English Today

Vocabulary: Differences in Seeing

Today's vocabulary deals with some common words and phrases relating to the way we see and their differences in meaning:

1. to glance at

= to have a short, quick look

As she was in a hurry, she just glanced at the newspaper before going to work.

2. to stare at

= to look at in a very fixed and open way

It's bad manners to stare at people.

3. to catch a glimpse of

= to have a short, indistinct look, especially of something moving

Fans were waiting at the airport hoping to catch a glimpse of Beyonce and her new boyfriend.

4. to peer through

= to look carefully, especially in the dark

As the light was off, I peered through the room trying to see the switch.

5. to peep through

= to look secretely

The thief hid behind the bushes and peeped through the window.

6. to wink

= to close or open one eye

She winked at me to call my attention to the teacher entering the classroom.

7. to scan

= to look attentively

The shipwrecked sailor scanned the horizon to see if a ship was coming to his rescue.

8. to blink

= (i) make an effort to see by opening and closing the eyes quickly

He had forgotten his glasses, so he kept blinking his eyes all the time.

= (ii) for lights: go on and off unsteadily

The lights of the ship were blinking in the horizon.

The light on your answering machine is blinking.

Speak vs Talk

A Speak

1. It's a little formal and often gives the idea that a person is saying more than any others in a conversation:

- He won't listen to me. Will you speak to him?

- I'm going to speak to the manager about the way I have been treated.

2.  speak + language

- My sister speaks German fluently.

- What's he speaking? (=what language?)

- I don't speak a word of Italian.

B. TALK

1. It's much more common in spoken English than speak and suggests that two or more people are having a conversation:

- We stayed up all night talking.

- Are you two talking about me?

2. talk about = discuss

- They're talking about the new Harry Potter film.

- I really don't want to talk about it.

C. Expressions with SPEAK

• speak for yourself = tell someone that you have a different opinion
• speak out of turn = say something when you don't have the right or authority to say it
• - I hope I haven't spoken out of turn. I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret.
• speak well / badly / ill of someone = say good or bad things about someone
• - It's wrong to speak ill of the dead.
• speak volumes = to express something very clearly
• - He never told her that he loved her, but his actions spoke volumes.

D. Expressions with TALK

• talk someone into doing something = persuade someone to do something

- Try to talk Liz into buying a ticket for the concert.

• look who's talking! - used to tell someone that they shouldn't criticise others because they are just as bad.

- Tom (a smoker) : "Peggy, you shouldn't smoke so much."

- Peggy: " Look who's talking!"

• talk tough = tell people very strongly what you want from them.

- The new manager has already started talking tough.

• talk sense = give sensible (logical) opinions about things

He's quite old-fashioned but he talks sense.

• talk the hind legs off a donkey = to talk a lot, especially about trivial or unimportant things.
• be talking through your hat = to say silly or stupid things about something that you think you know a lot.

Say vs Tell

Say = speak words

Tell = give an account

A. SAY

• It can introduce a statement in direct speech or follow it.

Tom said: "I've just heard the news." or "I've just heard the news", Tom said.

• say + to + person addressed

In this case, the phrase follows the direct statement:

"I'm leaving at once", Tom said to me.

B. TELL

• tell + person addressed

It is placed after the statement and is always followed by the person addressed:

"I'm leaving at once", Tom told me.

• tell + person + to-infinitive

- He told me to call later.

- The teacher told us to do all the exercises.

Attention!

tell somebody that ...  BUT say that .... or say to somebody that ... (in spoken English)

- He told me that we had to go.

- He said that we had to go.

- He said to us that we had to go. (spoken)

C. Expressions with SAY

• say my prayers
• it goes without saying
• let's say
• say something / nothing / anything
• say a word
• say hello / good morning / goodbye
• say no more
• I'd rather not say

D. Expressions with TELL

• tell my name
• tell the time
• tell the truth
• tell lies
• tell a story
• tell a secret
• tell the difference
• tell a joke
• tell somebody something
• tell me another (used when when you don't believe what someone has told you)

DO NOT SAY: He said me but He said to me.

DO NOT SAY: He told to me but He told me.

State vs Situation vs Condition

A. State

= the emotional, mental or physical condition that someone or something is in at a particular time

• Frankly, I wouldn't trust his emotional state right now.
• Water exists in three states: liquid, gaseous and solid.
• After the accident, the driver was in a state of shock.
• "You are in no fit state to go out yet," the doctor said.
• After the hurricane, the president declared the city in state of emergency.

B. Situation

= a combination of all the things that are happening and all the conditions that exist at a particular time, in a particular place - a situation comprises many conditions

• In the present situation, I wouldn't advise you to sell your house.
• By asking me to lie, you're putting me in a very awkward situation.
• I'd better talk to the boss and explain the situation.
• In view of the company's financial situation, there will be salary cuts this year.
• With no rain for three months and food supplies running out, the situation is getting desperate.

C. Condition

= the state that something is in / the state of somebody's health / the situation of a group

• What sort of condition is your new house in?
• The garden was in a condition of total neglect.
• Although it's very old, the car is in excellent condition.
• The doctor described the Prime Minister's condition as satisfactory.
• Few people can appreciate the condition of the poor in our cities.

"State" and "condition" are similar in meaning, but "condition" gives a more detailed description while "state" is more general.

Flow and Fly

A. FLOW - FLOWED - FLOWED

1. move along smoothly

Rivers flow into the sea.

Traffic flows.

Tears flowed from her eyes.

Prosperity flows out from the country.

2. hang down loosely (usually of hair or clothes)

Her shiny hair was flowing down her back.

3. be the result of

Progress flows from hard work.

 

B. FLY - FLEW - FLOWN

1. move through the air as a bird does

We're flying to London tomorrow morning.

Birds shouldn't live in a cage. They should fly free in the sky.

2. move quickly, rush along

The door flew open.

Mary flew down the stairs to meet her friends.

Time flies!

C. IDIOMS WITH FLY

1. fly high = be ambitious

He's been flying high ever since he graduated from university.

2. The bird has flown = the person wanted has left or escaped

It's no use looking for the thief any more. The bird has flown.

3. as the crow flies = in a straight line

It's only 10 miles from here as the crow flies.

4. go fly a kite = used to tell someone who is annoying you to go away

I've had enough of this conversation. Go fly a kite!

5. the feathers fly = cause fighting / an argument

The feathers will fly when your father finds out that you've been playing truant again!

6. when pigs fly = used to say that something will never happen.

A- I've lent John some money but he promised to pay me back soon.

B- Sure! When pigs fly!

Easily Confused Words 6

1. parts / places

parts = region or district

In some parts of England, it is often very cold even in the summer.

places:

• particular part or space occupied by someone

I can't be in two places at the same time.

• city, village or town

He has visited many places in Scotland and Wales.

2. history / story

history = science dealing with past events of a country or of the world

Larry is studying history at university.

story = a tale

This film is based on a true story.

Mike enjoys writing stories.

3. wonder / wander

wonder = ask myself

I wonder where he comes from.

I am still wondering what to give him on his birthday.

wander = go aimlessly (=without reason or purpose) from one place to another

He was wandering in the deserted streets of the town for hours.

4. like / as

• He fought like a madman. ( he wasn't a madman)
• He works as an engineer. (he is an engineer)

The Language of Hollywood - Answer Key

A. Reading Comprehension

Photo Credit

What characterizes almost all Hollywood pictures is their inner emptiness. This is compensated for by an outer impressiveness. Such impressiveness usually takes the form of a truly grandiose realism. Nothing is spared to make the setting, the costumes, all of the surface details correct. These efforts help to mask the essential emptiness of the characterization, and the absurdities and trivialities of the plots.

The houses look like houses; the streets look like streets; the people look and talk like people; but they are empty of humanity, credibility, and motivation. Needless to say, the disgraceful censorship code is an important factor in predetermining the content of these pictures. But the code does not disturb the profits, nor the entertainment value of the films. It merely helps to prevent them from being credible.

It isn't too heavy a burden for the industry to bear. In addition to the impressiveness of the settings, there is a use of the camera which at times seems magical. But of what human import is all this skill, all this effort, all this energy in the production of effects, when the story, the representation of life is hollow, stupid, banal, childish?

Excerpt from The Language of Hollywood by James T. Farrel

B. Vocabulary

picture = film, movie

to compensate for = to make up for

Nothing can compensate for the loss of one's health.

to impress = to have a strong influence or effect upon

This book did not impress me at all.

impressive (adj.) = that can cause a strong influence or effect upon

The President made an impressive speech.

impression (noun) = idea, what one thinks of somebody or something

We got the impression that he was avoiding us.

First impressions are often misleading.

impressiveness (noun) = ability to have a strong effect upon

There is an obvious impressiveness in all Harry Potter films.

grandiose (adj.) = splendid, glamorous

They live in a grandiose mansion. (= a large impressive-looking house)

to spare

• show mercy to - The poor man begged the burglars to spare his life.
• afford to give - Can you spare me a few minutes of your time?
• save money or effort - Jane's parents spared no expense on her wedding.

Proverb : "Spare the rod and spoil the child." (= if you never punish a child you'll spoil him)

surface (adj.) = of an outward aspect

I wasn't taken in by her surface politeness.

surface (noun)

• the top layer of an area of water or land - Pieces of trash were floating on the surface of the river
• the outside layer of an object - a frying pan with a non-stick surface
• side of an object - A level surface is never curved.

to mask = to disguise, to hide - He tried hard to mask his embarrassment

absurd (adj.) = illogical, unreasonable - We were asked to pay an absurd sum of money.

trivial (adj.) = not serious, unimportant, superficial - Don't waste your time on trivial matters.

hollow (adj.)

• with an empty space inside - a hollow tree
• unreal, insincere = hollow words / hollow promises

plot = story in a book or action in a film or play - The plot of the play was quite superficial.

credible (adj.) = that you can believe - His story sounds quite credible.

motivation (noun) = power that pushes someone to do something - Without motivation nothing can be achieved in life.

disgraceful (adj.) = not decent, not respectable, shameful - She told him such disgraceful lies. / That was a disgraceful thing to do for the family name.

censorship (noun) = action of examining officially the content of books, plays or films and cutting out anything regarded as immoral

- Books, plays and films should be considered under common law, not under special censorship code.

burden (noun)

• something heavy which is hard to carry - The donkey didn't seem to mind the burden on its back.
• something difficult to bear causing trouble or expense - We're in no position to take on another heavy financial burden.

skill (noun) = ability to do something well - The teacher explained how to develop writing skills.

banal (adj.) = ordinary, usual, not special - Banal essays will bore your reader to death.

factors (noun) = circumstances helping to bring about a result - Consider the factors in the making of a nation.

C. Practice - Answer Key

(a) Answer the questions on the text in A. Complete sentences are not necessary but your answers must be accurate.

1. Why, according to the author, do Hollywood films seem extremely realistic?

Because they are superficially impressive.

2. What does the author find wrong with the way people are portrayed in Hollywood films?

They lack humanity, credibility and motivation.

3. What effect does the censorship code have on Hollywood films?

It makes Hollywood films look less credible.

(b) Write sentences to bring out the difference between the following pairs of words:

Suggested Answers

1. emptiness / vacancy

There was nothing but emptiness in his life after Mary had left him.

There was a good vacancy for an exprerienced computer programmer in the newspaper today.

2. costume / suit

The dancers were all in national costume.

John has to wear a suit and tie at work.

3. entertainment / amusement

There isn't much entertainment in this city. / They got up a concert for the entertainment of blind children.

There are many places of amusement in big cities such as cinemas, theatres and concerts.

He couldn't conceal his amusement at his foolish mistake.

4. effects / affects

She loved the special effects in "Avatar".

The rise in the price of petrol affects us all.

Adapted from Fluency in English by L.G. Alexander

The Language of Hollywood

A. Reading Comprehension

Photo Credit

What characterizes almost all Hollywood pictures is their inner emptiness. This is compensated for by an outer impressiveness. Such impressiveness usually takes the form of a truly grandiose realism. Nothing is spared to make the setting, the costumes, all of the surface details correct. These efforts help to mask the essential emptiness of the characterization, and the absurdities and trivialities of the plots.

The houses look like houses; the streets look like streets; the people look and talk like people; but they are empty of humanity, credibility, and motivation. Needless to say, the disgraceful censorship code is an important factor in predetermining the content of these pictures. But the code does not disturb the profits, nor the entertainment value of the films. It merely helps to prevent them from being credible.

It isn't too heavy a burden for the industry to bear. In addition to the impressiveness of the settings, there is a use of the camera which at times seems magical. But of what human import is all this skill, all this effort, all this energy in the production of effects, when the story, the representation of life is hollow, stupid, banal, childish?

Excerpt from The Language of Hollywood by James T. Farrel

B. Vocabulary

picture = film, movie

to compensate for = to make up for

Nothing can compensate for the loss of one's health.

to impress = to have a strong influence or effect upon

This book did not impress me at all.

impressive (adj.) = that can cause a strong influence or effect upon

The President made an impressive speech.

impression (noun) = idea, what one thinks of somebody or something

We got the impression that he was avoiding us.

First impressions are often misleading.

impressiveness (noun) = ability to have a strong effect upon

There is an obvious impressiveness in all Harry Potter films.

grandiose (adj.) = splendid, glamorous

They live in a grandiose mansion. (= a large impressive-looking house)

to spare

• show mercy to - The poor man begged the burglars to spare his life.
• afford to give - Can you spare me a few minutes of your time?
• save money or effort - Jane's parents spared no expense on her wedding.

Proverb : "Spare the rod and spoil the child." (= if you never punish a child you'll spoil him)

surface (adj.) = of an outward aspect

I wasn't taken in by her surface politeness.

surface (noun)

• the top layer of an area of water or land - Pieces of trash were floating on the surface of the river
• the outside layer of an object - a frying pan with a non-stick surface
• side of an object - A level surface is never curved.

to mask = to disguise, to hide - He tried hard to mask his embarrassment

absurd (adj.) = illogical, unreasonable - We were asked to pay an absurd sum of money.

trivial (adj.) = not serious, unimportant, superficial - Don't waste your time on trivial matters.

hollow (adj.)

• with an empty space inside - a hollow tree
• unreal, insincere = hollow words / hollow promises

plot = story in a book or action in a film or play - The plot of the play was quite superficial.

credible (adj.) = that you can believe - His story sounds quite credible.

motivation (noun) = power that pushes someone to do something - Without motivation nothing can be achieved in life.

disgraceful (adj.) = not decent, not respectable, shameful - She told him such disgraceful lies. / That was a disgraceful thing to do for the family name.

censorship (noun) = action of examining officially the content of books, plays or films and cutting out anything regarded as immoral

- Books, plays and films should be considered under common law, not under special censorship code.

burden (noun)

• something heavy which is hard to carry - The donkey didn't seem to mind the burden on its back.
• something difficult to bear causing trouble or expense - We're in no position to take on another heavy financial burden.

skill (noun) = ability to do something well - The teacher explained how to develop writing skills.

banal (adj.) = ordinary, usual, not special - Banal essays will bore your reader to death.

factors (noun) = circumstances helping to bring about a result - Consider the factors in the making of a nation.

C. Practice

(a) Answer the questions on the text in A. Complete sentences are not necessary but your answers must be accurate.

1. Why, according to the author, do Hollywood films seem extremely realistic?

2. What does the author find wrong with the way people are portrayed in Hollywood films?

3. What effect does the censorship code have on Hollywood films?

(b) Write sentences to bring out the difference between the following pairs of words:

1. emptiness / vacancy

2. costume / suit

3. entertainment / amusement

4. effects / affects

Adapted from Fluency in English by L.G. Alexander

Other / Another / Others

A. OTHER

FORMS

Adjective:

• Singular : another
• Plural: other

Pronoun:

• Singular: another
• Plural: others

Examples:

• Have you met Bill's sisters?
• I've met one. I didn't know he had another (=sister)
• Oh! He has two others. (=sisters)

B. One / Another / Some others

• One student suggested a play, another a song, some others wanted a concert.
• Some tourists went to the beach, some others explored the town.

C. EACH OTHER / ONE ANOTHER

• each other = two or more

We see each other at the office every day.

Tom and Ann looked at one another / each other.

• one another = only for two

Tom and Ann no longer speak to one another.

• another one = one more (used as a pronoun)

- Would you like another cup of tea?

- Yes, I'd like another one, please.

NOT another one cup of tea please

Easily Confused Words 5

 
1. physiological / psychological

physiological = relating to the body and the normal functions of living creatures

 
Scientists have been studying the physiological features of some rare species of apes.

psychological = relating to mental activities

Mary suffers from depression so she needs psychological support.

2. neglect / ignore

neglect =  (a) not to take enough care of

   (b) disregard

Susan was complaining about being neglected by her husband.

Paul has been neglecting his studies lately.

ignore = take no notice of

John ignored the manager's instructions, so he got sacked.

3. modern / contemporary

modern = of the present times

Michelle's house is equipped with all modern conveniences.

contemporary = belonging to the same time

I have recently visited an exhibition of contemporary Japanese prints.

4. earn / win

earn = get money in return for work or as a reward

Anna's father earns 1,350 euros monthly

After the exams, all students had a well earned holiday.

win= get a prize as a reward or do best in a game

If I win the lottery, I'll buy a yacht.

Who won the race?

5. petrol / benzine

petrol = refined substance (petroleum) used to drive engines in motor cars

We must stop at the next station and fill up with petrol.

benzine = colourless liquid obtained from mineral oil used for cleaning

I need some benzine to take off that stain.

6. inhabitant / resident

inhabitant = person living in a place

Most of the inhabitants of our city spend the weekend at the countryside.

resident = person living in a place contrasted to a visitor

The residents of this area don't like tourists.