Example: After his inappropriate behavior at work, John resigned before he could be fired in order to save face.
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Friday, July 28, 2017
To Save Face
When you "save face," you do something to avoid embarrassment or preserve your dignity.
Example: After his inappropriate behavior at work, John resigned before he could be fired in order to save face.
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Example: After his inappropriate behavior at work, John resigned before he could be fired in order to save face.
Image courtesy of dreamstime.com
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.
Friday, July 21, 2017
To Get One's Act Together
When you "get your act together," you get organized and prepare to do something in order to finish it.
Example: Kelly needs to get her act together if she wants to finish her project by Friday.
Example: Kelly needs to get her act together if she wants to finish her project by Friday.
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
To Seal the Deal
When you "seal the deal" you reach an agreement with someone.
Example: "After Jackson proposed to his girlfriend, they sealed the deal with a kiss."
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Example: "After Jackson proposed to his girlfriend, they sealed the deal with a kiss."
Image courtesy of dreamstime.com
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
English teacher On-demand
Teacher, I have a
question!
This
week, our ELI teacher, Mr. Drew Bostinto, gives us good examples of common
phrasal verbs.
Examples:
· The teacher handed
the tests out to the class. (distribute)
· It’s really cold outside, so put on your coat. (dress yourself)
Phrasal Verbs -
Definition
Phrasal verbs are special verbs that have two
parts: a verb + a particle. The combination of the verb and particle creates a
new meaning.
|
EXAMPLES
|
EXPLANATIONS
|
|
a) Actors act. (to perform, to
function in a particular way) He has
acted in many Broadway shows during his career.
b) Children often act up when there aren’t any adults around (to misbehave)
c) My car has been acting up lately. It’s time to bring it to the Totoya dealer.
(to not work properly)
|
·
The verb + particle have a specific meaning when combined (as in b
and c). This new meaning can be different from the meaning of the verb (as in
a) or the meaning of the particle.
|
|
d) The weather got cooler, so I put on my sweater. (to wear, to don)
|
·
Sometimes the meaning of a phrasal verb is clear from the verb + particle.
|
|
e) I would be glad to pitch in at the party by blowing up
the balloons. (to help, to join
others in accomplishing something)
The police officer had me pull over when I was driving too fast. (move to the side of the
road -or street- when driving).
|
·
Sometimes it is difficult to guess the meaning of a phrasal verb.
Sometimes the context of the sentence can help you.
E.g., The meaning of pull over is not the same as the meanings of the words “pull” and
“over”.
|
|
f) He picked up the papers that forgot at the office.
g) The bully at school always picked on kids that were smaller than
him.
|
·
The same verb can have different meaning with a different particle.
Pick up (to collect, to get)
Pick on (to bully, to intimidate)
|
|
h) Orange juice always picks me up when I’m feeling sluggish.
(More common and informal)
i) Orange juice always revitalizes me when I’m feeling
sluggish. (more formal, less common)
|
·
In informal English, phrasal verbs are more frequent than one-word
verbs with the same meaning.
|
The answer to our
question:
To
register for the English class, please fill _______ this application form.
a) up
b) out
c) down
The
answer is letter b)
|
Use fill
out when you need to complete information in empty spaces and/or in
documents.
|
· He has filled out the form
for his new license.
|
|
Use fill
up when something becomes full
|
· She filled up the gas tank.
|
Sources:
·
Badalamenti, V. and
Henner-Stanchina, C. Grammar Dimensions 1, 4th Edition. Thomson
Heinle – ISBN-13: 978-1-4130-2740-2
Interested in studying English in New York? Register here: https://elistudy.wixsite.com/englishinnewyork
Center for Global Engagement
College of Staten Island/CUNY
2800 Victory Boulevard, 2A-206
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 718.982.2100
Fax: 718.982.2108
Email: elistudy@csi.cuny.edu
CSI Website: http://www.csi.cuny.edu/international
English Language Institute (ELI):
International office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Center.International/
ELI Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EnglishinNewYork
ELI Skype account: elistudy_1 orelistudy@csi.cuny.edu
CSI student housing Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt0w55CGw44
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
To Drop By
When you "drop by," you visit someone for a short amount of time.
Example: Last night, Mark dropped by and we had some coffee.
Image courtesy of dreamstime.com
Example: Last night, Mark dropped by and we had some coffee.
Image courtesy of dreamstime.com
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
To Leave No Stone Unturned
When you "leave no stone unturned," you search everywhere for something or attempt everything to achieve something.
Example: Susie left no stone unturned while she searched for the perfect coffee shop in her area.
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Example: Susie left no stone unturned while she searched for the perfect coffee shop in her area.
Image courtesy of dreamstime.com
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.
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