In a moment/at the moment---> Let's cure the confusion with some useful phrases...

Good day dear students and teachers alike. I thought I would share with you some useful phrases and their definitions- it has been a while since I last posted a blog entry! Shame on me! 

This entry will be of relevance to a majority of you-I have most often noticed a certain amount of confusion with  formidable phrases , such as- ''in the moment'' and ''at the moment''- so to clear things up- I decided in the very moment-to post some information, at the moment I have some time to do so...

Of course,with great thanks to the Macmillan dictionary, I present to you-phrases with ''moment''.

Moment: [COUNTABLE] a particular point in time when something happens

PHRASES with ''moment''...

any moment (now)

very soon

They should be here any moment now.

at the moment

now

They're very upset and don't want to talk at the moment.

at this moment in time or at the present moment

used for emphasizing that you are talking about the present time or situation

At this particular moment in time it is difficult for us to raise money.

for the moment

at the present time, until a situation changes

That's all I can tell you for the moment.

from the moment (that) or from this/that moment (on)

used for emphasizing the exact point in time when something started to happen

He didn't stop chatting from the moment he arrived.

From that moment on, I loved swimming.

have its/your moments or someone has their moments

1.to have some good periods or parts

Although the film has its moments, it's not really worth seeing.

2.to sometimes have problems or cause trouble

in a moment

used for telling someone that you will do something very soon

'Come and see this.' reply: 'In a moment.'

just/wait a moment

1.used for telling someone that you will do something very soon

'Can you give me a hand?' 'Just a moment.'

2.used for asking someone to give you their attention for a short time

Just a moment, I want to ask you something.

the last (possible) moment

the latest time that it is possible to do something

She waited until the last possible moment to cancel her flight.

the moment of truth

the time when you will find out if something has succeeded or happened

And now for the moment of truth: who is this year's winner?

not a moment too soon INFORMAL

so late that it is almost too late

We're off on holiday tomorrow, and not a moment too soon.

not for a/one moment

used for emphasizing that something is definitely not true, or that you would definitely not do or say something

I have not for a moment suggested that you should leave.

most typical or most popular at a particular time

the film of the moment

someone/something will take/be a moment

someone or something will be very quick

I'll only be a moment.

You can wait if you like. It won't take a moment.

Tribute to Nelson Mandela- Quotes

Metaphors, Similies and idioms meet Greek Mythology- Atalanta and Hippomenes+ metaphors touched on ;-)

                           

 Dearest Students and Teachers - How do you do on this most auspicious day? 

I have been thinking about the word-magic of metaphor and how it has sneaked into my lessons of late-------> a most daunting  task, the understanding and using of these mystical creatures. 

                                     What on earth are metaphors?

 Well, they conjure up two ideas - the thing you’re literally describing, and something else as well.

A simile is where two things are directly compared because they share a common feature. 

The word AS or LIKE is used to compare the two words. Eg. She is As cold AS ice. (she has no feelings at all!)

A metaphor also compares two things, but it does so more directly WITHOUT using as or like. 

e.g. The shop was a freezer. (An image of extreme cold.)

e.g. ‘My brother eats like a bird.’ or ‘My brother is as free as a bird.’

Now try this: remove the word ‘like’ or 'as' and you have a metaphor. 

'My brother is a bird.’

-the quality of being small and perhaps quite free

There are some metaphors that we hear so often we don't even know they are metaphors- they are somewhat cliched. We refer to them as ''dead metaphors.''

For example:

‘skyscrapers’ > very, very tall buildings

‘give me a hand’ > help me, please

‘I’ve got a lot on my mind’ > I have a lot of worries

'She wears her heart on her sleeve.'> To display one's emotions openly

You are probably wondering- Why should I learn metaphors? Well, they help us express feelings and concepts with fewer words- adopting a crisp, clear image.

More Examples:

I feel lost (confused.) vs I feel at home here, a warm feeling

I’m going to burst ( I have eaten too much.)  vs I feel so empty ( sad/ haven't eaten enough)

let’s explore this idea( to discuss it further- in depth...) , reach for the sky.

feeling claustrophobic, feeling trapped

                           

      The story, graciously given me by a student- you know who you are-thank you so much!             

Long ago, there lived in Greece a beautiful princess by the name of Atalanta. She was  a swift runner … as fast as lightning, they say. In fact, she was the fastest person in the kingdom. 

Whenever she ran down a mountain path, she was the wind that moved the trees.

When Atalanta reached the age when most girls were married, her father decided that she, too, should marry. To Atalanta, that idea was about as welcome as a skunk at an outdoor party! 

She didn't want to marry anyone yet. So at first, she was mad as a wet hen. "But Daughter," said her father, "you are the sun in my sky. I just want you to find someone who will make you happy."

Now Atalanta was as cunning as a fox, so she said, in a voice as sweet as honey. "I know you want the best for me, Father, so I will marry the man who can beat me in a foot race!"

Of course, Atalanta was sure she could beat any man, so she wouldn't have to marry … until she was ready. The king sent out the word: Any man who could beat the princess in a running race would win her hand in marriage.

Many young men came to try their luck. Atalanta took them on, one at a time. Each competitor was given a head start, but since she was faster than a speeding bullet, Atalanta won each race! 

Then one day a handsome prince named Hippomenes came to the castle. He took one look at Atalanta and fell in love. Although she was as cold as ice to him, he was determined to win the race and marry her.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love, helped Hippomenes. 

"Take these three lovely golden apples that shine like the stars," she said. "Find some way to use them wisely during the race to win your true love."

The next morning, Hippomenes and Atalanta waited at the starting line. She offered him a head start, and he took off like a rocket. Before Atalanta could overtake him, Hippomenes threw a golden apple on the path in front of her. 

When she spotted the apple, Atalanta couldn't resist stopping to pick it up. Then on she ran, almost catching up, but then he threw the second apple. 

Again, she stopped to pick it up, then ran on. Hippomenes threw the last apple so far off the path that by the time Atalanta picked it up, it was impossible for her to catch up. He crossed the finish line a split second before her.

Atalanta congratulated her opponent. He smiled and winked, and suddenly she realized that she'd been tricked. But she was not angry for she also realized that he was a very clever man and could run very fast … two things she admired. "You are very fast," she admitted. "Had I not stopped we might have had a tie!" Then she turned to her father. 

              "Father," she announced, "let us set the date for our wedding."

All artwork/photos are copyright protected-owned and created by B.Behr, as are blog entries- feel free to contact me for more information. bernadette.angelbear.behr@gmail.com

Motivation-short reading texts :)

Good day people of the page - I trust that the day is treating you well? Today's post is more about the education of the heart. I thought I would share some inspirational quotes, something to cheer the day. Enjoy reading the quotes- try reading them aloud-Saying something in context aloud is very powerful. When you are reading silently, you only hear the words internally and their affect on you is limited to how you interpret the words during that very private experience.

If you choose to read aloud, you discover deeper layers of meaning in the words because when they are when spoken, they come alive, off of the written page and become part of you, and inevitably through comprehension, become part of your vocabulary and influence your use of language.

Enjoy reading- take time to internalize- be good to eachother! 

Phrases with ''say''-----> Bolster your vocabulary by learning three a day! I dare you to try! :)

I can not stress the utmost importance of learning new vocabulary through full phrases and collocations, with that being said- 

With many thanks to the Macmillan Dictionary Group- I present to you,  some wonderfully useful phrases - to help bolster your English speaking skills!

Enjoy reading and take time to make use of the phrases when you attend classes/ chat with people in ''real-time.'' :

PHRASES with ''say.'' 

someone can't say (something) SPOKEN

1a polite way of saying that you do not know something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you do not know or understand: not that I know of, don’t ask me, your guess is as good as mine, (that’s a) good question, I couldn’t tell you, how should/do I know?, not for the life of me, what is someone on about?, who can say?... 

2a polite way of saying that you do not want to give information to someone

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Polite words and expressions: hope, seem, respectfully, perhaps, I’d/we’d be delighted, no disrespect (to), do you mind?, I took the liberty of doing something, excuse me...

3.used for saying that you do not have a particular opinion

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you do not know or understand: not that I know of, don’t ask me, your guess is as good as mine, (that’s a) good question, I couldn’t tell you, how should/do I know?, not for the life of me, what is someone on about?, who can say?... 

can't say fairer than that BRITISH INFORMAL

used for saying that an offer is the best that can be expected

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Fair and reasonable: fair, reasonable, natural, independent, legitimate, just, decent, accepted, unbiased, fair-minded...

go without saying (that)

to be completely obvious or true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To be, or to become obvious or noticeable: stand out, jump out at, stick out, stare someone in the face, stand out in a crowd, dominate, get noticed, leap off the page, shine through, pervade... more

have something to say to someone/about something

to be angry with someone or about something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To be, or to become angry or annoyed: lose your temper (with), go mad, see red, lose it, fly into a temper/rage, hackles, snap, lose your cool, go off the deep end, hold against...

have something/a lot/nothing etc to say for yourself

to be fairly/very/not at all keen to talk, especially about yourself and your reasons for doing something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Words used to describe writing or speech style: articulate, chatty, circuitous, clean, conversational, crisp, declamatory, diffuse, discursive, economical...

having said that SPOKEN

used for adding an opinion that seems to be the opposite of what you have just said, although you think both are true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of giving your opinion: your two cents, perhaps, frankly, personally, as/so far as I’m concerned, to my way of thinking, to my way of thinking, if you want my advice/opinion, if you ask me, to my mind...

I must say (that)

used for emphasizing a statement

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing what you are saying: ach, actively, actual, any, awful, awfully, bloody, e’en, e’er, entirely...

I say BRITISH OLD-FASHIONED

1used for attracting someone's attention

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Expressions used for telling someone to pay attention: right, now then, hello, all right, see?, here, listen up, hey, look, just/wait a moment...

2.used for emphasizing a statement

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing what you are saying: ach, actively, actual, any, awful, awfully, bloody, e’en, e’er, entirely...

3.used for expressing surprise, shock, anger etc

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing when you are annoyed or angry: hell, blast, for heaven’s sake/sakes, for pity’s sake, for crying out loud, what’s that supposed to mean?, what’s the big idea?, give me strength, give me a break, constant... more

I wouldn't say no (to something) SPOKEN

used for admitting that you would like something, especially something that has been offered to you

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Willing to do or accept something: willing, ready, interested, delighted, inclined, amenable, obliging, yielding, pleased/only too pleased to do something, prepared to do something...

if I may say (so) SPOKEN FORMAL

used for introducing a personal comment when you know that the person you are speaking to may find this offensive

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Polite words and expressions: hope, seem, respectfully, perhaps, I’d/we’d be delighted, no disrespect (to), do you mind?, I took the liberty of doing something, excuse me... 

I'll say OLD-FASHIONED

used for expressing agreement, or for saying yes in a very definite way

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying yes: yes, definitely, of course, sure, naturally, that’s right, I don’t mind if I do, by all means, you bet, you’re on... more

(just) say the word SPOKEN

used for telling someone that you are ready to do something for them as soon as they ask

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Obedience and cooperation: adherence, complaisance, compliance, cooperation, give-and-take, integrity, legalism, obedience, observance, observation...

not to say

used for adding a description that emphasizes the one that you have just used

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way...

say it all

used for saying that something shows very clearly what someone's feelings are or what a particular situation is really like

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To have a meaning: mean, intend, say, connote, denote, cohere, suggest, record, fall into place...

say a lot/very little etc for

to show that someone or something has a lot/very little etc of a particular quality

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To say that something has a particular quality or feature: rate, term, attribute to, represent, brand, designate, peg, say a lot/very little etc for, credit with...

say no more SPOKEN

used for saying that you understand the hidden meaning of something and do not need any more details

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you know, understand or agree: of course, OK, all right, fair enough, I know, if you like, I see, I know what you mean, I see/take your point, I don’t blame you/him/her/them...

say this/that for someone

used for admitting that someone who you do not approve of has a good quality

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Words used to describe someone's personality: adaptive, addictive, babyish, badass, born, classy, clingy, constitutionally, flawed, flexible... more

say something to yourself

to have something in your mind, especially something that you are trying to make yourself believe is true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To have an opinion or opinions: think, believe in, say, consider, hold, incline, reckon, have a mind of your own, know best, view... 

say what you like (about) SPOKEN

used for mentioning a good quality of someone or something that is not liked or approved of by other people

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of describing something in a general way: generally, as a whole, by definition, by and large, overall, together, broadly/generally speaking, something of the kind, in general, when all is said and done...

say when SPOKEN

used for telling someone to tell you when you have given them enough of something, especially food or drink

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Brewing, storing and serving drinks: brew, brewer, brewery, draught, freshen, head, mash, microbrewery, pour out, stir... more

say your piece

to say what you really think about something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To give your opinion: express, comment, speak out, articulate, pronounce on, sound off, air, formulate, put forward, run by...

shall I/we say SPOKEN FORMAL

used for making a statement or criticism seem less severe or offensive

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of making or receiving criticism or blame: against, charming, someone can dish it out but they can’t take it, where does someone get off doing something?, look at, mea culpa, OK, pick on someone your own size, really, would... more

that is to say FORMAL

used for explaining something that you have just said in a more exact way

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of explaining or clarifying: as, because, besides, explain, i.e., inasmuch as, look at, nay, precisely, since...

that said SPOKEN

used for adding an opinion that seems to be the opposite of what you have just said, although you think both are true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of giving your opinion: your two cents, perhaps, frankly, personally, as/so far as I’m concerned, to my way of thinking, to my way of thinking, if you want my advice/opinion, if you ask me, to my mind...

that's/it's easier said than done

used for telling someone that what they are advising you to do is not easy to achieve

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Difficult to do and involving a lot of effort: difficult, hard, tough, demanding, challenging, arduous, taxing, gruelling, complicated, be an effort...

that's not saying much

used for emphasizing that something is not very unusual, surprising, or impressive

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you are not surprised: of course, sure enough, as you might expect/imagine, I thought as much, it/that figures, anyway, that’s not saying much, what do/can you expect?, typical... 

that's not to say (that)

used for adding a statement that corrects what you have just said or makes it less definite

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way...

there's something/a lot/not much etc to be said for something

used for saying that there are some/many/few etc advantages in doing something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing how good or bad something is: ultimate, unbelievable, unadulterated, conspicuous, with/without distinction, like nothing on earth, not...anything better/worse, there’s nothing better, worse, more exciting etc than, couldn’t be better/worse/nicer etc, of your life...

though/if I say it myself

used when you do not want to seem too proud of your own ability or achievement

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Humble and not proud: humble, modest, unassuming, self-effacing, unpretentious, undemanding, low-profile, self-deprecating, though/if I say it myself, modesty forbids/prevents me from doing something...

to say the least

used for saying that you could have expressed something in a much stronger way

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of describing something in a general way: generally, as a whole, by definition, by and large, overall, together, broadly/generally speaking, something of the kind, in general, when all is said and done...

to say nothing of

used for adding extra information to what you have just said

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way...

what do you say I/we do something? SPOKEN

used for making a suggestion

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of making a suggestion: perhaps, maybe, may, might, could, how about...?, why not...?, what if...?, I/you/they etc could always, I thought (that)...

what have you got to say for yourself? SPOKEN

used for asking someone what explanation or excuse they have for their bad behaviour

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of asking questions and making requests: anyway, what has/will become of, do with, what’s got into someone?, where has something/someone got to?, what (has) happened to something, how, innit, just, keep...

what someone says goes

used for emphasizing that a particular person has the power to decide what happens in a situation

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Being in charge: executive, supervisory, responsible, in charge (of), in control, on top, what someone says goes, at the helm... more

what would someone say to something? SPOKEN

used for asking whether someone would accept a suggestion

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of making a suggestion: perhaps, maybe, may, might, could, how about...?, why not...?, what if...?, I/you/they etc could always, I thought (that)...

when all is said and done MAINLY SPOKEN

when you consider the whole of a situation, and not just one aspect of it

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of describing something in a general way: generally, as a whole, by definition, by and large, overall, together, broadly/generally speaking, something of the kind, in general, when all is said and done... 

who can say? SPOKEN

used for saying that no one knows the answer to a particular question or knows what will happen in the future

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you do not know or understand: not that I know of, don’t ask me, your guess is as good as mine, (that’s a) good question, I couldn’t tell you, how should/do I know?, not for the life of me, what is someone on about?, who can say?...

who says? SPOKEN

used for expressing disagreement with a statement, opinion etc

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Expressions showing anger and used in arguments: arguably, what has something (got) to do with...?, firstly, full stop, ha, hah, my, of course, pooh, pshaw...

who's/what's to say (that)? SPOKEN

used for saying that something is not certain because no one knows exactly what has happened or what is going to happen

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying you are not sure: perhaps, maybe, presumably, reportedly, rumour/word/legend has it that, it/that depends, not that I’m aware of, I dare say, I would think/imagine/hope etc, think...

you can say that again SPOKEN

used for expressing strong agreement with what someone has said

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of agreeing with someone: OK, of course, no, yes, right, oh, done, okey-dokey, ditto, righto...

you don't say SPOKEN

1.used for saying that you are surprised by what someone has told you

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you are surprised or shocked: funnily enough, you don’t say, heavens above, Well, I never (did), is that a fact?, you would not believe, of all things/people/places, now I’ve seen everything/it all, who would have thought...?, even... 

2.used for saying that you are not surprised by what someone has told you

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you are not surprised: of course, sure enough, as you might expect/imagine, I thought as much, it/that figures, anyway, that’s not saying much, what do/can you expect?, typical... 

you said it SPOKEN

1.used for agreeing with what someone has said although you would not have said it yourself, especially when they admit they have done something bad or wrong

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of agreeing with someone: OK, of course, no, yes, right, oh, done, okey-dokey, ditto, righto...

2.AMERICAN used for agreeing with a suggestion that someone has made

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of agreeing with someone: OK, of course, no, yes, right, oh, done, okey-dokey, ditto, righto...