English Topics and Tips

Vocabulary lesson - currant v. current

These words sound the same…but be careful with the different meanings!

currant (n) =   a small round red or black-colored berry

“I bought a jar of black currant jam.”

“My mom makes the best red currant pie.”

Current has 2 meanings:

current (adj) = happening or existing NOW.

“My current boyfriend is an engineer.”

“What is the current news on the Haitian earthquake?”

Vocabulary lesson – click v. clique

Clique is a French word that we use in English, but click and clique  sound similar.

click (n) = make a short hard sound.

/klik/ - the “i” sounds like it does in it or India

“The briefcase clicked open.”

clique (n) = a small group of people who do not want others to join their group

/klɪk/ - the “i” sounds like it does in cheese or see

Phrasal verbs with TELL

tell someone off: express unhappiness or disapproval with another person in a strong way

“I told my son off for lying to me about stealing the money.”

“I was really upset after my manager told me off for not including her in the meeting.”

tell on someone: report bad behavior (usually used by children)

“If you don’t do your homework, I’ll tell on you.”

Vocabulary lesson - affluent versus effluent

These words even confuse native English speakers!

affluent (adj) = wealthy

“Switzerland is a very affluent country.”

“Most American dream of being affluent.”

effluent (adj) = toxic/poisonous

“The truck in front of us is carrying effluent gas, so don’t drive too close to it.”

“Canada has strict rules for factories that use effluent materials in production.”

Phrasal verbs with KICK

A phrasal verb is created when you take a verb and add 1 or 2 (or even 3!) particles.

“I plan to kick back for a few weeks in January. I need a break.”

“Alison likes to kick back and watch DVDs.”

“It takes about 30 minutes for pain killers to kick in.”

Expressions for money

Not a surprise, but we have many expressions for money!

Here are some of the more popular ones:

* buck
* bread
* dough
* cash
* moolah

Some examples:

“Can I borrow some dough for the weekend?”

“I have no moolah on me. Can you pay for the movie?”

Some slang words…

grubby (adj) = dirty

‘You always look grubby. At least wash your hair!’

My clothes are grubby from all the sweeping. I need to change before dinner.’

rug rat (n) = young child

‘My brother has 3 rug rat all under the age of 5.

‘James is a cute little rug rat.”

bent out of shape (adj) = upset about something.”

Ordering meat in English

How do you like your meat cooked?

When you are in a restaurant, you have to tell the cook what you want. So, here is how you do it in English:

blue = raw/not cooked

rare = middle of the steak is red and slightly warm.

medium-rare = light brown on the outside, very pink in the middle

medium = brown on the outside, slightly pink in the middle

Vocabulary lesson - dove

In English many words are spelled the same. They are called homographs.

Last year, I dove in the Great Barrier Reef. The fish were amazing!

Phrasal verbs with DROP

Drop by/in  = make a short visit to a person or place

“Feel free to drop in for a cup of tea at any time.”

Mike dropped by after work to say hello.  It was nice to see him.”

Can you drop in to see me when you have a chance? I want to give you some books I have finished reading.”