How to Express Likes in American English

Probably the first thing you want to be able to say in English is what you like. Talking about things you like is part of everyday conversations, business meetings and school. Because English is a very versatile language, there are many ways to express likes. Here are some of the most common  informal ways to express likes:

• to be totally into:  This is a phrasal verb used often. It is used when you want to express a STRONG like for someone or something. It can be used to talk about yourself, or others.

Examples:  (1)  Lately, I have been totally into the TV Series Breaking Bad. (This means that you especially enjoy this TV show).

(2) Ever since Carl came back from Europe, he has been totally into foreign films. (This means that Carl             watches many foreign films and likes them very much.

• to be crazy for:  Another phrasal verb that means someone likes someone or something very, very much. It can be used to talk about yourself or others, but usually used to talk about others.

Examples:   (1) Californians are crazy for avocados.  (This means that, in general, avocados are a favorite food of Californians).

(2) Girls aged 9-12 were crazy for The Beatles in the early 1960s.

• to be into (less strong than “to be totally into”). Can be used to talk about yourself or others. Can also be used with the word NOT to express a dislike.

Examples:  (1) Our teacher Mr. Johnson is into giving open book exams. (This means that the teacher favorites allowing students to use the textbook during tests.

(2) Kevin is not into spending too much time studying for school. (This means that Kevin does not enjoy           studying more than he has to.

• to love something (an expression that does not mean romantic love. It means someone likes something immensely). Note: can also be used sarcastically

Examples:  (1) Dogs love to go for a walk.

(2) I just loved the movie “Boyhood”.

(3) Taxes! I love doing them every year! (Sarcastic. Means I HATE doing them.)

To learn more about how to agree with people’s likes, you can watch this video:

Common Sayings in American English: “Not even remotely true”

 

Part of communication in English  includes disagreements. Sadly, whether you are speaking English for business or your personal life, fights and arguments will happen. In this blog post, I want to help you learn how and when to use the phrase “that is not even remotely true”.

Background Information on the word ‘remote’

To start, the word ‘remote’ can be an noun or an adjective.  As a noun, ‘remote’ is  short for ‘remote control’. ‘Remote’  used as an adjective means far away, or some distance from a place. If you live in a ‘remote’  (adjective) part of the country, it is likely rural and hard to get to. Maybe it is in the mountains or in the middle of a desert somewhere.

Examples:

(1) We do not see the Perkins family often as they live in a remote part of Missouri.

(2)  Finding a cell phone company that offers reliable service in remote areas of the country is difficult.

(3) I cannot find the remote for the TV. Do you know where it is?

(4) Hand me the remote, will you? (please)

The word ‘remotely’ is an adverb.  While it can be used in other sentences, the most common one is the phrase “that is not even remotely true”.  This phrase means that there is not even the smallest drop of truth in a claim; that it is, in fact, false.

Here are some examples of ‘remotely’ used in other sentences. It is usually used with the word ‘located’.

(1) The remotely located hotel made for a perfect location to film the horror movie, The Shining (1974).

(2) Her cabin, remotely hidden in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, provided her the solitude she often needed.

(3) Remotely located, the island of Chinijo Archipelago, is home to many animal species.

How and When to Use the Phrase “that is not even remotely true”

• When Americans use this phrase, it is not (usually) yelled.  It spoken at normal levels or even a bit softly. It is something people say when then are deeply hurt as well as angry. Of course, you could yell out this phrase. It is just that it is not common to do so.
• When said, there is a sense that the other person (who said the hurtful thing) is being unfair and mean. This phrase is away of telling the other person that not only are they wrong, but they are being intentionally disparaging and hurtful.
• This phrase is used with people you know very well. If someone you did not know well said something false, you would respond :”I disagree. I do not think that is true”.
• This phrase is often the last thing said before someone leaves the argument (at least for a while).

So now you know a bit more about this common American expression. I hope you never have to use it!

 

Speak English Better with “English Minus One” Videos from ESLhelpers.org

One of the biggest problems ESL (English as a Second Language) students have is trying to practice. If they are not in a place where they have access to other English speakers, improving their spoken English is next to impossible.

To help solve this common obstacle, ESL Helpers has created a series of videos so ESL students can practice English at their desk. These videos are called “English Minus One”.  They feature two characters, one who speaks and another that does not. Here is how to use them:

1. Watch the video one time and just listen. One character will be the native English speaker, and the other will never talk. Their dialogue will appear in writing above them. Focus on these sentences because you will be saying them out loud.

2. Watch the video again. This time, pause the video each time the dialogue you are to practice appears. Practice saying it several times. This will help your English pronunciation and fluency.

3. Play the video a third time. This time, do not pause. Try your best to say your lines in English within the natural pace of the video. You may need to practice this several times. But you do not need to do it all in one day.

Each English Minus One video from ESL Helpers is short so that students can improve their English with just a few moments of free time.

We try to add a new English Minus One video about twice per month. Sometimes more often. Just subscribe to  our YouTube Channel so you do not have to keep checking back.

Get Free English Minus One Videos

Now, you can improve your English free. All videos  use a native speaker and have everyday English situations. This way, students learn new and useful English vocabulary too.

Have fun!

ESL Helpers 

Learn English with everyday words: Grooming Part 1

One of the best ways to learn English, is to learn how to say every day things in English. This way, as you go about your day, you can be thinking about what you are doing in English. Soon, thoughts in English will make speaking English easier. Here are some words and practice with English words for personal grooming.

 Aftershave lotion

Aftershave lotion is used by men after they have shaved their face. It helps soothe the skin and it smells good.

 

eyeliner pencil

Most eyeliner pencils are used by women, but today, more and more men are using eyeliner too.

 

 body lotion 

Body lotion is used for dry skin. It is not good to use it on your face, but it helps keep skin soft. Many people use lotion everyday.

 

foundation 

The very basic make-up is called ‘foundation’. Foundation evens skin tone and covers imperfections. Eye color and blush are applied after this.

 

\ face cream 

Face cream is stronger lotion that is used at night. Most face creams reduce wrinkles and the moisturize the skin deeply.

 lipstick 

Lipstick is worn by many women in the United States every day. The colors vary and you can buy lipstick in almost any color you like.

 

bar soap, or regular soap

Bar soap is what most people use in the bath or shower. Sometimes people use bar soap to wash their hands in the kitchen too.

deodorant 

The culture of the United States is very aware of body odor. Here, we do everything we can to prevent it. Wearing deodorant is expected, especially at work or in public.

 shaving cream 

Both men and women use shaving cream.

 

So there are a few everyday English words. Think of these as you begin your day. You can print this article and place it on the mirror in your bathroom. You will be surprised how fast you learn and remember these words!

Visit us at http://www.eslhelpers.org