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Semantica II
Semantica II
Semantica II
Formulaic language encompasses fixed expressions that you learn and understand as units
rather than individual words. Examples include:
- Greetings and good wishes: Hi there! See you soon! Happy birthday!
- Prepositional phrases: At the moment, in a hurry, from time to time.
- Sayings, proverbs, and quotations: It's a small world! Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
To be or not to be - that is the question.
- Compounds: Car park, bus stop, home-made.
- Phrasal verbs: Take off, look after, turn down.
- Collocations: Blonde hair, deeply disappointed.
Idioms, a subset of formulaic language, are fixed combinations of words whose meaning can
be challenging to deduce from the individual words. For instance, if someone says, "I put my
foot in it the other day at Linda's house - I asked her if she was going to marry Simon," you
might not understand that "put your foot in it" means saying something accidentally that
upsets or embarrasses someone. Idioms have non-literal or idiomatic meanings.
Idioms come in various forms, and this book provides practice with various types. Examples
include:
- Tim took a shine to [immediately liked] his teacher (verb + object + preposition).
- The band's number one hit was just a flash in the pan [something that happens only once]
(idiomatic noun phrase).
- Little Jimmy has been as quiet as a mouse [extremely quiet] all day (simile).
- We arrived safe and sound [safely] (binomial).
Idioms often draw from everyday concepts, such as the human body, as seen in "Mark and
Alistair don't see eye to eye" [don't agree with each other].
Language Tip:
- Idioms have fixed words and word orders that cannot be altered. For instance, "gave a
shine to" or "sound and safe" are not valid variations.
2 - Articles
Definite Article "The":
Usage: "The" is the definite article and is used to refer to specific, particular nouns that are
already known to the speaker and the listener or are specific in the context.
Examples:
"The car you bought is very expensive."
"The book on the shelf is mine."
Usage: "A" and "an" are indefinite articles and are used when referring to nonspecific nouns
or introducing something for the first time.
Zero Article:
Usage: Sometimes, no article is used before a noun. This is known as the zero article. It's
often used with plural nouns and uncountable nouns when making general statements or
when referring to things in a general sense.
Omission of Articles:
Usage: Articles can be omitted in certain cases, such as with proper nouns, some abstract
nouns, and in specific phrases and expressions.
Article Usage:
Generic Use: "The" can be used generically to represent a whole class or category.
Example: He waited in the vain hope that the minister would meet him. (Unlikely to be
fulfilled hope)
Mounting concern/criticism/fury
Example: There is mounting concern/criticism/fury over the decision. (Growing concern, etc.)
Simple/plain truth
Example: The simple/plain truth is that no one was aware of the problem.
Adverb + Adjective:
What is Register?
Our use of language changes according to the situation we are in. For instance, at a close
friend's party, you might say, "Thanks for the party. It was a blast." (very informal). However,
if your boss hosted the party, you'd likely say, "Thanks for the party. I really enjoyed it."
(neutral). In this example, "neutral" and "very informal" both represent different registers.
Most language usage is neutral and can be used in various situations. However, register can
also be formal, informal, specific to a professional field (e.g., legal, journalistic, or media), or
reserved for official notices and forms.
Our choice of register depends on several factors, including the topic, the audience (friends,
strangers, figures of authority), and the mode of communication (letter, email, public,
private).
Examples of Different Registers:
Neutral Register:
The cops are trying to dig out info about the arms deal.
Comment: Phrasal verbs are often used informally, though some can be neutral.
Formal Register:
Formal (from official documents): Students must submit their assignments by 1 May.
Neutral (spoken): "You have to hand in your assignments by 1 May."
Formal: Students may request an extension after consulting their tutor.
Neutral: "You can ask for an extension after you've talked to / had a word with your tutor."
Informal vs. Neutral Collocations:
"That film was totally awesome!" (Mainly used by teenagers, predominantly US)
[Neutral equivalent:] "Absolutely amazing/fantastic."
"That party was well good!" (Well used to mean 'very'/'really,' mainly by younger UK
speakers.)
"I haven't a clue / the foggiest idea what you mean."
[Neutral equivalent:] "I have no idea."
"We can grab a snack before the meeting if you're hungry."
[Neutral equivalent:] "Have a snack."
What is Metaphor?
When we use metaphorical language, we employ words in a non-literal sense. For instance,
when we say a writer "casts light on a situation," we mean that the writer helps us
understand it more clearly, similar to how turning on a light in a dark room helps us see more
clearly.
Metaphors Based on the Body:
Example: You're never going to run in the Olympics. It's time you faced (up to) the facts.
Meaning: Accepted reality.
Shoulder the blame
Example: Although others were also responsible for the problem, Alice decided to shoulder
the blame.
Meaning: Take responsibility for something bad.
Foot the bill
Example: Choose what you like from the menu – the company is footing the bill.
Meaning: Paying.
Head a team
Example: Having three sons under the age of five keeps Jana on her toes.
Meaning: Makes her stay active and concentrated.
Have an eye for
Example: Gina has an eye for detail, so ask her to check the report.
Meaning: Is good at noticing.
Go hand in hand with
Example: If you do something with a light heart, you feel carefree and happy.
Slim chance
Example: James did a lot of partying in his final year and ran into difficulties with his course.
His father was hopping mad when he only just managed to get his degree. However, when
he left university he walked straight into a job in an excellent company. Some people jumped
to the conclusion that this was because he'd started going out with the managing director's
daughter. His mother worried that, if their relationship hit the rocks, he would run into trouble
at work too
Similes compare two things using "as" or "like," making language colorful and comparisons
powerful. For example:
My brother's as thin as a rake. [extremely thin]
The baby's skin is as smooth as silk. [extremely smooth]
Pilar is as bright as a button. [extremely clever]
I slept well, so I feel as fresh as a daisy this morning. [extremely fresh and energetic]
MODALS
Modals are a class of auxiliary verbs in English that add nuance to the main verb.
They include can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought to.
Modals express various concepts such as possibility, necessity, permission, ability, and
prediction.
They are used before the base form of a verb and do not have past or present forms.
Modals often convey the speaker's attitude or level of certainty.
For example:
"She can sing." (Ability)
"You should attend the meeting." (Advice)
"It must be done immediately." (Necessity)
"He might come to the party." (Possibility)
Using '-ing' Forms
Level: Beginner
Before a Noun:
- I read an interesting article in the newspaper today.
- We saw a really exciting match on Sunday.
After a Noun:
- Who is that man standing over there?
- The boy talking to Angela is her younger brother.
Especially after Verbs of the Senses like see, watch, hear, smell, etc.:
- I heard someone playing the piano.
- I can smell something *burning.
Have/Get Something Done - Passive Voice
"Have" and "get" can be used to form the passive voice in English.
Passive voice shifts the focus from the doer of the action to the receiver of the action.
The structure is as follows:
"Have/get" + object + past participle (verb in the past participle form)
"Have" implies a sense of control or intention, while "get" suggests a more general or
external influence.
Passive voice is used when the doer of the action is less important or unknown.
Example:
Active: "She repairs the car."
Passive (using "have"): "She has the car repaired."
Passive (using "get"): "She gets the car repaired."
Topic 2: Adjectives
Adjectives are words that modify or describe nouns, giving more information about them.
They can be used to provide details about size, shape, color, quantity, quality, and more.
Adjectives are typically placed before nouns or after linking verbs (e.g., "be," "seem,"
"appear").
Examples of adjectives:
"Big," "blue," "five," "delicious," "expensive"
Adjectives can be graded to express different levels of intensity:
Positive (e.g., "good")
Comparative (e.g., "better")
Superlative (e.g., "best")
Topic 3: Adjectives with Infinitive or -ing
Adjectives can be followed by infinitive verbs ("to + base form") or verbs in the "-ing" form.
The choice of infinitive or "-ing" often depends on the meaning and context.
Adjectives followed by infinitives usually express feelings, opinions, or judgments.
Example: "He is happy to help."adjectives that typically require the "to + infinitive" structure.
They fall into several categories:
1. Adjectives Expressing Emotion: These adjectives describe feelings or emotions, and they
are often followed by the "to + infinitive" structure to express the reason or cause behind
those emotions. For example:
Adjectives followed by "-ing" forms often describe the cause of a feeling or state.
Example: "The movie was boring, making everyone fall asleep."
Topic 4: Prepositions with Adjectives and Nouns
Prepositions are words that show the relationship between nouns, pronouns, and other
words in a sentence.
Some adjectives are commonly followed by specific prepositions.
Understanding these combinations is crucial for precise communication.
Examples:
"Interested in" (e.g., "I'm interested in art.")
"Familiar with" (e.g., "She is familiar with the topic.")
"Angry about" (e.g., "He is angry about the delay.")
Prepositions with Adjectives
PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verbs are common in English, especially informally. They consist of a verb and one
or two particles, often changing the verb's meaning.
Word Order:
1. Separable. Verb and particle can be apart or together but separate with personal
pronouns.
2. Non-separable: Verb and particle stay together, even with personal pronouns.
What is the difference between "try to" + infinite and "try to" + gerund?
"Try to" + infinitive is used when someone attempts to do something, while "try to" + gerund
is used when someone attempts to make an effort to do something.
cuando mando un mail sin conocer: dear to whom it may concern o solo sir or
madam. termino el mail con sincerely yours (sí conozco) / faithfully (si no conozco) y
si termino el mail, aclaro mi pedido.
forward to + ing
COMPLAINT LETTER
Introduction Vocabulary:
SURVEY REPORT
introduction Vocabulary:
- This survey is designed to...
- The primary objective of this survey is to...
- The scope of this survey encompasses...
- The target demographic for this survey includes...
- In response to the emerging trends in...
Conclusion Vocabulary:
- In summary, this survey has furnished invaluable insights into...
- Revisiting the survey's objectives, it is evident that they were successfully met by...
- This survey has proven instrumental in addressing the pertinent issue of...
- To navigate the evolving landscape, it is recommended that further research endeavors
explore...
- As we conclude this survey, we acknowledge its pivotal role in shaping our understanding
of...
CLASE 3 28/8
"A few" and "few" are phrases that are often used to describe quantities, but they
convey different meanings based on the context in which they are used.
A Few: When you say "a few," you're referring to a small number of items,
people, or things. It implies that there is at least some, and the number is not
extremely low. It suggests a relatively positive or sufficient quantity. For
example, if someone says, "I have a few books on the shelf," it means they
have a small number of books, perhaps more than two or three, but not a large
collection.
Few: On the other hand, "few" is used to describe a small number of
something, but it carries a more negative connotation. It suggests scarcity,
insufficiency, or not enough of whatever is being referred to. For instance, if
someone says, "There were few attendees at the event," it means there were
not many people present, and the implication is that the attendance was
disappointing or lower than expected.
Phrasal verbs are verb phrases that consist of a main verb followed by one or more
adverbial particles (also known as prepositions or adverbs). These particles can completely
change the meaning of the main verb, creating idiomatic expressions that often have
meanings that can't be easily deduced from the individual words.
Transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs refer to whether the verb in the phrase
requires an object or not. Separable phrasal verbs are those where the particle
(preposition or adverb) can be separated from the verb and placed between the verb and its
object. Non-separable phrasal verbs, on the other hand, do not allow for the separation of
the particle from the verb.
Separable:
Example: "Turn off the lights." ("Turn" is the verb, and "off" is the separable particle.)
Non-separable: The particle cannot be separated from the verb.
Example: "She put up with the noise." ("Put up with" is the non-separable phrasal verb.)
Intransitive Phrasal Verbs:
These are phrasal verbs that do not require an object to complete their meaning. They can
also be either separable or non-separable.
Separable:
Example: "He woke up early." ("Woke" is the verb, and "up" is the separable particle.)
Non-separable: The particle cannot be separated from the verb.
Example: "The children are growing up fast." ("Growing up" is the non-separable phrasal
verb.)
CLASS 4/9
NEED and DARE semi modal verbs.
"Have something done" and "get something done" are both ways to express actions that are
performed by someone else on your behalf, often in the passive voice. However, there are
some subtle differences in how they are used:
In both cases, the passive voice is used because the focus is on the action being done to the
object (e.g., the car being serviced or the hair being cut) rather than on the person
performing the action. The key difference lies in the formality and the level of personal
involvement or urgency implied by each construction.
I SAW HIM LEAVE: VI TODA LA ACCIÓN
I SAW HIM LEAVING: SOLO EN UN PUNTO, NO TODA LA ACCIÓN
Participle adjectives are a type of adjective formed by adding a present participle (-ing form)
or a past participle (-ed form) to another word, typically an adjective, noun, or adverb. Here
are examples of each of the patterns:
In each of these examples, the participle (either present or past) adds more information or
context to the word it is modifying, allowing for a more detailed description or explanation of
the noun or verb.
OUTKILL: MUCH MORE THAN NEEDED
SURVEY REPORT
When you have a survey report you can have a title for paragraph.
introduction: Digital privacy has become a paramount concern in the era of pervasive
online connectivity. University students, who are active internet users, are particularly
susceptible to digital privacy threats. This survey was conducted to gauge the extent
to which university students are aware of these threats and to understand their
behaviors and attitudes towards digital privacy. By examining their awareness and
practices, this study aims to provide insights into the current state of digital privacy
among this demographic.
SECOND EXAM
DISCUSSION TOPICS
DISHONESTY
EMOTIONS
HELPING
INTELLIGENCE
MONEY
POWER AND AUTHORITY
SPEAKING AND CONVERSATION
SUCCESS AND FAILURE