🤫A secret about collective nouns🤫
Collective nouns, or group nouns, represent a number of things or people together. Some of them can be both singular or plural - both are correct and the choice is up to the speaker.
▫️Government
▫️Family
▫️Team
⚠️ BE CAREFUL! ⚠️
Not all collective nouns act in this way. Some are always plural.
▫️The police are coming.
▫️The staff are tired.
🔷A group of individuals🔷
These nouns can be considered a group of individuals - a football team has 11 individual players. In this case, the pronoun is they and the verb form is plural.
▫️My football team are the best. They are unbeatable.
▫️The government plan to raise taxes. They are always doing that.
▫️My family are happy. They never have any problems.
🔷A unit🔷
These nouns can also be considered a unit - even though they have individual parts, they function together in unison. In this case, the pronoun is it and the verb form is singular.
▫️My football team is the best. It is unbeatable.
▫️The government plans to raise taxes. It is always doing that.
▫️My family is happy. It never has any problems.
#Collective_nouns
@PMPerfect1
Collective nouns, or group nouns, represent a number of things or people together. Some of them can be both singular or plural - both are correct and the choice is up to the speaker.
▫️Government
▫️Family
▫️Team
⚠️ BE CAREFUL! ⚠️
Not all collective nouns act in this way. Some are always plural.
▫️The police are coming.
▫️The staff are tired.
🔷A group of individuals🔷
These nouns can be considered a group of individuals - a football team has 11 individual players. In this case, the pronoun is they and the verb form is plural.
▫️My football team are the best. They are unbeatable.
▫️The government plan to raise taxes. They are always doing that.
▫️My family are happy. They never have any problems.
🔷A unit🔷
These nouns can also be considered a unit - even though they have individual parts, they function together in unison. In this case, the pronoun is it and the verb form is singular.
▫️My football team is the best. It is unbeatable.
▫️The government plans to raise taxes. It is always doing that.
▫️My family is happy. It never has any problems.
#Collective_nouns
@PMPerfect1
⚫️⚫️ BLACK IDIOMS ⚫️⚫️
⬛️ Black and white ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To take everything into consideration and oversimplify something. To judge everything as either one way or the other, good or bad.
▪️Example: Our boss always thinks that everything is straightforward, but he doesn’t realise that this whole situation is not as black and white as he thinks!
⬛️ Put something down in black and white ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To write or have something written down on paper for confirmation or evidence
▪️Example: I don’t understand why you don’t believe me! Look, it’s written here in black and white!
⬛️ Black as night ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Somewhere very dark, when it is hard to see anything
▪️Example: We had another power cut last night; it was as black as night in our house. We didn’t even have any candles!
⬛️ Black and blue ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Used to describe something that is badly bruised
▪️Example: John’s face was black and blue after the boxing match.
⬛️ Black eye ⬛️
▪️Meaning: A bruise near one’s eye
▪️Example: Fred came home with a horrible black eye today, but he won’t tell us what happened!
⬛️ Black out ⬛️
▪️Meaning: This means to, either darken by putting out or dimming the lights, or to lose consciousness.
▪️Examples:
▪️We had a huge black out here last night, the whole town was out of power for about 7 hours!
▪️ I don’t know what happened to him, he just blacked out! Maybe he banged his head.
⬛️ Black as a skillet ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Used to describe something that is very dirty, black with dirt
▪️Example: My hands and clothes were as black as a skillet, and I was only halfway through cleaning your garage!
⬛️ Black market ⬛️
▪️Meaning: A term used for places where goods are illegally bought and sold for a profit.
▪️Example: Jerry used to sell cigarettes from South America on the black market!
⬛️ Blackball someone ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To exclude or ostracise someone socially, reject them
▪️Example: Their company has been blackballed ever since that scandal was all over the newspapers. No one wants to do business with them anymore.
⬛️ Blacklist someone ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To write someone’s name on a list if they break any rules, and ban them from having the opportunity to take part again
▪️Example: “I was in a lot of debt a while ago, and was unable to pay it all back, so I’ve been blacklisted. I’m not allowed to get a mortgage in my own name.
⬛️ Pot calling the kettle black ⬛️
(shorten version: pot kettle black)
▪️Meaning: This is used when the person who hypocritically criticises or accuses someone else is as guilty as the person he or she criticises or accuses
▪️Example: She kept telling me that I shouldn’t do that, but that’s like the pot calling the kettle black, as she does it herself too!
⬛️ Blackmail someone ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To extort or take money from someone by using their secrets against them and threatening to reveal it to others
▪️Example: He has been blackmailing me for months with some photos that I didn’t know he had. I need someone to help me stop him!
⬛️ In someone’s black books ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To be in disgrace or in disfavour with someone
▪️Example: After that argument yesterday, I assure you he will be in a lot of people’s black books for quite some time!
⬛️ Black tie event/affair ⬛️
▪️Meaning: A formal event where male guests wear black bow ties with tuxedos or dinner jackets
▪️Example: The award’s ceremony will be a black tie event, so I’ll have to buy a smart suit. My wife is going to wear her purple ball gown.
⬛️ Black sheep ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Used to describe a person who is the ‘odd one out’ of a group, and doesn’t fit in with others around them. This could also be used to talk about someone who is a disgrace or embarrassment to their group.
▪️Example: I have always been the black sheep in my family, I have a completely different personality to all of them, and we don’t even look the same!
#Idioms
#ColorfulIdioms
#BlackIdioms
@PMPerfect1
⬛️ Black and white ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To take everything into consideration and oversimplify something. To judge everything as either one way or the other, good or bad.
▪️Example: Our boss always thinks that everything is straightforward, but he doesn’t realise that this whole situation is not as black and white as he thinks!
⬛️ Put something down in black and white ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To write or have something written down on paper for confirmation or evidence
▪️Example: I don’t understand why you don’t believe me! Look, it’s written here in black and white!
⬛️ Black as night ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Somewhere very dark, when it is hard to see anything
▪️Example: We had another power cut last night; it was as black as night in our house. We didn’t even have any candles!
⬛️ Black and blue ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Used to describe something that is badly bruised
▪️Example: John’s face was black and blue after the boxing match.
⬛️ Black eye ⬛️
▪️Meaning: A bruise near one’s eye
▪️Example: Fred came home with a horrible black eye today, but he won’t tell us what happened!
⬛️ Black out ⬛️
▪️Meaning: This means to, either darken by putting out or dimming the lights, or to lose consciousness.
▪️Examples:
▪️We had a huge black out here last night, the whole town was out of power for about 7 hours!
▪️ I don’t know what happened to him, he just blacked out! Maybe he banged his head.
⬛️ Black as a skillet ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Used to describe something that is very dirty, black with dirt
▪️Example: My hands and clothes were as black as a skillet, and I was only halfway through cleaning your garage!
⬛️ Black market ⬛️
▪️Meaning: A term used for places where goods are illegally bought and sold for a profit.
▪️Example: Jerry used to sell cigarettes from South America on the black market!
⬛️ Blackball someone ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To exclude or ostracise someone socially, reject them
▪️Example: Their company has been blackballed ever since that scandal was all over the newspapers. No one wants to do business with them anymore.
⬛️ Blacklist someone ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To write someone’s name on a list if they break any rules, and ban them from having the opportunity to take part again
▪️Example: “I was in a lot of debt a while ago, and was unable to pay it all back, so I’ve been blacklisted. I’m not allowed to get a mortgage in my own name.
⬛️ Pot calling the kettle black ⬛️
(shorten version: pot kettle black)
▪️Meaning: This is used when the person who hypocritically criticises or accuses someone else is as guilty as the person he or she criticises or accuses
▪️Example: She kept telling me that I shouldn’t do that, but that’s like the pot calling the kettle black, as she does it herself too!
⬛️ Blackmail someone ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To extort or take money from someone by using their secrets against them and threatening to reveal it to others
▪️Example: He has been blackmailing me for months with some photos that I didn’t know he had. I need someone to help me stop him!
⬛️ In someone’s black books ⬛️
▪️Meaning: To be in disgrace or in disfavour with someone
▪️Example: After that argument yesterday, I assure you he will be in a lot of people’s black books for quite some time!
⬛️ Black tie event/affair ⬛️
▪️Meaning: A formal event where male guests wear black bow ties with tuxedos or dinner jackets
▪️Example: The award’s ceremony will be a black tie event, so I’ll have to buy a smart suit. My wife is going to wear her purple ball gown.
⬛️ Black sheep ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Used to describe a person who is the ‘odd one out’ of a group, and doesn’t fit in with others around them. This could also be used to talk about someone who is a disgrace or embarrassment to their group.
▪️Example: I have always been the black sheep in my family, I have a completely different personality to all of them, and we don’t even look the same!
#Idioms
#ColorfulIdioms
#BlackIdioms
@PMPerfect1
⚫️⚫️ Black idioms ⚫️⚫️
⬛️ In the black ⬛️
▪️Meaning: successful or profitable
▪️Example: Their company has been in the black ever since the new CEO took over, and changed it all around!
⬛️ Pitch black ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Another term for somewhere that is very dark, and you are unable to see anything
▪️ Example: I was afraid to go downstairs, the whole house was pitch black, and very quiet.
#Idioms
#ColorfulIdioms
#BlackIdioms
@PMPerfect1
⬛️ In the black ⬛️
▪️Meaning: successful or profitable
▪️Example: Their company has been in the black ever since the new CEO took over, and changed it all around!
⬛️ Pitch black ⬛️
▪️Meaning: Another term for somewhere that is very dark, and you are unable to see anything
▪️ Example: I was afraid to go downstairs, the whole house was pitch black, and very quiet.
#Idioms
#ColorfulIdioms
#BlackIdioms
@PMPerfect1
🔴 Daily Conversations:
♦️5. Directing a Conversation (Part 6 of 9)
🔸5.26 When you don't want the speaker to repeat the point
🔹So you said.
🔹I get the point.
🔹All right, already.
🔹I heard you, already.
🔹Stop harping on that subject.
🔹You are preaching to the choir.
🔹You sound like a broken record.
______________
🔸5.27 When you stop a person from speaking
🔹Some things are better left unsaid.
🔹Don't waste your breath.
🔹Keep it to yourself.
🔹Spare me the story.
🔹Save it!
🔹Shut up! (Impolite.)
🔹Zip up your mouth!
🔹Give it a rest!
______________
🔸5.28 When you want to return to your point
🔹What was I saying?
🔹Where was I?
🔹What were we talking about?
🔹I've lost my train of thought for a moment.
🔹I'm a little absent-minded.
______________
🔸5.29 When you want a person to speak in simple language
🔹Give it to me in plain English.
🔹What does that mean in plain English?
🔹Stop circumventing the issue.
🔹Stop speaking in circles.
🔹Put your cards on the table.
🔹Don't beat around the bush.
______________
🔸5.30 When you express understanding
🔹I understand.
🔹I see.
🔹I get it.
🔹I got it.
______________
🔸5.31 When you want to interrupt and add some information
🔹I'm sorry to interrupt, but you're not exactly right.
🔹I beg your pardon, but I don't think that's entirely correct.
🔹May I interrupt for a minute?
🔹Can I say something?
🔹Can I add something here?
🔹Can I put in my two cents' worth?
🔹If I may.
______________
🔸5.32 When you want to highlight the seriousness of your point
🔹I'm dead serious.
🔹I'm not kidding.
🔹No kidding.
🔹No pun intended.
🔹Joking aside.
🔹What's funny?
#Daily_conversations
#directing_a_conversation
@PMPerfect1
🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻
♦️5. Directing a Conversation (Part 6 of 9)
🔸5.26 When you don't want the speaker to repeat the point
🔹So you said.
🔹I get the point.
🔹All right, already.
🔹I heard you, already.
🔹Stop harping on that subject.
🔹You are preaching to the choir.
🔹You sound like a broken record.
______________
🔸5.27 When you stop a person from speaking
🔹Some things are better left unsaid.
🔹Don't waste your breath.
🔹Keep it to yourself.
🔹Spare me the story.
🔹Save it!
🔹Shut up! (Impolite.)
🔹Zip up your mouth!
🔹Give it a rest!
______________
🔸5.28 When you want to return to your point
🔹What was I saying?
🔹Where was I?
🔹What were we talking about?
🔹I've lost my train of thought for a moment.
🔹I'm a little absent-minded.
______________
🔸5.29 When you want a person to speak in simple language
🔹Give it to me in plain English.
🔹What does that mean in plain English?
🔹Stop circumventing the issue.
🔹Stop speaking in circles.
🔹Put your cards on the table.
🔹Don't beat around the bush.
______________
🔸5.30 When you express understanding
🔹I understand.
🔹I see.
🔹I get it.
🔹I got it.
______________
🔸5.31 When you want to interrupt and add some information
🔹I'm sorry to interrupt, but you're not exactly right.
🔹I beg your pardon, but I don't think that's entirely correct.
🔹May I interrupt for a minute?
🔹Can I say something?
🔹Can I add something here?
🔹Can I put in my two cents' worth?
🔹If I may.
______________
🔸5.32 When you want to highlight the seriousness of your point
🔹I'm dead serious.
🔹I'm not kidding.
🔹No kidding.
🔹No pun intended.
🔹Joking aside.
🔹What's funny?
#Daily_conversations
#directing_a_conversation
@PMPerfect1
🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻
🍃BINOMIAL pairs in English language🍃
🔺 Common binomial pairs in English 🔺
⚪️ Binomial pairs with ‘or’ conjunction ⚪️
☘️Sink or Swim☘️
🍂Meaning: To be in a situation where you can either swim and be successful or sink and fail.
🍂Example: It’s a sink or swim situation.
☘️Sooner or later☘️
🍂Meaning: Something that will happen in the future, even if you are uncertain about the date.
🍂Example: Sooner or later I’ll sign up to the gym and start working out regularly.
☘️Take it or leave it☘️
🍂Meaning: The last offer in a negotiation
🍂Example: I’m not going to pay more than 1000 € for this bike. Take it or leave it!
☘️Give or take☘️
🍂Meaning: A little more or less than the amount mentioned
🍂Example:The car cost 5000 £, give or take a few pounds
☘️Now or never☘️
🍂Meaning: Something to do in that moment or never again.
🍂Example: Julie was at that stage in the life when she feels that her last chance of marrying has come and that her fate must be decided now or never.
☘️More or less☘️
🍂Meaning: Mostly/ approximately/ almost
🍂Example: There are hundred people in the room, more or less.
☘️Make or break☘️
🍂Meaning: To be a crucial factor in determining the success of something.
🍂Example: Vince knew that his ability to come up with a catchy hook would make or break his song.
☘️Take it or leave it☘️
🍂Meaning: A situation has to be accepted without change, or rejected outright.
🍂Example: That’s the deal: take it or leave it.
☘️Win or lose☘️
🍂Meaning: Whether you succeed or fail
🍂Example: Win or lose, you must be proud that you got this far.
#Vocabulary
#Binomials
#Binomials_with_or
#Useful_expressions
@PMPerfect1
🔺 Common binomial pairs in English 🔺
⚪️ Binomial pairs with ‘or’ conjunction ⚪️
☘️Sink or Swim☘️
🍂Meaning: To be in a situation where you can either swim and be successful or sink and fail.
🍂Example: It’s a sink or swim situation.
☘️Sooner or later☘️
🍂Meaning: Something that will happen in the future, even if you are uncertain about the date.
🍂Example: Sooner or later I’ll sign up to the gym and start working out regularly.
☘️Take it or leave it☘️
🍂Meaning: The last offer in a negotiation
🍂Example: I’m not going to pay more than 1000 € for this bike. Take it or leave it!
☘️Give or take☘️
🍂Meaning: A little more or less than the amount mentioned
🍂Example:The car cost 5000 £, give or take a few pounds
☘️Now or never☘️
🍂Meaning: Something to do in that moment or never again.
🍂Example: Julie was at that stage in the life when she feels that her last chance of marrying has come and that her fate must be decided now or never.
☘️More or less☘️
🍂Meaning: Mostly/ approximately/ almost
🍂Example: There are hundred people in the room, more or less.
☘️Make or break☘️
🍂Meaning: To be a crucial factor in determining the success of something.
🍂Example: Vince knew that his ability to come up with a catchy hook would make or break his song.
☘️Take it or leave it☘️
🍂Meaning: A situation has to be accepted without change, or rejected outright.
🍂Example: That’s the deal: take it or leave it.
☘️Win or lose☘️
🍂Meaning: Whether you succeed or fail
🍂Example: Win or lose, you must be proud that you got this far.
#Vocabulary
#Binomials
#Binomials_with_or
#Useful_expressions
@PMPerfect1
✍🏻 15 SHOCKING STUDENT WRITING FAILS AND HOW TO REDUCE Them ✍🏻
#Common_mistakes
#Writing_tips
@PMPerfect1
#Common_mistakes
#Writing_tips
@PMPerfect1
✨SCINTILLATE✨
\ˈsin-tə-ˌlāt\
🔻to emit sparks
🔺to emit quick flashes as if throwing off sparks
🔘Example: The diamond ring scintillated in the sunlight.
#Vocabulary
#Word_Of_The_Day
@PMPerfect1
\ˈsin-tə-ˌlāt\
🔻to emit sparks
🔺to emit quick flashes as if throwing off sparks
🔘Example: The diamond ring scintillated in the sunlight.
#Vocabulary
#Word_Of_The_Day
@PMPerfect1
✨SCINTILLATE✨
⚡️Synonyms⚡️
• coruscate
• flame
• flash
• glance
• gleam
• glimmer
• glint
• glisten
• glister
• glitter
• luster (or lustre)
• shimmer
• spangle
• sparkle
• twinkle
• wink
• winkle
✨Did you know?✨
⚡️scintilla (noun) : a little bit
⚡️scintillant (adjective) : describing something that scintillates
⚡️scintillation (noun) : a brilliant outburst
⚡️scintillating (adjective) : interesting, clever, and amusing
#Vocabulary
#Word_Of_The_Day
@PMPerfect1
⚡️Synonyms⚡️
• coruscate
• flame
• flash
• glance
• gleam
• glimmer
• glint
• glisten
• glister
• glitter
• luster (or lustre)
• shimmer
• spangle
• sparkle
• twinkle
• wink
• winkle
✨Did you know?✨
⚡️scintilla (noun) : a little bit
⚡️scintillant (adjective) : describing something that scintillates
⚡️scintillation (noun) : a brilliant outburst
⚡️scintillating (adjective) : interesting, clever, and amusing
#Vocabulary
#Word_Of_The_Day
@PMPerfect1
*✨*Ƥracтιce Maĸeѕ Ƥerғecт*✨* pinned «🗣A Pronunciation question🗣 🔘Choose the odd one out: 📕mean 📗deal 📘tear 📙leap»
*✨*Ƥracтιce Maĸeѕ Ƥerғecт*✨* via @like
🗣A Pronunciation question🗣 🔘Choose the odd one out: 📕mean 📗deal 📘tear 📙leap
✨👏🏻Well done !👏🏻✨
“TEAR” is the correct answer.
🔴 “Tear” has an /ɪə/ sound as in:
appear, beard, clear, dear, ear, fear, gear, hear, near and year
🔵 “Mean”, “deal” and “leap” have the long i sound /i:/ as in:
be, eve, see, sleep, meal, read, leave, sea, team, field, believe and receive
🍃🌺Thank you 🌺🍃
#Pronunciation_activity
@PMPerfect1
“TEAR” is the correct answer.
🔴 “Tear” has an /ɪə/ sound as in:
appear, beard, clear, dear, ear, fear, gear, hear, near and year
🔵 “Mean”, “deal” and “leap” have the long i sound /i:/ as in:
be, eve, see, sleep, meal, read, leave, sea, team, field, believe and receive
🍃🌺Thank you 🌺🍃
#Pronunciation_activity
@PMPerfect1
⚫️ ( 7 ) METONYMY ⚫️
Is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated.
#Vocabulary
#Word_relationships
@PMPerfect1
Is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated.
#Vocabulary
#Word_relationships
@PMPerfect1
⚫️ METONYMY ⚫️
🍀Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life🍀
🍁“England decides to keep check on immigration.” = (England refers to the government.)
🍁“The pen is mightier than the sword.” = (Pen refers to written words, and sword to military force.)
🍁“The Oval Office was busy in work.” = (The Oval Office is a metonymy, as it stands for people who work in the office.)
🍁“Let me give you a hand.” = (Hand means help.)
☘️Function of Metonymy☘️
Generally, metonymy is used in developing literary symbolism, meaning it gives more profound meanings to otherwise common ideas and objects. By using metonymy, texts exhibit deeper or hidden meanings, thus drawing readers’ attention. In addition, the use of metonymy helps achieve conciseness.
For instance, “Rifles were guarding the gate” is more concise than “The guards with rifles in their hands were guarding the gate.”
Furthermore, metonymy, like other literary devices, is employed to add a poetic color to words to make them come to life. The simple ordinary things are described in a creative way to insert this “life” factor to literary works.
#Vocabulary
#Word_relationships
@PMPerfect1
🍀Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life🍀
🍁“England decides to keep check on immigration.” = (England refers to the government.)
🍁“The pen is mightier than the sword.” = (Pen refers to written words, and sword to military force.)
🍁“The Oval Office was busy in work.” = (The Oval Office is a metonymy, as it stands for people who work in the office.)
🍁“Let me give you a hand.” = (Hand means help.)
☘️Function of Metonymy☘️
Generally, metonymy is used in developing literary symbolism, meaning it gives more profound meanings to otherwise common ideas and objects. By using metonymy, texts exhibit deeper or hidden meanings, thus drawing readers’ attention. In addition, the use of metonymy helps achieve conciseness.
For instance, “Rifles were guarding the gate” is more concise than “The guards with rifles in their hands were guarding the gate.”
Furthermore, metonymy, like other literary devices, is employed to add a poetic color to words to make them come to life. The simple ordinary things are described in a creative way to insert this “life” factor to literary works.
#Vocabulary
#Word_relationships
@PMPerfect1
💢MORE EXAMPLES OF METONYMY💢
•I have four mouths to feed at home.
•The strings were praised for their excellent performance.
•Check out my new wheels!
#Vocabulary
#Word_relationships
@PMPerfect1
•I have four mouths to feed at home.
•The strings were praised for their excellent performance.
•Check out my new wheels!
#Vocabulary
#Word_relationships
@PMPerfect1