Heartland English School – Word of the Day

Theme: Nouns that have become verbs

Word: party

Noun meaning: an informal get together or a formal event to which people are invited  

Verb meaning: to enjoy a party

Noun examples: She had a big party for her fifteenth birthday. We had an impromptu party last Saturday night.

Verb examples: We partied till dawn. You’ve got to fight for your right to party!

Theme: Nouns that have become verbs

Word: brick

Noun meaning: a small rectangular clay block which is used in building

Verb meaning: to make a piece of electronic tech, such as a phone or tablet, useless

Noun examples: Gigantic buildings in the ancient city of Ur were made of bricks. Lots of limestone bricks are used in construction of buildings in Winnipeg nowadays.

Verb examples: I installed the new OS, but it bricked my phone, and I can’t use it anymore. That stupid software bricked my tablet.

Theme: Nouns that have become verbs

Word: storm

Noun meaning: an atmospheric disturbance with strong winds and rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.

Verb meaning: to walk angrily

Noun examples: In summer, we usually get a few thunderstorms. Storms can by scary.

Verb examples: She stormed into the room, yelling, “Where’s the dog?” Then she stormed out of the room.

Theme: Nouns that have become verbs

Word: pen

Noun meaning: a writing instrument that uses ink

Verb meaning: to write something

Noun examples: I need a new pen. Maybe I’ll get a fountain pen.

Verb examples: J.K. Rowling penned the Harry Potter books, among others. He penned a letter to his mother.

Theme: Nouns that have become verbs

Word: elbow

Noun meaning: the joint in the middle of the arm which allows the arm to bend

Verb meaning: to hit another person with the elbow

Noun examples: She put her elbow on the cushion to be more comfortable on the chesterfield. Some people say it’s not polite to put your elbows on the table while eating.

Verb examples: The hockey player elbowed her opponent to push her out of the way. After telling a joke, he elbowed his friend to see if he got it.

Theme:  Popular Adverb + Adjective Combinations

Expression:  happily married*

Function:  like an adjective

Meaning:  married and happy because of it

Example:  They’re a happily married couple.

* married is a participial adjective

Theme:  Popular Adverb + Adjective Combinations

Expression:  absolutely positive

Function:  like an adjective

Meaning:  very sure

Example:  I’m absolutely positive I left my keys on this table, but now they’re not here.

Expression:  well done* (well-done)

Function:  like an adjective

Meaning:  1.  performed in a good way  2.  cooked completely

Examples:

1.  Good job!  Your presentation was well done.

2.  I don’t want rare steak– I want it well-done.

* done is a participial adjective

Theme:  Common adverb + adjective combinations

Expression:  really nice

Meaning:  very friendly or very appealing

Function:  like an adjective, used to modify a noun

Examples:  The staff at Heartland are all really nice.

That’s a really nice car!

Theme: Vague Time Expressions

Expression: every hour or so, every minute or so, every few seconds or so, etc.

Meaning: happening at intervals of an hour, minute, a few seconds, etc., but not exactly regularly

Examples:            She takes a sip of her drink every few minutes or so.

                              The police patrol our neighbourhood every hour or so.

                              We get mail in our mailbox every couple of days or so.

Related Expressions: every hour, more or less; about once each minute