⚡️ SYLLABLES ⚡️

The English alphabet is a collection of letters consisting of 5 vowels and 21 consonants. A group of letters constitutes a word and generally each word must contain at least one vowel, or one vowel sound, and these sounds constitute syllables.

English is about speaking, listening, reading and writing. While reading and writing depend on spellings for the proper understanding of the language, speaking and listening depend upon pronunciation. A word is pronounced in a particular way and it is here that syllables come in handy. Each word is broken into units of speech and we call each unit a syllable.

Each word will have a minimum of one syllable, but may have more. For instance,
• FOR is a word with one syllable
• CRI-CKET is a word with two syllables
• IN-CRED-IB-LE is a word with four syllables.

Can you see that each syllable contains just one vowel sound?

You will also notice that INCREDIBLE has four syllables and each syllable contains one vowel. This leads us to the conclusion that there are as many syllables in a word as there are vowels and this rule has, of course, exceptions!

When two vowels appear together they can be treated as a single vowel. For instance,

• PREACHER has three vowels but only two syllables because the EA is treated as one vowel and the last E is another vowel.

• BLOUSE has three vowels but is considered to be one syllable word because OU is treated as one vowel and the last E is treated as a silent letter.

Remember that the length of the word and the number of consonants in the word have no bearing on the number of syllables.
For instance, I, ME, LENGTH and RHYTHM are all words with one syllable. You will be surprised at RHYTHM because it does not have a vowel but sometimes, as you know, Y is considered as a vowel.

#Pronunciation
#Syllables

@PMPerect1

⚡️ SYLLABLES ⚡️

✨More examples:

🍁 STRENGTH (strength)

'Strength' is a single syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels and this rule works for the word 'strength'.

'Strength' is one of the longest words with a single syllable and, of course, it has only one vowel.

🍁 HOUSE (house)

'House' is a single syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels but the word 'house' is an exception - it contains three vowels but only one syllable.

This is because 'ou' is a single vowel sound and the final 'e' is silent.

🍁 RASPBERRIES (rasp-berr-ies)

'Raspberries' is a three syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels except but not in this case.

Here 'ie' would be treated as a single vowel sound and hence 'raspberries' has only three syllables despite having four vowels.

🍁 TEACHER (teach-er)

'Teacher' is a two syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels except in some cases.

Here 'ea' would be treated as a single vowel sound and hence 'teacher' has only two syllables, despite having three vowels.

🍁 TENNIS (ten-nis)

'Tennis' is a two syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels.

This rule works for the word 'tennis'.

🍁 CRICKET (cri-cket)

'Cricket' is a two syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels and this rule works in the case of 'cricket'.

🍁 GIANT (gi-ant)

'Giant' is a two syllable word.

Remember that generally (but not always!) there are as many syllables as there are vowels.

🍁 BANANAS (ba-nan-as)

'Bananas' is a three syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels and this rule works in the case of 'bananas'.

🍁 CUPBOARD (cup-board)

'Cupboard' is a two syllable word.

Remember that generally there are as many syllables as there are vowels.

In the case of 'cupboard' 'oa' would be treated as a single vowel sound and hence it has only two syllables despite the word having three vowels.

🍁 TERMINATION (ter-mi-na-tion)

'Termination' is a four syllable word.

Remember that there are as many syllables as there are vowels sounds.

The 'io' in 'termination' would be treated as a single vowel sound and hence there are only four syllables despite the word having five vowels.


#Pronunciation
#Syllables

@PMPerfect1

💠IN/ON/AT with time & location💠

#Grammar
#Prepositions
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💢 NEITHER 💢

Neither = not one and not the other

Neither is a negative word and is accompanied by an affirmative singular verb.

✨ Neither X nor Y ✨

Neither … nor … is used as a conjunction. It is the opposite of “Both … and …” If a verb comes after this phrase, that verb is in the singular form (Sometimes you will hear it used in the plural form though it is not grammatically correct)

• Neither John nor Fred likes doing the dishes. (= “Both John and Fred don’t like doing the dishes”)
• I want neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt.
• I neither smoke nor drink.

✨Neither + singular noun✨

Neither is used as a determiner before a single noun.

• Neither team wanted to lose.
• That tennis game was very close. Neither player had a clear advantage.
• Neither parent knew about the accident.

✨ Neither of + determiner + plural noun ✨

You can use Neither of before a determiner (my, his, these, the etc.) and a plural noun.

• Neither of my friends came to class today.
• Neither of the parents understood what the baby was trying to say.
• Neither of our cars has enough petrol so we have to take the bus.

✨ Neither of + Pronoun ✨

When using Neither + of + pronoun (you, us, them), we need the preposition OF before that pronoun. (If a verb comes after this phrase then it is in singular form)

• The present is for neither of us.
• Neither of them is married.
• Neither of us expected to be fired.

✨Neither in short responses✨

Neither is frequently used as part of a short response when someone says something negative and you agree with them.

🅰️: I have never been to Switzerland
🅱️: Neither have I.
🅰️: I don’t want to go.
🅱️: Neither do I.

Neither can also be used alone.

🅰️: Would you like a blue tie or a green tie?
🅱️: Neither. (= Neither tie)

✨ Neither 🆚 Either ✨

You can use Either with a negative verb to replace Neither with a positive verb

• I have neither time nor money
• I don’t have either time or money.


#Grammar
#Both_neither_either
@PMPerfect1

📁 DOSSIER 📁

dos‧si‧er /ˈdɒsieɪ $ ˈdɒːsjeɪ, ˈdɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]

• Origin: French

• Meaning: a set of papers containing detailed, usually secret information about a person or subject SYN file

🍃A firm of detectives produced a dossier on his activities.

• Synonyms:

file
report
case history
account
notes
document(s)
documentation
data
information
evidence

#Vocabulary
#Word_of_the_day
@PMPerfect1

💢 EITHER 💢


Either = any one of the two = this one or the other one

Either is accompanied by an affirmative singular verb and is mostly used in questions or negative sentences.

✨ Either X or Y ✨

Either … or … is used as a conjunction. It is used to express alternatives and or a choice between two (and sometimes more) things.

It is used as a verb in singular form (Sometimes you will hear it used in the plural form though it is not grammatically correct).

• Either you or John has to finish the report before 5pm.
• You can have either the red shirt or the blue shirt. (= but not both)
• Either you leave the building now or I call the security guards.

✨ Either + singular noun ✨

Either is used as a determiner before a single noun.

• There are only two options and I’m not interested in either film.

🅰️: Do you want it ready for Thursday or Friday?
🅱️: Either day is fine for me.

✨Either of + determiner + plural noun✨

You can use Either of before a determiner (my, his, these, the etc.) and a plural noun.

• We’ve been dating for 6 months and I haven’t met either of her parents.
• I haven’t read either of these books.
• I don’t want either of those apples. Do you have one that is not rotten?

✨Either + of + Pronoun✨

When using Either + of + object pronoun (you, us, them), we need the preposition OF before that pronoun.

• I don’t think he is going to invite either of us.

🅰️: Which photo do you prefer?
🅱️: I don’t like either of them.

• I think I left my keys and wallet at the office. I don’t want to lose either of them.

Either can also be used alone.
It means it doesn’t matter which alternative. Sometimes it is accompanied by the pronoun “one”.

🅰️: Would you like a coffee or a tea?
🅱️: Either (one). (= I don’t mind if it’s coffee or tea, both alternatives are fine)

✨Either in short responses✨

Either can be used at the end of a negative sentence when you agree with something negative someone else has said. It is similar to meaning TOO and ALSO (which are used in affirmative sentences).

🅰️: I wasn’t thirsty.
🅱️: I wasn’t either. (You cannot say “I wasn’t too”)

🅰️: I’ve never been to Portugal.
🅱️: I haven’t either.

🅰️: I didn’t go to class yesterday.
🅱️: I didn’t either.

✨Pronunciation of Either and Neither✨

You will hear the word Either pronounced two different ways:

• /ˈaɪðər/ (eye-ther – with a long I sound at the beginning) – British English
• /ˈiːðər/ (ee- ther – with a long E sound at the beginning) – American English

Both forms of pronunciation are correct and supposedly one is British English and the other American English. However within each country you may hear both forms used.
The same happens with the pronunciation of the word Neither:

• /ˈnaɪðər/ – British English
• /ˈniːðər/ – American English


#Grammar
#Both_neither_either
@PMPerfect1

🍃Linking words🍃

🍁Transition words🍁

7️⃣ Time / Chronology / Sequence

These transitional words (like finally) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time. They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions.

at the present time
from time to time
sooner or later
at the same time
up to the present time
to begin with
in due time
as soon as
as long as
in the meantime
in a moment
without delay
in the first place
all of a sudden
at this instant
first, second

immediately
quickly
finally
after
later
last
until
till
since
then
before
hence
since
when
once
about
next
now

formerly
suddenly
shortly
henceforth
whenever
eventually
meanwhile
further
during
in time
prior to
forthwith
straightaway

by the time
whenever

until now
now that

instantly
presently
occasionally


Many transition words in the time category (consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever) have other uses.

Except for the numbers (first, second, third) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples. Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.

#Grammar
#Linking_words
#Transitional_words
@PMPerfect1

🥗 VEGETABLES 🥗

#Vocabulary
#Pictionary
@PMPerfect1

🥘 COOKING TECHNIQUES 🥘

#Vocabulary
#Pictionary
@PMPerfect1

#idioms
Face the music

🔴 Daily Conversations:

♦️11. Encouragement (Part 2 of 3)

🔸11.6 When you demonstrate support to somebody

🔹You've got my support.
🔹You've got my backing.
🔹You've got my vote.
🔹You can trust me.
🔹You can put your trust in me.
🔹You can put your faith in me.
🔹You can lean on me.
🔹You can lean on my shoulder.
🔹I'll stand by you.
🔹I'm standing behind you.
🔹I'm 100% behind you.
🔹I'm with you.
🔹I'm on your side.
______________

🔸11.7 When you encourage somebody by expressing trust

🔹I trust you completely.
🔹I have complete trust in you.
🔹I believe in you completely.
🔹I have faith in you.
🔹I have the utmost faith in you.
🔹I have complete faith in you.
🔹I have confidence in you.
______________

🔸11.8 When you encourage somebody by praising their strength

🔹You are so strong.
🔹You don't know your own strength.
🔹You're as strong as an ox.
______________

🔸11.9 When you encourage somebody by offering help

🔹I'd be happy to help you.
🔹I'm here for you.
🔹I'm here if you need me.
🔹If you need me, call.
🔹If you need me, don't hesitate to call.
🔹If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know.
🔹If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask.
🔹If you don't see what you want, please ask for it.
🔹Let me know if you need any help.
🔹I'll always be there for you.
______________

🔸11.10 When you encourage somebody to be patient

🔹Take things lightly.
🔹Take things as they come.
🔹Take it as it comes.
🔹Take things one day at a time.
🔹Take one day at a time.
🔹Take one step at a time.
🔹The best is yet to come.
🔹It will work out in the end.
🔹I am confident it will all work out.
🔹Everything will work itself out.
🔹In the long run, everything will be OK.
🔹All in good time.
🔹Everything in its time.
🔹There is a time and season for everything.
🔹Give it time.
🔹Good things come to those who wait.
🔹Don't hold your breath.
🔹Hold your horses.
🔹Don't get ahead of yourself.
🔹Don't jump ahead of yourself.
🔹Don't jump the gun.
🔹We'll cross the bridge when we get there.
🔹It's not over till it's over.
🔹Stay the course.
🔹Stick to your guns.

#Daily_conversations
#Encouragement

🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻

💬50 British Slang Words & Phrases You Need to Know💬


1️⃣ All mouth and no trousers

🍃Meaning:

All talk, no action, i.e. Braggadocio.

🍂Example:

“Don’t listen to him. He’s all mouth and no trousers.”

2️⃣ Argy-bargy

🍃Meaning :

An argument or heated confrontation.

🍂Example:

“I’m not interested in getting into an argy-bargy over it.”

3️⃣ Bang to rights

🍃Meaning:

Equivalent of ‘dead to rights.’ Caught in the act. Caught red-handed.

🍂Example:

“Police caught Jim Bang to rights outside the bookie’s.”

4️⃣ Bent as a nine-bob note

🍃Meaning:

Metaphor for dishonesty or corruption that references the nine-schilling (bob) note, which does not exist and must therefore be counterfeit.

🍂Example:

“That street vendor selling watches is bent as a nine-bob note.”

5️⃣ Blinding

🍃Meaning :

An adjective for excellence.

🍂Example:

“The Prime Minister gave a blinding inauguration speech.”

6️⃣ Chuffed

🍃Meaning:

To be very pleased about something.

🍂Example:

“Reginald was chuffed about the football match.”

7️⃣ Conk

🍃Meaning:

A blow to the head or nose.

🍂Example:

“He conked his head on the doorframe on his way out.”

8️⃣ Corker

🍃Meaning:

Someone or something that/who is outstanding. A standout.

🍂Example:

“Great job, Jim. You’re a real corker.”

9️⃣ Do one’s nut

🍃Meaning:

To become enraged. Presumably a reference to doing an impression of a madman (nut).

🍂Examples:

“I gave him the news, and a he did his nut.

“When I gave Reginald the news, he did his nut, and went home.”

1️⃣0️⃣ Damp Squib

🍃Meaning:

Something that fails on all counts. Reference to small explosive charges that fail when wet.

🍂Example:

“It looks like the new midfielder is a damp squib.”

#Slangs
#Phrases
@PMPerfect1

🍃Linking words🍃

🍁Transition words🍁

8️⃣ Space/Location/Place

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space. Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle
to the left/right
in front of
on this side
in the distance
here and there
in the foreground
in the background
in the center of

adjacent to
opposite to
here
there
next
where
from
over
near
above
below
down
up
under
further
beyond
nearby
wherever
around
between
before
alongside
amid
among
beneath
beside
behind
across

#Grammar
#Linking_words
#Transitional_words
@PMPerfect1

🍖 Bone of Contention🍖

The most probable origin of this phrase comes from the idea of two dogs fighting—or contending—over one bone.

🍃Example:

Dismantling the family business was a bone of contention for everyone.

#Idioms
#Phrases
@PMPerfect1

🕑 HACK AROUND 🕑

🍂Meaning: Waste time.

🍃 Example:

I've been hacking around all morning because I can't get down to doing any revision.

#Phrasal_verbs
@PMPerfect1

🍃Linking words🍃


🔗Conjunctions🔗


✨Cohesive Devices✨

A variety of useful English Conjunctions exists, which complete this list of the most used Cohesive Devices. Together, they can help to express a cohesive view and easy understandable and readable texts.

🔺There are three basic types of conjunctions:

1️⃣ Coordinating conjunctions

used to connect two independent clauses

2️⃣ Subordinating conjunctions

used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence

3️⃣ Correlative conjunctions

used to join various sentence elements which are grammatically equal


#Grammar
#Linking_words
#Conjunctions
@PMPerfect1

🍂 SKINT 🍂

• Meaning:
Having no money. To be broke.

• Example:
Sorry mate, I can't come out - I'm skint!

#Slangs
@PMPerfect1

🍃Five prepositions with ARRIVE🍃

Arrive is an interesting verb in English because it can be used with a number of different prepositions.

✨Using *arrive in*✨

• Jack arrived in New York in 2005.
• We arrived in Turkey last Friday.

✨Using *arrive at*✨

• I arrived at the park early and took a nice walk.
• I arrived at my office at 8:30 this morning.
• We need to arrive at the party by 6:00.

✨Using *arrive with*✨

• She arrived with her two kids.
• I arrived with my laptop.

✨Using *arrive by*✨

• She arrived by taxi last night.
• I arrived by plane, but I am going back home by train.

✨Using *arrive for*✨

• We arrived for the free lunch, and it was worth the trip.
• We arrived for the wedding ceremony with plenty of time to spare.

#Grammar
#Prepositions
@PMPerfect1

🍃Linking words🍃


🔗Conjunctions🔗


✨Cohesive Devices✨


1️⃣Coordinating conjunctions


Comes usually in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short).
They join individual words, phrases, and independent clauses.
Whereas coordinating conjunctions join parts of a sentence, the purpose of transitional words and phrases usually is to join two 'sentences'.

🍂Examples:

🍃We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live in it.

🍃The purpose of most computer languages is to lengthen your resume by a word and a comma.

And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.

F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so


#Grammar
#Linking_words
#Conjunctions
#Coordinating_conjunctions
@PMPerfect1