A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.
Here is a list of common words that can be used as prepositions: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, by, concerning, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, of, off, on, out, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, until, up, upon, with, within, and without.
These words can be used as other parts of speech. What part of speech it is depends on how it is used in that sentence. Actually, many of the common words used as prepositions can also be used as adverbs. Words are prepositions if they have an object to complete them. To decide which it is say the preposition followed by whom or what. If a noun or a pronoun answers the question, the word is a preposition.
Example: The boy stood up and ran down the street. Up what? There is no object; therefore up is not a preposition. Down what? Street answers the question; therefore, down is a preposition. Down the street is the prepositional phrase starting with the preposition down and ending with the object street with a modifier the in between.
Find the prepositional phrases in the following sentences.
Jim painted a picture on the wall of the house.
I like to lie in the shade of the apricot tree and think of the jobs for the day.
The dog jumped over the mound behind the barn and ran into the street.
All pupils will need a note from home with parental permission.
For miles around you could see nothing except junk.
2007年7月10日 星期二
Even if, even though
1. You use “even if“ or “even though” to show that a particular fact does not make the rest of the statement untrue.
e.g. He enjoys sailing even if the weather is rough.
I wouldn’t sell that flat even if you gave me a million dollars!
2. Even though is a stronger form of although.
e.g. Even though the captain was badly injured, he managed to save several of the crew from drowning.
NOTE: Notice the difference between even if and even though:
(i) ‘Even if ] he loves her, he can’t marry her.’
(ii) ‘Even though ]
(i) even if = ‘I don’t know whether he loves her …’
(ii) even though = ‘I know he loves her, but in spite of this …’
e.g. He enjoys sailing even if the weather is rough.
I wouldn’t sell that flat even if you gave me a million dollars!
2. Even though is a stronger form of although.
e.g. Even though the captain was badly injured, he managed to save several of the crew from drowning.
NOTE: Notice the difference between even if and even though:
(i) ‘Even if ] he loves her, he can’t marry her.’
(ii) ‘Even though ]
(i) even if = ‘I don’t know whether he loves her …’
(ii) even though = ‘I know he loves her, but in spite of this …’
Red Fire Ants
In Taiwan experts have said that it might take three years to completely remove red fire ants from the capital, Taipei. Red fire ants give a painful sting which causes blisters and can sometimes result in death.
It's vicious and aggressive. When it stings you, the sharp burning sensation can last for an hour and within four hours a white blister appears. The Red Fire Ant comes from Brazil. It has spread through New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
In recent days red fire anthills have been found in the centre of the capital, and the authorities have been spurred into action. Taiwan's Premier has urged people not to panic and advised them how to protect their children. He warns it could take years to eradicate the pests. He describes this as a war of attrition.
The ants are blamed for losses of five-billion dollars in the United States each year and more than six-and-a-half-billion in Australia. Extra stocks of pesticide have been ordered by Taiwan's government. It hopes to contain the spread of the insects by the end of the year. Complete eradication, which some doubt is even possible, is likely to take much longer.
Useful words and Expressions:
Blister a painful swelling on the surface of your skin
Vicious violent and cruel
Sensation a physical feeling
Spread moved outwards to cover a large area
Anthills mounds of earth formed by ants when they are making a nest
Authorities official organisations or government departments
Spurred encouraged to do something
Premier the leader of a country's government
Urged strongly encouraged someone to do something
Eradicate destroy or remove completely
Attrition to weaken an enemy by continually attacking it
Pesticide chemical used to kill harmful insects
Contain keep a situation under control
It's vicious and aggressive. When it stings you, the sharp burning sensation can last for an hour and within four hours a white blister appears. The Red Fire Ant comes from Brazil. It has spread through New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
In recent days red fire anthills have been found in the centre of the capital, and the authorities have been spurred into action. Taiwan's Premier has urged people not to panic and advised them how to protect their children. He warns it could take years to eradicate the pests. He describes this as a war of attrition.
The ants are blamed for losses of five-billion dollars in the United States each year and more than six-and-a-half-billion in Australia. Extra stocks of pesticide have been ordered by Taiwan's government. It hopes to contain the spread of the insects by the end of the year. Complete eradication, which some doubt is even possible, is likely to take much longer.
Useful words and Expressions:
Blister a painful swelling on the surface of your skin
Vicious violent and cruel
Sensation a physical feeling
Spread moved outwards to cover a large area
Anthills mounds of earth formed by ants when they are making a nest
Authorities official organisations or government departments
Spurred encouraged to do something
Premier the leader of a country's government
Urged strongly encouraged someone to do something
Eradicate destroy or remove completely
Attrition to weaken an enemy by continually attacking it
Pesticide chemical used to kill harmful insects
Contain keep a situation under control
Batman at Buckingham Palace
A man dressed as the comic hero Batman broke into the Queen’s official residence in London to grab some publicity for a group which represents the rights of fathers. He used a ladder to climb the wall of Buckingham Palace and stayed on a window ledge for about five hours.
This is the latest in a string of high profile stunts by activist fathers demanding more access to their children. But it could cause the biggest stir yet. The man, named as Jason Hatch, managed to evade Palace security and climb onto a ledge next to the main balcony, where the Royal Family greets the crowds on special occasions. Dressed as the Caped Crusader, he unfurled a large banner which said Super Dads of Fathers For Justice, and waved at passers-by. Another campaigner, David Pyke, was dressed as Batman's sidekick Robin.
The police threw a cordon around the entire area - and brought in a crane, which after lengthy negotiations was used to bring Mr. Hatch down. The incident, which was broadcast live on television, is hugely embarrassing for Palace security - at a time of heightened concern over the threat of terrorism. Although she was not at the Palace, it’s likely the Queen will not be amused!
Useful words and Expressions:
broke into entered somewhere illegally
grab something take something dramatically
a string events of a similar nature that happen one after another
high profile stunt something done to get a lot of publicity
activist someone who does things to bring about political change
access the opportunity or right to see someone
biggest stir the greatest effect
evade keep away from (someone)
passers-by people who are walking past something
sidekick someone who helps another person (e.g. an assistant)
cordon a line of police or vehicles which stops people from entering or leaving an area
lengthy negotiations long discussions to find a solution to a problem
heightened concern increased worry
terrorism the use of violence for political reasons
This is the latest in a string of high profile stunts by activist fathers demanding more access to their children. But it could cause the biggest stir yet. The man, named as Jason Hatch, managed to evade Palace security and climb onto a ledge next to the main balcony, where the Royal Family greets the crowds on special occasions. Dressed as the Caped Crusader, he unfurled a large banner which said Super Dads of Fathers For Justice, and waved at passers-by. Another campaigner, David Pyke, was dressed as Batman's sidekick Robin.
The police threw a cordon around the entire area - and brought in a crane, which after lengthy negotiations was used to bring Mr. Hatch down. The incident, which was broadcast live on television, is hugely embarrassing for Palace security - at a time of heightened concern over the threat of terrorism. Although she was not at the Palace, it’s likely the Queen will not be amused!
Useful words and Expressions:
broke into entered somewhere illegally
grab something take something dramatically
a string events of a similar nature that happen one after another
high profile stunt something done to get a lot of publicity
activist someone who does things to bring about political change
access the opportunity or right to see someone
biggest stir the greatest effect
evade keep away from (someone)
passers-by people who are walking past something
sidekick someone who helps another person (e.g. an assistant)
cordon a line of police or vehicles which stops people from entering or leaving an area
lengthy negotiations long discussions to find a solution to a problem
heightened concern increased worry
terrorism the use of violence for political reasons
Listen to your Intuition
“I knew that was going to happen!” How many times have you said those words?
We all possess something called ‘intuition’. It’s an inner ‘knowing’ which can help us make decisions and even prevent us making mistakes! Do you remember those dreaded multiple-choice tests in school? How many times did you get the answer wrong because you changed it from your original answer. You probably soon figured out that you should always go with your first instinct.
Your brain, like a giant computer, stores all the data that was ever put into it. Unfortunately, most of us can only recall about 10% of it at any given time. You have experienced having a piece of information ‘right on the tip of your tongue’. The data is in your head but you can’t get at it when you need it. Some time later it probably pops up when you are no longer trying to remember it.
Well, sometimes that kind of information will pop up as a warning or in answer to an unasked question. We often call it a gut feeling or a premonition. Do you listen to it or just ignore it?
It’s very easy, in hindsight, to see where you could have prevented a problem by listening to your hunches.
But how can you learn to use your intuition to evoke warnings before it is too late to act on it?
Firstly, learn to listen to your intuition by spending some quiet time alone when you have a big decision to make. Secondly, never doubt your own common sense. When your inner voice says “watch out,” learn to take heed.
Useful words and Expressions:
Intuition – the unexplained feeling that something is true, even when there is no evidence for it
Figure out – solve a problem or understand a situation
Go with - follow (or keep to) a decision that has been made
Instinct – the natural way that a person or animal behaves or reacts
Pop up – if something/someone ‘pops’ up they appear unexpectedly
Gut feeling - is a feeling based on instinct or emotion rather than logic
Premonition – a feeling that something is going to happen (often an unpleasant thing)
Hindsight – understanding an event after it has happened
Hunch – a belief in something even though you have no evidence for it
Evoke – to cause an idea or emotion to occur
Common sense – natural ability to make good judgments
Watch out – a warning to be careful of danger or difficult circumstances
Take heed - listen / take notice
We all possess something called ‘intuition’. It’s an inner ‘knowing’ which can help us make decisions and even prevent us making mistakes! Do you remember those dreaded multiple-choice tests in school? How many times did you get the answer wrong because you changed it from your original answer. You probably soon figured out that you should always go with your first instinct.
Your brain, like a giant computer, stores all the data that was ever put into it. Unfortunately, most of us can only recall about 10% of it at any given time. You have experienced having a piece of information ‘right on the tip of your tongue’. The data is in your head but you can’t get at it when you need it. Some time later it probably pops up when you are no longer trying to remember it.
Well, sometimes that kind of information will pop up as a warning or in answer to an unasked question. We often call it a gut feeling or a premonition. Do you listen to it or just ignore it?
It’s very easy, in hindsight, to see where you could have prevented a problem by listening to your hunches.
But how can you learn to use your intuition to evoke warnings before it is too late to act on it?
Firstly, learn to listen to your intuition by spending some quiet time alone when you have a big decision to make. Secondly, never doubt your own common sense. When your inner voice says “watch out,” learn to take heed.
Useful words and Expressions:
Intuition – the unexplained feeling that something is true, even when there is no evidence for it
Figure out – solve a problem or understand a situation
Go with - follow (or keep to) a decision that has been made
Instinct – the natural way that a person or animal behaves or reacts
Pop up – if something/someone ‘pops’ up they appear unexpectedly
Gut feeling - is a feeling based on instinct or emotion rather than logic
Premonition – a feeling that something is going to happen (often an unpleasant thing)
Hindsight – understanding an event after it has happened
Hunch – a belief in something even though you have no evidence for it
Evoke – to cause an idea or emotion to occur
Common sense – natural ability to make good judgments
Watch out – a warning to be careful of danger or difficult circumstances
Take heed - listen / take notice
2007年6月10日 星期日
如何擺脫港式英文的口音(二) 聲調 1/2
英文的高低音
上次提及過，英文和廣東話不同，不是個 tonal language，即英文字沒有固定的聲調。字的高低音會因句子的意思而不同。今次談 的就是英文裡的聲調。
Dear Deidre – “Problem page”
I bet she’s a flirt!
I am going mad with jealousy about my wife’s new boss and it is eating me up. I’m 32, my wife is 30 and we have two kids who are aged nine and five.
She works at the local bookies where most of the customers are guys. I’ve always been jealous but managed to control it, even though she tells me about the friendly banter with customers and how some of them have asked her out. But a new male manager started work there recently.
He’s six years younger than her and she’s always telling me about the jokes they have together before opening up. It’s driving me nuts and I’ve started to accuse her of all sorts of things. I know I’ll lose her if I don’t stop, but I just can’t.
Signed: Miserable of Manchester
Deidre Says: Unreasonable jealousy does destroy relationships but your wife knows full well that her telling you about all the joking that goes on winds you up.
She probably finds it reassuring to know you care so much, but tell her you don’t need to know every detail about her day.
If you then find you are imagining even worse things, you will know that the problem really is yours.
In that case my free leaflet ‘Are You Jealous?’ will help you get a grip.
Useful words & expressions:
A flirt – someone who encourages sexual approaches.
Eating me up - I feel so jealous that I can’t think of anything else.
Bookies - a betting shop (like the Jockey Club).
Friendly banter - joking and teasing – common in work situations.
Asked her out - wanted to take her “on a date”.
Opening up - opening the betting shop each day.
Knows full well - understands completely the situation.
Winds you up - really makes you angry.
Help you get a grip - help you to maintain control of your emotions.
I am going mad with jealousy about my wife’s new boss and it is eating me up. I’m 32, my wife is 30 and we have two kids who are aged nine and five.
She works at the local bookies where most of the customers are guys. I’ve always been jealous but managed to control it, even though she tells me about the friendly banter with customers and how some of them have asked her out. But a new male manager started work there recently.
He’s six years younger than her and she’s always telling me about the jokes they have together before opening up. It’s driving me nuts and I’ve started to accuse her of all sorts of things. I know I’ll lose her if I don’t stop, but I just can’t.
Signed: Miserable of Manchester
Deidre Says: Unreasonable jealousy does destroy relationships but your wife knows full well that her telling you about all the joking that goes on winds you up.
She probably finds it reassuring to know you care so much, but tell her you don’t need to know every detail about her day.
If you then find you are imagining even worse things, you will know that the problem really is yours.
In that case my free leaflet ‘Are You Jealous?’ will help you get a grip.
Useful words & expressions:
A flirt – someone who encourages sexual approaches.
Eating me up - I feel so jealous that I can’t think of anything else.
Bookies - a betting shop (like the Jockey Club).
Friendly banter - joking and teasing – common in work situations.
Asked her out - wanted to take her “on a date”.
Opening up - opening the betting shop each day.
Knows full well - understands completely the situation.
Winds you up - really makes you angry.
Help you get a grip - help you to maintain control of your emotions.
Today's phrase is: What do you reckon?
"I think Michael Schumacher might retire from Formula One at the end of this season. What do you reckon?"
"Maybe, but that's what everyone said last year and he went on the win the championship."
"True, but there's lots of younger drivers coming into Formula 1 now who can challenge him."
"So, do you think he should quit while he's at the top of his game?"
"I do."
Useful words and expressions:
retire - to leave a job because you have reached a certain age.
the end of this season - after the last event in a sports calendar.
What do you reckon? - what's your opinion?
went on to win - continued despite problems and won.
challenge - provide competition.
quit - retire, often suddenly.
at the top of his game - at his best in terms of performance or ability.
in fact - in reality, to tell the truth.
"Maybe, but that's what everyone said last year and he went on the win the championship."
"True, but there's lots of younger drivers coming into Formula 1 now who can challenge him."
"So, do you think he should quit while he's at the top of his game?"
"I do."
Useful words and expressions:
retire - to leave a job because you have reached a certain age.
the end of this season - after the last event in a sports calendar.
What do you reckon? - what's your opinion?
went on to win - continued despite problems and won.
challenge - provide competition.
quit - retire, often suddenly.
at the top of his game - at his best in terms of performance or ability.
in fact - in reality, to tell the truth.
A TRUE STORY OF INSPIRATION
From barely speaking English, to five A’s at a level – in two years!
Beijing schoolgirl Wei Wang is celebrating five A grades at A level, just two years after arriving in Britain speaking only a few words of English. Wei, 19, gained top marks in maths, further maths, chemistry, biology and physics. She won distinctions in maths and physics and chose to extend her time in the exam hall by an hour to take the tough Cambridge University pre-entry exams.
What is special about Wei? When she arrived in England she could barely speak English. She spent her first three months in Britain grappling with English before taking up studies at Manchester High School for Girls.
Wei, who also had two part-time jobs to pay her rent, has now secured a place to study medicine at Cambridge. “I’m quite pleased, though my parents didn’t sound that impressed. I think they just expected me to pass,” she told the Sunday Morning Post.
Wei says she wants to stay in Britain and become a doctor. “I prefer maths and physics as they overlap. English is not my best subject,” she said. “What I like about Britain is that you are allowed to express yourself more – and also the weather!”
Useful words & expressions:
Barely - something that is only just true (Wei’s ability to speak English)
Distinction - special award for a very high level of achievement
Express (yourself) - show what you really think or feel
Gain - to achieve a good result after a lot of effort
Grappling (with) - trying hard to solve a problem
Secure - to obtain something you really want
Sound impressed - when we describe the way someone ‘sounds’ we mean the impression we get when they speak
Tough - a tough task (or exam) is very difficult to do well
Overlap - to cover part of the same area of interest or knowledge
Beijing schoolgirl Wei Wang is celebrating five A grades at A level, just two years after arriving in Britain speaking only a few words of English. Wei, 19, gained top marks in maths, further maths, chemistry, biology and physics. She won distinctions in maths and physics and chose to extend her time in the exam hall by an hour to take the tough Cambridge University pre-entry exams.
What is special about Wei? When she arrived in England she could barely speak English. She spent her first three months in Britain grappling with English before taking up studies at Manchester High School for Girls.
Wei, who also had two part-time jobs to pay her rent, has now secured a place to study medicine at Cambridge. “I’m quite pleased, though my parents didn’t sound that impressed. I think they just expected me to pass,” she told the Sunday Morning Post.
Wei says she wants to stay in Britain and become a doctor. “I prefer maths and physics as they overlap. English is not my best subject,” she said. “What I like about Britain is that you are allowed to express yourself more – and also the weather!”
Useful words & expressions:
Barely - something that is only just true (Wei’s ability to speak English)
Distinction - special award for a very high level of achievement
Express (yourself) - show what you really think or feel
Gain - to achieve a good result after a lot of effort
Grappling (with) - trying hard to solve a problem
Secure - to obtain something you really want
Sound impressed - when we describe the way someone ‘sounds’ we mean the impression we get when they speak
Tough - a tough task (or exam) is very difficult to do well
Overlap - to cover part of the same area of interest or knowledge
Today's phrase is: Technically speaking.
"I've had a look at your books and, technically speaking, you should be paying tax on your income from overseas customers."
"I thought I was."
"Well, you are but not enough given the current regulations."
"Is there any way round this?"
"There is a loophole that allows you to pay this sort of income into an off-shore account. That means you wouldn't have to declare it in this country."
"Can you set that up for me?"
"It'll take a couple of weeks but it shouldn't be a problem."
Useful words and expressions:
books - financial accounts.
technically speaking - according to an official interpretation of the facts.
overseas - foreign.
a way round - a way to avoid something.
loophole - a mistake in the way a law has been written that allows people to avoid the doing what the law states but without breaking any law.
offshore account - bank account in a country that has more relaxed tax rules than your own.
declare - officially report something, e.g. your income to the tax
authorities.
set up - arrange.
a couple - two.
"I thought I was."
"Well, you are but not enough given the current regulations."
"Is there any way round this?"
"There is a loophole that allows you to pay this sort of income into an off-shore account. That means you wouldn't have to declare it in this country."
"Can you set that up for me?"
"It'll take a couple of weeks but it shouldn't be a problem."
Useful words and expressions:
books - financial accounts.
technically speaking - according to an official interpretation of the facts.
overseas - foreign.
a way round - a way to avoid something.
loophole - a mistake in the way a law has been written that allows people to avoid the doing what the law states but without breaking any law.
offshore account - bank account in a country that has more relaxed tax rules than your own.
declare - officially report something, e.g. your income to the tax
authorities.
set up - arrange.
a couple - two.
The Buzzword is boutique
The boutique serviced apartment has become a popular choice among house hunters looking for budget accommodation in prime locations. The concept surfaced in Hong Kong a couple of years ago and has caught on in a big way. A growing number of small investors and developers are getting into the picture.
They are taking single-tower residential properties in business districts and turning them into serviced apartments. Those in the business say they get better rental returns in this niche market than they would if they gave this space to businesses.
This type of unit usually attracts the yuppie expatriates who want an apartment that’s close to their work-place and the city’s nightlife. Fresh demand is also emerging from young Chinese professionals returning from overseas and local residents in the high income group.
Useful words & expressions:
Buzzword - a word or expression that has become fashionable and is used a lot.
Boutique - noun: small shop selling fashion clothes, jewellery etc. This word has recently become commonly used to describe anything trendy in a small way.
Surfaced – when an idea (or piece of information) surfaces it becomes generally known
Caught on in a big way - became very popular
Emerging - becoming more well known (more apparent)
Fresh demand - a new source of demand
Getting into the picture – becoming involved in the situation (e.g. the market)
Niche market - a specific part of a larger market – with its own products and customs
Turning them - changing them
Upwardly-mobile - describes ambitious people on the ‘ladder of success’
Yuppie- a young person in a well paid job who likes to ‘show off’ the expensive things they have bought
They are taking single-tower residential properties in business districts and turning them into serviced apartments. Those in the business say they get better rental returns in this niche market than they would if they gave this space to businesses.
This type of unit usually attracts the yuppie expatriates who want an apartment that’s close to their work-place and the city’s nightlife. Fresh demand is also emerging from young Chinese professionals returning from overseas and local residents in the high income group.
Useful words & expressions:
Buzzword - a word or expression that has become fashionable and is used a lot.
Boutique - noun: small shop selling fashion clothes, jewellery etc. This word has recently become commonly used to describe anything trendy in a small way.
Surfaced – when an idea (or piece of information) surfaces it becomes generally known
Caught on in a big way - became very popular
Emerging - becoming more well known (more apparent)
Fresh demand - a new source of demand
Getting into the picture – becoming involved in the situation (e.g. the market)
Niche market - a specific part of a larger market – with its own products and customs
Turning them - changing them
Upwardly-mobile - describes ambitious people on the ‘ladder of success’
Yuppie- a young person in a well paid job who likes to ‘show off’ the expensive things they have bought
A Family Affair
Martin: Are these your sons in the photo, Janet? I haven’t seen them for ages. John hasn’t changed a bit. He’s the image of his father, isn’t he?
Janet: Yes, he is. He takes after his father, that’s for sure. He’s followed in his father’s footsteps too and works in the family importing business. It was difficult for him at first because he had to start from scratch, you know, finding somewhere to live and making new friends. He’s settled in now though and he loves it.
Martin: Good – give him my best when you talk to him. And do the boys keep in touch. I remember they used to be very close.
Janet: Yes they do – but not as much as before they were married. Their wives don’t get on, so it makes it a bit sticky, you know.
Martin: Really? That’s no good! In-laws can be a problem sometimes, can’t they?
Janet: Yes, they can sometimes. The problem is that they’re from different cultural backgrounds. It’s a tough one because we brought up the boys to be tolerant about other cultures and to get on with everyone.
Martin: Well let’s hope their ideas rub off on their wives.
Everyday Expressions Definitions
for ages for a long time
the image of (someone) the same in appearance
take after to be similar to (an older family member)
follow in (someone’s) footsteps do the same as someone has done before/to copy someone’s example
start from scratch start from the beginning without help
be settled in become established (in a new place)
give (someone) my best give (someone) my best wishes
keep in touch communicate regularly!
be very close have a good relationship
don’t get on not have a good relationship
sticky difficult
a tough one a difficult problem
brought up (children) train and educate (within the family)
get on with be friendly with
rub off on transfer (a habit, idea) to another person
Janet: Yes, he is. He takes after his father, that’s for sure. He’s followed in his father’s footsteps too and works in the family importing business. It was difficult for him at first because he had to start from scratch, you know, finding somewhere to live and making new friends. He’s settled in now though and he loves it.
Martin: Good – give him my best when you talk to him. And do the boys keep in touch. I remember they used to be very close.
Janet: Yes they do – but not as much as before they were married. Their wives don’t get on, so it makes it a bit sticky, you know.
Martin: Really? That’s no good! In-laws can be a problem sometimes, can’t they?
Janet: Yes, they can sometimes. The problem is that they’re from different cultural backgrounds. It’s a tough one because we brought up the boys to be tolerant about other cultures and to get on with everyone.
Martin: Well let’s hope their ideas rub off on their wives.
Everyday Expressions Definitions
for ages for a long time
the image of (someone) the same in appearance
take after to be similar to (an older family member)
follow in (someone’s) footsteps do the same as someone has done before/to copy someone’s example
start from scratch start from the beginning without help
be settled in become established (in a new place)
give (someone) my best give (someone) my best wishes
keep in touch communicate regularly!
be very close have a good relationship
don’t get on not have a good relationship
sticky difficult
a tough one a difficult problem
brought up (children) train and educate (within the family)
get on with be friendly with
rub off on transfer (a habit, idea) to another person
CRASH TEST MUMMY – Injured Alison gives birth after rescue from total car wreck
Crash baby Liam Hardy arrived in the world with a little help from 16 fireman, six paramedics and three doctors. Tiny Liam was delivered by caesarean section after mum Alison had been thrown around like a crash test dummy.
Eight-month pregnant Alison lost control of her Volvo on a country lane and ploughed into a tree. The admin worker, 29, was trapped in the debris when emergency crews arrived. Firemen cut her free from the driving seat. Fire Officer Ian Buchanan said: “The rescue was incredibly difficult because she was so heavily pregnant.” Alison was rushed to Newcastle Hospital with a fractured pelvis and broken legs, and gave birth to Liam soon afterwards.
Dad Rob said: “They thought Liam might have brain damage, but he’s had a clean bill of health and is at home with me now while Alison recovers. Alison won’t be home for good until after Christmas and they don’t think she’ll be walking for months.”
Furniture maker Rob, 34, was at work when he got a call saying Alison had been injured in the crash. He added: “I got to the hospital before Alison – because it took so long to get her out of the car.” Liam’s Nan Sandra has flown over from her home in Cyprus to help son Rob cope with the baby. She said: “Seeing them cuddled up together is just marvellous.”
Useful words and Expressions
Total car wreck: a car destroyed in an accident.
Paramedics: people trained to give first aid in emergencies.
Caesarean section: operation where the baby is lifted from a woman’s womb through an opening in her abdomen.
Crash test dummy: a life-size model of a person used to investigate the effects of car crashes.
Ploughed into: went out of control and crashed violently into something (like a tree).
Debris: the pieces from something that has been destroyed.
Rushed to: taken very quickly to somewhere (like hospital).
Clean bill of health: told that there are no medical problems.
For good: permanently
He got a call: someone telephoned him
Nan: Grandmother
Cope: deal with a situation successfully.
Cuddled up together: close together with their arms round each other.
Eight-month pregnant Alison lost control of her Volvo on a country lane and ploughed into a tree. The admin worker, 29, was trapped in the debris when emergency crews arrived. Firemen cut her free from the driving seat. Fire Officer Ian Buchanan said: “The rescue was incredibly difficult because she was so heavily pregnant.” Alison was rushed to Newcastle Hospital with a fractured pelvis and broken legs, and gave birth to Liam soon afterwards.
Dad Rob said: “They thought Liam might have brain damage, but he’s had a clean bill of health and is at home with me now while Alison recovers. Alison won’t be home for good until after Christmas and they don’t think she’ll be walking for months.”
Furniture maker Rob, 34, was at work when he got a call saying Alison had been injured in the crash. He added: “I got to the hospital before Alison – because it took so long to get her out of the car.” Liam’s Nan Sandra has flown over from her home in Cyprus to help son Rob cope with the baby. She said: “Seeing them cuddled up together is just marvellous.”
Useful words and Expressions
Total car wreck: a car destroyed in an accident.
Paramedics: people trained to give first aid in emergencies.
Caesarean section: operation where the baby is lifted from a woman’s womb through an opening in her abdomen.
Crash test dummy: a life-size model of a person used to investigate the effects of car crashes.
Ploughed into: went out of control and crashed violently into something (like a tree).
Debris: the pieces from something that has been destroyed.
Rushed to: taken very quickly to somewhere (like hospital).
Clean bill of health: told that there are no medical problems.
For good: permanently
He got a call: someone telephoned him
Nan: Grandmother
Cope: deal with a situation successfully.
Cuddled up together: close together with their arms round each other.
Today's phrase is: Starting Something New
Chris: Hello Lee. It’s Chris here. I thought I’d give you a buzz and see how you’re getting on in your new job.
Lee: Oh hi Chris. It’s good to hear from you. I’m getting on well now thanks. I had a few hassles at first – you know everything was different – but I stuck at it and I'm getting the hang of it now.
Chris: Good for you!
Lee: Thanks. What have you been up to anyway?
Chris: Not much. I should get some training and go for a better job.
Lee: Yes, you should. Why don’t you do a computer course?
Chris: I don’t really like the idea of studying again – it’s so long since I left school. I know nothing about computers. I mean, what if everyone else in the class catches on quicker than me.
Lee: Oh, come off it! Lots of people study as adults these days. Everyone in the class will be in the same boat. Go on Chris? Once you start, I’m sure you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Chris: OK. You’ve talked me into it. I’ll enquire about courses this week…………
Useful words and expressions:
Give (someone) a buzz Call (someone) on the telephone
Getting on Progressing
Hassles Difficulties/problems
Get the hang of (it) Understand what to do
Beyond (someone) Too difficult for (someone)
Not make head or tail of To not understand anything
Stick at (something) To keep trying
Get into the swing of things To become familiar with the usual way of doing things
Good for you! Congratulations!
What’ve you been up to? What have you been doing?
Take a leaf out of (someone’s) book Copy someone’s good example
Not have the foggiest idea Have no knowledge about (something)
Catch on To learn/understand
(new) tricks (new) ways of doing things
Come off it! I don’t agree with you!
In the same boat In the same situation
Go on! You should do it!
Talk into Show good reasons for
Lee: Oh hi Chris. It’s good to hear from you. I’m getting on well now thanks. I had a few hassles at first – you know everything was different – but I stuck at it and I'm getting the hang of it now.
Chris: Good for you!
Lee: Thanks. What have you been up to anyway?
Chris: Not much. I should get some training and go for a better job.
Lee: Yes, you should. Why don’t you do a computer course?
Chris: I don’t really like the idea of studying again – it’s so long since I left school. I know nothing about computers. I mean, what if everyone else in the class catches on quicker than me.
Lee: Oh, come off it! Lots of people study as adults these days. Everyone in the class will be in the same boat. Go on Chris? Once you start, I’m sure you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Chris: OK. You’ve talked me into it. I’ll enquire about courses this week…………
Useful words and expressions:
Give (someone) a buzz Call (someone) on the telephone
Getting on Progressing
Hassles Difficulties/problems
Get the hang of (it) Understand what to do
Beyond (someone) Too difficult for (someone)
Not make head or tail of To not understand anything
Stick at (something) To keep trying
Get into the swing of things To become familiar with the usual way of doing things
Good for you! Congratulations!
What’ve you been up to? What have you been doing?
Take a leaf out of (someone’s) book Copy someone’s good example
Not have the foggiest idea Have no knowledge about (something)
Catch on To learn/understand
(new) tricks (new) ways of doing things
Come off it! I don’t agree with you!
In the same boat In the same situation
Go on! You should do it!
Talk into Show good reasons for
Strange New Home
Bruce Campbell recently bought his dream home. Campbell, 49, is not someone who follows the crowd. Instead of a traditional house in the suburbs, he got a Boeing 727! He paid $100,000 for his new home, which used to belong to the Greek airline Olympic Airways.
Campbell’s unusual home is parked on his rural property near the city of Portland, in the USA. He cleaned the cabin and took out most of the seats. “Now it’s a palace in here!” he says. The cabin is huge, but the bathrooms, on the other hand, are tiny. Campbell plans on using the cockpit as his office.
Campbell, an engineer, is enthusiastic about his new home. The plane is much stronger than most homes, he points out. And the roof will never leak! At present, Mr. Campbell is a bachelor. But what if he meets his soul mate? Then, he jokes, he’ll buy a huge 747!
Useful words and Expressions:
follows the crowd - does what everyone else does
instead of - in the place of (doing) something
727 - a large jet airplane made by Boeing
rural - in the countryside
took out (phrasal verb)– removed
on the other hand - however; in contrast
plans on (phrasal verb) - expects (to do) something in the future
cockpit - the place where the pilot sits
is enthusiastic about - like something very much
points out (phrasal verb)- explains something; show something
at present - now
what if - what will happen if
soul mate - perfect life partner
Campbell’s unusual home is parked on his rural property near the city of Portland, in the USA. He cleaned the cabin and took out most of the seats. “Now it’s a palace in here!” he says. The cabin is huge, but the bathrooms, on the other hand, are tiny. Campbell plans on using the cockpit as his office.
Campbell, an engineer, is enthusiastic about his new home. The plane is much stronger than most homes, he points out. And the roof will never leak! At present, Mr. Campbell is a bachelor. But what if he meets his soul mate? Then, he jokes, he’ll buy a huge 747!
Useful words and Expressions:
follows the crowd - does what everyone else does
instead of - in the place of (doing) something
727 - a large jet airplane made by Boeing
rural - in the countryside
took out (phrasal verb)– removed
on the other hand - however; in contrast
plans on (phrasal verb) - expects (to do) something in the future
cockpit - the place where the pilot sits
is enthusiastic about - like something very much
points out (phrasal verb)- explains something; show something
at present - now
what if - what will happen if
soul mate - perfect life partner
2007年6月4日 星期一
發 音
想 英 語 講 得 好 ， 必 須 由 發 音 開 始 。
如 何 掌 握 正 確 發 音 呢 ？ 我 認 為 較 有 效 的 辦 法 是 找 一 個 受 過 教 育 的 英 國 人 ， 跟 他 學 拼 音 。 學 會 了 拼 音 ， 你 便 能 準 確 讀 出 英 文 字 典 裡 任 何 一 個 字 。
我 建 議 找 英 國 人 ， 非 崇 洋 ， 而 是 機 會 率 的 考 慮 。 華 人 也 有 說 得 一 口 標 準 英 語 的 ， 但 比 例 上 少 於 英 國 人 。 如 果 向 一 個 把 Ｚ 讀 成 「 易 sad 」 的 華 人 學 英 語 發 音 ， 你 的 前 景 相 當 暗 淡 。
很 多 香 港 人 把 Dove （ 鴿 子 ） 讀 錯 ， 甚 至 電 視 廣 告 中 的 旁 白 員 也 讀 不 好 。 Dove 的 發 音 不 困 難 ， 它 像 Love ， 不 過 是 把 Ｌ 改 成 Ｄ 。 美 式 英 語 中 ， Dove 也 是 Dive （ 跳 水 ） 的 過 去 式 ， 發 音 跟 解 作 鴿 子 時 不 同 。
母 親 節 剛 過 去 ， 另 一 個 香 港 人 常 常 讀 錯 的 字 是 Mother 。 Mother 解 作 媽 媽 ， 但 英 語 的 正 確 發 音 不 是 「 媽 打 」 。 Mother 的 第 一 個 元 音 和 Mud 或 Much 相 同 ， 絕 不 是 「 媽 」 。
常 有 學 生 問 我 讀 書 的 竅 門 ， 我 認 為 學 海 無 涯 ， 但 人 的 時 間 有 限 ， 因 此 讀 書 不 單 靠 勤 力 ， 也 講 效 率 。 學 英 語 ， 先 搞 好 文 法 和 發 音 ， 成 績 必 大 有 進 步 。
文章by區樂文
如 何 掌 握 正 確 發 音 呢 ？ 我 認 為 較 有 效 的 辦 法 是 找 一 個 受 過 教 育 的 英 國 人 ， 跟 他 學 拼 音 。 學 會 了 拼 音 ， 你 便 能 準 確 讀 出 英 文 字 典 裡 任 何 一 個 字 。
我 建 議 找 英 國 人 ， 非 崇 洋 ， 而 是 機 會 率 的 考 慮 。 華 人 也 有 說 得 一 口 標 準 英 語 的 ， 但 比 例 上 少 於 英 國 人 。 如 果 向 一 個 把 Ｚ 讀 成 「 易 sad 」 的 華 人 學 英 語 發 音 ， 你 的 前 景 相 當 暗 淡 。
很 多 香 港 人 把 Dove （ 鴿 子 ） 讀 錯 ， 甚 至 電 視 廣 告 中 的 旁 白 員 也 讀 不 好 。 Dove 的 發 音 不 困 難 ， 它 像 Love ， 不 過 是 把 Ｌ 改 成 Ｄ 。 美 式 英 語 中 ， Dove 也 是 Dive （ 跳 水 ） 的 過 去 式 ， 發 音 跟 解 作 鴿 子 時 不 同 。
母 親 節 剛 過 去 ， 另 一 個 香 港 人 常 常 讀 錯 的 字 是 Mother 。 Mother 解 作 媽 媽 ， 但 英 語 的 正 確 發 音 不 是 「 媽 打 」 。 Mother 的 第 一 個 元 音 和 Mud 或 Much 相 同 ， 絕 不 是 「 媽 」 。
常 有 學 生 問 我 讀 書 的 竅 門 ， 我 認 為 學 海 無 涯 ， 但 人 的 時 間 有 限 ， 因 此 讀 書 不 單 靠 勤 力 ， 也 講 效 率 。 學 英 語 ， 先 搞 好 文 法 和 發 音 ， 成 績 必 大 有 進 步 。
文章by區樂文
2007年6月3日 星期日
如何擺脫港式英文的口音 (一) 甚麼是香港音 1/2
甚麼是香港音
我們香港人的英文不是不好。很多人說得一口流利英語，用字用句都很了得。但開口總是帶 著濃厚的香港音，外國人聽著總是怪怪的。要講英文講得好聽，第一步就是要擺脫了我們的 香港音。
本短片借香港立法會議員的英文講話解釋香港口音這個現象。
2007年2月8日 星期四
Off the top of my head
“Do you know how many films Tom Cruise has starred in?”
“Off the top of my head, no. Why do you want to know?”
“It’s for my homework.”
“I’m sure you could get it off the Web. Stick his name in a search engine. You’re bound to turn something up pretty quickly.”
“Can I use the computer then?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Useful words & expressions:
star – have the main role in a film.
off the top of my head – provide a piece of information from memory or by guessing.
get it off the Web – find the information on the World Wide Web.
stick – here this just means put.
search engine – a program that searches the Web for information based on words entered by a user.
bound to – very likely.
turn something up – find.
go ahead – do it.
“Off the top of my head, no. Why do you want to know?”
“It’s for my homework.”
“I’m sure you could get it off the Web. Stick his name in a search engine. You’re bound to turn something up pretty quickly.”
“Can I use the computer then?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Useful words & expressions:
star – have the main role in a film.
off the top of my head – provide a piece of information from memory or by guessing.
get it off the Web – find the information on the World Wide Web.
stick – here this just means put.
search engine – a program that searches the Web for information based on words entered by a user.
bound to – very likely.
turn something up – find.
go ahead – do it.
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