Inglés

Vaughan 4.0
Intermediate

Advanced
clases 1 a 20
21 a 40
41 a 60
61 a 80
81 a 100
101 a 120
121 a 140
141 a 160
161 a 180
181 a 195


Lists
Elementary
Intermediate
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Super-Advanced
Common Mistakes

lunes 2 noviembre 2009
lunes 1 noviembre 2010

grammar

to enter

to enter + INTO -> una discusión, una conversación (argument)
to enter into a discussion
to enter into an argument
otros casos, sin INTO: to enter the labour market

even though

even though = incluso si, aun cuando, a pesar de
se usa cuando se sabe que se da la condición
cuando no se sabe si se da la condición, se usa even if
I'll go even though it's raining =
I'll go in spite of the fact that it's raining.
(I'll go despite the fact that it's raining)
I give this class even though they don't pay me.
I would give this class even if they didn't pay me.

to make up

  • inventar
  • componer
    el comité está compuesto por 7 miembros)
  • maquillaje
  • reconciliarse
  • compensar, enmendar
    How can I make it up to you? I'm sorry, I hurt you.
    Is there any way I can make up for what I did? I didn't mean to hurt your feelings,
    I didn't mean to do it (lo hice sin querer).

my vocabulary

willing = dispuesto a
parking lot = aparcamiento (AM) (BR: car park)
tartamudear = to stutter
kiss and make up = reconciliaos

pronunciation

pronunciación de "won't" la "o" como en "go", diferente a "want"
pronunciación de "oven" la "o" es corta

review

futur conditional

- Will you go if it rains?
  No, I won't go if it rains.
- Will you improve if you don't study?
  No, I won't improve if I don't study.
- Will you lose your job if you're ever ill?
  No, I won't lose my job if I'm ever ill.
- Will I hit you if you make a mistake?
  No, you won't hit me if I make a mistake.

interrogative

- ¿Vendrán si les invitamos?
  Will they come if we invite them?
- ¿Le llevarás si él no tiene coche?
  Will you take him if he doesn't have a car?
- ¿Irán al cine si tienen las entradas?
  Will they go to the cinema if they have the tickets?

exercises

even though/if

Saldré aunque está lloviendo. = I'll go out even though it's raining.
(sabemos que está lloviendo)
Saldré aunque esté lloviendo. = I'll go out even if it's raining.
(no sabemos si llueve)
even though = although (aunque), pero se usa más "even though"
It's raining, but you want to go to the park anyway:
I'm going to the park even though it's raining.
It isn't raining, but you want to go to the park whether it rains or not:
I'll go to the park even if it rains.
It's snowing, but I will go for a run anyway:
I'll go for a run even though it's snowing.
It isn't snowing, but I want to go for a run whether it snows or not:
I'll go for a run even if it swnows.
I'm not hungry, but I will eat anyway:
I'll eat even though I'm not hungry.

make up with someone

- Have you made up with your brother yet?
  I've already made up with my brother.
- Ask me if my best friend made up with his wife yesterday?
- Have you ever helped friends make up?
- Do you think Tweety will ever make up with Silvester?
- Is Superman going to make up with Lex Luthor?
- Deberías reconciliarte con ella = You should make up with her.
- No sabes hacer las paces con la gente = You don't know how to make up with people.
- Aunque es un poco brusco está intentando hacer las paces =
  = Even though he's a little bit abrupt, he's trying to make up.
- ¿Alguna vez te ha enviado alguien flores para hacer las paces? =
  = Has anyone ever sent you flowers to make up?

vocabulary 21

translationtraducción
sponsorpatrocinador
ivorymarfil
to approachacercarse a
controversycontroversia
martes 3 noviembre 2009
martes 2 noviembre 2010

grammar

because of = a causa de, debido a
due to = debido a
in spite of = despite = a pesar de
due to + [sustantivo]
due to the fact that + [verbo]

my vocabulary

good day! saludo en Australia
washer = arandela (para poner entre tornillo y tuerca)
to jeopardize = hacer peligrar
incertidumbre = uncertainty

review

even if, even though

- Voy a ir al parque aunque está lloviendo.
  I'm going to the park even though it's raining.
- Lo haré aunque no me apetece.
  I'll do it even though I don't feel like it.
- Iremos en taxi aunque igual tardamos en encontrarlo.
  We'll take a taxi even if it takes us long to find it.
- Sara no va a venir aquí aunque dijo que lo haría.
  Sara isn't going to come even though she said she would.

to make up with

- Have you made up with your brother?
- How long does it take you to make up with somebody?
  It doesn't take me long to make up with someone.
- Ask me if I have just made up with my neighbours.
  Have you just made up with your neighbours?
- Would we make up quickly if we had a fight?
- Did Batman make up with Joker?
- Do you think Luke Skywalker would ever make up with Darth Vader?

exercises

because, because of

- I couldn't go because it was snowing.
  I couldn't go because of the snow.
- I arrived late because of the traffic.
  I arrived late because there was a lot of traffic.
- The flight was delayed because it was windy.
  The flight was delayed because of the wind.
- The game was cancelled because of the rain.
  The game was cancelled because it was raining.
- He went to the doctor because of his cold.
  He went to the doctor because he had a cold.
- Daniel made a mistake because he was careless.
  Daniel made a mistake because of his carelessness.
- She missed her flight because of her backache.
  She missed her flight because she had a backache.
- The meeting was posponed because the president was absent.
  The meeting was posponed because of the president's absence.
- David won an Oscar because he performed well.
  David won an Oscar because of his good performance.
- We couldn't continue because of the problems.
  We couldn't continue because there were a lot of problems.
- They argued because there was a misunderstanding.
  They argued because of a misunderstanding.

due to

- My flight arrived late due to the fact that there was a delay.
- I sweted a lot due to the heat.
  I sweted a lot due to the fact that it was very hot.

vocabulary 22

almondalmendra
toweltoalla
spicypicante
safe and soundsano y salvo
to slipresbalarse
miércoles 4 noviembre 2009
miércoles 3 noviembre 2010

grammar

present conditional

Se usa cuando se hace hipótesis en general o imaginando una alternativa del presente.
I don't have any money, but if I had some money, I would buy some chocolate.
IF + PAST SIMPLE + THEN + WOULD + verbo

my vocabulary

I make a living teaching = me gano la vida enseñando
to make a killing = forrarse (de dinero)
to rule out = descartar
demonstration = mani (manifestación)
members worldwide = miembros en el mundo
reluctance = reticencia, desgana
bid = oferta, puja
a brisk pace = un ritmo ligero

pronunciation

yate = yacht /jɑ:t /

review

because, because of

- I couldn't go because it was snowing.
  I couldn't go because of the snow.
- I arrived late because of the traffic.
  I arrived late because there was a lot of traffic.
- The game was cancelled because it was raining.
  The game was cancelled because of the rain.
- He went to the doctor because of his cold.
  He went to the doctor because he had a cold.
- David made a mistake because there was a misunderstanding.
  David made a mistake because of a misunderstanding.
- The company went bankrupt because he was careless.
  The company went bankrupt because of his carelessness.

due to, due to the fact that

- My flight arrived late due to the fact that there was a delay.
  My flight arrived late due to a delay.
- I felt dizzy due to the heat.
  I felt dizzy due to the fact that it was very hot.
- Daniel missed two days of work due to the fact that his father died.
  Daniel missed two days of work due to his father's death.

exercises

numbers in context

There were 50,225 people at the demonstration. How many people were there at the demonstration?
There are 882,258 words in this book. How many words are there in this book?
There are 230,345 books in/at the librery. How many books at the librery.
270,112 soldiers died in that battle. How many soldiers died in that battle?
There are 483,660 members worldwide. How many members are there worldwide?
There are 825,916 pieces in the Museum's collection. How many pieces are there in the Museum's collection?

present conditional

If you had more money, would you buy a helicopter?
If you had 3,000 children, would you need a bigger house?
If you lived in Hungry, would you speak Hungarian?
If you went to London, would you buy a souvenir?
If you ate three million hamburgers, would you explote?
If you spoke German, would you go on holiday to Germany?
If this program lasted five hours, would you watch all of it?

vocabulary 23

referralreferencia
no doubtsin duda
suddenrepentino
to dominatedominar
to punishcastigar
jueves 5 noviembre 2009
jueves 4 noviembre 2010

grammar

present conditional

con el verbo "to be" siempre es "were"

other

that's what's funny

my vocabulary

get it out of the way = quítatelo de en medio
to be squinting at someone = mirar a alguien entrecerrando los ojos
twice as many = el doble
If there were twice as many, would you share? = Si hubiera el doble, ¿compartirías?
to suit fit = quedar bien (una prenda de ropa)

review

numbers in context

72,302 people went to the rock concert. How many people went to the concert?
88,000 people went to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium last weekend. How many people went to the stadium?
81,245 people went to Cristiano Ronaldo's presentation. How many people went?
66,606 people went to Kaka's presentation. How many people went?

present conditional

If you had more money, would you buy a Corvette?
Would you understand German if you lived in Germany?
Would you speak perfect English if you grew up in the United States?

exercises

present conditional

answer in negative
Would you go out if it rained?
Would you mind if I didn't tell you?
Would you be here if your English were perfect?
Would I be here if my English weren't perfect?
Would your boss buy a Rolex if he won the lottery?
Would this class be helpful if I spoke to you in Spanish?
Would your neighbours move if you asked them to?
Would you eat a spider if I payed you?
Would you steal a coat if you were cold?
Would you get angry if I borrowed your pen?
Would your doctor prescribe you medicines if you were fine?
Would you mind if we did another example?

present conditional with were

  • If you were rich would you stop working?
  • Would you support the Spanish national site if you weren't Spanish?
  • Would I realize if you were lying?
  • If there were some in your size, would you buy them?
  • If there were twice as many, would you share?
  • If it weren't so salty, would you eat it?
  • If it were built of brick, would it fall down?
  • If I were fed up, would I be smiling?
  • If it were raining, would you go outside?
  • If he weren't so fat, would the suit fit?
    Yes, if he weren't so fat, the suit would fit.

vocabulary 24

a loudmouthbocaza
threateningamenazador
the Moorslos moros
in the long runa la larga
handkerchief (handky)pañuelo
viernes 6 noviembre 2009
viernes 5 noviembre 2010

grammar

continue [watching/to watch]: valen ambas formas
from now on = de ahora en adelante, desde ahora

my vocabulary

there are ups and downs = hay altibajos
to throw in the towel = tirar la toalla (sentido figurado, igual que en esp.)
maletero (del coche) = the trunk (of my car) [AM]
the boot of the car [EN]
to soak = poner a remojo
to soak wet = empaparse, calarse hasta los huesos
it's pouring down = está lloviendo a cántaros

pronunciation

résumé /'rezəmeɪ/ (AmE)

review

present conditional

Answer in the negative.
- Would you go out if it rained?
- Would you come if I asked you to?
  No, I wouldn't go if you invited me.
- Would you help me if I asked you to?
- Would England win the World Cup if it had a better team?
- Would you buy a cosmetics company if you had a lot of money?
- Would you watch this program if you spoke perfect English?

present conditional with the verb to be in the if clause

- If you were rich would you buy a yacht?
- If you were the President of Spain would you invade France?
- If it were raining now would you go outside?
- If this program were more interesting would you watch it?

exercises

present conditional

- ¿Te lo comprarías si fuese más barato?
  Would you buy it if it were cheaper?
- ¿Harías más deporte si tuvieras más tiempo?
  Would you do more sports if you had more time?
- ¿Si hubiese mucho ruido, podrías concentrarte?
  If there were a lot of noise, would you be able to concentrate?
- ¿Lo vaciarías si estuviera lleno?
  Would you empty it if it were full?
- ¿Si ella insistiera, esperarías?
  If she insisted, would you wait for her?
- ¿Lo harías si estuvieras en mi lugar?
  Would you do it if you were in my shoes?
- Si tú le dejaras, ¿lo entendería?
  If you let him, would he understand?
- ¿Probarías el pastel si no estuvieras a régimen?
  Would you try the cake if you weren't on a diet?
- Si los vecinos se quejaran, ¿bajarías el volumen?
  If the neighbours complained, would you turn down the volume?
- Si yo necesitara dinero, ¿me lo dejarías?
  If I needed money, would you lend it to me ?

despite, in spite of

- The weather was bad, but he went anyway.
  He went despite the bad weather.
  He went in spite of the bad weather.
  He went despite the fact that the weather was bad.
  He went in spite of the fact that the weather was bad.
- I had a cold, but I went to class anyway.
  I went to class despite my cold.
  I went to class in spite of my cold.
  I went to class despite the fact that I had a cold.
  I went to class in spite of the fact that I had a cold.
- It was very hot, but everyone had a good time anyway.
  Everyone had a good time despite the heat.
  Everyone had a good time in spite of the heat.
  Everyone had a good time despite the fact that it was hot.
  Everyone had a good time in spite of the fact that it was hot.

vocabulary 25

masterydominio
in the wayen medio (del camino) (quítate de en medio = get out of the way)
CV (se dicen las letras) o résumé (AmE)curriculum vitae
well-treatedbien tratado
giantgigante
lunes 9 noviembre 2009
lunes 8 noviembre 2010

grammar

instead of

insted of + gerund = rather than + gerund
- "instead of" es más neutro que "rather than", que muestra más preferencia personal
- Ante la duda, usar "instead of"

my vocabulary

ongoing = en curso
posh = pijo
so what? = ¿y qué?
to get even = desquitarse
dropped them off = dejarlos (ahí)
no way! = ¡para nada!
star of stage and screen = actor famoso

pronunciation

catering /'keɪtərɪŋ/
directly /də'rektli/ , /daɪ- / se puede decir de ambas formas

review

translate

- ¿Te lo comprarías si fuese más barato?
  Would you buy it if it were cheaper?
- ¿Harías más deporte si tuvieras más tiempo?
  Would you do more sports if you had more time?

rephrase: despite, in spite of

- Even though she accepted the job, the conditions were terrible.
  Despite the bad conditions, she accepted the job.
  Despite the fact that the conditions were terrible, she accepted the job.
  In spite of the bad conditions, she accepted the job.
  In spite of the fact that the conditions were terrible, she accepted the job.

exercises

Instead of + gerund

- Don't phone her, send her an e-mail.
  Instead of phoning her, send her a e-mail.
- They didn't pay in cash, they paid by credit car.
- Pepe didn't do his homework, he went to the party.
- They didn't prepare the food thenselves, they called a catering company.
- We didn't wait for the bus, we decided to catch a taxi.
- I didn't come here first, I went directly to the meeting.
- Don't get angry, get even.
  Instead of getting angry, get even.
- She didn't marry Carlos, she married his brother.
- We didn't increase the budget, we cut some expenses.
- He didn't hire an assistant, he did everything himself.
- Don't send a letter, send her some flowers.
- They didn't pick up their children, they dropped them off.

rather than + gerund

- He wants to go to the cinema, not to the theatre.
  Rather than going to the theatre, he wants to go to the cinema.
- He steals, he doesn't pay for things.
  Rather than paying for things, he steals.
  He steals, rather than paying for things.
- He saw the film, he didn't read the book.
  Rather than reading the book, he saw the film.
  He saw the film, rather than reading the book.
- En lugar de hacerlo así, hazlo de esta manera.
  Rather than doing it like that, do it this way.
- Él robó en vez de pagar por las cosas.
  He stole rather than paying for things.
- Lo compró a crédito en lugar de utilizar sus ahorros.
  He bought it on credit rather than using his savings.

vocabulary 26

well-informedbien informado
a politicianun político
to buryenterrar (a burial = un entierro)
thresholdumbral
the lyricsla letra (canción)
martes 10 noviembre 2009
martes 9 noviembre 2010

grammar

past conditional

IF + PAST PERFECT (had + participio), WOULD'VE + participio

my vocabulary

ya veremos = we'll see
it takes up less space = ocupa menos
to lean on = apoyarse en (físicamente)
bareback = a pelo (adverbio)
beggar = mendigo, pordiosero
"Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you please to come home"
to do a good deed = hacer una buena obra
to head to/towards = dirigirse a/hacia
to muddle up = confundir

pronunciation

email, e-mail /'i:meɪl/

review

instead of + gerund

- Don't phone her, send her an e-mail.
  Instead of phoning her, send her an e-mail.
- They didn't pay in cash, they paid by credit card.
  Instead of paying in cash, they payed by credit card.
- We didn't go to the concert, we went to the cinema.
  Instead of going to the concert we went to the cinema.

translate

- En vez de quejarte, haz algo al respecto.
  Instead of complaining, do something about it.
- En vez de llorar, llámale.
  Instead of crying, call him.
- En vez de salir a cenar, comimos en casa.
  Instead of going out for/to dinner, we ate at home.

rather than + gerund

- He stays at home, he doesn't go out on Friday night.
  Rather than going out on Friday night, he stays at home.
- He likes to go to the cinema, not to the theatre.
  Rather than going to the theatre, he likes to go to the cinema.
- He steals, he doesn't pay for things.
  Rather than paying for things, he steals.
- He saw the film, he didn't read the book.
  He saw the film rather than reading the book.

exercises

past conditional: affirmative

If you'd been there, would you've spoken to me?
Would you have told me if you'd known?
If I'd needed your help, would you have stayed?
Would you have sold your car if you'd moved abroad?
If you'd caught a taxi, would you've arrived on time?
Would he have passed the exam if he'd studied?
If you'd attended the meeting, would you have voted in favour?

past conditional: negative

Would you have won if you hadn't trained?
If Paco hadn't helped you, would you have finished?
Would you have hurt yourself if you had slipped?
If it had been cold the metro had been stuffy?
If Mary had had time, would she had gone?
If the phone had rung would you've picked up?

vocabulary 27

expertisehabilidad
volumevolumen
hakemerluza
bureaucracyburocracia
tamemanso
miércoles 11 noviembre 2009
miércoles 10 noviembre 2010

grammar

past conditional

Contracciones: Would you have ... ? = Would you've ... ?
- I had = I'd, etc.

my vocabulary

de ahora en adelante = from now on
desde entonces = from then on
to cheat = engañar, hacer trampas
to blush = ruborizarse
blush = rubor
la letra pequeña = the small print (en un documento)
hardly ever = casi nunca
once in a blue moon = de higos a brevas
to go blank = quedarse en blanco

review

past conditional: affirmative

Would you have clapped if you had liked the show?
If you had cheated would you have confessed?
If I had forgotten, would you have reminded me?

past conditional: negative

Would you have won if you hadn't trained?
If Paco hadn't helped you, would you have finished?
If she hadn't fallen over, would she have blushed?
If the dog had eaten, would he have attacked?

exercises

past conditional: interrogative (translate)

Si te hubiesen invitado, ¿habrías ido?
  If they'd invited you, would you've gone?
Si hubiera sido importante, ¿me lo habrían dicho?
  If it'd been important, would they've told me?
Si ella hubiera estudiado más, ¿habría aprobado el examen?
  If she'd studied more, would she've passed the exam?
Si hubiera llovido, ¿habrías ido a la playa?
  If it'd rained, would you've gone to the beach?
Si hubieras hecho un esfuerzo, ¿habrías ganado?
  If you'd made an effort, would you've won?
¿Lo habrías hecho si lo hubieses sabido?
  Would you've done it if you'd known?
¿Habrías firmado el contrato si hubieras leído la letra pequeña?
  Would you've signed the contract if you'd read the small print?

to go blank

When did you last go blank?
  I last went blank two weeks aqo.
Did you often go blank?
  No, I hardly ever go blank.
Ask me when I last went blank.
  When did you last go blank?
Do you sometimes go blank in class?
  Yes, I sometimes go blank in class.
Do you sometimes go blank on stage?
  I've only gone blank once on stage.
Ask me if I ever go blank in class.
  Do you ever go blank in class?
Ask me if I ever go blank on set.
  Do you ever go blank on set?
If I introduce you to Martin Scorsese will you go blank?
  Yes, if you introduce me to Martin Scorsese I'll probably go blank.
Do you go blank when you're nervous?
  Yes, I sometimes go blank when I'm nervous.
Do you go blank when you're sad?
  No, I don't go blank when I'm sad.
Do you go blank when you're angry?
  No, I don't go blank when I'm angry.
Did you go blank in our last class?
  No, I didn't go blank in our last class.

vocabulary 28

foresightvisión de futuro, previsión
tentativeprovisional, temporal
burglarladrón (de casas)
recruitmentcontratación de personal
to preventprevenir, evitar
jueves 12 noviembre 2009
jueves 11 noviembre 2010

grammar

as much ... as

con incontables
  • There's less butter in my house than in yours.
  • There isn't as much butter in my house as in yours.
  • There isn't as much ...
  • LESS ... THAN
  • ISN'T AS MUCH ... AS
  • I don't know as much about industrial processes as an industrial engineer.
  • There are a lot of things that I don't know very much about.
  • Spanish people know much more than me about Spanish language.
  • Do you know as much as me about Texas history?
  • Do you know as much as I do?

others

  • "The United States" es un país, es singular:
    The US is a big country in area in and population.
  • Ginebra = gin [bebida]
  • Ginebra = Geneva [dʒɪ'nɪ:və] [ciudad]
  • Ginebra = Guinevere [female given name, King Arthur's wife]

my vocabulary

regañar = to tell off
coal = carbón
carbon = carbono
omitir = leave out

pronunciation

envy /'envɪ/
population /'pɑ:pjə'leɪʃən /
coal /kəʊl/

review

past conditional

Si te hubiesen invitado, ¿habrías ido?
Si (él) hubiera copiado, ¿habría aprobado el examen?
Si no te hubiera dicho la verdad, ¿habrías discutido con él?
¿Les habrías regañado si hubieran llegado tarde?

to go blank

Have you ever gone blank when speaking on the phone?
Do nervous people usually go blank like me?
Ask me what I would do if I went blank on the show.
Ask me if I have ever gone blank in a class.

exercises

less than > not as much as

  • I have less time than I used to have.
    I don't have as much time as I used to have.
  • The Spanish are less patient than the English.
    The Spanish aren't as (much) patient as the English.
  • I have less water than you do.
    You don't have as much water as I do.
  • I have less money than the Queen of England.
    I don't have as much money as the Queen of England.
  • I am less tired than I was yesterday.
    (I'm not as much tired as I was yesterday.)
    You aren't as (much) tired as you were yesterday.
  • There's less rain in Spain than there is in England.
    There isn't as much rain in Spain as (there is) in England.

as much as > less than

  • I didn't spend as much money as I thought I would.
    I spent less money than I thought (I would).
  • I don't know as much about South American history as David does.
    I know less about South American history than David does.
  • I don't have as much free time as I used to have.
    I have less free time than I used to have.
  • I don't drink as much wine as he does.
    I drink less wine than he does.
  • She didn't buy as much food as she thought she would.
    She bought less food than she thought.
  • They don't have as much work as their partners do.
    They have less work than their partners do.
  • He doesn't cause as much trouble as his little sister does.
    He causes less trouble than his little sister does.
  • Salamanca doesn't have as much polution as Madrid does.
    Salamanca has less polution than Madrid does.

vocabulary 29

to justifyjustificar
relatedrelacionado [relacionado "con" = related "to"]
peasguisantes
way of livemodo de vivir
to reactreaccionar
viernes 13 noviembre 2009
viernes 12 noviembre 2010

grammar

  • This is not working out = no sale bien esto
  • to go back to the drawing board (and start again from scratch) = hacer borrón y cuenta nueva

  • no dicen "decenas de coches" en inglés
  • sí: dozens, hundreds of cars, thousands of cars, tens of thousands of, millions of,
  • pero se dice "I saw three million cars", "million" en singular

  • Everybody needs to improve their English, even Steven
    even = incluso
  • Nobody likes extremely hot weather, not even the Beduins
    even no = ni siquiera
  • Otros significados de "even": par (número par) y adjetivo "llano, nivelado"
  • EVEN
    Va después del sujeto cuando no hay verbo auxiliar:
    Él incluso habla español = He even speaks Spanish
    Si hay auxiliar, va después:
    Él incluso podría cantar = He could even sing

my vocabulary

to scratch = rascar, arañar
to start from scratch = empezar desde cero
bumper = parachoques

pronunciation

weight /weɪt/ homófono con wait

review

exercises

less than, not as much as

  • I have less patience than my mother.
    I don't have as much patience as my mother.
  • Spaniards are less patient than the English.
  • I have less money than she does.
  • I have less time than I used to.
  • I'm less intelligent than Einstein.
    You're not as intelligent as Einstein.
  • I didn't eat as much pasta as you did.
  • I didn't lose as much weight as I thought.
  • When I was in England I didn't speak as much English as I wanted to.
  • I don't know as much about Spanish history as I would like.
  • I don't have as much time as I would like.

quantities

  • Three point seven million people vote her ...
    Millions of people vote her ...
  • There were seven hundred and fifty two people at the concert.
    There were hundreds of people at the concert.
  • He's got seventy two thousand stamps in his collection.
    He's got thousands of stamps in his collection.
  • He's watched six hundred movies.
    He's watched hundreds of movies.
  • There are two thousand five hundred and fifty four offices all over the world.
    There are thousands of offices all over the world.
  • Three million six hundred and fifty four thousand rabbits are run over every year.
    Millions of rabbits are run over every year.
  • The company had to lay off one hundred and fifty four people.
    The company had to lay off hundreds of people.
  • Two million six hundred thousand books were lost in the fire.
  • She has been to two hundred cities all over the world.
    She has been to hundreds of cities all over the world.
  • Fifty million, five hundred thousand children watch that TV show.
    Millions of children watch that TV show.
  • She has two hundred and fifty pairs of shoes.
    She has hundreds of pairs of shoes.
  • Five point nine million parents are attending the course.
  • Six thousand mobile phones were found in the factory.
  • She sent her CV to 234 places.

even

  • Hablé con mucha gente, incluso hablé con Mark.
    I spoke to many people, I even spoke to Mark.
  • Ella puede hablar muchos idiomas, incluso puede hablar el chino.
    She can speak many languages, she can even speak Chinese.
  • Él incluso conoció a Elvis.
    He even met Elvis.

vocabulary 30

to take a napechar una siesta
to regardconsiderar (te considero una persona educada)
relievedaliviado
self-confidentseguro de sí mismo
self-employedautónomo (trabajador)
lunes 16 noviembre 2009
lunes 15 noviembre 2010

grammar

- conforme seguía lloviendo = as it continued raining
- Eeny, meeny ...
  My mother told me to pick this one.
- I don't even know ...
- He hasn't even been to ...
- ni siquiera la he visto = I haven't even seen her
- to ask questions
- What would you've done this morning if your car hadn't started?
  This morning, if my car hadn't started, I would've got a cab ( = taxi, taxi cab).
- What would you've done if you hadn't been able to find a taxi?
  Good question, what would I have done if I hadn't been able to find a taxi ...
  If I hadn't been able to find a taxi, I would've got a bus.

my vocabulary

dar una palmadita en la espalda = to give a pat on the back
lo mereces = you deserve it

review

quantities

- 3.7 million people bought her new album.
  Millions of people bought her new album.
- There were 760 people at the concert.
  There were hundreds of people at the concert.
- He's got 72.000 stamps in his collection.
  He's got thousands of stamps in his collection.
- They spent 5.9 million dollars on the house.
  They spent millions of dollars on the house.
- 500 children attended the fair.
  Hundreds of children attended the fair.
- She donated 7.5 million dollars to the charity.
  She donated millions of dollars to the charity.
- He ate 48 doughnuts before he got sick.
  He ate dozens of doughnuts before he got sick.

even

- Hablé con mucha gente, incluso hablé con José.
  I talked to a lot of people, I even talked to José.
- Todo el mundo vino a la fiesta, incluso mis padres vinieron a la fiesta.
  Everyone came to the party, my parents even came to the party.
- Todos en el partido marcaron, incluso el portero marcó.
  Everyone on the team scored, the goalkeeper even scored.
- Ella puede hablar varios idiomas, incluso ella puede hablar ruso.
  She can speak a lot languages, she can even speak Russian.

exercises

even

  • I can't remember anything, I can't remember what date it is either.
    You can't even remember what date it is.
    You can't even remember what time it is.
  • Ni siquiera su mujer se acordó de su cumpleaños.
    Not even his wife remembered his birthday.

to ask a question

  • Have I asked you a lot of questions so far today?
  • Do you want me to stop asking you so many questions?
  • Have I ever asked you an embarrasing question?
    No, you've never asked me an embarrasing question.
  • How many questions do I ask you per class?
  • Do you get sick of me asking you questions?
  • When did you last asked me a question in Russian?
    I've never asked you a question in Russian.
  • Has anyone ever asked you a question you didn't know how to answer?
    Yes, someone has asked me a question I didn't know how to answer.
  • Do you mind people asking you questions?
  • Is this the last question I'm going to ask you?

vocabulary 31

to incapacitateincapacitar
pebbleguijarro
parking lotaparcamiento exterior
to keep a secretguardar un secreto
to take afterparecerse a [en la personalidad]
martes 17 noviembre 2009
martes 16 noviembre 2010

grammar

- whose birthday is it?
- not even = ni siquiera
Ni siquiera sabes qué hora es = You don't even know what time it is.
- to want
No quiero que nos desanimemos = I don't want us to get discouraged

my vocabulary

parking garage = aparcamiento interior
to get rid of = deshacerse de

review

not even

  • Ni siquiera sabes qué hora es.
    You don't even know what time it is.
  • Ni siquiera sabes la fecha.
    You don't even know the date.
  • Ni siquiera sabes tu nombre.
    You don't even know your name.

to ask

  • Have I asked you a lot of questions today?
  • Do you want me to stop asking you so many questions?
  • How do you say "Te voy a hacer una pregunta"?
    I'm going to ask you a question.
  • Ask me where María's from.
    Where is María from?
  • Ask me if I know how old she is.
    Do you know how old she is?

exercises

let's

  • Vayámonos = Let's go
  • Cenemos = Let's have diner
  • Empecemos = Let's start
  • Sigamos = Let's [continue/carry on]
  • Paremos de momento = Let's stop for now
  • Digámosles lo que pensamos = Let's tell them what we think
  • Pongámonos en huelga = Let's go on strike
  • Tomemos un té = Let's have a cup of tea
  • Quitemos la mesa = Let's clear the table
  • Hagamos un esfuerzo = Let's make an effort
  • No vayamos = Let's not go
  • No causemos problemas = Let's not cause problems
  • No vayamos a trabajar mañana = Let's not go to work tomorrow
  • No cortemos el césped hoy = Let's not cut the grass today
  • No continuemos = Let's not carry on
  • No vayamos al cine otra vez = Let's not go to the cinema again
  • No tomemos pizza otra vez = Let's not have pizza again
  • No hagamos nada = Let's not do anythink
  • Shall we have breakfast?
    Okay, let's have breakfast.
  • Shall we have a drink?
    Okay, let's have a drink.
  • Shall we study "let's"?
    Okay, let's study "let's".

should get rid of

  • Their camera never works.
    They should get rid of their camara.
  • These shoes are giving me blisters.
    You should get rid of those shoes.
  • Your radio sounds terrible.
    I should get rid of my radio.
  • My car keeps breaking down.
    You should get rid of your car.
  • My aunt has to many clothes.
    She should get rid of some clothes.
  • Our secretary never arrives on time.
    We should get rid of our secretary.
  • Her boyfriend keeps cheating on her.
    She should get rid of her boyfriend.
  • Your watch keeps falling behind.
    I should get rid of my watch.
  • His cell phone doesn't work.
    He should get rid of his cellphone.
    AM cellphone, cell
    UK mobile
  • His brother's car keeps breaking down.
    His brother should get rid of his car.

vocabulary 32

saffronazafrán
shieldescudo
hookanzuelo, gancho
regretfullamentable
blisterampolla
miércoles 18 noviembre 2009
miércoles 17 noviembre 2010

grammar

- There aren't as many ... as ...
- fewer es para contables y less para incontables
fewer ... than = as many as
less ... than = as much as
- Let me explain it [to you]: el complemento es el objeto de explicación it

review

let's

  • I want us to have a cup of coffee.
    Let's have a cup of coffee.
  • I want us to go to the party.
  • I want us to buy a new car.
  • I want us to call Pepe and María.
  • I want us to practice a new structure.
  • I don't want us to leave the studio.
    Let's not leave the studio.
  • I don't want us to attend the meeting.
  • I don't want us to make dinner.
  • I don't want us to watch that film.
  • I don't want us to use their resources.

should get rid of

  • My car keeps breaking down.
    You should get rid of your car.
  • My aunt has too many clothes.
    She should get rid of some clothes.
  • My computer keeps turning off.
  • Our secretary never arrives on time.
  • Your watch keeps breaking.
  • His cellphone doesn't work.
  • His dog has too many toys.

exercises

fewer than, not as many as

  • There are fewer cars in Spain than in China.
    There aren't as many cars in Spain as in China.
  • Zamora receives fewer turists than Málaga.
    Zamora doesn't receive as many turists as Málaga.
  • Fewer things were said at the meeting than after it.
    Not as many things were said at the meeting as after it.
  • The dog buries fewer bones in the garden than in the park.
    The dog doesn't bury as many bones in the garden as in the park.
  • I should eat fewer biscuits than I do.
    I shouldn't eat as many biscuits as I do.
  • My boss drinks fewer coffees than he used to.
    My boss doesn't drink as many coffees as he used to.
  • We will travel with fewer suitcases than them.
    We won't travel with as many suitcases as them.

fewer than, not as many as

  • Last year I didn't buy as many shoes as I did this year.
    Last year I bought fewer shoes than this year.
  • I don't know as many people in France as Sarkozi does.
  • I don't have as many problems as Zapatero.
  • I don't have as many gold medals as Michael Phelps.
  • There aren't as many people in Madrid as in New York.
  • There aren't as many camels in Spain as in Egypt.
  • We don't have as many minuts as we had before.

vocabulary 33

to threatenamenazar
to ratevalorar, tasar
whiplátigo
the Third Worldel Tercer Mundo
to slow downdesacelerar [to speed up = acelerar]
jueves 19 noviembre 2009
jueves 18 noviembre 2010

grammar

- There isn't as much water ... as
- there aren't as many people ... as
- used to + INFINITIVO
I used to be
I used to know
- Diciendo "I used to ... " no se dice cuándo ni por cuánto tiempo.
  Actualmente no ocurre lo que indica el verbo.
- I used to be have a lot of money: se entiende que ahora no tienes mucho dinero.
- Incorrecto:
FG used to be the president of Spain for 14 years.
[Correcto: He was the ... for 14 years.]
FG used to be the president of Spain in 1980's and the 1990's.
[Correcto: He was the ... from 1982 to 1996]
- Se usa "used to" para hablar del pasado. Se concreta con el pasado simple:
I used to live there. I lived there in the 1960's.
- Se dice, pero está mal dicho "I'm good", debe ser "I'm well".

my vocabulary

to get out (a pencil) = sacar (un boli)
to take out, lo mismo, pero de un sitio concreto
great-grandmother = bisabuela

pronunciation

opposite /'ɒpəzɪt/

review

fewer than > not as many as

  • There are fewer cars in Spain than in China.
    There aren't as many cars in Spain as [there are] in China.
  • Our company has fewer employees than most companies.
    Our company doesn't have as many employees as most companies.
  • He made fewer changes than we expected.
    He didn't make as many changes as we expected.

not as many as > fewer than

  • Last year I didn't buy as many shoes as I did the year before.
    Last year I bought fewer shoes than [I did] the year before.
  • We didn't eat as many doughnuts this morning as we did yesterday morning.
    We ate fewer doughnuts this morning than yesterday morning.
  • My house doesn't have as many windows as your house does.
    My house has fewer windows than your house [does].

exercises

years

  • Ask me when Disneyland was opened to the public.
    When was Disneyland opened to the public?
    Disneyland was opened to the public in 1955.
  • Ask me when John Lennon was murdered.
    When was John Lennon murdered?
    John Lennon was murdered in 1980.
  • Ask me what year Pablo Picasso was born.
    What year was Pablo Picasso born?
    Pablo Picasso was born in 1881.
  • Ask me when Vaughan Systems was founded.
    When was it founded?
    Vaughan Systems was founded in 1997.
  • Ask me what year the colonization of Australia took place.
    When did the colonization of Australia take place?
    The colonization of Australia took place in 1788.
  • Ask me what year her great-grandmother was born in.
    What year was her great-grandmother born in?
    Her great-grandmother was born in 1905 [nineteen o five].
  • Ask me when Christopher Columbus discovered America. [1492]
  • Ask me what year CD's were invented in. [1965]
  • Ask me what year Audrey Hepburn was born. [1929]
  • Ask me when El Quijote was first published. [1605]

used to

  • I don't go out on Friday night anymore.
    You used to go out on Friday night.
  • I don't ride my bike anymore.
  • I don't like beer anymore.
  • My parents don't visit me anymore.
  • My brother doesn't go to the gym anymore.
  • I don't eat junk food anymore.

vocabulary 34

to lengthenalargar
outgoingextrovertido (persona)
blendmezcla
physicianmédico
napkinservilleta
viernes 20 noviembre 2009
viernes 19 noviembre 2010

grammar

- I used to see him at least once a week.
- Con verbos auxiliares se usa "use to" en lugar de "used to".

review

years

  • Ask me when I first came to Spain.
    When did you first come to Spain?
    You first came to Spain in 1991.
  • Ask me when the Olympic Games took place in Barcelona. [1992]
  • Ask me when Madrid held the Football World Cup Championship. [1922]

used to

  • I studied more when I was younger.
    I used to study more when I was younger.
  • Peter isn't a vegetarian anymore.
  • Caroline collected marbles when she was little.
  • It doesn't float anymore.
  • You belived in ghosts. You don't, now.
  • Jack's wife doesn't pick up her kids from school anymore.

exercises

did ... use to?

  • My hair isn't green anymore.
    Did you use to have green hair?
    Did your hair use to be green?
  • I don't like artichokes anymore.
    Did you use to like artichokes?
  • He doesn't read the newspaper anymore.
    Did he use to read the newspaper?
  • She doesn't live in London anymore.
    Did she use to live in London?
  • They don't play soccer anymore.
    Did they use to play soccer?
  • My neighbor isn't a doctor anymore.
    Did your neighbor use to be a doctor?
  • This class isn't in French anymore.
    Did this class use to be in French?
  • I don't like him anymore.
    Did you use to like him?
  • I don't play the violin anymore.
    Did you use to play the violin?
  • She doesn't take the metro anymore.
  • He doesn't live with her anymore.
  • My neighbor doesn't live in this neighborhood anymore.
  • Pepe doesn't teach Spanish anymore.
  • They don't have a dog anymore.
  • She doesn't read the newspaper anymore.

¡no lo es tanto!

  • His neighbor is fat, but he's not that fat.
  • Her house is big, but it's not that big.
  • The cake is delicious, but it's not that delicious.
  • English is hard, but it's not that hard.
  • Spain is big, but it's not that big.
  • Barcelona is a good team, but they're not that good. ["they" por ser un equipo]
  • This mug is heavy, but it's not that heavy.
  • The clothes are expensive/costly, but they're not that expensive.
  • The journey is far, but it's not that far.
  • The water is cold, but it's not that cold.
  • It's humid, but it's not that humid.
  • Juan is a nice guy, but he's not that nice.

vocabulary 35

partnersocio, pareja ("couple" es pareja como conjunto de dos)
palm treepalmera
paceritmo ("can you keep up with the pace?")
perseveringperseverante, perserverancia
phasefase
lunes 23 noviembre 2009
lunes 22 noviembre 2010

grammar

  • everyday, every single day:
    day by day
    day after day
    day in, day out
  • it drives me nuts
    it drives me mad
    it drives me insane
    it drives me crazy
    it drives me up the wall
  • me estoy volviendo loco = I'm going crazy
    me está volviendo loco = it drives me crazy
  • I didn't use to have gray hair
  • direct and indirect (or reported) speech
  • Get lost! = ¡Piérdete!
  • The elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November
  • En el speech de Kennedy:
    "Ask not what your country can do for you,
    ask what you can do for your country"
    "Ask not" estilo antiguo, "Don't ask" moderno.
  • [Reported speech:] He told them not to ask what their country could do for them, but what they could do for their country.
  • Se dice más "hard" que "difficult"
  • Me cuesta = I have trouble, it's hard for me
  • It's hard for me to keep from blinking = Es difícil para mí no dejar de parpadear
  • It's hard for me not to blink = it's hard for me to keep from blinking
  • To keep from blinking = evitar parpadear
  • I can't help + gerundio = no puedo evitar + verbo
  • To congratulate you on finishing ... = felicitaros por acabar ...

reported speech

  • Me dijo que no lo hiciera
    He told me not to do it
  • Me dijo que lo hiciera ahora.
    He told me to do it now.
  • Me pidió que llamara ahora.
    He asked me to call now.
  • Me pidió que no la llamara.
    He asked me not to call her.
  • Me suplicó que no lo hiciera.
    He begged me not to do it.
  • Me suplicó que lo hiciera más tarde.
    He begged me to do it later.
  • will > would

my vocabulary

stress out = agobiado
to work out = salir bien
to buttom up = abotonar
to zip up = cerrar la cremallera

review

did ... use to ... ?

  • My hair isn't green anymore.
    Did your hair use to be green?
  • I don't like artichokes anymore.
  • He doesn't read the newspaper anymore.
  • They don't play soccer anymore.
  • This class isn't for beginners anymore.

it's not that ...

  • His neighbour is fat.
    But he's not that fat.
  • English is difficult.
  • His house is big.
  • This cake is delicious.
  • They're rich.

exercises

imperative in indirect speech

  • I said to my neighbor don't step on the lawn.
    I told him not to step on the lawn.
  • I will say to my children: don't live the milk out of the fridge.
    I will tell them not to live the milk out of the fridge.
  • The priest said to the boy: don't lie.
    He told him not to lie.
  • Jack said to me: don't tell people off.
    He told you not to tell people off.
  • Laura said to you: don't get stress out about work.
    She told you not to get stress out about work.
  • The mother said to her son: don't worry, everything will work out.
    She told him not to worry, and that everything would work out.
  • Rachel said to Mark: don't turn the music up.
    She told him not to turn the music up.
  • The man said to Sara: don't take the leash off your dog.
    He told her not to take the leash off the dog.
  • I said to you: don't worry about making mistakes.
    I told you not to worry about making mistakes.
  • Sandra said to Sam: don't buttom up your shirt.
    She told him not to buttom up his shirt.
  • I said to you: don't ever stop studying English.
    I told you not to ever stop studying English.
    I told you to never stop studying English.

not to + verb

  • They made a decision that they will not go to the farewell party in the end.
    They decided not to go to the farewell party in the end.
  • I can't help crying when I watch sad movies.
    It's hard not to cry when I watch sad movies.
  • I can't help smiling when I feel happy.
    It's hard not to smile when I feel happy.
  • I can't help thinking about the heat.
    It's hard not to think about the heat.
  • The Romans decided that they would not to invade Ireland.
    They decided not to invade Ireland.
  • The student made a decision that he will not study this weekend.
    He decided not to study this weekend.
  • The Vikings made a decision that they would not attack North Africa.
    They decided not to attack North Africa.
  • Elvis Presley can't help falling in love with you.
    It's hard not to fall in love with you.
    ["Can't help falling in love with you"]
  • I can't help eating too much.
    It's hard not to eat too much.
  • You can't help looking well.
    It's hard not to look well.
  • They made a decision that they will not drive the car.
    They decided not to drive the car.
  • The Government made a decision that they will not lower taxes.
    They decided not to lower taxes.
  • I can't help worrying about unemployment.
    It's hard not to worry about unemployment.
  • I can't help thinking about the future.
    It's hard not to think about the future.

vocabulary 36

to illustrateilustrar
to injurelesionar
to implyinsinuar
to go for a walkir a dar un paseo
to demonstratedemostrate
martes 24 noviembre 2009
martes 23 noviembre 2010

grammar

- Let's get started, but first, before we move forward we need to step back.
- How many times have I told him? ... And he doesn't do it.
  What do I have to do to make ... ?
  What do I have to do to get this fellow to switch?
- There is a saying in English: you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
- se usa más
could I borrow some sugar?
que
could you lend me some sugar?
- I think so = creo que sí
- I remember him telling me not to ...
- My dream didn't come true.
- As I got older, my dream is changed.

to remember

to remember + gerund: acordarse de algo
Me acordé de cuando me casé = I remembered getting married
to remember + TO + infinitive: recordar una acción
Recordé apagar la luz = I remembered to turn off the light

my vocabulary

to run out of = quedarse sin, agotar
Have you run out of sugar?
Se me ha agotado la paciencia con vosotros = I have run out of patience with you
I'm running out of patience with you and you're running out of time with me.
gasolina = gasoline, gas [AM], petrol [BR]
petóleo = petroleum, oil
to tear out = arrancar [tear, tore, torn]

pronunciation

- run /rʌn/
  ran /ræn/

review

not to + verb

  • I told my neighbour: don't step on the lawn.
    You asked your neighbor not to step on the lawn.
  • I'll tell my children: don't leave the milk out of the fridge.
    You'll tell your children not to leave the milk out of the fridge.
  • I told my boss: don't blame the assistant.
    You asked your boss not to blame the assistant.
  • I always tell my mother: please, don't worry.
    You always tell your mother not to worry.
  • I told my students: don't speak Spanish in class.
    You told your students not to speak Spanish in class.
  • They made a decision that they won't go to the party.
    They decided not to go to the party.
  • I can't help crying when I watch sad films.
    It's hard not to cry when you watch sad films.
  • I can't help feeling great when our rivals lose.
    It's hard not to feel great when our rivals lose.
  • I made a decision that I won't participate in the project.
    You decided not to participate in the project.
  • I can't help eating a lot during the holidays.
    It's hard not to eat a lot during the holidays.

exercises

to run out of

  • Have you ever run out of petrol?
  • Ask me if I ever run out of gas.
    Many times I was running on fumes, but I've never run out of gas.
  • Ask me if I ever run out of money.
  • Ask me where I was when I ran out of money.
  • Ask me what I did.
  • Have you ever run out of money?
  • Ask me if I ever run out of sugar.
  • Ask me what I did when I ran out of sugar.
  • Well, guess what, ask me what we're running out of now.
    What are we running out of now?

to remember

  • You met me a few months ago.
    I remember meeting you a few months ago.
  • You got married a year ago.
    I remember getting married a year ago.
  • Last week was your wedding anniversary and you had to buy a present for your husband; fortunately, you did.
    I remembered to buy a present for my husband.
  • You tore out a piece of paper and put it in your pocket.
    I remember tearing out a piece of paper and putting it in my pocket.
  • Don't forget to call me for my birthday.
    Remember to call me for my birthday.
  • She told him to locke the door. He didn't forget.
    He remembered to locke the door.
  • You put the cake in the oven an then you went to the lounge.
    I remember putting the cake in the oven and then going to the lounge.
  • You switched off the lights when you left in the morning.
    I remember switching off the lights when I left in the morning.
  • I told you to do your homework. You haven't forgotten.
    I've remembered to do my homework.

vocabulary 37

all the timetodo el tiempo
to kidnapsecuestrar
itemconcepto
to appreciateagradecer
to leave outomitir
miércoles 25 noviembre 2009
miércoles 24 noviembre 2010

grammar

  • We'll start by going over some of the things we saw yesterday
  • Go over + pronombre: el pronombre siempre después
    go over it = repásalo (go over with the fine-tooth comb)
  • Recuerdo varias ocasiones ... = I remember several times running out of gasoline
  • Sube = hop in [coloquial, formalmente sería "get in", por entrar a un coche]
  • BC = Before Christ / BCE = Before the Common Era
    AD = Anno Domini
  • I used to have a Porsche = antes yo tenía un Porsche
    I'm used to having a Porsche = estoy acostumbrado a tener un Porsche
    to be used to + gerundio = estar acostumbrado a
  • To be used to it = estar acostumbrado

my vocabulary

  • kennel = caseta para perro
  • show up = aparecer

review

to run out of

  • Have you ever run out of sugar?
    Yes, sometimes I have run out of sugar.
    Ask me if everybody runs out of sugar.
    Does everybody run out of sugar?
  • Ask me if my phone ran out of battery last week.
    Did your phone run out of battery last week?
  • Ask me why my phone is always running out of battery.
    Why is your phone always running out of battery?
  • Ask me if I'm running out of patience with you.
    Are you running out of patience with me?
  • Ask me if I ran out of money when I was travelling around Europe.
  • Have you ever ran out of money?
  • Ask me if I ran out of beer in that trip.

exercises

BC/AD

  • Ask me when the Roman Empire fell.
    When did the Roman Empire fall?
    It fell in 476 AD.
  • Ask me when Confucius was born?
    When was Confucius born?
    He was born in 551 BC.
  • Ask me when Julius Caesar was assassinated.
    When was Julius Caesar assassinated?
    He was assassinated in 44 BC.
  • Ask me when printing was invented.
    When was printing invented?
    Printing was invented in 730 AD.
  • Ask me when Buda was born.
    When was Buda born?
    Buda was born in 563 BC.
  • Ask me when the Moors invaded Spain.
    When did the Moors invade Spain?
    The Moors invaded Spain in 711 AD.
  • Ask me when Socrates was born.
    When was Socrates born?
    Socrates was born in 469 BC.
  • Ask me when the first civilization was founded.
    When was the first civilization founded?
    The first civilization was founded between 4,000 and 3,500 BC.

to be used to

  • My neighbor's boss isn't accustomed to getting up early.
    My neighbor's boss isn't used to getting up early.
  • I'm not accustomed to asking people for favors.
  • I'm not accustomed to giggling in class.
  • My cousin is accustomed to showing up late.
  • The dentist is accustomed to pulling out teeth.
  • The dog is accustomed to sleep in a kennel.

vocabulary 38

conveniencecomodidad
townhousechalé adosado
mildtemplado, suave (salsa, temperatura, no personas)
delighfulencantador
spideraraña
jueves 26 noviembre 2009
jueves 25 noviembre 2010

grammar

- con los verbos de sentido (feel, smell, hear, sound, look, taste, etc.) se usa good y no well
- to be used to = estar acostumbrado a
  I'm used to teaching,
  I'm used to using ... = estoy acostumbrado a usar ...
- I used to use = antes usaba
  Now, I'm used to = ahora, estoy acostumbrado.
- I'm not used to it yet, but I'm starting to get used to it slowly, I'm gradually gettig used to it.
- I used to have problems with the noise, but now I'm starting to get used to it.
- It takes some getting used to = lleva cierto tiempo acostumbrarse

pronunciation

accustomed /ə'kʌstəmd/

review

BC/AD

  • Ask me when the Roman Empire fell.
  • Ask me when Confucius was born?
  • Ask me what year it was 1,000 years ago.
    What year was it 1,000 years ago?
    It was 1009 ('ten o nine') AD 1,000 years ago.
  • Ask me what year it was 2,000 years ago.
    What year was it 2,000 years ago?
    It was 9 AD.
  • Ask me what year it was 3,000 years ago.
    What year was it 3,000 years ago?
    It was 10 or 9 BC.
  • Ask me when people first arrived in Ireland.
    When did people first arrive in Ireland?
    People first arrived in Ireland around 8,000 BC.

to be used to

  • My neighbour's boss isn't accustomed to getting up early.
  • Vaugham System's teachers are accustomed to dealing whit a lot of students.
  • You're accustomed to my accent.
  • You're accustomed to appearing on TV.
  • Foreigners are not accustomed to the hot summers in Madrid.

exercises

used to

  • Ask me again if I'm used to living in Madrid.
    Are you used to living in Madrid?
  • Ask me how long it took me to get used to living in Madrid.
    How long did it take you to get used to living in Madrid?
  • Ask me if I'm used to teaching English.
    Are you used to teaching English?
  • Ask me how long it took me to get used to teaching English.
    How long did it take you to get used to teaching English?
  • How long did it take you to get used to my accent?
    It took me a year to get used to your accent.
  • How long will it take you to get used to speaking English perfectly?
    It will take me three or more years to get used to speaking English perfectly.
  • Ask me if my father is used to speaking English.
    Is your father used to speaking English?
  • Ask me how long it took him to get used to it.
    How long did it take him to get used to speaking English.
    It took him a few years to get used to speaking English.
  • Ask me if he's used to speaking English now.
    Is he used to speaking English now?
  • Ask me if I'm used to his accent.
    Are you used to his accent?
  • Are you getting used to the question "used to"?
    Yes, I'm used to the question "used to".

getting used to

  • Does living in Spain take much getting used to?
    No, living in Spain doesn't take much getting used to.
  • Does living in Bangladesh take much getting used to?
    Yes, living in Bangladesh takes much getting used to.
  • Does eatting sushi take much getting used to?
    No, eatting sushi doesn't take much getting used to.
  • Does working at night take much getting used to?
    Yes, working at night takes much getting used to.
  • Ask me if teaching English takes much getting used to.
    Does teaching English take much getting used to?
  • Does driving in England take much getting used to?
    Yes, driving in England takes much getting used to.
  • Does moving from a big city to a village take much used to?
    Yes, moving from a big city to a village takes much used to.
  • Does becoming a vegeterian take much getting used to?
    No, becoming a vegeterian doesn't take much getting used to.
  • Did being a student on TV take much getting used to?
    No, being a student on TV didn't take much getting used to.

vocabulary 39

tow truckgrúa para remolcar
meticulousmeticuloso
spicesespecias
to complain aboutquejarse de
to comply withcumplir con
viernes 27 noviembre 2009
viernes 26 noviembre 2010

grammar

  • I'm starting to get used to seeing you there.
  • u Let's go over, some of the things we saw on the previus day in class 39.
  • ... and you can kindly leave, the door is over there, please close the door from the outside, unless you're willing to work hard ...
  • cambiar de + {canal, lado, casa, } = to change + {channels, sides, houses, }
  • we are not on speaking terms = no nos hablamos
  • Peter fell out with his boss and then they can't hardly stand each other
    can stand = aguantar, soportar

my vocabulary

  • wishful thinking = idealismo
  • to sleep in = dormir hasta tarde
  • to fall out with somebody = pelearse, separarse, romper una amistad
    to [fall/have a falling] out with somebody = pelearse con alguien
  • bond = vínculo
  • lieutenant = lugarteniente

pronunciation

lieutenant     BR: /lef'tenənt/
AM: /lu:'tenənt/

review

to get used to

  • It takes English people a long time to get accustomed to driving on the right.
  • Did you get accustomed to waking up so early?
    Yes I got used to waking up so early in the morning.

it takes much getting used to

  • Does sleeping in take much getting used to?
    No, sleeping in doesn't take much getting used to.
  • Does waking up early take much getting used to?
  • Does working until late take much getting used to?
  • Does winning the lottery take much getting used to?
  • Would writing with your left hand take much getting used to?

exercises

conditional + unless

  • The plant will grow if you water it every day.
    The plant won't grow unless you water it every day.
  • They'll go to the party if we invite them.
    They won't go to the party unless we invite them.
  • He'll help her if she pays him.
    He won't help her unless she pays him.
  • I'll do it if you back me up.
  • They won't approve the project if we change the budget.
    They'll approve the project unless we change the budget.
  • The car won't break down if you replace the engine.
  • You won't be cold if you put on a coat.
  • I won't report the problem if they improve the security.
  • Your English will improve if you practice every day.

to fall out

  • Do you ever fall out with your brother?
  • Ask me if I fall out with my sister.
  • Ask me how often I fall out with my sister.
  • Ask me if I've ever fallen out with my boss.
  • Have you ever fallen out with your boss?
  • Have you ever fallen out with your mother?
  • Have you ever had a falling out with a friend?
  • Ask me if I've ever fallen out with my neighbour.

vocabulary 40

to draw up [draw, drew, drawn]elaborar (contratos)
sloppychapucero
nosycotilla
to withdrawretirar, sacar dinero
no wonder ...no me extraña que ...