Woman: “A Piece of cake”
Man: A piece of cake, means that something is very easy to do.
For example:
Man: Mmm, this pavlova is delicious, I don’t know how you make them.
Woman: It’s a piece of cake, they are only egg whites whisked together.
Man: That’s it?
Woman: Yes, but, the secret is in the cooking.

Woman: “Takes the biscuit”
Man: If you say that someone takes the biscuit, it means that a person is not being serious and their behaviour is very irritating.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Can you do the washing up tonight?
Man: Do I have to?
Woman: You really take the biscuit. We both work, and you do nothing to help me around the house.

Woman: What’s on tonight?
Man: When we want to know what programmes are on TV, we say “What’s on?”
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: What’s on tonight?
Man: Well there’s football on channel 1, there’s athletics on 2, and rugby on channel 7.
Woman: Is there anything on, other than sport?
Man: Yes, there’s a good film on channel 5.

Woman: Which channel is it on?
Man: A channel is a TV station. So to find out which station a programme is being broadcasted from we say “Which channel is it on?”
For example:
Woman: Which channel is the news on?
Man: Channel 6. Do you want to watch it?
Woman: Yes, please.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two people watching television.

Woman: Stop changing the channels, you are hooked on football, I don’t know how you can watch so many games at the same time, and your team isn’t even playing.
Man: I know, but there’s nothing else on.
Woman: Well what is on tonight? I can help you decide.
Man: What programmes do you like watching? Other than silly reality TV programmes of course.
Woman: I like most things. Where’s the TV guide?
Man: Here you are.
Woman: Well, other than sport, there’s a nature programme, a DIY show and a chat show interviewing Sean Connery.
Man: Let’s watch the chat show then, Sean Connery is always interesting. Which channel is it on?
Woman: Channel 8, it starts in 5 minutes. I’ll make us a coffee if you like.
Man: Yes, please.

Woman: Whisk together the eggs, milk and flour.
Man: Whisk is a verb which means to beat or mix eggs, for example using a fork or a whisk. A whisk is a kitchen tool for this purpose.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: Can you help me whisk these eggs, my arm is starting to ache.
Man: No problem, pass the bowl here.

Woman: Stir together to make a batter.
Man: Stir is a verb which means to move a liquid etc, round and round, using a spoon etc. A batter is a mixture of flour, eggs and milk, used to cover food such as fish, vegetables etc, before frying them, or to make pancakes.
For example:
Woman: Ok, now I have to stir in the milk to the eggs and flour, a little at a time, so I don’t get lumps.
Man: What are you making?
Woman: English style fish and chips. I just need to finish this batter, then cover the fish in it, then fry them.

Woman: Fry the eggs.
Man: Fry is a verb which means to cook something in hot fat or oil.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Can you watch the fish while I make a salad?
Man: What do I have to do?
Woman: Let them fry, and turn them over when they are golden brown.

Woman: Drain the pasta.
Man: Drain is a verb which means to separate water from the pasta in this example, so the water disappears.
For example:
Woman: Do you think the pasta is cooked enough?
Man: Yes, definitely, turn the gas off, and I’ll drain it.
Woman: OK, here’s the colander

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two people making pancakes.

Woman: Now if you are going to help me, you are going to have to follow my instructions, and I don’t want a big mess in the kitchen.
Man: Whatever you say.
Woman: First of all whisk these eggs, until they are a pale yellow colour.
Woman: Now add a little bit of flour and stir it in very slowly.
Woman: Now you can add a little more flour, then stir in the milk, just a little at a time.
Perfect, you’ve made a very good batter.
Man: What exactly are we making?
Woman: Pancakes, you’ll love them.
Man: What can I do next?
Woman: Put the frying pan on, with a little oil, and when the oil is hot, add a spoonful of the batter, and spread it out to make a large circle.
Woman: OK, now it’s golden brown on the bottom, turn it over so the other side cooks.
Man: Aah this bit is a little difficult.
Woman: No, it’s not, you’ve done a good job. The first one is nearly ready. Lift it out of the pan, and sprinkle with sugar and squeeze some orange onto it.
Man: Mmm, it’s delicious, let’s make some more straight away.

Woman: Boxing Day.
Man: Is the 26th of December, and a public holiday. The boxes after which this day are named are charity or “almsboxes” which were opened on the day after Christmas and the money inside was given to the poor. Nowadays Christmas boxes are given to tradesmen who come to your home such as milkmen and dustmen.
Listen to this example:
Woman: How many guests do we have for Boxing Day lunch? I’m exhausted with all this cooking.
Man: Not many, only 12 for lunch today, I’ll give you a hand in a moment, I’m just sorting out the Christmas tip envelopes, for the paper boy and the milk man.
Woman: 12....!? OK, you can prepare the vegetables then – it’s your family after all.
Man: Don’t worry we have plenty of time, I love all these celebrations.

Woman: Advent Calendar
Man: Advent is the 4 weeks before Christmas. An advent calendar, is a piece of cardboard, with 24 (or 25) windows to open, when these cardboard windows are opened, there is a Christmas picture and often a sweet inside them. Children use them to count the days until Christmas day.
Listen to this example:
Woman: What on earth is that?
Man: It’s an advent calendar, the kids will love it, I saw them for the first time at the supermarket, and thought it’s about time they learnt British traditions as well as Italian.
Woman: It’s the last time I send you to do the shopping, you forget the list, and stroll around buying whatever takes your fancy.
Man: You wait ‘til you see their faces, they’re going to love it, there’s a chocolate in each window, so they can count down the days to Christmas.

Woman: Mistletoe
Man: Has a special place in British Christmas celebrations. You hang up a branch in the house. Although many people just demand a celebratory kiss under the mistletoe, you are meant to pick one berry for each kiss.
Listen to this example:
Woman: Oh no, who hung up the mistletoe right by the drinks table?
Man: I don’t know, but you’re standing under it, so you have to give me a kiss.
Woman: Ok then.

Woman: Christmas Crackers.
Man: These are a cardboard tube covered in coloured paper, and containing a small present, a joke and a paper hat. Crackers are pulled apart by 2 people – (each holding 1 end) at Christmas parties. They make a loud noise as they break open.
Listen to this example:

Woman: Wow, these are good crackers, look at the beautiful ring inside. What have you got?
Man: A torch? It’s just what I need for my key ring. Are you going to put the party hat on then?
Woman: No way, I’ll look ridiculous.
Man: You’re such a party pooper sometimes.

e.g. go = went, do = did, eat = ate, drink = drank, drive = drove,
buy = bought etc.
Now listen to these examples:
Man: I drank too much spumante last Christmas Eve.
Man: I ate too many mince pies last Christmas, and put on 10 kilos of weight in 1 week.
Man: I did my Christmas shopping in November last year, to avoid the queues.
Woman: To ask questions In the simple past, the form is did + subject + verb, e.g. Did you go shopping last week?
Listen to some more examples:
Man: What did you do last New Year’s Eve?
Man: What did you do last Christmas?
Woman: To use the negative in the past simple, the form is subject+didn’t+verb.
E.g. I didn’t go to England last year, I celebrated Christmas in Italy instead.
Now listen to these examples:
Man: I didn’t study for my exams last December, I was too busy partying.
Man: I didn’t get many presents last Christmas.

Woman: Now let’s listen to these words in a dialogue between two people sharing memories of their last Christmas.
Woman: I can’t believe the shops have Christmas decorations in the windows already – and it’s only October.
Man: Well, some people say it’s too early, but I love it myself, it starts the magic of Christmas time early.
Woman: Don’t tell me you are doing your Christmas shopping already?
Man: Actually, last year, I started shopping in November – I have a very big family.
Woman: Wow! I didn’t do mine until Christmas Eve?
Man: You mean the 24th of December? Was there anything left in the shops?
Woman: Of course, I bought all my presents in one morning, and I even got some discounts too.
Man: How did you manage to wrap all your presents on time?
Woman: At the shops, they “gift-wrap” for free.
Man: I didn’t know that. I spent hours last year, wrapping everything up. I’ll get the shops to do it this year.
Woman: And what did you receive for Christmas last year?
Man: Oh, all sorts of goodies. My children know how to spoil me. What about you?
Woman: I got a new car – to replace the one I crashed. My husband even gift wrapped it, so it was a fantastic surprise, when he took me to the garage to collect it.

Woman: If you wish you can hear this lesson again. In the meantime we hope we have helped you to be more confident with your English. Watch out for the next topic. Thank you for using the EnglishBlog.

Man: I want a peach.
Man: I need 3 tomatoes for this recipe.
Man: Can you pass me an egg please?

Woman: Uncountable nouns are things we cannot count, such as rice, flour, fruit etc.
They are plural nouns. You cannot use "a" and "an" with plural uncountable nouns, for example, we do not say “a rice” or “a fruit”, but you can use “some” in front of them, for example some water. And you can often use “a…of” such as “a bowl of rice,” “a slice of cake”.
For example:

Man: I’d like a plate of spaghetti please.
Man: Can you pass me some pasta?
Man: I need some flour.

Woman: Now let’s listen to these words in the dialogue: pay attention to how they are used.
Man: What are you doing?
Woman: I’m going to make an apple pie. First I need to make some pastry, can you pass me some flour please?
Man: Sure, here it is. Do you need anything else?
Woman: Just some butter please.
Man: I’ll help you. How much butter do you need?
Woman: Just 3 spoonfuls please, and put it in the bowl slowly so I can blend it in with the flour.
Man: Shall I peel and chop the apples?
Woman: Yes please, 4 apples should be enough.
Man: OK, the apples are ready, what shall I do with them now?
Woman: Pass them to me please, and I’ll boil them with a little sugar, they only take 5 minutes. You can watch them and keep on stirring them while I add some water the flour and butter to make the pastry.
Man: Mmm, what a nice smell, I love apple pie.
Woman: Well you’re only allowed 1 slice of it, you’re on a diet remember.
Man: If you say so.

Woman: Pumpkins and turnips.
Man: A pumpkin is a very large round fruit, with thick orange skin, that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. It is popular in America, where they make a delicious dessert called “pumpkin pie.”
A turnip looks similar, but it is a round white vegetable that is grown under the ground.
Both pumpkins and turnips are used to make “Halloween Lanterns”, dependant on the country’s custom and availability of the products.
Listen to this short conversation:
Man: What on earth is that vegetable?
Woman: It’s not a vegetable, it’s a fruit. It’s a pumpkin.
Man: Looks like a turnip to me.
Woman: Well, that’s where you’re wrong, the children have made their “Halloween lanterns”, and I’m going to make a delicious pumpkin pie with the insides they’ve carved out.
Man: Mmm, yum yum!

Woman: Stingy
Man: Stingy is an adjective similar to tight. We use it to describe people who don’t want to spend or share their money.
For example
Woman: Come on, don’t be stingy, let’s have another drink.
Man: Have you seen the prices in this bar? You can have a bottle of wine at home for the price of one glass here.
Woman: Stop being so tight, we’re paying for the atmosphere and relaxation as well. Go and get another round in.
Woman: Silver
Man: Silver is a valuable grey-white metal that is used for making jewellery etc. Do not confuse it with “silver-plated” which is just silver paint.
For example:
Woman: Mmm, those dolphins would be nice for your sister’s 25th wedding anniversary, but is it real silver?
Man: Yes, look it says silver.
Woman: Let me check for a stamp, we’re in Italy, and they call silver-plated things “silver” and “Sheffield” for some strange reason. OK, yes, it’s real silver, can you see that little mark underneath, and it was made in Sheffield, so it must be good quality.
Man: Well I guess that’s one more present taken care of then. Where are we going next?

Woman: Soul
Man: Soul has several meanings, but with regards to Halloween, soul means the spiritual part of a person that is believed to continue to exist after the body is dead.
For example:
Man: Do you believe in the supernatural?
Woman: Mmm, some of it, things like ESP, ghosts, spirits and souls that watch over us.
Man: What about aliens and UFO’s?
Woman: No that’s stuff for boys. You’ve been watching too much Star Trek again.

Woman: Now let’s listen to some information on the origins of the famous pumpkin practice and the legend of “Jack o’ Lantern,” adapted from www.historychannel.com

Man: Jack o’ Lantern
The practice of carving pumpkins at Halloween originated from the Irish myth of ‘stingy Jack’. The legend says that Jack convinced the Devil to turn into a coin, so that he could buy drinks at a pub. The Devil agreed to do so, but then Jack decided to keep the coin and put it in his pocket, next to a silver cross, so that the Devil could not get back to his original form. At last Jack set the Devil free, but when he died neither God nor the Devil would have his soul. Therefore Jack was condemned to wander in the dark, with only a candle inside a carved-out turnip to light his way. The Irish called him ‘Jack o’ Lantern’ (= ‘Jack of the Lantern’).

Man: Do you want to do something different next week?
Woman: Such as?
Man: Well, I was thinking of having a Halloween party, would you like to come?
Woman: Oh, yes please!
Woman: “Would” is also used for hypothetical imaginary situations in the present and the future. This is known grammatically as the 2nd conditional, and is usually in a sentence structured with “if” + past simple, then would + verb. Listen to these examples:

Man: If I had more money, I would hire a disco for the party, but, I think I’ll have to have it at home.
Man: If I were a wizard like Harry Potter, I would put a million pounds in my bank account.

Woman: “Would” is also the past of “will”, it is often used in this way in reported speech, that is, when we repeat what somebody has said. Now listen to this example:

Man: Yippee! Sue says she will help me with the decorations for the party.
Woman: Sorry, I wasn’t listening, what did you say?
Man: I said that Sue said that she would help me with the decorations for the party.
Woman: Another use of “would” is to talk about things that happened repeatedly in the past, but don’t happen now. It is similar to “used to + infinitive”, but a little more formal, and when we use “would + infinitive” we mention a specific time in the past. Listen to these examples:

Man: When I was a child, I loved Halloween, I would play “trick or treat” for hours with my friends.
Man: In the old days, everybody would wear masks on the 31st of October to confuse the ghosts.

Woman: Now let’s listen to these words in the dialogue: pay attention to how they are used.
Halloween has always been a big celebration and an excuse for a party in America & the British Isles, but, in recent years it has gained popularity in other countries too. So imagine you want to throw a Halloween party, where would you start?
Woman: What would you like to do next week?
Man: Well I’d like to have some fun, it’s Halloween!
Woman: Oh, I forgot. What shall we do?
Man: Well, I’d like to throw a party.
Woman: Really? What ideas have you got?
Man: Well....,if I had the money, I would like to hire a disco, but, it’s expensive, so I guess, I’ll have to have it at home. I would like to have everybody in fancy dress though, and organise lots of games.
Woman: Sounds good. Would you like me to help you organise it?
Man: Yes please. Let’s make a list of everything we need to do, there isn’t much time.
Woman: OK, well, we need to decide who to invite, and tell them its fancy dress, so they can organise their costumes. We need to get some decorations and decide on Halloween games, then there’s just the food, drink and music to take care of.
Man: You make everything sound so easy.
Woman: I get that from my grand mother. When I was young, I used to help her organise family parties, she would have me write down everything she wanted to do as she spoke, so she wouldn’t forget anything. We used to have a lot of fun.
Man: Fantastic! So let’s start. Who shall we invite?
Woman: Give me the list and I’ll start calling.
Man: Ok, here you go. Start with Rosaria, she’s a great girl to get a party started.
Woman: Heh, I spoke to Rosaria, she says she’ll be there, and call the rest of the gang if you want, so we can organise the other stuff.
Man: Sorry, what did you say? I couldn’t hear you, I’ve got the stereo on.
Woman: I said that I’d called Rosaria and she said that she would definitely come to the party and also she would call everybody else for us.
Man: Great! This party is really going to rock!

Woman: Out of fashion
Man: “Out of fashion,” means something is no longer popular at the moment. Another adjective for this is old-fashioned.
For example:
Woman: I can’t believe I ever bought any of this stuff.
Man: Are you really throwing all those clothes away?
Woman: No, I’m taking them to the charity shop, they were all impulse buys, and they are out of fashion now, so I can’t wear them again.

Woman: Trend-setters
Man: “Trend setters” are people, usually, pop stars & film stars, who create a new style and make it popular. For example, a while ago, Madonna, Britney Spears & Kylie Minogue set a trend by having each others names printed on their T-shirts.
Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: I think Vivienne Westwood is so cool.
Man: Why?
Woman: She’s a trend-setter, I’m sure a lot of the other designers copy her ideas.

Woman: Fashion victims
Man: “Fashion victims” are people that are so obsessed with fashion and clothes, that they are desperate to buy every new item at whatever the cost.
Listen to this:
Woman: It looks like it’s going to be a fun night, it’s packed, maybe you’ll get lucky.
Man: I don’t think so, the place is full of “fashion victims”, look around you, all the girls look completely the same.
Woman: Stop being so cynical, have another drink, I’m sure you’ll find someone nice.
Man: OK, I’ll go to the bar, we might as well have some fun anyway.

Woman: Look like
Man: “Look like” is a phrasal verb. It means to be similar to someone in physical appearance. For example, “She looks like her grandmother, in fact she’s almost a photocopy of her.”
Listen to this short conversation:
Man: They’re a lot of tourists in town today.
Woman: You’re telling me. But, why are they’re so many beggars, look at those girls over there asking the tourists for money.
Man: They’re not tourists, they’re Italian school girls, they’re probably helping them out.
Woman: You’re so dense, they look like Italians, but trust me they’re not, they look like they’re from somewhere in Eastern Europe to me.
Man: Really? How do you know all this? Don’t you have beggars in your town?
Woman: We used to, but the police cleaned up the streets. Where I come from people believe in working for their money. I also speak 12 languages, which helps me recogonise accents.

Woman: A fashion slave
Man: “Fashion”, as you probably know by now, is clothing that is popular at a particular time. A “slave” is a noun, and it means a person that is owned by somebody else and has to work for them. Hence a “fashion slave” is a person who is addicted to buying clothes, and has to buy every new item that the shops display in their windows.
For example
Woman: Oh just look at that dress, it’s absolutely gorgeous, who sells it? I have to have it.
Man: You know I’m worried that you are becoming a shopaholic.
Woman: What do you mean?
Man: You’re a complete fashion slave, if you see anything in a magazine or on a cat walk, you always want it.
Woman: But, I love clothes!
Woman: Splurge on a designer item.
Man: To “splurge on” something, is a phrasal verb that means to spend a lot of money on something.
For example:
Woman: I’ve got to have that dress.
Man: Have you seen the price tag?
Woman: I don’t care! I’m going to splurge my whole wages on it.
Man: It’s only my “works’ do” I’m sure you don’t have to go over the top.
Woman: That dress is perfect for me, and I want to look good. If I was a millionaire I’d dress head to toe in Versace. Let me buy it before someone else does, there’s only 1 left in my size.

Woman: Mood
Man: Mood is a noun, and it means the way that you are feeling at a particular time. For example, sad, happy, in a good mood or in a bad mood.
Now listen to this example:
Man: Strange, you’re wearing a lilac dress. Do you have a special appointment at work today? What’s the occasion?
Woman: Nothing. I’m in a good mood, and just feeling “ladylike” today, and felt like a change. I’m sick of wearing trousers everyday.

Woman: Now let’s listen to some good advice on how to stock your wardrobe, adapted from www.elsegundousd.com
Man: Are you tired of looking like everybody else? Here are a few simple tips to avoid being a fashion slave. First, don’t pay attention to every "What's hot" list that you find on magazines. They are mostly part of marketing strategies used by fashion designers to boost sales. If you follow these fashion forecasts, you‘ll end up looking like all the people who read them too!
Don’t spend a fortune on a plain, grey cotton t-shirt from a designer store. If you are going to splurge on some designer item, make sure it is something that you can’t find anywhere else. Don’t buy expensive blue jeans; they all look the same. Look for plain vintage jeans, then add your own personal touch. Be a chameleon! Let your style change with your mood. If you put your personality into your wardrobe you can save a lot of money, and no one else will look like you.

Woman: It doesn’t suit me.
Man: Suit in this meaning, is a verb used for clothing, colours etc. To say something doesn’t suit you, means it doesn’t make you look attractive. The opposite is “it suits you,” which means it makes you look attractive.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: No, dear, not the black shirt, it doesn’t suit you, it drains all the colour out of your face. Try the green one again.
Man: But, I don’t like green.
Woman: Well try the pale blue one on then, that colour always looks good on you.

Woman: It’s a bargain.
Man: A bargain is a noun, and it means that something is cheaper or at a lower price than usual.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Man: Oh no, you’ve been shopping again, how much did you spend this time?
Woman: Oh shut up, the sales are on! I’ve got some real bargains.
Man: Max Mara, Versace, Armani.....how many bags have you got?
Woman: Trust me, they’re worth every penny, I feel like a princess, look at this lovely dress, it was a real bargain.
Man: You had better try it on, there doesn’t seem to be much material to it, and what are all those stringy bits for …?

Woman: It fits me.
Man: Fit in this meaning is a verb used for clothing, “it fits me,” means something is the right size or shape for somebody. The opposite is “it doesn’t fit me,” which means something is too small or big for you.
For example:
Woman: These jeans don’t fit me at all.
Man: Well, I think they look pretty good on you.
Woman: Mmm, does my bum look big in them?
Man: Of course not dear.

Woman: It’s funky!
Man: Funky is a modern word. “It’s funky!” means “It’s cool!” or “It’s trendy,” basically all these phrases mean you look good!
Now listen to this:
Woman: Hi, how are you?
Man: I’m fantastic, what about you? You look really funky in those leather trousers.
Woman: Thanks, I got them in New York. Do you want a drink? It’s my round.

Woman: Everywhere in the world, when people are feeling down, and need a little cheering up, there is one kind of therapy that always lifts the spirits – especially for women. It’s called shopping therapy! Now you will listen to a couple of friends having some fun shopping in the London sales.

Woman: I can’t believe how busy it is, there must be thousands of people here.
Man: Well the January sales are always a big thing in London, and with flights being so cheap on the internet, people fly in from all over Europe to shop.
Woman: Well I need some new funky suits for work, so shall we start with Oxford Street?
Man: Great idea, as if I get bored with you trying on clothes, I can browse around Virgin & HMV and get some new CDs while we’re here. Then when you’re ready, you can give me a ring.
Woman: You’re joking, I haven’t brought you shopping just to dump me. I need your opinion on what suits me.
Man: OK, but, don’t ask me if your bum looks big, as I know men have to be politically correct and say “No dear, don’t be silly” to that question.
Woman: Don’t be so cheeky! Heh, look at this shop everything is under £50, let’s go in, I bet I can get some real bargains in here.
Woman: OK, what about this suit, do you think it suits me?
Man: Well, it’s a lovely colour, but don’t you think the skirt’s a little short for work.
Woman: I guess so, let me try the yellow one on again, it’s very funky, and the skirt’s longer and it doesn’t make my bum look big.
Man : I’m saying nothing, only that we’ve been in here for over an hour now, so I think we’ll go for some liquid refreshments next.

Man: And where do you think your going in that short skirt?
Woman: Out! Why?
Man: You’re not going anywhere dressed like that. Go and put that nice blue dress on that you’re mother bought you.
Woman: Dad, I’m seventeen, this is the latest fashion, everyone is wearing mini skirts again. Mum help me, dad’s treating me like a little girl again.

Woman: Sometimes we use 2 or 3 adjectives together to describe something. For example, it’s a big red sports car, or it’s a long black vintage dress. If we do so, then we must follow a fixed order. The “order of adjectives” is very long, but as we don’t often use all the types of adjectives to describe one thing, here, we’ll look at some of the most frequently used ones. For example, I’ve bought a long, new, turquoise, Italian, silk dress.
The order of adjectives used here, is
SIZE + AGE+COLOUR+ORIGIN+MATERIAL+ the noun.
Listen to these examples:

Man: I bought a plain white cotton T-shirt.
Man: I need a new black linen suit.
Man: I love collecting old British cars.
Man: I’m going to buy my wife some new French perfume.
Woman: The word order of adjectives of quality changes though if we use verbs such as “be”, “become”, “get” & “seem”. If we use one of these verbs then the structure is verb + adjective. For example, “she is happy,” “he is becoming famous,” “he always gets lucky,” and “she seems to be a nice girl.”
Listen to this short conversation:

Man: What do you think? Shall we hire her?
Woman: Well she seems to be a nice girl and she is very professional.
Man: Well perhaps we should call her, before someone else gets lucky and snaps her up. Give her a ring and invite her to come in this week.

Woman: As I mentioned earlier adjectives are used to describe nouns, i.e. she’s a beautiful woman, and we usually use “adverbs” to describe verbs, or to say how an action is done, (the structure is verb + adverb) i.e. she dresses beautifully. But don’t get confused when you use the verbs of the senses, i.e. feel, look, smell, sound and taste, to describe the subject of the verb, as adjectives can also come after these verbs. For example, “That suit looks fantastic.” In this example the structure is verb + adjective as we are describing the dress. But, “he looked carefully around the room. ”In this example it is verb + adverb, as we are talking about how somebody does an action.
Now listen to this example:

Man: Why are you looking at me so suspiciously?
Woman: Because you look strange. Where have you been?
Man: I felt ill, so I went to the doctors and there was a long queue.
Woman: Mmm. I smell a rat.

Woman: “Clothes are the decorations of our personalities that we use to cover our body to face the world.” Or so it is said, what kind of clothes do you like?
Now let’s listen to some adjectives and their different word orders in the following conversation between 2 people sorting out their wardrobes and storage boxes because they are moving house.

Woman: I can’t believe how many boxes of unused clothes we’ve got.
Man: Well, most of them are yours my dear, you never throw anything out.
Woman: That’s not fair. Every year I take the clothes I know I don’t need or I’m never going to wear again to charity shops. I only keep a few classical ones, and those with special memories.
Man: I can see that, by your labelling on the boxes, spring 1976, winter 1984, summer 1999. You are going to have to throw some away, our new house is a lot smaller, and we don’t have space for all this junk.
Woman: I know.....! But, you can talk, you’ve kept some ridiculous clothes, just look at those old yellow and red striped trousers. What on earth possessed you to buy those?
Man: How dare you? They’re vintage Versace. I used to get a lot of female attention when I wore these.
Woman: Mmm, I bet you looked like Rupert Bear.
Man: Trust me, I looked good. In fact I’ll try them on just to show you.
Woman: OK, I’m impressed. You look fantastic, you can keep them.
Man: Oh now that looks nice, when did you buy that dress?
Woman: Nice? It’s divine. I actually bought it in a little boutique in the Latin quarter of Paris, in the early 90’s. Shall I try it on?
Man: Go ahead.
Woman: Can you fasten the button at the back?
Man: (whistle) Very elegant, I can’t imagine what you looked like in Paris? Who’s the designer?
Woman: Aaah, now that’s a secret, it was a very little shop, owned by somebody who enjoyed playing with material, and there’s no way I’m throwing this dress away.
Man: Alright then, but, let’s stop playing at dressing up and get serious, or we are never going to move house.

Woman: Now listen to a quote from The Godfather:
“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
Woman: This quote is used in the modern day business world, especially if you want to encourage somebody to accept a job or a business offer.
Man: Have you finished the contract for the new business manager?
Woman: Yes, here it is, I think you’ll find it’s an offer he can’t refuse! It has everything he requested, and a slightly better bonus scheme.
Man: Excellent, let’s hope he accepts it.

Woman: The next quote is from Austin Powers:
“This sort of thing ain’t my bag baby.”
Woman: This sort of thing, means this type of thing. “Ain’t” is a slang version of “isn’t” which is often heard in songs for rhythm. “ain’t my bag,” is a ‘60’s version of saying something isn’t my scene or I don’t like it.
Man: Ain’t it great here?
Woman: Well it’s very busy, but this sort of place ain’t really my scene.

Woman: The following quote is from Mission Impossible:
“Heh, I’m the flavour of the month.”
Woman: Flavour, literally means taste. For example, there are many different flavours of ice cream. “Flavour of the month”, means to be popular at a particular moment.
Man: Mmm, another party invitation.
Woman: I know, I’m flavour of the month at the moment, I don’t know what I’ve done.
Man: Maybe it’s because you give people such lovely presents.
Woman: That’s not nice, maybe people actually enjoy my company.

Woman: Now listen to an unforgettable quote from Pride and Prejudice:
“Shall we not call quits and start again.”
Woman: In modern English we would say “shall we call it quits” and it means to end an argument, a dispute, a relationship or even to finish a business deal. When it is followed by “and start again” it means to start from the beginning, and forget the past.
Man: I’m tired of this constant arguing; can’t we call it quits and start again?
Woman: You always say that, and we never sort out the past and remain with the same problems.
Man: Can’t you forget the past?
Woman: No.
Man: Well, shall we call it quits then?
Woman: No,
Man: Well can we stop this and start again?
Woman: Okay. But……………

Woman: If you wish you can hear this lesson again. In the meantime we hope we have helped you to be more confident with your English. Watch out for the next topic. Thank you for using the EnglishBlog.

Man: Coco also said, “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.”
Woman: This seems to be quite an ironic statement from Coco. Maybe she was hinting at her dislike for the ongoing fashion for women to wear trousers, especially in the working world, to disguise their femininity so as to be taken serious in the worlds of work, previously dominated by men.
Who knows? But, at every fashion show, whoever the designer is, the models always strike out in the most beautiful dresses ever created.
For example:
Man: I love that dress you’re wearing, you look so different out of work.
Woman: Now, should I take that as a compliment or sarcasm.
Man: Can’t a man give a woman an innocent compliment these days, without offending her?
Woman: I’m not a woman, I’m a lady – especially when I’m dressed up like this.
Man: Excuse me, what’s the difference?
Woman: Look it up in a dictionary. I’m joking. It’s just a polite way of saying woman.

Man: Yves Saint Laurent stated that “Fashion fades, style is eternal.”
Woman: We have already looked at how fashion is a style of dressing that is the most popular at a particular time. But style in this quote means the way of dressing in a way that other people admire.
In fact “Italian Style” is commented on all over the world, as they are famous for being so well dressed. But, many people have said that “Italians do it better.” – and I assume that this is referring to their sense of dress and style
Now listen to a short conversation:
Man: Wow! You look gorgeous! I love your style, that green silk scarf goes so well with your outfit. How do you manage to look so stylish every day?
Woman: Me? You’re joking. I just threw this on. You should meet my boss, I’ve never seen her wear the same outfit twice. She has everything matching from her jewellery to the nail varnish on her toes. I tell you, she’s a classy lady who has true style.

Man: Yves also said, “I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, and simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”
Woman: “I wish I had + past participle,” means I’m sorry I didn’t do something in the past. In this quote Yves is regretting he didn’t think of the idea to design jeans. Jeans are eternally in fashion, and can be dressed up or down. These are phrasal verbs, “dress up” means in this sense to make something look more elegant or formal, and “dress down” means to make something look more casual. The current fashion of jeans seems to be for English slogans such as “rich” to be printed on the bum.
Listen to this short conversation:
Man: Are you ready yet?
Woman: Yes, let me just find my blazer.
Man: But, you’re still in your jeans.
Woman: We’re doing business with Americans today, and it’s perfectly acceptable business attire to wear jeans and a jacket, and I feel comfortable in them.
Man: Whatever you say dear.

Woman: What’s on at the cinema?
Man: We use the question “What’s on?” to ask what programmes are on TV, or films at a cinema. Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: I’m bored, is there anything good on at the cinema tonight?
Man: I don’t know. Let’s get the newspaper and see what’s on.
Woman: Which types of films do you like?
Man: This is what you ask to find out what a person’s preferences are. In this example for films. Now listen:
Woman: Which types of films do you like?
Man: I love every type of film, I love going to the cinema. In fact I try to watch every film that is released.

Woman: What about going to see Scary movie 5?
Man: To make a suggestion you can use the phrase “what about + ing or noun.” Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: What do you want to do tonight?
Man: What about a DVD?
Woman: No, if I’m seeing a film, I’d rather go to the cinema.
Man: Well, what about going for a pizza then checking what’s on at the Odeon?
Woman: Sounds good.
Woman: I’m sorry, I’m busy.
Man: This is what you say if you are unable to accept an invitation – or a polite refusal, if you don’t want to go somewhere. For example:
Man: What about going to the cinema tonight?
Woman: I’m sorry, I’m busy. I’ve got an exam tomorrow and I need to study.

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between two people choosing which film to go and see.

Woman: What’s on tonight?
Man: Well it’s Friday so all the new fims have come out. Which types of movies do you like?
Woman: I like comedies and true stories. What about you?
Man: I prefer horror and science fiction.
Woman: Oh no, I’m not going to watch a horror movie on the big screen, I’ll not be able to sleep tonight.
Man: What about seeing an action movie? They’re exciting.
Woman: Mmm, it depends, most of the action movies from Hollywood seem to be all the same these days, a car chase, men running around with guns or doing martial arts.
Man: OK, let’s forget an action movie, but, I don’t want to see a soppy love story.
Woman: Oh look they’re showing “Witness”, that’s supposed to be based on a true story, and there’ll be some action for you too. Do you think it has a happy ending?
Man: I don’t know, but let’s get the tickets and find out, before you change your mind again.
Woman: Ok then.

Woman: If you wish you can hear this lesson again. In the meantime we hope we have helped you to be more confident with your English. Watch out for the next topic. Thank you for using the EnglishBlog.

Woman: Hogmanay
Man: Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New year’s Eve, the 31st of December, and the celebrations that take place then.
Listen to this short conversation:
Man: Wow, it’s incredible here in Edinburgh.
Woman: Well it’s certainly very well organised, I’ve never seen so many people in one place for New Year’s Eve.
Man: You mean Hogmanay my dear, that’s what the Scots call it anyway.
Woman: OK, Hogmanay, but why is it called that.
Man: Nobody knows the exact origin of the word for sure, but, Hogmanay's roots reach back to the pagan practice of sun and fire worship in the deep mid-Winter.

Woman: Revellers
Man: This is another word for “party-goers”, and it simply means people enjoying themselves, at a party or a festival.
For example
Woman: Look at those revellers over there, I’ve got to admit, the Scots really know how to party.
Man: Let’s have another drink and join in.
Woman: “Ticketed festival”
Man: A ticketed festival or party, means you will not be allowed to enter, unless you have a ticket. Tickets can be free from an organisation, or you have to buy them in advance.
For example:
Woman: Look at how many people are here, I thought it was a ticketed party.
Man: It is, but, I think they sold about 500 tickets. Err where are our tickets by the way?
Woman: Good question. Let me check my bag……don’t worry, I didn’t forget them, here they are.

Woman: “A crescendo.”
Man: A crescendo is a noise or piece of music that gets louder and louder.
For example:
Woman: This group is really good. Look everybody’s going crazy.
Man: Well it’s nearly midnight, so it’s reaching a crescendo, before the fireworks start.

Woman: Now let’s listen to some information about Hogmanay, adapted from wikipedia.com
What is Hogmanay?
Hogmanay is the name for the party celebrated on the 31st of December in Scotland. In fact New Years’ Eve in Edinburgh, is the biggest party in the world.
However, if you want to enter the city for the party, you need a ticket, and if you want to book a hotel for this event, you may have to book a year or more before.
Hogmanay is celebrated on New Year's Eve, every year. Usually in a most exuberant fashion in Scotland as hundreds of thousands of revellers take to the streets to see in the New Year. In the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh it has become a huge ticketed festival.
Celebrations start in the early evening and reach a crescendo by midnight. Minutes before the start of new year, a lone piper plays, then the bells of Big Ben chime at the turn of midnight, lots of kissing, and everyone sings Auld Lang Syne. And then there is more kissing. Elsewhere in Scotland, particularly in more remote parts, customary first footing and Scottish dances, or ceilidhs (pronounced "kayli"), take place. For centuries, fire ceremonies, torch light processions, fireball swinging and lighting of New Year fires, played an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. And they still do.
Adapted from wikipedia.com.

Woman: Merry Christmas
Man: Merry, means happy, but it is more traditional to say Merry Christmas, rather, than Happy Christmas.
For example:
Woman: Merry Christmas!
Man: Merry Christmas!

Woman: Happy New Year
Man: Happy means giving or causing pleasure. N.B. the Brits always say Happy New year, not Merry, especially on the 31st of December.
Woman: It’s nearly time………….!
Man: …Happy New year!!!!
Woman: Happy New Year!!!

Woman: Happy Holidays
Man: In America due to its multi-cultural society, “Happy Holidays” is used in many states, to be politically correct during the Christian festive season.
For example:
Woman: Happy Holidays everybody, please take your Christmas bonus from the table over there.
Man: Yippee! It’s 5pm. Time to go home and party. Happy Holidays!

Woman: Now you will listen to a conversation between 2 people enjoying the magic of Christmas in London.

Woman: Oh look at all the decorations on Regent Street, they are so beautiful.
Man: Well we’ve got just over 1 hour before the office party starts, so do you want to go to Piccadilly Circus, or Convent Garden?
Woman: Both! Let’s go on foot, that way we can see all the carol singers, and Convent Garden is so beautiful at Christmas time.
Man: It’s beautiful all year round. Merry Christmas by the way.
Woman: Merry Christmas to you too, and a Happy New Year!!!
Man: Well I hope 2007, is a lot jollier than 2006, what a year!?
Woman: Don’t think about it, it’s time to forget all your problems.
Man: I guess you’re right.
Woman: Look, everybody’s singing over there, let’s join in…
Man: Errr, ok. “We wish you a merry Christmas…
Woman: and a Happy New Year.