Proverbs and Sayings - Still Waters Run Deep

Meaning – used to describe people who have deep, interesting personalities despite being quiet and calm.

Ø      We were pleasantly surprised when we saw Kevin laughing and joking with girls at the party. He’s usually very quiet. I suppose still waters run deep.

Ø      Despite being a quiet person, Michael has a very interesting personality. In fact, he’s one of the most popular students in school. It’s like they say, still waters run deep.

Homophones - Throne v Thrown

Throne (noun)

1.        the chair specifically used by the king or queen

Ø     I like the painting of the king sitting on the throne the most.

2.        the state of being a king or queen

Ø     King Luther was on the throne (= was king) when the scandal broke out (= started).

Ø     Samuel may be next in line to the throne (= will be the next king), but he’s in no hurry to be king.

Thrown (past participle of throw)

Ø      By the time I got home, John had already thrown out our old sofa.

Ø      My parents are relieved that my brother has finally thrown away all his old clothes.

Homophones - Root v Route

Root

1.  (noun) - part of plant

Ø      The roots of plants grow deep into the earth to get water and food. They are also responsible for holding the plants firmly in the ground.

2.  (noun) – cause/origin

Ø      The sooner we find out the root of the problem, the sooner we can solve it.

Ø      What’s the root cause of Randy’s anxiety?

Route

1.  (noun) - A particular way or direction between two places.

Ø     The route we took from our hotel to the restaurant took us through a beautiful park.

Ø      I always take the bus to work as I live on a bus route.

Similes with As - As fresh as a daisy

Meaning – very fresh

Ø      After a good night’s sleep, I felt as fresh as a daisy.

Ø      Despite the long journey, John was energetic. In fact, he even looked as fresh as a daisy.

Phrasal Verbs - Back (Back down v Back out v Back up)

Back down – give way, admit defeat

Ø     After weeks of negotiations, the management finally backed down and accepted the workers’ demands for a salary increase.

Ø     The fierce opposition from the local residents has forced the local council to back down from approving the demolition of the heritage building.

Back out – to back out from an initially agreement or promise

Ø      You agreed to help out at the charity event. You can’t back out now!

Ø      They backed out of the deal days before they were due to sign the contract.

Back up – support

Ø      Don’t worry. I’ll back you up at the meeting if the manager objects to anything you say. 

Common Idioms - To be Miles Away

Meaning – to be day-dreaming

Ø      Kate was miles away this morning. I can’t help but wonder what’s on her mind.

Ø      Everyone couldn’t help but noticed that Tim was miles away during the meeting yesterday. In fact, our concerned manager had even asked to speak to him in private. 

Similes With Like - Fight Like Cats and Dogs

Meaning – to fight fiercely

Ø      It’s good to see that even though the two brothers fight like cats and dogs, they’re always there for each other.

Ø      Despite being best friends, Daniel and Vincent still fight like cats and dogs from time to time.

Homonyms - Bear (As a noun and verb)

Bear

1.   (verb) – to accept or endure something (usually unpleasant)

Ø     I made a poor decision recently. Asa result, I have to bear full responsibility for it.

Ø     John couldn’t bear to see the poor lady begging for food. So, he bought her some food.

2.   (verb) – have or continue to have something

Ø     Sally bears a strong resemblance to her aunt.

Ø     I was upset when my favourite pen, which bears my name has gone missing.

Ø     Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll bear it in mind     (= remember and consider).

3.   (verb) – support

Ø     The chair couldn’t bear Gary’s weight and collapsed when he sat on it.

4.   (verb) – produce

Ø     When his wife finally bore him a son, Frank was over the moon (= extremely happy).

5.   (noun) – a large, strong, wild animal

Ø     Bears may be large animals, but they can move fairly quickly.

Similes with As - As thin as a rake

Meaning – very thin

Ø      We are extremely concern about Cathy. She has lost so much weight in the last 3 months. In fact, she’s as thin as a rake.

Ø      I really envy Randy. He’s got a huge appetite but he’s as thin as a rake.

Grammar - Possessive Adjectives and Possessive Pronouns

Compiled from Grammar Builder Book 3

The rules are:

1. A possessive adjective goes with a noun, and a possessive noun replaces the possessive adjective and its noun.

Ø      That is my car.
That car is mine.

Ø      Those are their books.
These books are ours and those are theirs.

Grammar Builder Book 3

Grammar Builder Book 3

2. The word ‘one’ can’t be used after a possessive adjective.

Ø      This bag is her one.    (WRONG)

Ø      This bag is hers.         (RIGHT)

3. Possessive pronouns removes the need to repeat a noun.

Ø      Her dress is like your dress (noun).     

Ø      Her dress is like yours (possessive pronoun).

4. Do not use apostrophes (‘) with a possessive adjective or a possessive pronoun.  

Ø      This is her’s dog.                (WRONG)

Ø      This is her dog.                   (RIGHT)

Ø      This dog is her’s.                (WRONG)

Ø      This dog is hers.                 (RIGHT)

  

Compiled from Grammar Builder Book 3

Idioms- The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

Meaning – used to refer to similarities (like physical appearance and character) shared between children and parents.

Ø      Sarah not only inherited her father’s good looks, but she also inherited his temper. I suppose the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Ø      It seems every other person in the Johnson clan is an engineer. It’s like they say, ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ 

Similes with As - As clean as a whistle

Meaning – very clean

Ø      We almost couldn’t recognize Tim’s car after he finally sent it for a car wash. It was as clean as a whistle!

Ø      Diana didn’t stop dusting and cleaning till the house was as clean as a whistle.

Homophones - Forth v Fourth

Forth (adverb) – from a place or point in time

Ø      The four friends set forth on their long journey from North America to Asia in May.

Ø      Darren almost met with an accident three months ago as he was returning from a party. From that day forth, he never drove under the influence of alcohol.

Fourth – a number

Ø     My birthday is on the fourth of June.

Ø   William was over the moon (= extremely happy) when he came fourth in the marathon.