Understanding Grammar: New Year’s Resolutions
Introduction
Jack: Hello my name’s Jack
Rich: and I’m Rich and welcome to this week’s Premier Skills English podcast
Jack: Where we talk about football and help you with your English.
Rich: We recommend that you listen to this podcast on the Premier Skills English website because that is where we have the transcript, language examples, activities, quizzes and a discussion page to help you understand everything we talk about.
Jack: However, if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, you can leave answers to our questions in the review section. We do read all the reviews and would love to hear from you.
Rich: Remember that we are looking for people to interview in our podcasts.
Rich: Don’t forget that we have our football English podcast called This Week that you can listen to at the start of every week. This week’s episode is all about the festive fixtures in the Premier League. There have been loads of Premier League matches over the holidays
Jack: Some of the football words and phrases we look at include to be in charge, to be in the hot seat and to lose ground.
Rich: It’s on the Premier Skills English homepage, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and lots of other places right now!
Jack: In this week’s podcast, we’re going to talk about the language of New Year’s resolutions.
Rich: Of course, it’s 2020. Happy New Year, Jack!
Jack: Happy New Year, Rich and Happy New Year to all our listeners. We hope 2020 is a great year for all of you.
Rich: New Year’s Resolutions. Many people make resolutions at the start of a new year. Resolutions are made on the first of January.
Jack: Resolutions are decisions to do something or not do something. It is often because people want to change something about their behaviour or actions.
Rich: Some common New Year’s resolutions are to do more exercise, to quit smoking or to learn a new language. I’m not sure what I’ll do in 2020 I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French. What about you, Jack?
Jack: I know what I’m going to do and I’ll tell you later. In this week’s podcast, we’re going to talk about New Year’s resolutions and the language you need to tell people about them.
Rich: We’re going to focus on the grammar you need to talk about resolutions.
Jack: And your task this week will be to tell us about a New Year’s Resolution you have made.
Rich: Before all that though, we need to look at last week’s football phrase.
Last week’s Football Phrase
Rich: If you didn’t hear our football phrase last week we’re going to give you one more chance to guess now. We’ll give you the correct answer at the end of the show when we give you a new football phrase.
Jack: Well done if you got it right last week and congratulations to those of you who wrote the correct answer on the Premier Skills English website.
Rich: Alex from Ukraine was the first to get the phrase right last week. Well done, Alex. And well done to Luibomyr from Ukraine, Lakerwang from China, Kwesimanifest from Ghana, Idzingirai from Zimbabwe, Rafael Robson from Brazil and Elghoul from Algeria who also got the right answer.
Jack: Remember you can also write your answers in the review section on Apple Podcasts if that’s where you listen to us.
Rich: Let’s hear last week’s phrase one more time. Do you know what the phrase is?
Jack: The football phrase is * ******** *******. The first word is the festival we spoke about in last week’s podcast and the second word is something we spoke about in the countdown. It’s the tube that is pulled open at the dinner table by people in the UK on Christmas Day. This word can also be used to describe something that is very good like a goal or a match. So, at this time of year, a match that finishes 4-3 or something like that can be described as * ********* *******.
Rich: We’ll give you the answer at the end of the show and we’ll have a new football phrase for you to guess.
Introduction to Roleplay
Jack: In this week’s roleplay, you are going to hear us talking about our New Year’s resolutions. Remember, a New Year’s resolution is a decision that is made on the first of January to do something or not do something.
Rich: While you are listening, we have a couple of questions for you to answer.
Jack: The questions are: What is Rich’s New Year’s resolution and What is my New Year’s resolution?
Roleplay
Rich: It’s 2020! A new year, a new decade. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?
Jack: I’m going to be healthier, cleverer, richer, funnier ...
Rich: But have you made any New Year’s resolutions?
Jack: Well, as it happens, I have.
Rich: Go on ...
Jack: Have you heard of all these environmental groups and all the climate issues in the news?
Rich: Yes. I have. Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thunberg ...
Jack: Well, I’ve been inspired to do more. I’ve decided to be more environmentally friendly.
Rich: But what are you going to do exactly? Start growing your own vegetables?
Jack: There’s nothing wrong with that, but ... no. I’ve actually made a list.
Rich: A list. Wow. You’re serious about this.
Jack: Yes - I am. There are loads of things you can do personally. I’ve made three resolutions. Would you like to hear them?
Rich: Go on then, what’s number 3.
Jack: At number three: I’m going to reduce the energy I use at home.
Rich: You’re going to sit in the dark in the cold.
Jack: Not quite, Rich. I’m going to work harder to turn off lights and to turn off my computer when I’m not working.
Rich: OK - that’s a good idea.
Jack: There are lots of other little things. For example, I’m not going to overfill the kettle when I’m making tea.
Rich: That’ll save you money as well. What else?
Jack: Well, the hardest one will be to try to use the car less.
Rich: But you work from home - that should be easy.
Jack: I know, but I’ll walk with the kids to school and try to use my bike more.
Rich: Even when it’s raining?
Jack: Well...
Rich: Alright. What’s next on your list?
Jack: At number two: I’m going to use less plastic.
Rich: That’s a good idea.
Jack: We need to use less plastic. Things like plastic straws - I will never buy or use them again.
Rich: I agree. I say no to straws. I can use my mouth to drink. I’m a grown-up.
Jack: There are loads of other ways to use less plastic, too. I’m going to take a bag to the shops then I won’t need to use plastic bags.
Rich: Also, if you only take one bag, you won’t buy too much. It will save you money.
Jack: You can think of the environment as well as your pocket, Rich! And, I’m going to have a cup in my bag, too.
Rich: Erm... OK. What’s the cup for?
Jack: You know, a coffee cup. For when I buy a coffee in town. I don’t need a plastic coffee cup.
Rich: Oh! Yes! I do that already. I get 20p off my triple, venti, half sweet, non-fat, caramel macchiato because I bring my own cup.
Jack: I’m also going to avoid over-packaged items. You know, single servings and small packs.
Rich: I always buy in bulk.
Jack: That’s the idea. It’s always better for the environment.
Rich: It’s always cheaper!
Jack: It seems that you do a lot of this stuff already.
Rich: What’s number one on your list?
Jack: At number one on my list is eating less meat.
Rich: Eating less meat? Why?
Jack: Because meat, especially meat like beef and lamb has an enormous impact on the environment.
Rich: Have you seen how much lamb costs? I can’t remember the last time I had lamb.
Jack: We’re having meat-free days at least twice a week in our house. Did you know that beef and lamb produces half of all carbon dioxide emissions that come from farms?
Rich: We have meat-free days in our house. We could have more. You should see the impact it has on my bank account. Vegetables are much cheaper than meat.
Jack: And it will have a big impact on our planet, too. Having meat-free days or becoming vegetarian is a brilliant way to reduce your carbon footprint but just changing the meat you eat can do that, too.
Rich: OK, so what are you going to do again to be more environmentally friendly?
Jack: I’m going to reduce the energy I use at home.
Rich: A 25% reduction that’s gotta be worth about £25 a month.
Jack: I’m going to use less plastic.
Rich: Using my own coffee cup. That’s 20p off... two coffees a day ... five days a week, that’s £8 a month.
Jack: I’m going to eat less beef and lamb.
Rich: Meat-free Tuesdays and Thursdays. Swap a kilo of lamb for a kilo of veg. That’ll save me £50 a month.
Jack: So, that’s my New Year’s resolution. What’s yours Rich?
Rich: To save money.
Language Focus
Jack: Did you get the answers to our questions about the roleplay? We asked you what our New Year’s resolutions are.
Rich: Well, Jack’s New Year’s resolution is to be more environmentally-friendly and mine is to save money by copying Jack’s New Year’s resolution!
Jack: In the roleplay, we were speaking about plans for 2020 and the future.
Rich: The most common form we use to talk about resolutions is ‘going to’. We use ‘going to’ to talk about intentions - things you would like or plan to do in the future.
Jack: We used going to a lot in the roleplay. I said I’m going to reduce the energy I use, I’m going to use less plastic and I’m going to eat less meat.
Rich: When we are speaking we sometimes say ‘gonna’ instead of ‘going to’. This is quite informal. Listen to these examples and repeat:
Jack: I’m going to use less plastic. I’m gonna use less plastic. I’m going to eat less meat. I’m gonna eat less meat.
Rich: We use ‘going to’ when we are quite confident about a plan. We believe it will happen.
Jack: If we are a little less confident, we might use ‘I think I’ll’ … or ‘maybe I’ll’. Listen to what Rich said at the beginning of the podcast:
Rich: I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French.
Jack: Rich isn’t confident here. I’m sure if I ask him a few questions in French this time next year he won’t have learned anything.
Rich: Did you notice that I didn’t say ‘I will’ in these sentences I said ‘I’ll’. This is a tricky bit of pronunciation. Have a listen again and try to repeat: I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French.
Jack: We can also use ‘will’ when we are very confident that we are going to something in the future. You can stress the word will in a sentence. Have a listen to this. I will use less plastic. I will eat less meat.
Rich: It’s not very common to speak like this in normal conversation. It’s a bit more like how politicians might talk when giving a speech to potential voters.
Jack: So, it’s probably best to use ‘going to’ when speaking about New Year’s resolutions as they should be things that you are confident about doing.
Task
Rich: This week’s task is to tell us about a New Year’s resolution.
Jack: Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Are any of your resolutions connected to the environment? What do you think of my New Year’s resolutions? Do you think you could do them too?
Rich: Maybe your New Year’s resolutions are connected to different topics. Maybe they are connected to health and fitness or your career or studies or maybe to family, travel or money.
Jack: Let us know what you think about New Year’s resolutions and your New Year’s resolutions at the bottom of the page on the Premier Skills English website.
Football Phrase
Jack: OK, it’s time for this week’s football phrase. It’s your turn this week, Rich.
Rich: This week’s football phrase is the ******* ******** ******. The New Year is a busy time for football clubs because on the first day of the year the ******* ******** ****** opens. This gives a chance to clubs to buy and sell players. They have to be quick though because the ******* ******** ****** is only open for a month.
Jack: We should get quite a few right answers for this one. Before we leave you we need to tell you last week’s football phrase. The answer was a bargain buy.
Rich: Right, that’s all we have time for this week! Don’t forget to write your answers to our questions and make a guess at our football phrase in the comments below. If you get it right, we’ll announce your name on next week’s show.
Jack: If you have any questions or comments or suggestions for the podcast or anything football or English related, you can leave them on the website in the comments section, on social media - on facebook or twitter, on apple podcasts or you can email us at
premierskills@britishcouncil.org.
Rich: Remember you can also email us if you want to practise your English skills and answer a few questions for a future podcast. That email address again is:
premierskills@britishcouncil.org
Jack: Bye for now, enjoy your football and happy New Year!
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Comments
05/01/2021
points
Hello dears. My resolution for this new year are:
I’m going to try to practice more my learning English and try to practice it with the podcast of premier skill English.
I will to try do work out because is necessary for stay in good health.
I’m going to practice my skill at English like speaking, reading and pronunciation to try to lift my level.
Anyway, my best wishes for all the partners here.
05/01/2021 01:33
Manchester United
50
Hello dears. My resolution for this new year are:
I’m going to try to practice more my learning English and try to practice it with the podcast of premier skill English.
I will to try do work out because is necessary for stay in good health.
I’m going to practice my skill at English like speaking, reading and pronunciation to try to lift my level.
Anyway, my best wishes for all the partners here.
05/01/2021
points
Great resolutions, Jmanuel! I look forward to reading your comments on Premier Skills English!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
05/01/2021 10:09
Liverpool
594
Great resolutions, Jmanuel! I look forward to reading your comments on Premier Skills English!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
04/01/2021
points
This year I'm not going to make any jokes, last year I said that my New Year's resolution was to sleep more and with the isolation due to the pandemic I have already slept too much.
Last year I have become a vegetarian and I feel healthier.
My New Year's resolutions are to train the same number of hours per week as before the pandemic and do meditation.
Happy New Year!!!
04/01/2021 12:15
Leeds United
5086
This year I'm not going to make any jokes, last year I said that my New Year's resolution was to sleep more and with the isolation due to the pandemic I have already slept too much.
Last year I have become a vegetarian and I feel healthier.
My New Year's resolutions are to train the same number of hours per week as before the pandemic and do meditation.
Happy New Year!!!
05/01/2021
points
Happy New Year, Wsanta! Do you miss steaks now you are vegetarian? Argentina is famous for its beef all over the world!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
05/01/2021 10:14
Liverpool
594
Happy New Year, Wsanta! Do you miss steaks now you are vegetarian? Argentina is famous for its beef all over the world!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
05/01/2021
points
Hi Rich. It was terrible to see that everyone around me ate barbecue and I only ate vegetables at Christmas :). The change started several months ago, after not getting my gout medication due to the pandemic. My body doesn't eliminate the impurities of the meat well. It is something that I inherited from my father's family, Canarian immigrants, could it be that there were no cows in the Canary Islands? Not having pain and not taking medication is a great satisfaction.
Have a great 2021!
05/01/2021 12:37
Leeds United
5086
Hi Rich. It was terrible to see that everyone around me ate barbecue and I only ate vegetables at Christmas :). The change started several months ago, after not getting my gout medication due to the pandemic. My body doesn't eliminate the impurities of the meat well. It is something that I inherited from my father's family, Canarian immigrants, could it be that there were no cows in the Canary Islands? Not having pain and not taking medication is a great satisfaction.
Have a great 2021!
04/01/2021
points
Hi all,
Happy New Year 2021, I wish that COVID-19 will be resolved in this year.
And I am going to use less plastic bag. I am going to use my "eco bag".
My New Year resolution is to reach TOEIC score 600.
# This week’s football phrase is the winter transfer market.
04/01/2021 05:22
Liverpool
76
Hi all,
Happy New Year 2021, I wish that COVID-19 will be resolved in this year.
And I am going to use less plastic bag. I am going to use my "eco bag".
My New Year resolution is to reach TOEIC score 600.
# This week’s football phrase is the winter transfer market.
04/01/2021
points
Hi Yoshichika. It's a great idea. Happy New Year to you too!.
04/01/2021 12:34
Leeds United
5086
Hi Yoshichika. It's a great idea. Happy New Year to you too!.
02/01/2021
points
Hi, Happy New Year 2021.
I feel better with football guesses this new year. My guess is winter transfert window.
Best wishes and I hope every one stay fit and healthy.
02/01/2021 15:15
Manchester City
3988
Hi, Happy New Year 2021.
I feel better with football guesses this new year. My guess is winter transfert window.
Best wishes and I hope every one stay fit and healthy.
04/01/2021
points
Hi Elghoul. Best wishes to you too!.
04/01/2021 12:36
Leeds United
5086
Hi Elghoul. Best wishes to you too!.
02/01/2021
points
Happy New Year 2021 for all my teachers and friends on this amazing website :)
02/01/2021 08:42
Manchester United
6539
Happy New Year 2021 for all my teachers and friends on this amazing website :)
04/01/2021
points
Hi Mobeckham. Thank you and happy new year to you too. Congratulations on the Pennines derby you've won!
04/01/2021 12:24
Leeds United
5086
Hi Mobeckham. Thank you and happy new year to you too. Congratulations on the Pennines derby you've won!
11/01/2021
points
I really appreciate your kind words Wsanta and yeah it was an exciting game.
You guys played well too but there were lots of errors in the defence.
Sorry for the FA cup knockout yesterday. Wish you guys bounce back next week in the Premier League :)
11/01/2021 17:44
Manchester United
6539
I really appreciate your kind words Wsanta and yeah it was an exciting game.
You guys played well too but there were lots of errors in the defence.
Sorry for the FA cup knockout yesterday. Wish you guys bounce back next week in the Premier League :)
02/01/2021
points
One of my recent decisions (not New Year's resolutions, but what prevents me from thinking so :-) ) is to learn Turkish on the level necessary to freely communicate being in Turkey.
02/01/2021 03:11
Liverpool
6578
One of my recent decisions (not New Year's resolutions, but what prevents me from thinking so :-) ) is to learn Turkish on the level necessary to freely communicate being in Turkey.
24/12/2020
points
I’ve made many New Year’s resolutions in order to find out a new way for solution of my problems-:) I don’t have to quit smoking because I’m non-smoker. However I work very stressfully in office like a workaholic. I decided to care about myself as to be more relax, to intensify exercise time. Not to worry about future is my another decision. As it’s said in a song “Let it flow” .
I'll take up a new hobby like to learn cooking. I 'm going to be more friendly to the environment. Not going to use my car as far as it isn't needed to avoid the impact on air-pollution. Never going to use plastic bags , I'm going to have a shopping bag. Less meat or instead of red meat white meat like fish and chicken and more vegetables. I 'm going to reduce energy consumption. Consequently, I’m going to reduce my carbon footprint.
P.S.
I recommend this book to anybody who have made resolutions and want to transform her/his life style. The Power of Habit-Author: Charles Duhigg.
I’m not sure that it’s a good idea becoming vegeterian.
Researchs showed that kettle is an electrical appliance which consume most energy in the kitchen at the home.
24/12/2020 17:23
Tottenham Hotspur
5560
I’ve made many New Year’s resolutions in order to find out a new way for solution of my problems-:) I don’t have to quit smoking because I’m non-smoker. However I work very stressfully in office like a workaholic. I decided to care about myself as to be more relax, to intensify exercise time. Not to worry about future is my another decision. As it’s said in a song “Let it flow” .
I'll take up a new hobby like to learn cooking. I 'm going to be more friendly to the environment. Not going to use my car as far as it isn't needed to avoid the impact on air-pollution. Never going to use plastic bags , I'm going to have a shopping bag. Less meat or instead of red meat white meat like fish and chicken and more vegetables. I 'm going to reduce energy consumption. Consequently, I’m going to reduce my carbon footprint.
P.S.
I recommend this book to anybody who have made resolutions and want to transform her/his life style. The Power of Habit-Author: Charles Duhigg.
I’m not sure that it’s a good idea becoming vegeterian.
Researchs showed that kettle is an electrical appliance which consume most energy in the kitchen at the home.
02/01/2021
points
Hi Hsn, thanks a million for your advice on reading this book. I've just downloaded it from the net. I believe it'll help me develop the habit of everyday learning some Turkish because I'm going to visit the country in the observable future.
02/01/2021 03:21
Liverpool
6578
Hi Hsn, thanks a million for your advice on reading this book. I've just downloaded it from the net. I believe it'll help me develop the habit of everyday learning some Turkish because I'm going to visit the country in the observable future.
11/06/2020
points
This week's football phrase is ( transfer window )
11/06/2020 16:21
Manchester United
6539
This week's football phrase is ( transfer window )
11/06/2020
points
My New Year's resolutions are
1. To learn a new language
2. To use less transport
3. To be more tolerant
My resolutions are connected to my studies , fitness , environment and my personality qualities
11/06/2020 16:10
Manchester United
6539
My New Year's resolutions are
1. To learn a new language
2. To use less transport
3. To be more tolerant
My resolutions are connected to my studies , fitness , environment and my personality qualities
17/01/2020
points
Yes I have a New Year's Resolution, but it is not connected to the enviroment.
My resolution is connected to studies, I am going to improve my English.
17/01/2020 11:56
Liverpool
60
Yes I have a New Year's Resolution, but it is not connected to the enviroment.
My resolution is connected to studies, I am going to improve my English.
13/01/2020
points
My guess for the football phrase "mid-season ******".
13/01/2020 12:25
Leicester City
6
My guess for the football phrase "mid-season ******".
08/01/2020
points
Great podcast again. About my New Year's resolution, I am going to take an official English exam this year, after a long time preparing myself for this task.
My resolution is connected to my studies because I desire to apply to foreign universities, and they require official scores to assess my English level.
My guess for the phrase is "******* ******** ******".
Happy New Year and greetings from Brazil.
08/01/2020 12:26
Tottenham Hotspur
615
Great podcast again. About my New Year's resolution, I am going to take an official English exam this year, after a long time preparing myself for this task.
My resolution is connected to my studies because I desire to apply to foreign universities, and they require official scores to assess my English level.
My guess for the phrase is "******* ******** ******".
Happy New Year and greetings from Brazil.
07/01/2020
points
My only new year's resolution is that I'm going to sleep more :)
07/01/2020 20:05
Leeds United
5086
My only new year's resolution is that I'm going to sleep more :)
08/01/2020
points
Is that because you don't sleep enough or you enjoy sleeping? :)
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020 08:34
Liverpool
594
Is that because you don't sleep enough or you enjoy sleeping? :)
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020
points
Hi Rich, because I don't sleep enough. I wish you and Jack have a great year, full of success. Regards
08/01/2020 11:10
Leeds United
5086
Hi Rich, because I don't sleep enough. I wish you and Jack have a great year, full of success. Regards
07/01/2020
points
My resolutions for this year are improving my English, visiting my relatives regularly, and once again, going jogging in the early morning. What do you think of them?
Regarding my English, I want to take it one step further in many aspects such as vocabulary, grammar, speaking skills, etc. For instance, I want to be able to easily understand, write and talk about everything in this language.
As far as exercise is concerned, it's only going to be a half-an-hour morning jogging 2 or 3 times a week. In theory, it should be easy to fulfil this time around, and yes, it certainly feels that way!
When it comes to visiting relatives, I've decided to dedicate the weekends for them. Every week on Friday or Saturday I have to pay some relatives a visit. This is the most unpredictable part though, as I may get some visitors myself since here in Sudan guests don't usually notify the host in advance.
The new year has just started, and so far, everything has pretty much gone to plan. However, it's too early to say that I'm going stick to these resolutions for all year round. Let's wait and see!
07/01/2020 09:58
Liverpool
2903
My resolutions for this year are improving my English, visiting my relatives regularly, and once again, going jogging in the early morning. What do you think of them?
Regarding my English, I want to take it one step further in many aspects such as vocabulary, grammar, speaking skills, etc. For instance, I want to be able to easily understand, write and talk about everything in this language.
As far as exercise is concerned, it's only going to be a half-an-hour morning jogging 2 or 3 times a week. In theory, it should be easy to fulfil this time around, and yes, it certainly feels that way!
When it comes to visiting relatives, I've decided to dedicate the weekends for them. Every week on Friday or Saturday I have to pay some relatives a visit. This is the most unpredictable part though, as I may get some visitors myself since here in Sudan guests don't usually notify the host in advance.
The new year has just started, and so far, everything has pretty much gone to plan. However, it's too early to say that I'm going stick to these resolutions for all year round. Let's wait and see!
07/01/2020
points
Correct me.
I haven't made many new year's resolutions -- only a handful of them. And I have to say that they weren't connected to the environment in any way. In fact, I only started making new year's resolutions a couple of years ago, unfortunately, all of them ended in frustration.
For example, last year I told myself that I was going to do more exercise including a 30-minute jogging in the morning, a bit of walking in the afternoon as well as pushups and other things in the evening. I was very excited about the idea, and for the first few days, it went quite well.
However, a week later, things started to look a little bit more demanding. As the second week began, I found myself completely shattered between having to stick to the exhausting commitments I'd made or having to get my normal, comfortable and less stressful lifestyle back, and by the end of January, I'd already given up.
When I look back to what'd happened, I realise that I just made it too difficult for myself by setting up a relatively tough challenge. I guess the morning exercise would've been enough.
07/01/2020 08:20
Liverpool
2903
Correct me.
I haven't made many new year's resolutions -- only a handful of them. And I have to say that they weren't connected to the environment in any way. In fact, I only started making new year's resolutions a couple of years ago, unfortunately, all of them ended in frustration.
For example, last year I told myself that I was going to do more exercise including a 30-minute jogging in the morning, a bit of walking in the afternoon as well as pushups and other things in the evening. I was very excited about the idea, and for the first few days, it went quite well.
However, a week later, things started to look a little bit more demanding. As the second week began, I found myself completely shattered between having to stick to the exhausting commitments I'd made or having to get my normal, comfortable and less stressful lifestyle back, and by the end of January, I'd already given up.
When I look back to what'd happened, I realise that I just made it too difficult for myself by setting up a relatively tough challenge. I guess the morning exercise would've been enough.
08/01/2020
points
Good to hear from you, Ahmed Adam.
Your English is excellent so I'm only going to focus on a couple of things:
1. A handful: How many is a handful? It's just that you say that you haven't made many resolutions and then say you've only made a handful. We usually use a handful to describe a small number of things when a larger number is expected. We might say only a handful of people came to the meeting or only a handful of fans turned up for the match.
2. A 30-minute jogging and a bit of walking: You can only use the gerund with one of these phrases. Which one do you think it is?
And, yes, as you say, these sudden changes would be too much for many people!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020 08:33
Liverpool
594
Good to hear from you, Ahmed Adam.
Your English is excellent so I'm only going to focus on a couple of things:
1. A handful: How many is a handful? It's just that you say that you haven't made many resolutions and then say you've only made a handful. We usually use a handful to describe a small number of things when a larger number is expected. We might say only a handful of people came to the meeting or only a handful of fans turned up for the match.
2. A 30-minute jogging and a bit of walking: You can only use the gerund with one of these phrases. Which one do you think it is?
And, yes, as you say, these sudden changes would be too much for many people!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020
points
And you, as well. Hopefully, the Reds are doing really well!
The gerund in this case should be "jogging". So, it's "a 30-min jogging and a bit of walk".
Thank you mister. Grateful for your help.
08/01/2020 10:34
Liverpool
2903
And you, as well. Hopefully, the Reds are doing really well!
The gerund in this case should be "jogging". So, it's "a 30-min jogging and a bit of walk".
Thank you mister. Grateful for your help.
08/01/2020
points
It's the other way around: a 30-minute jog and a bit of walking.
Hope that helps.
08/01/2020 11:51
Liverpool
594
It's the other way around: a 30-minute jog and a bit of walking.
Hope that helps.
09/01/2020
points
Most people say follow your instinct, but this suggestion doesn't seens to work for us -- non-natives!
Of course it helps.
09/01/2020 20:34
Liverpool
2903
Most people say follow your instinct, but this suggestion doesn't seens to work for us -- non-natives!
Of course it helps.
07/01/2020
points
Better late than never. Happy new year to all!
This week's phrase could be: "******* ******** ******"
07/01/2020 06:18
Liverpool
2903
Better late than never. Happy new year to all!
This week's phrase could be: "******* ******** ******"
06/01/2020
points
The football phrase is "******** ******** ******".
06/01/2020 16:11
Chelsea
337
The football phrase is "******** ******** ******".
06/01/2020
points
Great podcast,I like topic you chose for this podcast and I want to wish you a happy new year,you are doing a great job.You are helping me a lot with my English and I just want to thank you.
My toughts about New Year's resolution is that it can be a trick one.I said that because I know many people that in November think they need some change and they wait until the January 1 st.But why wait,when you could star doing right now and add up small changes after New Year.I think that is much better,and help you to achive your goals.You don't need to procrastinate or wait until next year or next day,month.Start small today and keep moving that is my moto.
This week phrase is ******* ******* ******.
06/01/2020 06:53
Manchester United
2663
Great podcast,I like topic you chose for this podcast and I want to wish you a happy new year,you are doing a great job.You are helping me a lot with my English and I just want to thank you.
My toughts about New Year's resolution is that it can be a trick one.I said that because I know many people that in November think they need some change and they wait until the January 1 st.But why wait,when you could star doing right now and add up small changes after New Year.I think that is much better,and help you to achive your goals.You don't need to procrastinate or wait until next year or next day,month.Start small today and keep moving that is my moto.
This week phrase is ******* ******* ******.
08/01/2020
points
Thanks for your positive feedback and continued support, Milos and a happy New Year to you, too!
It's very true what you say about not having to make resolutions on the first of January! That's why I am going to wait until June!! Only joking :)
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020 08:25
Liverpool
594
Thanks for your positive feedback and continued support, Milos and a happy New Year to you, too!
It's very true what you say about not having to make resolutions on the first of January! That's why I am going to wait until June!! Only joking :)
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
06/01/2020
points
Yes,I have made some New Year's resolutions,of which the top 3 are connected to family,study and football.
No.3, keep up regular training to improve my physical and technical level of football.
NO.2,read more books or other impressive materials about my profession and hobbies,including football English.
NO.1, balance work and family life,especially spend more time playing with my children,not just accompanying them with my smartphone in my hand:)
This week's phrase is "******* ******* ******".
06/01/2020 01:33
Manchester United
80
Yes,I have made some New Year's resolutions,of which the top 3 are connected to family,study and football.
No.3, keep up regular training to improve my physical and technical level of football.
NO.2,read more books or other impressive materials about my profession and hobbies,including football English.
NO.1, balance work and family life,especially spend more time playing with my children,not just accompanying them with my smartphone in my hand:)
This week's phrase is "******* ******* ******".
08/01/2020
points
Great resolutions, Fred, focussing on the body, the mind and family. Good to see that football English has made it into your resolutions :) Let us know in a couple of months how each one is going!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020 08:22
Liverpool
594
Great resolutions, Fred, focussing on the body, the mind and family. Good to see that football English has made it into your resolutions :) Let us know in a couple of months how each one is going!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
04/01/2020
points
New Years resolutions are of course good ideas. Just reflecting on resolutions is helping on mastering our lives. It often happens that it is difficult to make them work. I can say that saying " I'm gonna do ...." is easy but when there are efforts needed to achieve some resolution than we give up easily and even forget it all.
I personally committed to make a resolution on no more smoking and achieved it but I sweared that occasionally during summer.
04/01/2020 13:08
Manchester City
3988
New Years resolutions are of course good ideas. Just reflecting on resolutions is helping on mastering our lives. It often happens that it is difficult to make them work. I can say that saying " I'm gonna do ...." is easy but when there are efforts needed to achieve some resolution than we give up easily and even forget it all.
I personally committed to make a resolution on no more smoking and achieved it but I sweared that occasionally during summer.
08/01/2020
points
Yes, Elghoul. Actions definitely speak louder than words!
Happy New Year!
08/01/2020 08:20
Liverpool
594
Yes, Elghoul. Actions definitely speak louder than words!
Happy New Year!
04/01/2020
points
Happy New Year everybody.
Football phrase, '******* ******** ******'
04/01/2020 12:50
Manchester City
3988
Happy New Year everybody.
Football phrase, '******* ******** ******'
04/01/2020
points
Football Phrase
******* ******* ******
04/01/2020 10:06
Chelsea
1749
Football Phrase
******* ******* ******
04/01/2020
points
Task
My New Year's resolutions are going to be to take my English to the next level by polishing up basic grammar and focusing on advanced grammar, improving
on speaking skills and navigating the murky waters of literature.
04/01/2020 10:05
Chelsea
1749
Task
My New Year's resolutions are going to be to take my English to the next level by polishing up basic grammar and focusing on advanced grammar, improving
on speaking skills and navigating the murky waters of literature.
08/01/2020
points
Hi Idzingirai,
As an English teacher, your New Year's resolutions are ones that I'd highly recommend to everyone!
What are you going to read?
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
08/01/2020 08:19
Liverpool
594
Hi Idzingirai,
As an English teacher, your New Year's resolutions are ones that I'd highly recommend to everyone!
What are you going to read?
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
03/01/2020
points
I have three New Year's resolutions. Firstly I would like to be more regular in my exercices at the gym. Last year I downloaded a special app to help me in this, but after a few weeks I put it down :( I hope in the next year I'll be more consistent. My second resolution, like Jack, is to be more environmentally-friendly by save more power in my home. It is not hard and it is really good to our planet. Last resolution: I'm going to guess all Premier skills' football phrases :)
I think that the phrase is: '******* ******* ******'
03/01/2020 15:38
Liverpool
30
I have three New Year's resolutions. Firstly I would like to be more regular in my exercices at the gym. Last year I downloaded a special app to help me in this, but after a few weeks I put it down :( I hope in the next year I'll be more consistent. My second resolution, like Jack, is to be more environmentally-friendly by save more power in my home. It is not hard and it is really good to our planet. Last resolution: I'm going to guess all Premier skills' football phrases :)
I think that the phrase is: '******* ******* ******'
06/01/2020
points
Hi Hubertoo,your New Year's resolution about exercise is great one.Most important thing is to be consistent is better to exercise 15 minutes every day,than one day one hour and skip next couple days.I wish you to make it this year and I know you will.
06/01/2020 07:00
Manchester United
2663
Hi Hubertoo,your New Year's resolution about exercise is great one.Most important thing is to be consistent is better to exercise 15 minutes every day,than one day one hour and skip next couple days.I wish you to make it this year and I know you will.
04/01/2020
points
Hi Hubertoo
Great New Year's resolutions, especially the last one! You're on your way because you are spot on with this week's football phrase!
Happy New Year!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
04/01/2020 13:44
Liverpool
594
Hi Hubertoo
Great New Year's resolutions, especially the last one! You're on your way because you are spot on with this week's football phrase!
Happy New Year!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
04/01/2020
points
Hi Rich,
It's really nice to hear it!
Thanks and have a good week!
04/01/2020 22:02
Liverpool
30
Hi Rich,
It's really nice to hear it!
Thanks and have a good week!
03/01/2020
points
I think that the phrase is '******* ******** ******'
03/01/2020 09:40
Watford
4417
I think that the phrase is '******* ******** ******'
08/01/2020
points
You're the first with the correct answer this week, Liubomyr!
08/01/2020 08:17
Liverpool
594
You're the first with the correct answer this week, Liubomyr!