Let’s Speak Better!!
English language is considered the lingua franca which is a connecting link between the people all around the world. It is one of the most widely used language all over the world either as a first language or second language. It has gained the status of a global language in the contemporary world. I would like to share some information regarding the uses of English language through this blog.
There are
different types of English and the two main types that are commonly used in ESL
classrooms are American English and British English. American English differs
from British English in spelling, pronunciation and vocabulary. Let’s see how
certain things differ in names in British and American English.
American |
British |
Truck |
Lorry |
Cab |
Taxi |
Garbage |
Rubbish |
Vacation |
Holiday |
Counterclockwise |
Anticlockwise |
Chips |
Crisps |
|
|
Idioms are
words or phrases which are figurative in meaning and does not literally mean by
what the words or phrases are. Use of idioms makes our English sound more
impressive. Here are some of the idioms in English and their meaning.
Idioms |
Meanings |
It’s all Greek to me |
I can’t understand anything |
Break a leg! |
Good luck! |
Not a rocket science |
Not so difficult |
Can talk for England |
Can talk hours and hours |
Have bigger fish to fry |
Have more important things to do |
I’m all ears |
I’m listening carefully |
Once in a blue moon |
Rarely |
Lips are sealed |
Keeping a secret |
It is
always better to avoid the use of ‘very’ to sound more formal while speaking
English. Here are a few one word substitutes for the words with ‘very’
Informal English |
Formal English |
Very calm |
Serene |
Very ugly |
Hideous |
Very small |
Petite |
Very funny |
Hilarious |
Very quiet |
Hushed |
Very rich |
Wealthy |
Very expensive |
Costly |
Very dirty |
Filthy |
Very tall |
Towering |
Very easy |
Effortless |
Very wet |
Soaked |
Very slow |
Sluggish |
Very good |
Excellent |
Very stupid |
Idiotic |
Certain
English phrases we commonly use are spoken in a different way by the native
English speakers. Below given are a few of them.
Common phrases |
Native Speakers |
I haven’t seen you in ages |
Long time no see! |
I understand you |
I feel you |
I’ll pay the bill |
It’s on me |
I made a big mistake |
I screwed up |
I’m very hungry |
I’m starving |
Please keep the secret |
Mum’s the word |
Send me a message later |
Hit me up later |
I don’t know |
Beats me |
I don’t have any money |
I’m broke |
English is
a beautiful language just like many other languages. It always has a scope for
improvisation. Listening and reading are the best ways to improve the quality
of our language. Better listeners can only be better speakers.
Sabina,
Assistant
Professor of English
Al Shifa College of Arts and Science
Keezhattor, Perinthalmanna
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