪt/

35. Word : athlete
Wrong pronunciation: athlet
Correct pronunciation: athleet /ˈæθliːt/

36. Word : mischievous
Wrong pronunciation: mischeevius
Correct pronunciation: mischivas /ˈmɪstʃɪvəs/

37. Word : party
Wrong pronunciation: paarti
Correct pronunciation: paati (r silent) /ˈpɑːti/

38. Word : serious
Wrong pronunciation: seerius
Correct pronunciation: siarias /ˈsɪəriəs/

39. Word : principal
Wrong pronunciation: prinsipaal, prinspaal
Correct pronunciation: prinsapl /ˈprɪnsəpl/
40. Word : principle
Wrong pronunciation: prinsipil
Correct pronunciation: prinsapl ( the pronunciation for principle and principal is the same)/ˈprɪnsəpl/

“I collect words--they are sweets in the mouth of sound.
- Sally Gardner, “Maggot Moon”

Twenty Commonly Mispronounced Words in English

Today’s English
September 19th, 2017

1.Word : asthma
Wrong pronunciation: asthmaa
Correct pronunciation: asma  /ˈæsmə/

2.Word : pizza
Wrong pronunciation: pee-zaa
Correct pronunciation: peet-sa /ˈpiːtsə/

3.Word : Wednesday
Wrong pronunciation: wed-nes-day
Correct pronunciation: wenzdei (first d, second e silent) /ˈwenzdeɪ/

4.Word : question
Wrong pronunciation: kwestin
Correct pronunciation: kwesshun /ˈkwestʃən/

5.Word : maths
Wrong pronunciation: maks
Correct pronunciation: maths /mæθs/

6.Word : eleven
Wrong pronunciation: levun
Correct pronunciation: ilevn (first e should be pronounced and last e is silent) /i'levn/

7.Word : park
Wrong pronunciation: paark
Correct pronunciation: paak /pɑːk/

8.Word : clerk
Wrong pronunciation: klerk, klaark
Correct pronunciation: klaak (pronounced as the word clock) /klɑːk/

9.Word : heart
Wrong pronunciation: haart
Correct pronunciation: haat (r silent) /hɑːt/

10.Word : read (past tense)
Wrong pronunciation: read
Correct pronunciation: red  /red/

11.Word : breakfast
Wrong pronunciation: braykfaast
Correct pronunciation: brekfust /ˈbrekfəst/

12.Word : police
Wrong pronunciation: polis, polees
Correct pronunciation: palees /pəˈliːs/

13.Word : discretion
Wrong pronunciation: diskreeshun
Correct pronunciation: diskreshun. /dɪˈskreʃn/

14.Word : dengue
Wrong pronunciation: dengu, denguoo
Correct pronunciation: de-ing-gi /ˈdeŋɡi/

15.Word : bury
Wrong pronunciation: buri
Correct pronunciation: beri /ˈberi/

16.Word : receipt
Wrong pronunciation: risipt
Correct pronunciation: riseet /rɪˈsiːt/

17.Word : entrepreneur
Wrong pronunciation: entreprenyoor
Correct pronunciation: aantrapranar /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː(r)/

18.Word : alumni
Wrong pronunciation: alumni
Correct pronunciation: alamnai /əˈlʌmnaɪ/

19.Word : vehicle
Wrong pronunciation: vehikil
Correct pronunciation: veeakl /ˈviːəkl/

20.Word : deer
Wrong pronunciation: deer
Correct pronunciation: dear (pronounced as the word dear) /dɪə(r)/

“Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.
I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.”
-Gerard Nolst Trenité, “Drop your Foreign Accent”

Bread always falls on the buttered side, doesn’t it?

Today’s English
September 18th, 2017

United we stand, divided we fall, don't we?  Fall but only to rise, like the sun! Things fall apart when they are old enough, so are humans.  Fall is a magic word in English and has been in use in several beautiful day to day expressions. Let us see three of them today:

1. Apple does not fall far from the tree = used when your kids behave like you

A. My son cheats in the same way I cheated my mother.  I realize now, the saying 'Apple does not fall from the tree' is true.
B. If you don't take care of your parents, remember that your kids will do the same one day. Because Apple does not fall far from the tree.

2. Bread always falls on the buttered side = when one thing goes wrong many things go wrong at the same time

A. Just as bread always falls on the buttered side, I had several misfortunes one after another today.
B. I was already ten minutes late. My bike also didn't start for a long time. You know, bread always falls on the buttered side.

3. Escape the bear and fall to the lion = escape from one danger or problem only to fall a victim to a bigger one

A. I escaped from my HOD but caught hold of my principal for not coming in uniform. I didn't expect to escape the bear and fall to a lion.
B. I could tell a lie and escape from my sister but my father found the truth. You mean, you escaped the bear and fall to the lion?

“I was falling. Falling through time and space and stars and sky and everything in between. I fell for days and weeks and what felt like lifetime across lifetimes. I fell until I forgot I was falling.”
- Jess Rothenberg, “The Catastrophic History of You and Me”

Do you have a memory like an elephant or a sieve?

Today's English
September 17th, 2017

Memory matters a lot!  How will you work in your office, how will you remember your mother, wife and children and how will you come back home if your memory is deleted from you by accident? Whatever is yours is not yours if memory bids farewell to you. What about your current memory? If you can remember well even the names, numbers, incidents in the remote past, you “have a memory like an elephant."  If you are having a poor memory, it can be said in English that you “have a memory like a sieve.”

1.My son has a memory like an elephant but I don't.
2.She has a memory like a sieve and it is very dangerous to assign this work to her.

People generally remember significant events of a person's life at his death or at his retirement.  If you rejoice at the happy moments of your life or somebody's life, any one of the following three expressions can be used: “stroll down memory lane", “take a walk down memory lane" and “take a trip down memory lane.”

1.How was your date with her? We spent the whole day in Ooty and walked down memory lane for a long time. (=talked about past happy moments)
2.The fine weather aroused our feelings and emotions and we took a trip down memory lane.

Who will forget the most beautiful moments in life? If you preserve such sweet moments or touching people in your memory, it means that “you freeze them in your memory.”  When you talk about where you kept something or what you actually did in the past, you can use the expression “if my memory serves me right" that is equal to “if I remember correctly.” The events you think to have happened may not have really happened, then it's a “false memory".

1.She was such a beautiful lady and I froze her in my memory.
2.Who would lose this wonderful sight? Let me freeze it right now.
3.If my memory serves me right, he came here last Monday, around 5 o' clock in the evening.

“Our memory is a more perfect world than the universe: it gives back life to those who no longer exist.”
-Guy de Maupassant

Don't spend your money like a drunken sailor.

Today’s English
September 16th, 2017

What can you do in this world if your purse is empty.  You say good bye to most of the worries just with a pregnant purse.  This is what we say in English by “ a heavy purse makes a light heart.” The opposite, “a light purse makes is a heavy heart” is also true.
1. After getting government job, he has never run short of money. Yes, a heavy purse makes a light heart.
2. First find a secured job somewhere so that your can answer all your commitments. Don't you know that a heavy purse makes a light heart ?
3. How can you make settlements in life if you spend money like this. Remember that a light purse makes a heavy heart.

If you are a good fund manager of your family and accounts everything that is spent, then it means that you “tighten your purse strings”.  If you are so liberal and spend money like water, you “loosen your purse strings.”  The person who is in charge of money in business or family is the one who “controls the purse strings.”

1. He always tightens his purse strings and never borrows money from others.
2. Loosen your purse strings and you will have more enjoyments and friends in life.
3. Who controls purse strings in your family -you or your wife?

If you spend like a sailor (on the shore) or spend like a drunken sailor, it means that you are spending money extravagantly, excessively and wastefully.  If you pay a huge amount of money to buy something, it is said in English that you pay “king's random.”

1. I'm ready to pay even a king's ransom to buy a gift for her.
2. Are you mad? Why did you spend like a drunken sailor all your money?
3. Whatever the function is, he spends like a sailor on the shore.

“He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more; He who loses faith, loses all.”
  –Eleanor Roosevelt

Indian English Expressions (part -3)

Today’s English

September 15th, 2017

(This is the continuation of part 1 posted on May 11th, 2017 and part 2 on May 21st, 2017 on www.spokenenglishabcd.blogspot.in)

11.To hit on one's belly / to throw mud at one’s livelihood
Meaning: to deprive someone from their means of livelihood

Examples:
A.Why do you hit on his belly? Don't make any complaint against that sweeper.
B.She is the breadwinner of her family. Don't talk lies and throw mud at her livelihood.

12.To eat one's salt
Meaning: to be much obliged /indebted to somebody
A.Believe me master! I'll be faithful to you throughout my life because I have eaten your salt.
B.I can't cheat him. I’ve eaten his salt.

13.My name is not… / I’m not…..
Meaning: an Indian form of swearing or taking a vow to do something
Examples:
A.If I don't complete this work before evening, my name is not Sanjay.
B.I’ll knock her down in the match. Otherwise, I'm not Preethi.

14.To break one's own head
Meaning: to have a problem /troubles and not knowing how to solve them
Examples:
A.I couldn't find the answer. I'm still breaking my head.
B.Are you breaking your head and don't know how to complete your project/thesis. We are here for your assistance. Just give a missed call.

15.I wish you had died in my womb/ I had killed you in my womb
Meaning: (mother's curse ) used while being angry with the children at their immoral or undesirable behaviour against Indian culture

Examples:
A.I wish you had died in my womb! Why did you steal this money?
B.How dare you love that worthless guy? I wish I had killed you in my womb.

American Lady: Are you cheating me? Where is my purse kept here?

Indian servant: God promise madam! I don't take that.  I have eaten your salt madam.

American Lady: How dare you steal away the salt too? I fire you. Get lost.

Indian servant: Don't shoot me madam! Don't hit on my belly madam.

American Lady: again you are lying? When did I touch your bloody belly?

Indian servant: My name is not Shiva, if it is true madam.

American Lady: your name is not Shiva? You told me it's so when you got here. A great cheat you are!

Indian servant: I wish my mother had killed me in her womb! Otherwise why should I break my head here?

American Lady: you mean your mother is a killer? Don't break your head here and make me waste my time between court and police station. Get out I say!

Indian servant:……..?!

Wanna know much about “little”?

Today’s English
September 14th, 2017

Nobody is perfect and complete, you know. If a person or thing is lacking something in features, perfection and  completion but can be used, we use the expression “a little rough around the edges.”

1.Is my car ready? It's little rough around the edges but  you can use it even now.
2.What about Mr.Ajay? Hmm, he is a little rough around the edges but he is good enough to serve our current requirements.

Have you ever seen a person who behaves as if he is more important than others. Nobody would like such pompous and self-congratulatory people.  The phrase “a little tin god” is exactly made for them.

1.He’s such a little tin god and who will listen to him?
2.Being a little tin God, he made a pompous speech that irritated everyone.

What's your position in your organisation? Are you a little frog in a big pond, or a big fish in a small pond? The former means that you are less qualified and less important than others in your big organisation but the latter means that you are overqualified and more important than others but within a small organisation.

1.With Ph.D qualification, he joined as a primary school teacher but soon felt that he was a big fish in a small pond.
2.Why do you give him much respect? He's a peon, just a little frog in a big pond.

By doing little amount of work everyday, you can complete any big task. This is what we mean by"little strokes fell great oaks.”  (Note: here  the verb fell means cut and it is not the past tense of fall). There are two more easily understandable interesting phrases with 'little' in English – “little things please little minds" and “little thieves are hanged but great ones escape.” I hope, you know the meaning.

1.How can I complete this work within a month? Do it a little by little everyday and don't you know –“ little strokes fell great oaks.”?
2.Why don't you watch bigg boss programme? Little things please little minds.
3.I received a notice from income tax department for non-remittance of 650 rupees in the last year. It's an irony that little thieves are hanged but great ones escape.

Wife: How did you correct that rich lady in the opposite flat?

Husband: little strokes fell great oaks.

Wife: (chasing) you rascal.. I’ll kill you.

Husband: (running..) little thieves like me are hanged but great ones escape.

Common Thought Fillers in English

Today’s English
September 13th, 2017

You know, we want to speak English as we breathe.  Your English sounds natural with fillers which are very useful and supportive in spoken English especially when you don't know what to say next.

A filler is a word or group of words or expressions used primarily to fill the gap in continuous speech.  Some of the fillers have meanings but others don't and simply serve you to assist while you think what to speak next.

Common Fillers in English:
1.You know/ you see = showing that something is already understood but the listener
Well, you know, I'm not that type of girl as you think.

2.I know = used while changing the topic of speech
I know, but, it's not time to talk about that.

3.You mean = used to clarify or confirm something.
You mean, there will be problem at the time of approval?

4.I mean = used to explain your statement or correct it
Let us not talk about that now, I mean, we have a lot of urgent matters to discuss with.

5.I see / oh I see= I understand what you say
Only few students attended the special classes. I see!

6.By the way / bye the bye = used while talking unrelated matters
Bye the bye, where is John whom we left out completely?

7.By all means = showing your willingness to give or do something for others
Do you mind if I use your net for a while? By all means.

8.After all = used while giving a reason
She is, after all, a sweeper! How dares she to argue with me!

9.I'm afraid = used while foreseeing the danger
It's a creative idea but, I'm afraid, the chief guest may feel a little bit hurt.

10.Of course = yes / while giving permission to others or emphasizing truth in somebody's statement
Could you please help me? Of course, I can.
Of course, what he says is correct.

“The more gaps a leader can bridge, the more significant influence she or he can make.”
-Pearl Zhu, “Digital Gap

First Hundred Years are the Hardest!

Today’s English
September 12th, 2017

Life is a race. People run for money, power, prestige, love, achievements or at least to get settled in life. To come first and to get the best are their two goals that suck in all their energy and time. Here are top ten expressions connected with first :

1. Be first among equals = to be more powerful, talented, important among others in the same group, class, profession,etc
A. You can choose Antony for our project team. I'm sure he is first among equals.
B. She was always held in high esteem since she was first among equals.

2. First catch your hare = don't plan more before doing what is said
A. If I buy a new  car, I will take you to Kerala and then every week end we can go on a trip. Hey! Stop. First catch your hare.
B. Let us first catch our hare! What is there in mere dreaming?

3. First hundred years are the hardest = things won't improve and remain difficult throughout.
A. I don't know when the political situation will stabilise here. Don't worry, the first hundred years are the hardest.
B. Everywhere the wife is always right and the husband is always wrong.  Hmm. First hundred years are the hardest.

4. Cast the first stone = to be first to criticize
A. Let me cast the first stone. The programme is sheer wastage of time.
B. Before casting the first stone at others, ask yourself first -Are you perfect?

5. Fall at the first hurdle = to fail a task at your first attempt
A. He was afraid of falling at the first hurdle and didn't try.
B. You are likely to fall at the first hurdle when you appear for the IAS exam.

“Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.”
- Aesop

The connection between ladies and English

Today’s English
September 11th, 2017

Who is a dragon lady?  This phrase in English refers to any lady who behaves or talks to others in an aggressive, dominating and frightening way.  There is also another phrase “the first lady" that refers to not only the wife of the president of the United States but also any woman who is best in her profession or in a particular sports.
1. Everyone paid homage to the First Lady.
2. She is such a dragon lady. Who will go and talk to her?
3. In her teaching profession, she is the first lady admired by all.

There is a saying in English – “it’s not over until the fat lady sings”. It means that as everyone thinks, the situation is not still over and you have still one more chance to win. Have you heard about the two phrases – “foxy lady" and “lady bear"?  The latter refers to a lady officer of the law whereas the former stands for any lady who is sexually attractive.

1. Don't lose your hope now? It’s not over until the fat lady sings.
2. The foxy lady in the bus attracted everyone.
3. You can find so many lady bears in this particular court.

The list is not yet over.  If you come across any upper class lady who is so generous with her money, remember that She is the “Lady Bountiful.”  Then what about a lady who has no money and roaming around the street without home? She is called “bag lady.”  However beware of tasting with Snow Lady! You may even be arrested by police because snow lady who gives you extreme pleasure is not at all a lady but an illegal drug (cocaine) popular among youngsters.

1. She emptied her purse just to show that She is the Lady Bountiful.
2. Everyone pitied with the bag lady begging for alms.
3. Two guys were arrested for taking the snow lady.

“Any fool knows men and women think differently at times, but the biggest difference is this. Men forget, but never forgive; women forgive, but never forget.”
- Robert Jordan

Twenty Ways to Express your Interest in English

Today’s English
September 10th, 2017

Your interest matters more! People like to do what they are interested in rather than following the orders and directions from others. To share with you how to express your interest or somebody's interest in English is what I'm interested in today.

20 ways to talk about your likes:
1. Our physical director is keen on producing national level players.

2. Everybody is eager to know what will happen next in Tamil Nadu politics.

3. You are anxious about the exam result, aren't you?

4. She was getting impatient since he didn't turn up.

5. Hostel students were longing for going home.

6. I'm dying here for you. Why don't you make a call?

7. My mom is good at cooking and you will really enjoy her recipes.

8. I'm bound and determined to get through TRB exam this time.

9. I wish I were a bird that needs no passport to come around the world.
10. I love music, and you?

11. He was willing to get transferred to Ooty.

12. She is passionate about modelling.

13. Students were enthusiastic about going on I.V. (industrial visit)

14. You will always have our wholehearted support. Go ahead.

15. Don't cut a joke now. I'm deadly earnest to know his situations.

16. He's fond of playing cricket.

17. Why is he not looking at me? I think, he's using the tricks –“treat them mean and keep them keen.” (=develop interest in others by pretending to neglect.)

18. He's as keen as mustard in playing with children.(=very much interested)

19. She is glued to watching Bigg Boss and don't talk to her now.

20. Will you join with us in shopping? Sure, with bells on. (= eagerly)

“I don't have time, energy, or interest in hating the haters; I'm too busy loving the lovers.”
- Steve Maraboli, “Reflections on Life and Human Experience.”

It’s time to test your English!

Today’s English
September 9th, 2017

Where do you stand now in teaching or learning English?
You may be a student, teacher, employee or boss in any part of the world.  The right thing to do before starting your journey to master English is to find where you are now.  You can test your English level by observing the standard CEFR.

The international standard for testing your language ability is CEFR (the Common European Framework of References for Languages).  There are six levels as given below any one of which may be your current English level:

A 1  = Basic levels (entry)– it’s the entry level for beginner.  If you don’t know even basics of English, you have to start with and complete A1 level first. If you pass A1 level, you will be able t introduce yourself and others in English, ask and answer simple questions and communicate with others who speak slowly for you.  Do you want to test whether you crossed this level?  Click here and take the test: http://www.englishjet.com/english_courses_files/test_beginners.asp

A2 = Basic level (elementary) – it’s for those who has crossed A1.  If you pass A2 level, you can speak on familiar and routine matters in English and describe your background, environment and other matters of immediate need.

B1: Intermediate Level – it’s for those who passed A2 level.  When you finish B1 level, you can deal with any new situations arising during travel.  You can also describe your experiences,  events, dreams and hopes.

B2: upper intermediate level – for those who completed B1. This B2 level is your level if you can have technical discussions in your area of specialization and interact with native speakers of English without strain.

C1 : Advanced English level – for those who crossed B1. C1 level enables you to use English language fluently, spontaneously, flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

C2 : Proficiency level : for those who got through C1.  C2 is the highest level that indicates your mastery of English language.  You can now create, summarize and reconstruct spoken and written sources even in complex situations.  This is actually (has to be?!) the level of teachers and professors.

Click and find where you are and then start your journey towards your goal:
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/in/test-your-english/adult-learners/
Or
Visit www.oxfordonlineenglish.com and take the level test in the menu. Wish you a happy language journey!

“Learning another language is like becoming another person.”
-Haruki Murakami

Why the past form of verb go is not goed but went?

Today’s English
September 8th, 2017

A student in my English class asked a critical question – if the past of call is “called”, why don’t we say that the past of go is “goed” and the past of teach is teached. He’s logically correct and I also wished in vain that all such verbs in English should follow a simple formula – “add -ed to all verbs to make past and past participle”, at least to reduce the burden of English learners and avoid the mistakes in sentence formation in past and perfect tenses.

The Reasons for/ origin of Irregular Verbs:
[Note: Most verbs in English such as open and close take -ed in past and past participle and they are called regular verbs.(open-opened-opened)  The verbs like sing and go don’t follow this regular pattern and change in a different way with internal vowel change. They are called irregular verbs.(go-went-gone). Verbs which remain the same are also irregular verbs.(cut-cut-cut)]

Reason 1: historical change

Most of the irregular verbs are but gradual changes in regular verbs in course of time in the history of English language.  Borrowed words from German and Latin languages became the past and past participle forms of many irregular verbs. Some forms in old English were also retained in modern English and the result was irregularity in verbs.

Reason 2 : suppletion
Use of unrelated word is called suppletion, that is, using one word in the place of another word by mistake.  For example, the verb “wend” in English means “ to move or travel slowly” (wend-wended-wended).  But gradually it was by mistake associated with the verb “go" that also means “ to move or travel to a place".  Then the past form “went" for go came into usage widely.  Thus suppletion led to many irregularities of verbs.

Reason 3: analogy
If taught is for teach, then caught is for catch.  If sang and sung are for sing, then rang and rung are for ring.  Thus by means of assumptions of analogy, many irregular verbs came into existence by wrong usage in course of time.

Reason 4: wrong pronunciation
The past and past participles of pay and lay were originally payed and layed. But their very pronunciation resulted in the forms paid and laid.  Thank God! The verbs swayed and stayed are not still corrupted as swaid and staid.

Reason 5: conjugation
Inflection (change) of verb according to person, number and gender is called conjugation.  In Hindi, verbs change according to gender as well but not in English.  The most irregular verb in English is "be" that changes not only in past and participle but also in the very present tense itself.

Be Happy. (Be used as be in imperative sentence)
I am a doctor. We are doctors. (Be changing into am and are in present tense, according to singular, plural)
You are my friend.(Be changing into are according to second person)
He is not here. (Be changing into is according to third person singular)
He has been a mystery. (Be changing into been in past participle)

Thus we find fault with students who write past and past participle forms wrongly but forget that only wrong usage in history has given birth to went and gone of go. It’s a Maya world where right is wrong and wrong is right!

“There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet.”
T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”

Don’t forget that April showers bring May flowers

Today’s English
September 7th, 2017

There are so many English expressions carrying the names of English months.  Let’s see few of them today.

If you feel that something will never or rarely happen, you can use the expression: “it’ll be a long day in January” or “it will be a cold day in July".

1.If he ever comes to office in time, then it will be a long day in January.
2.I’m sure, he would never come with us to a movie. Once it happens it will be a cold day in July.

If somebody behaves in a silly manner, then you can use the idiom “as mad as a March hare.”  Whenever some people are crazy about something, the same idiom can be used.

1.Stop all your nonsense. Why do you behave as mad as a March hare?
2.He’s as mad as a March hare. Keep distance from him now.

Something like rain at the busy hours and extra work on holidays may disturb you, but you have to adjust with it because the result in future will be a fruitful one.  This is what we mean by the English expression “April showers bring May flowers.”

1.Preparing for TRB exam may be a bit burdensome but don’t forget that April showers bring May flowers.
2.Are you irritated by your teacher’s or parent's advice? Just remember, April showers bring May flowers.

For the saddest day in your life use the expression “September 11”, the day on which a terrorist attack took place at twin towers in the U.S killing around 3000 people.  If either of couples or people in romantic relationship is many years older than the other, then say that it is “a May-December romance.”

1.The day I lost my mother is September 11th in my life.
2.The May-December romance in the film was extremely funny.

(Boy : How long will you keep me as vegetarian? Can’t you be a little bit generous?

Girl: it will be a cold day in July.

Boy: you are merciless.

Girl: Don’t be as mad as a March hare.

Boy: if I leave you permanently…

Girl: it’ll be September 11th.

Boy: really?!

Girl: yes, for you.)

Just a few things about “just"

Today’s English
September 6th, 2017

One of the most frequently used words is just.  Just is just used in several meanings as follows:

1. Just = recently
A. Just now he left for home.
B. I met him just now.

2. Just = simply
A. You can just make a call whenever you are free.
B. It’s just a matter of ego. 

3. Just = exactly
A. You have just done what I expected in this case.
B. Ya, it’s just what I mean.

4. Just = only
A. I said this just for information.
B. Don’t take it seriously. It’s just for fun.

5. Just = really
A. The programme was just wonderful!
B. I’ve just no money in my pocket.

If we want someone to wait for a while, we can use the phrase “just a minute/second".  If you don’t complete your work now but soon it will be completed, then use the phrase “ not just yet.”
1. Just a minute. Principal is calling me.
2. Have you made arrangements for the programme? Not just yet.

When there are happy moments in your life, then your “life is just a bowl of cherries”, isn’t it?  You might have seen beautiful people who may but lack intelligence, certain abilities, etc.  You may call such a person – “just another pretty face.”
1. Don’t forget that life is just a bowl of cherries.  Enjoy it.
2. What about Sophia? She’s just another pretty face.

When something happens surprisingly, unexpectedly or by chance, then, use “it just so happened”.  If somebody is ignorant about something and they don’t know what to do in a particular situation, they “just fall off the turnip truck.”
1. It just so happened that my joining date and retirement date both fell on the same day.
2. He didn’t know anything about excel.  He was blinking his eyes as if he just fell off from turnip truck.

(Interviewer: just for information I’m asking. What’s your highest qualification?

Candidate: 8th std first class.

Interviewer: Do you just have the qualification for this job?

Candidate: not just yet.

Interviewer: How will you then just face problems in the workplace?

Candidate: no sir. I always take life just as a bowl of cherries.

Interviewer: any working experience?

Candidate: just a fresher.

Interviewer: Why do you just come to the interview and just waste our time?

Candidate: just for fun, sir.

Interviewer: ………….?!)

Differences: interrupt, interfere, intervene and intrude

Today’s English
September 5th, 2017

Interrupt versus interfere
When somebody is doing something important or saying something, you may be in a situation to talk to them, then you interrupt them.   But interfere means that you are getting involved in something with which you are not concerned.  Interrupt is what you have to do but interfere is what you are not supposed to do because someone’s privacy is disturbed and they may even be hurt by your interference.

1. Sorry to interrupt you madam, deputy collector has come to meet you regarding an important issue.
2. Excuse me, I hope, I’m not interrupting you, why do talk about politics here?
3. Don’t interfere into my personal life. It’s none of your business.
4. Why do you interfere with this matter? It no way concerns you.

Intrude versus intervene
If you go to a place where you are not supposed to go, you intrude that place.  But intervene means that you get involved into a situation in order to help somebody, or solve a problem.
1. Intruders (trespassers) will be prosecuted.
2. Why did you intrude his room? He won’t like it.
3. If I hadn’t intervened, they would have killed him.
4. The government asked the district collector to intervene the issue and solve it immediately.

(Clerk : Sorry to interrupt you sir, may I know why you are doing romance with this lady?

Manager: How dare you to intrude my room? Why do you interfere my personal affair?

Clerk: because… she is my wife sir.

Manager: ………..?!)

Fifteen ways to talk about insult

Today’s English
September 4th, 2017

You insult a person by being disrespectful to them, by scolding them in public,  by not obeying their words and by speaking ill of them to others.  You also feel insulted when you are looked down by someone and not being recognised in the presence of others.

Top fifteen ways of expressing feelings of insult in English:
1. Why do you insult my intelligence? (=why do you treat me as if I’m stupid?”)
2. She’ll be offended if we don’t go to her party
3. Why are you so rude to me?
4. You can see neanderthal parents everywhere at Indian homes.
5. His statement to the press was an affront to many politicians.
6. Why do you call his names? (Why do you use insulting words about him?)
7. I didn’t expect him to throw mud at me.
8. I will teach you a lesson for defaming me in public.
9. The programme showed him in a bad light.
10. You have hurt her feelings. Please ask your apology.
11. I’ve never been humiliated by anyone like this.
12. She was deeply wounded by his remarks.
13. Why did you turn your back on the manager?
14. She took it as a slander on her reputation.
15. I was so angry with him and gave him a mouthful.

“Don't compare yourself with anyone in this world...if you do so, you are insulting yourself.”
- Bill Gates

Learn English from the Bible

Today's English
September 3rd, 2017
English literature is deeply rooted in Christianity and their holy bible.  So is English language.  The Bible has given birth to thousands of day-to-day English idioms and here are few instances:

1.Bible expression: It’s easier for a camel to go through “ the eye of a needle.”
Meaning: Even what seems to be difficult may be easy but something is impossible.
Source: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)

Example sentences:
A.Even a camel can pass through the eye of a needle but you can never get any donation from him.
B.It can be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, but it’s very difficult to change the decision of my wife.

2.Bible Expression: “a little bird told me"
Meaning: used when you don’t want to reveal how you came to know a secret
Source: from the book of Ecclesiastes (10:20) by King Solomon

Example sentences:
A.How do you know that she is my girlfriend? Hummm, a little bird told me.
B.Is it true sir? A little bird told me that you are the next principal.

3.Bible expression: “after one’s own heart"
Meaning: a person or thing that has the same taste, views, likes and dislikes like you
Source: From 1 Samuel 13:14
Example sentences:
A.At last, I found my best friend, Mr.Antony, after my own heart.
B.After searching for a long time, she found the website after her own heart.

4.Bible expression: “the alpha and omega”
Meaning: the beginning and end of something; the essence or most important feature of something
Source: from Revelation 1:8

Example sentences:
1.God is the Alpha and Omega of all.
2.This chance is the Alpha and Omega for you. Don’t miss it.
3.The Alpha and Omega of this smartphone by Zopo is its 32 megapixel camera.

3.Bible expression: “a double-edged sword”
Meaning: something that has both sharp positive and negative aspects/results
Source: from Hebrews 4:12

Example sentences:
1.Allowing children to access internet sources is like a double-edged sword.
2.Money is such a double-edged sword that can bring you both good and evil in abundance.

“Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.”
-Ronald Reagan

5 Ways and 20 Websites to Improve Your English Speaking Skill

Today’s English
September 2nd, 2017

1. All non-native speakers of English want to improve their speaking skill in English.  The simplest and the only way to speak English is “to speak English.”  Only when you drive, you can improve your driving skill.  Only by swimming, you can learn swimming.  A child that doesn’t walk can never run for a race. Only by speaking English, you can simultaneously correct, modify or improve your English. If you don’t speak,  reading thousands of grammar rules or learning 10 new words a day, or any such effort won’t be fruitful.

2. Bid farewell to your mother tongue.  The influence of mother tongue is the greatest barrier to non-native speakers of English. Whether it’s a meeting at principal’s chamber or a chat with friends and colleagues, they feel at home with mother tongue.  You can see many English teachers in India teach English with word by word or sentence by sentence explanation in mother tongue.  If you want to improve your speaking skill in English, you have to sacrifice your love and affection for your mother-tongue and overcome its influence.

3. Being too conscious of grammar rules and being afraid of fault-finders are the other barriers on the way.  If you look for perfection, then fluency will be will-o'-the-wisp (impossible). Are you conscious of grammar when you speak your mother tongue? To preserve the chastity of English is none of your business.  Speak as you breathe.

4. Keep your exposure to English high that is too low now.  Be in England or America for few months or bring British air to your home.  Just ask one question – how did you pick up fluency in your mother tongue? The answer is the remedy.  The more you are exposed to English, the more that enters your flesh and flood.  Whatever you listen, speak, read and write should be converted from your mother tongue to English.  Google is your best friend-cum-teacher and waits for your touch on the keyboard with millions of online learning sources and this high exposure to English will result in noticeable progress in your journey.

5. The fifth way, the final one I would like to suggest/insist you is the most important one.  It’s a Herculean task as well as a child’s play. It is– “Follow the above four, each and every minute every day.” I mean, have your dreams too in English. Make your dream real.

Here are some useful sites to improve your speaking skill in English. Just click and start your journey.
1. www.myenglishteacher.euu
2. https://howdoyou.do
3. http://www.fluentu.com
4. https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en
5. https://www.britishcouncil.in
6. https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/free-spoken-english-lessons
7. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/in/learning-english/
8. http://www.letstalk.co.in/spoken_english.html
9. http://www.manythings.org
10. http://www.eslcafe.com
11. http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/
12. http://www.myenglishpages.com
13. https://www.coursera.org
14. http://www.englishspeak.com/en/english-lessons
15. https://www.dailystep.com
16. https://alison.com
17. http://www.spokenenglishpractice.com
18. https://effortlessenglishclub.com
19. https://www.duolingo.com/course/en/ar/Learn-English-Online
20. www.spokenenglishabcd.blogspot.in

“Learning is not a spectator sport”. – D. Blocher

Differences: Sensible, Sensitive, Sensual and Sensuous

Today’s English
September 1st, 2017

Sensible versus Sensitive
A sensible person always makes good judgement.  He has practical thinking and not carried away by emotions, feelings and situational temptations.  Similarly a sensible idea refers to one that is based on reason and experience rather than emotions. It’s the idea that is practically useful. But a sensitive person is one who is easily hurt, offended and quickly responds to even slight changes or differences emotionally.  A sensible person will take a wise decision whereas a sensitive person will fall a victim to the emotional and quick decisions. You can look for a sensible suggestion but you have to be aware of sensitive issues dealing with which is walking on the edges of sword. However a sensitive person understands and be aware of the feelings of others more than anybody else. What about sensitive tooth and sensitive skin?  Here sensitive means “reacting quickly than usual.” 
1. He’s such a sensible man whom everyone likes.
2. Please give some sensible ideas and don’t waste our time.
3. Be careful. It’s a sensitive issue.(=treat with care, otherwise people will get affected or angry)
4. Why are you so sensitive to everything? (=easily upset by everything)
5. I have sensitive skin and can’t use these cosmetics.

Sensual versus Sensuous
Everyone has five senses and the ways of gratification of these senses are uncountable.  Whatever gives pleasure to your senses is sensual. Haven’t you watched sensual scenes, felt sensual touch by someone or longed for sensual food? Though sensuous also refers to giving pleasure to your senses, there is a difference.  The sexual connotations attached with “sensual” is missing in “sensuous".  A glamour scene may be sensual to your eyes but a beautiful piece of painting or music is sensuous since it reaches your heart and delights you for ever. Sensual things appeal to your senses rather than intellect whereas sensuous things or persons are devoid of sexual influences and appeal to you senses as well as your heart and soul.
1. She drew everyone’s attention through her sensual dressing.
2. I have never seen a sensual scene like this.
3. The sensuous qualities of his music was appreciated by everyone.
4. I don’t feel the passing of time when I rejoice at my kid’s sensuous talk.

“He was a gentle and sensitive soul, and therefore had a short temper, which is why he went straight after everything with an ax...”
- Bohumil Hrabal, “I Served the King of England”

Don’t Push the Panic Button!

Today’s English
August 31st, 2017

Are you running ahead the time, running with the time or running behind the time?  If you are going to a place in advance or complete a work before the stipulated time, then you are running ahead the time.  Be punctual and you run along with the time.  Go or do late and you run behind the time.  The phrases “race against the clock" and beat the clock both mean that you are in a difficult situation to finish the task more  quickly than usually.
1.I’m sorry! You are running behind the time. It’s houseful now.
2.You are always beating the clock.  When will you be free?
3.Don’t worry! We are running ahead the time.

If you want to tell someone “to work as fast as possible”, you can use the expression “go hell for leather.”  If you go away from a place very fast, especially to complete some urgent works,  then, as the English idiom goes, you go “like a bat out of hell.”
1.We have no time. It’s time to go hell for leather.
2.I couldn’t talk to him since he rushed out like a bat out of hell.

If you are doing something very quickly without thinking about that, in a difficult situation, then you “press/hit/push the panic button.”
1.I have to push the panic button now. There’s no other go.
2.Hit the panic button and we can rectify the small errors later.

“In our rushing, bulls in china shops, we break our own lives.”
-Ann Voskamp, “One Thousand Gifts”

Five Ways to Improve Your Listening Skill

Today’s English
August 30th, 2017

LSRW is the manthra (the four pillars) of any language learning. A language learner has to start with improving his receptive skills first. (Listening and reading are receptive skills and speaking and writing are productive skills.) Here are the top 5 ways to improve your listening:

1.Watch English movies in English with full text at the footer in the beginning.  Thousands of sites and apps online, like Amazon prime video and YouTube can help you a lot. 

2.Why can’t you go for some standard learning apps like “English central" and Hello English where you can watch thousands of videos by native speakers of English, listen, repeat and compare yours with theirs.? They also ease your learning with game activities. You can start from any  level that suits you and move to higher level.

3.TV channels are almost in all languages and the varieties are more than what you can expect.  Watch, enjoy and improve your listening.  Start with local English news, move to Times Now and end up with BBC English news.

4.Talk to the native speakers of English to learn the right pronunciation and stress patterns.  Many online sites are ready for you with native speakers of English and you should just join with them in chat without hesitation.

5.Would you like to study, work or live abroad? Are you afraid of listening to foreigners' English and talking with them? IELTS is the answer.  International English Language Testing System is meant for non-native speakers of English. Prepare and take this test to improve your listening skills along with other three skills. British council and Cambridge English are awaiting you! To know more about this: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
-Stephen R. Covey, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

Don’t play a mug's game? Got it?

Today’s English
August 29th, 2017

If you are empty, I mean, with little knowledge, you should keep quiet.  Otherwise you will breathe life into the proverb – “empty vessel makes more noise.”  But how can you keep your stomach empty and continue your work even without taking the lunch or dinner?  So don’t work like a machine and take food at the right time.  Because, you know, as the English expression goes, “an empty sack cannot stand upright.”

1. As empty vessel makes more noise, they made all fuss about the matter.
2. First let’s have lunch and then work. Don’t you know “an empty sack cannot stand upright.”?

If you feel that in future a situation will turn out to be bad than expected to be good, you can use the phrase, “see/think the glass as half empty.”
1. The present situation in Tamil nadu makes everyone think the glass as half empty.
2. I see the glass as half empty. Don’t look for any favour from the management.

Have you heard about the phrase “empty nesters"? It refers to parents whose children have grown up and left them.  It shows how much the parents miss them with whom they had their whole heart. An activity that is totally useless is also said to be empty, in other words, it’s “a mug's game.”  If you are doing any such thing, don’t forget that you are “chasing your tail” like a cat.

1. All parents have to turn one day “empty nesters.”
2. Please understand that all your activities on WhatsApp and Facebook is but a mug's game.
3. You can never solve the problem in this system.  You are just chasing your own tail.

“You can exist without your soul, you know, as long as your brain and heart are still working. But you’ll have no sense of self anymore, no memory, no . . . anything. There’s no chance at all of recovery. You’ll just — exist. As an empty shell. And your soul is gone forever . . . lost.”
- J.K. Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”