Wednesday, April 28, 2010

April 27 Pronunciation

Be aware of the pronunciation of these words used in the class. Check the correct pronunciation using the Webster and Cambridge online dictionaries.

Friendly: /ˈfrend.li/

Walking: /ˈwɔː.kɪŋ/

Author: /ˈɔː.θər /

Because: /bɪˈkəz/, /-ˈkɒz//-ˈkɑːz/

April 27 Grammar Structures

How much is used for uncountable nouns.

How many for countable nouns.

Enter this link if you want to practice:

http://www.better-english.com/easier/howmuch.htm

In English, the adjective is always placed before the noun. For example: a clean river.

Ing forms after prepositions

When we put a verb after a preposition, we normally use an –ing form, not an infinitive.

I am fond of watching movies.

John was arrested for stealing a policeman’s helmet.

Can you talk without opening your mouth?

I am thinking of writing a novel.

You must abstain from talking to such people.

We got the job finished by burning the midnight oil.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Taken from: http://www.perfectyourenglish.com/grammar/gerunds-after-prepositions.htm

For exercises on that topic try:

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/structures/gerund_prepositions.htm

April 27 New Vocabulary

He was swept out to sea by the strong current.

She must be very strong to carry such a weight on her back.

Much of teh country's military strength lies in its missile force.

I don't earn much money.

Not many people have heard of him.

She's a lively, talkative person.

How much do you want to bet?

How many students are there in each class?

I like the color of his hair. (possession)

I want a kilo of apples. (amount)

Do you want a bottle of beer? (containing)

Look at the back of your dress! (position)

The wind is coming from the north. (preposition - place)

The museum is open from 8 to 6 Monday to Friday. (preposition - place)

We are about a mile from home. (preposition - distance)

Where are you from? (preposition - origin)

A cave is a hole in the side of a hill or mountain.

A cabin is a small, simple house made of wood.

A hut is a small, simple building, usually consisting of one room.

There was mud on the road and the car couldn't move.

Are you the owner of this car?

Salmon swim upstream against strong currents to reach their breeding areas.


Lecture is a false cognate of reading. Do you know what a false cognate is? It is a word that is similar to a word in Spanish but its meaning is very different in English. Check in the dictionary the difference between reading and lecture.

I like reading.

The lecture was very interesting.