Know your English 18/10/2013

Idiom of the day: A man of one’s word

Meaning: If you say he is a man of his word, he is a trustworthy man.

For example: My boss is a man of his word and so, I can safely trust him.

Phrasal verb of the day: Look after

Meaning: Look after means take care

For example: The child is looked after by its mother.

Proverb of the day: A greased mouth cannot say "No"

Meaning: One who has taken bribes cannot refuse any request of his patron.

Illustration :
The commander led his men. They laid siege to the fort. They kept watch, round the clock. None could get away from the fort.
"The defenders need food and water. They may have some food and water in stock. But that won't last long. The fort will fall soon," said the commander to his close associates.
The siege continued. Even after a month, there was no sign of panic on the part of the defenders. The commander however remained cool. "Victory will be ours," he said confidently.
That night, he rode away, to the neighbouring town. He reached a house, set on the outskirts of the town. He knocked. Someone asked, "Who is there?" The Commander introduced himself. The door opened. "Come in," said the host, not showing much enthusiasm on seeing the guest.
"You don't seem to be happy to see me," the commander stared at the host.
"You know the reason. I was once an official at the fort. I have retired. I have settled down here, far from the fort. If the news that I have met you, reaches the defenders, will be a dead man," he sounded scared.

"Well, I won't stay even a minute more than is necessary. I have helped you with funds several times when you were working at the fort. I never asked you for any favor. Now I want it. Tell I me, is there a secret tunnel to the fort?" the commander waited for an answer.
"I ... Well ..." the host stammered.
"Tell me. Or I will send to your master the documents to prove that you have taken bribe from me. That will be the end of you."
The host reluctantly gave the information. The commander rode away, telling himself, "A greased mouth can never say NO." Next day, after dusk, he led a few soldiers to the mouth of the tunnel. He directed them to sneak in and take the men who were at the main gate. The men at the gate were taken by surprise. The drawbridge came down. The attacking army swarmed in. Soon the fort fell.

Conclusion: A man who sells himself is a slave forever.

 

Common errors in English

Sentence: 

• There are twenty candidates for lecturership (in correct)

• There are twenty candidates for lectureship (correct)

Explanation: Lecturership is wrong; lectureship is correct

We often confused and commit mistakes in the use of certain nouns.

 

English blues

            What is the difference between ‘aside from’ and ‘apart from’?

In meaning, there is no difference; the two can be used interchangeably in most contexts. Both expressions can be used to mean ‘except for’ and ‘as well as’. ‘Aside from’ is much more frequent in American English.

For example: aside/apart from a few stray dogs howling, the street was strangely quiet.  

Know your English 16/10/2013

Idiom of the day: Add fuel to the flames

Meaning: inducing the feelings and passions more inflamed.

For example: Terrorists add fuel to the flames in the border disputes.

 

Phrasal verb of the day: Go after 

Meaning: Go after means follow

For example: Go after your dreams but persevere to realize them.

Proverb of the day: A friend in need is a friend indeed

Meaning:  We say that we have lots of friends, wherever we go. How many of them are sincere friends? Not all of them would partake of our sufferings and misfortunes. Only true friends would stand by us at all times. True friendship is one that is deep and everlasting.

Illustration:   Sudama was a poor Man. He and his family lived in utter poverty and misery. For days together, they had very little to eat. They often slept without having any food at all. Sudama cursed himself for not being able to provide for his family. The thoughts of committing suicide often crossed his mind. Once in a fit of depression he voiced his thoughts to his wife. She tried to console her husband and then, reminded him of his friendship with Lord Krishna—the King of Dwarika. As children Krishna and Sudama had lived and studied together in Sandipan Muni's Ashram. "Go to him", she pleaded, "Krishna is all powerful, kind and gener­ous. He will surely help you in this hour of need". Sudama hesitated, "He is a King and I'm just a poor wretched Brahmin. How can I visit him?" "So what!" she countered, "Friendship is above class differences. You must seek his help. I can't see our children dying of hunger."
Finally Sudama agreed to visit Krishna. His wife borrowed some rice from neighborhood and gave it to Sudama as a gift for his friend. Sudama started on his journey.
At the Palace gate, the guard refused Sudama an entry inside. Sudama argued that he was an old childhood friend of the King and wouldn't leave without seeing him.
The word of commotion reached Lord Krishna. As soon as he heard Sudama's name, barefooted Krishna ran out to meet his friend. Both the friends embraced each other and shed tears of joy. Then with great honour and ceremony Krishna led Sudama inside the Palace. There, he himself washed and dried the dirty and bruised feet of his friend and made him sits on the throne. Krishna's wives themselves attended on them, as the two friends ate and talked of the old days at their teacher's ashram.

During the course of meal Krishna asked Sudama, "What gift have you brought for me?" Sudama was too embarrassed to bring out the little poor quality rice tied up in an old rag. But Krishna snatched the bundle from him and ate the rice flakes with great relish leaving his own grand royal feast.
After the meal Krishna made Sudama lie in his Kingly bed. He himself sat there massaging his tired feet, until Sudama fell asleep.
Next day, Sudama took leave of his great friend. Krishna along with his family bade him a loving farewell at the Palace gate.
All this while, Sudama could not bring himself to reveal the real purpose of his visit. He left without doing so. His heart was heavy as he walked towards home. He didn't know what to tell his wife and children, who must be eagerly awaiting his return. The hungry faces of his family haunted him, on his way back.
But a pleasant surprise was a waited him at home. A beautiful palace stood in place of his poor broken hut. His wife and children dressed in silken clothes and jewellery greeted him at the gate. Krishna had blessed their lives with prosperity. He had also saved Sudama from the humiliation of asking for anything. Krishna was a great friend indeed, who came to his friend's rescue in his hour of need. 

Significance: True friends stand by us during misfortunes. Fair weather friends flee from us when misfortunes visit us. To deserve such a good friendship, we should also be worthy of it. A good friendship is like having a Saving Bank account. The more you use it , the less you have it. You must also do something your friend needs to, to sustain your friendship.

Conclusion: One must distinguish between real friends and chance acquaintances. One should nurture good friendship. If real friendship lasts, one should think of the well being of the friend too.   

 

Common errors in English  

 

Sentence:  

• The cattle is grazing in the ground (in correct)

• The cattle are grazing in the ground (correct)

Explanation: Some nouns like ‘cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, people, clergy, company, and police’ are   singular in  form, but they are used as plural nouns and always take a plural verb.

 

English blues

What is the difference between ‘as if’ and ‘as though ‘?

In meaning, there is no difference between the two expressions. They can be used interchangeably when you are referring to how some one looks or behave. In formal contexts, the verb that follows these expressions is usually in the plural. In everyday conversation, however, people generally make use of the singular verb.

For example: Arthi looked as if/as though she were going to throw up.

Know your English 15/oct/13

 

Idiom of the day: A bird's eye view

 

Meaning: Over all concept in a concise form.

For example: After finishing the lecture the teacher narrated the whole lesson in a bird's eye view.

Phrasal verb of the day: Result in 

Meaning: To lead to certain outcome or to produce something.

For example: The new advertisement is really effective , it resulted in a big increase in sales.

Proverb of the day: Where there's a will there's a way

Meaning: this saying suggests that one should have a strong will power to reach one's goal. More often success comes to a person  who persevers and toils hard than to the one who is intelligent but does not work hard with single minted devotion. Failures, disappointments and difficulties are bound to come in a way of one's mission or goal. But it is only in such contexts of one's trails and tribulation one's will power is put to test.

Illustration: Once King Robert Bruce was very much depressed. He had lost thrice in the battle. His trusted men had died. He wondered how he was going to raise an army to fight the mighty British army. He was hiding in a cave to escape the notice of his bitter enemies. Suddenly a spider caught his eye. It had fallen from the roof. It tried to climb back to the roof. It used its own web to climb. It fell down often. But every time it fell, it climbed again without taking rest. After several distressing attempts, it made it to the roof. Bruce was amazed to find the perseverance of the spider. He thought if an insect could succeed by perseverance, he could also try. He went back home. He reorganized his army and won the indomitable British army.

Significance: If one does not succeed initially, one need not despair. Repeated honest attempts will crown one with success.  

Conclusion: Perseverance pays.

Common errors in English

Sentence: 

• The number of students are very small (incorrect)
• The number of students is very small (correct)

 Explanation: If the subject is ' the number of ' the singular verb is used.

English Blues

What is the meaning of ' needless to say ' ?

This is an expression mostly used at the beginning of a sentence to suggest to the listener that although what you are going to say is fairly obvious, you are going to say it anyway. 

For example: Needless to say, the police didn't believe a word I said.

Know Your English- 14 - oct- 13

Introduction :

As we Know the usage of Idioms and Phrases in language adds power and beauty to our expression. Idioms and Phrases are the expressions peculiar to a language. In English, they are very peculiar and play very important part. My blog  will be useful for the lover of English.

Idiom of the day : Put your foot in your mouth

Meaning: If you put your foot in your mouth, you say or do the wrong thing and usually make matter worse.

For example: I really put my foot in my mouth when i asked her how her husband was, I forgot that He died last year.

Phrasal verb of the day : Whip up

Meaning: To create strong feelings in other people.

For example: She criticized the media for whipping up prejudice against drug users.

Proverb of the day : Slow and steady wins the race

 Meaning: Speed alone cannot help one win long distance race. one must be steady and slow to avoid early exhaustion. One can gain speed towards the end and ultimately win the race.

Illustration: Once upon a time, a hare and a tortoise agreed to run a long distance race. The hare was quite confident of his skill in running fast. The tortoise was sure of his slow foot. All the animals gathered to watch the unequall contest. Everyone believed that the hare would win. But they were in for a surprise. The hare which ran very fast initially got a little tired. He took a nap under a shadow tree. Soon he started snoring. The tortoise unmindful of the physical ability of the hare, walked his way to victory.

Significance: One need not jump to the conclusion that speed of action will lead to success. steady progress can result in success.

Conclusion: Many little stokes can fell even a giant. So also slow and steady wins the race.

Common Errors in English

Sentence:

•  Either Ramesh or I are to do this work. (Incorrect)
• Either Ramesh or I am to do this work. (Correct)

Explanation: If two subjects are joined by 'either or', 'neither nor', the verb agrees with the subject that is near.

English Blues

  What is the difference between 'Please come' and 'Please do come'?

 In both cases , we are inviting a person to an event. 'Please come' is a straightforward request; it is something that we all say in order to sound polite. The word 'do' is sometimes included to add emphasis to a request; in this case, you genuinely want or very strongly feel that the person to be present at the event. We are urging him to come. 

For example: Please take/do take another sweet.