say

I used this one-word expression in the lesson yesterday. If you didn't notice, just scroll down and have a quick read. Using say to mean "for example" might be strange at first, but as you become conscious of it, you'll notice that it's quite common especially in less formal speech or writing. It's also the short version of "Let's say" (Let us say), which basically means "consider this" or "think of this as an example."

like this:

So, say you're at a party, and say you walk in wearing a suit and tie while everyone else is wearing T-shirts and jeans. What would you do? Some people would feel embarassed and head right back out hoping no one saw them walk in, especially if they hardly know anyone at the party. But the more extroverted ones will usually not let their out-of-place clothing deter them from socializing and having fun. However, say it's the weekend and you have no good excuse for wearing a suit and tie to the party. What would you do? Well, I guess for me it would depend on who's at the party and whether I feel I could take off my jacket and be somewhat comfortable.

head right back out - go back out of the room

extroverted - sociable, outgoing

out-of-place - different from what's common at the moment

deter - prevent; stop

somewhat - kind of; sort of

So that's an example of how we use the word say to present an example or something to think about. So go ahead. Try it. Say right now.

Good luck!

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up for it

When you're up for it, you feel like doing it or having it. "It" can be any activity or thing: going to dinner, a movie, bar hopping, camping, whatever. When you want to do something, say swimming in the river, and you'd like your friend to join you, you can ask, "Are you up for it?" Your friend can then say, "Sure. I'm up for it. Let's go."

You can substitute "it" for its antecedent. So you can say, "Are you up for a movie tonight?" or "I don't think I'll ever be up for bungee jumping." or "I'm up for some pizza. What about you?" This is a common expression that can be used in just about any situation.

like this:

A: Are you up for a game of chess?

B: I've never learned how to play chess.

A: Common, I'll teach you. It's easy. Besides, it'll help kill time while we wait for Ben.

B: Alright, let's do it. I think I'm up for learning a new game. How long is Ben's exam, anyway?

A: It should only take about an hour, but he may take a little longer. He said he hadn't studied.

B: I thought he had time to study last night.

A: He did, but he just wasn't up for it. I think he's just tired of school.

B: Well, I hope he does well.

say - for example

antecedent - the word or phrase that a pronoun refers to

bungee jumping - an adventure sport where you jump off a high point with a stretchable rope tied around your ankles

just about - almost

kill time - let time pass (see the June 15 blog)

Alright folks, I hope you're up for practicing English today. Just speak as much as you can.

Have fun!

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Way cool!

The slang word that I want you to learn today is way. When you use way like this, it means "a lot more" or "very much", and it's often used with either a comparative adjective or the word "too" plus a simple adjective. When you're making comparisons, for example, a person can be way taller than you, or way more intelligent, or way funnier. When you're at the store, you may decide not to buy a pair of jeans because they're way too expensive, or way too tight, or way too short.

Keep in mind that we usually don't use way with just the simple adjective. So you really can't say "way delicious" or "way far", but you can say "way more delicious than" or "way too far". The one exception that I can think of is with the slang word "cool." You can say "way cool," which means "really awesome" or "wonderful" and is a slang expression in itself. Of course, you can also say "way too cool" or "way cooler than". Confused? Let's practice.

like this:

A: I don't like this show. The one we saw yesterday was way better than this one.

B: I agree, but it was way too long. I was getting bored toward the end.

A: I know, but I'd rather watch that one again than sit through this one.

B: You know what? You're way too picky. Just relax it's almost over.

A: Do you want to grab something to eat later?

B: Actually, I'm still way too full from lunch. But I'm sure I'll be hungry again in a couple of hours.

A: Alright. Let's walk around after the show and try that new Chinese place on Broadway.

B: It looks way too expensive.

A: It's not. I ate there last week. It's way cheaper than the place you like on Fifth Avenue.

B: Alright then, let's go after the show. Now, sit still. The show's not over yet.

You probably know that a lot of slang often start among certain groups or communities-- teenagers, surfers, valley girls in California, etc.--and eventually spread and become common everywhere. This is the case with this expression; we think it began with surfer dudes, then young people in general and eventually pretty much everywhere and everyone, perhaps because the surfer dudes and the young people who started it eventually grew up and took their slang with them everywhere. ... and of course, tv and movies also help spread a lot of slang nationwide and eventually worldwide.

picky - choosy, finicky

dudes - guys (slang)

Alright, I hope you try to use way with your adjectives. Ask your friends and your teachers if you're using it correctly, and use it as much as you can.

Enjoy the weekend.

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