What makes one word more “real” than another? Are there degrees of “realness” for words?
Totally “real”
“Real” words can be defined in a few different ways. The most obvious and restrictive definition is a word accepted as being “standard,” which means it appears in the dictionary and is recognized as valid by prescriptive grammarians—grammarians who prefer that the written word follow the rules of formal Standard English, the term used to describe the type of English that’s considered to be the norm for educated speakers. (For a good look at prescriptive vs. descriptive grammar, see this excellent entry by 
mendax.) This is the definition that most of us think of when we label a word as being “real.”
Sort of “real”
A second definition, more forgiving than the first, describes words that are recognized by the dictionary but considered nonstandard—words which are accepted through common, frequent usage, especially in dialects, other casual speech, and the less formal types of writing, but which aren’t considered grammatical or proper by a wider audience. Words in this category include irregardless, which is likely a combination of “irrespective” and “regardless”; ain’t; and alright, which is the nonstandard spelling of “all right.” In many cases, the nonstandard word is a portmanteau—a word created by blending the sounds and meanings of two other words. Over time, words like these might become standard by virtue of having been used so often and for so long that they’re accepted by even the most prescriptive of grammarians. Motel (motor + hotel), chortle (chuckle + snort), and smog (smoke + fog) are all portmanteaus that were once considered informal or nonstandard, but which are now accepted as standard. Similarly, trademarks and jargon from certain professions or interests can become mainstream—think jazzercise (jazz + exercise), palimony (pal + alimony), and breathalyzer (breath + analyzer).
Other words considered sort of “real” are contracted versions of longer words, like “mobile” for mobile phone or “cell” for cellular phone. These contractions can also become standard over time, as has happened with “flu” for influenza, “phone” for telephone, and even “TV” for television.
But until words in this category lose their “nonstandard” label in the dictionary, like the examples above, most grammarians would encourage you not to use them except in more casual writing and speech.
Not “real”
A third definition includes slang and words that are just being coined and used by various groups. Most people, grammarians or otherwise, would consider these words to be a level or two below nonstandard and therefore definitely not “real.” However, these words have a certain currency, thanks to their ability to proliferate rapidly via the internet and casual conversation as they’re picked up and used by more and more people. Phat, ginormous, and conversate are just a few examples of words we could consider to be “real” in the sense that they’re understood by those who use them, but they’re not “real” in the sense that they’re neither recognized by a wider audience, nor are they recognized as belonging to Standard English. It wouldn’t be appropriate to use them in an essay for school, in a resume, in an email to a work colleague, or in most other types of written communication, but you might use them in things like emails among friends or very casual blog posts.
Most slang terms and similar words enjoy a brief popularity, falling in and out of fashion very quickly (almost nobody uses “groovy” seriously anymore), so it’s probably a good idea to use them sparingly. Not only might several groups of people not understand what they mean, but they also tend to date the works they’re in. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid modern slang in fandoms set in the past—Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t take a “phat case,” and nobody in Arthur Conan Doyle’s works would describe the Hound of the Baskervilles as “ginormous.” You could always do some research and use some slang from the appropriate period to help your fics feel authentic, but be careful not to go overboard since that could backfire by confusing or annoying your readers.
Even though slang isn’t considered “real” or even “sort of real,” some of it might eventually become mainstream. Many slang terms have made the transition to “real” words over time—jazz is one that immediately comes to mind.
Really not “real”
And then there are words that are really not “real,” like the fantastic nonsense words in Lewis Carroll’s poem “Jabberwocky.” Nearly all of them are portmanteaus. In fact, Carroll’s the one who first began using the word portmanteau in the way it’s being used in this feature—the word originally meant a sort of a large suitcase, but he appropriated it to describe the words he created: slithy is a combination of “slimy” and “lithe,” mimsy comes from “miserable” and “flimsy,” and so on.
Other words that fall into this category are malapropisms, or words used incorrectly, usually in a comical way:
“Shh! Hakkai said we had to aggravate our voices in the library,” said Goku.
“That’s moderate, you stupid monkey,” Gojyo said, rolling his eyes.
The term malapropism comes from the play The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, whose character Mrs. Malaprop loves using big words—even though she uses them incorrectly all the time (such as when she substitutes “allegory” for “alligator” in the famous line, “she’s as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of Nile”). While the words in malapropisms themselves aren’t wrong, the meanings being attributed to them are, so in a sense malapropisms can count as being really not “real.”
General nonsense words or made-up terms would also fall under this definition. Phasers in Star Trek, the vorpal blade in “Jabberwocky,” and naquadah reactors from Stargate: SG1 are just a few examples of clearly made-up words. Words like these would be obviously wrong if used in contexts other than the fandoms to which they belong.
Because they’re really not “real,” nonsense words and malapropisms should be used as features of either a narrative or character voice only.
So is this a “real” word or not?
If you’re not sure, the best way to decide if you’re using a “real” word or not is to look it up in either a dictionary or a usage guide—Dictionary.com is useful because they compile definitions from multiple sources, and they’ll often tell you if a word is used or spelled differently in American versus British English. They also label particular words or definitions as nonstandard or slang where appropriate, so you won’t have to guess. As for usage guides, any decent writing handbook should have a section on the more commonly used idioms, colloquialisms, and nonstandard words and phrases to help you decide whether you’re using a “real” word or not. (For a short list of usage guides and writing handbooks that have been reviewed by members of this community, you can go here.)
Practical application
As always, it’s up to you to decide what tone and flavor you want to give your writing. Nonstandard words are most likely to occur (and more likely to be accepted by readers) in the dialog, which is meant to reflect natural speech patterns, while the narrative portion of many stories is written paying more attention to the rules of Standard English than not—particularly if it’s a neutral third-person narration. A third-person narration that focuses on one particular character’s point of view will probably use at least some of that character’s nonstandard vocabulary. A first-person narration, though, draws entirely from the speech patterns of the character doing the narrating.
For instance, Sha Gojyo of Saiyuki, a gambler with little formal education, would be more likely to use slang and loose, informal grammar in both his speech and thoughts, while Cho Hakkai, a former schoolteacher, would stick to more proper grammar in both his dialog and narrative written from his point of view. So while Gojyo might say,
“Yeah, sorry. It was kind of a spur-of-the moment thing, leaving like that.” Gojyo shrugged, casual-like, to show he wasn’t worried about what Sanzo might say.
Hakkai’s point of view for the same incident would probably be something more like,
“My apologies, but the decision to leave had to be made quickly.” Hakkai raised his shoulder in a casual shrug, showing he wasn’t concerned about what Sanzo might say.
If you’re focusing on what sounds most authentic for your characters and your story, that particular consideration easily trumps any concern over whether you should be using “real” words or not.
Sources:
Dictionary.com
Fowler’s Modern English Usage by R. W. Burchfield
Garner’s Modern American Usage by Bryan A. Garner
“Jabberwocky” on Wikipedia
Rules for Writers, 6th ed. by Diana Hacker
Twentyfive questions appear in the list of questions already asked on this forum that are similar to this question. Of those, 8 titles do not mention the «real word» phrase. The other 17 ask about a specific word, typically using a standard form: «Is X a real word«. Additionally, I’m sure, many questions asked on this forum omit real and simply ask something to the effect of «Is X a word».
How can a question ask if a word is real without using the word as a word?
Detailed answers will be entertained. Explanations and examples of consensual approaches to designating some words as real, and others not, are of most value to me. How and when do, for example, scientific terms, become real terms? Nextmost in value are scales or systems of realness. For example, where do nonsense words, nonce-words, spurious words and neologisms fall on a scale of realness? within some system of realness? The central idea of both values (consensual approaches, and scales or systems) is to take the question beyond the realm of personal opinion as much as possible.
Any answers will be greatly appreciated.
Edit: It has been suggested that this question duplicates a question asking when a word becomes a word. This question differs markedly:
- Temporal considerations («when») are secondary, if relevant at all.
- This question does not use a self-referential definition of ‘word’, unlike the suggested duplicate, which verges on incoherence by asking when a word becomes a word. But we all know what that question is meant to ask…or do we?
- While I’m sincere in saying any answers to my question are appreciated, certainly no answer solely or primarily referencing appearance in a dictionary will be accepted (in the constrained sense of ‘accepted’ used on this forum). No self-respecting dictionary will define ‘word’ in a primary sense as dependent on dictionary inclusion. For example, the primary definition of ‘word, n.’ in the OED is «I. Speech, utterance, verbal expression.» This definition has no direct connection to appearance in one or more dictionaries.
Those specific considerations (and others along the same lines) aside, serious answers to my question would account for my mention of nonsense and nonce-words, et al. For example, the list of spurious words in the OED (compact edition): does the OED define ‘spurious words’ as ‘unreal words’?
It seems to me that on a forum such as this, a working definition of «real word» would be sine qua non, and that self-defeating definitions such as reference to appearance in dictionaries which themselves define ‘word’ as something quite other than ‘an entry in a dictionary or lexicon’ would be rejected outright. Threshold elements in the working definition, on the other hand, might well be unavoidable: for example, «one or more occurrences of an utterance embued with communicative power» or some such gibberish might be construed as constituting part of a desirable answer to the question of what the phrase «real word» means.
Similarly, the assertion that what constitutes a «real word» is arbitrary is a non-answer. We all understand something when we encounter the phrase, and there is more commonality than not in our somewhat various understandings.
asked Aug 23, 2015 at 7:06
JELJEL
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A word can be considered a real word even if it’s not in an established dictionary. Many words that have yet to appear in dictionaries are widely understood, and could be added over time — if their usage continues. Others fall away over time, but during their peak, they would have been just as real as standard dictionary words.
Merriam-Webster’s Help Section has a question on this: If a word is not in the dictionary, does that mean it isn’t a real word? which indicates
One of the most prolific areas of change and variation in English is vocabulary; new words are constantly being coined to name or describe new inventions or innovations, or to better identify aspects of our rapidly changing world. Constraints of time, money, and staff would make it impossible for any dictionary, no matter how large, to capture a fully comprehensive account of all the words in the language. And even if such a leviathan reference was somehow fashioned, the dictionary would be obsolete the instant it was published as speakers and writers continued generating new terms to meet their constantly changing needs.
…
Most general English dictionaries are designed to include only those words that meet certain criteria of usage across wide areas and over extended periods of time. As a result, they may omit words that are still in the process of becoming established, those that are too highly specialized, or those that are so informal that they are rarely documented in professionally edited writing. The words left out are as real as those that gain entry; the former simply haven’t met the criteria for dictionary entry – at least not yet (newer ones may ultimately gain admission to the dictionary’s pages if they gain sufficient use).
answered Sep 4, 2015 at 8:31
RonanRonan
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If it shows up in a dictionary you respect, it’s a real word. Dictionaries add words based on real-world usage. So if enough people use it in print, in multiple placed (e.g. books as well as internet) for a long enough time, it will show up in a dictionary. Of course, each dictionary decides how much «enough» is. For Urban Dictionary, which is crowdsourced, one posting makes it «real». For the official Oxford English Dictionary, which takes years to update, it requires a lot more instances of a new word before it is included. Other dictionaries, including Oxford Dictionaries Online, steer a course somewhere those extremes, adding words fairly quickly. some additions from last year:
http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2014/08/oxford-dictionaries-update-august-2014/
But the «real» answer is that for English, there is no central authority that decides whether a word is «real»—a word is real if, when you use it, people (or at least your peeps) grok it.
Edit: I changed the first word of above answer from «When» to «If».
answered Aug 23, 2015 at 9:01
Brian HitchcockBrian Hitchcock
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What is a word? There can’t be a definite answer, unless one person uses it and another person understands it.
For most of us words are in the dictionary. But in scientific fields there are a lot of words that are in no standard dictionary and every day new scientific terms are invented.
My grandmother used words only she used. I have a lot of individual words or terms I use for language and grammar only for myself because a lot of grammar terms are vague, clumsy, unpractical or lacking. For me those terms are words as house or mouse.
Young children have words only the mother understands. So what is a word?
answered Sep 6, 2015 at 14:33
rogermuerogermue
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To answer your question:
How can a question ask if a word is real without using the word as a word?
I’d ask: Is X expression a real word? Let me explain. My apologies for such a long answer, but I think your question deserves it.
WORDS
An explanation following widely accepted principles
Definitions
- Humans can only describe what comes to be known to them through their senses.
- The data we collect from the real world through experience is stored in our consciousness in
ideas. - To transmit the data stored in an idea we use expressions.
- When the transmission of an idea, i.e. an expression, becomes meaningful to other party different than ourselves, thus allowing them to store a mirrored version of one of our experiences; we call that communication.
- Expressions are susceptible to having more than one interpretation.
- Ideas can always be expressed in more than one way.
Proposition 1
An expression to become a word must describe an item that belongs to the real world. This is evident by definition 1.
Proposition 2
An expression can also become a word if it describes an item not belonging to the real world. By definition 3 we have that an expression is the transmission of an idea. However an idea is not limited to what exists in reality. An idea can be the result of the operation of ideas, which are beyond the scope of this treatise, when at least one operand came from the real world. An example: Minotaurus = Human + Bull.
Proposition 3
The quality of our communication with others is never perfect. This is evident by definition five. The quality of the communication is greater when the amount of incongruencies between the original idea and the mirrored version tends to zero.
Proposition 4
If we take Proposition 3 and definition 6 as truthful, the next is also true. The relationship between idea transmitted and idea received is many to many, thus a new entity needs to be created: meaning.
Proposition 5
The level of an expression depends on the amount of human beings that have access to the reference of the meaning of an expression. If it’s two people, it remains as an expression. If more than two people have access, we might call it a term. If a large amount of people, e.g. a community, have access to it, we call it a word.
answered Sep 9, 2015 at 8:22
2
There are many times words «appear» in language yet is not (yet?) supported by the typical «it appears in a dictionary» defense. I believe the question can only truly be answered in a modern world when coupled with it’s CONTEXT. In addition, when coupled with an agreed upon usage of a given word, a brand new bouncing baby «Boyiee»!!! is born.
Ok, I amuse no one but myself with that but the concept is true if not in any way quantifiable. In this day and age of social media, it is significantly more argument provoking to suggest that any one person can become the one that tips the proverbial scale from «non-word» to officially a «word». 10 years ago that may have been a worthwhile discussion potentially dabbling into what might have been an interesting brain-tickle for the OP but today’s proliferation of communicative method and media surely makes the issue moot. For this post’s sake let’s say that if anyone is heard saying it on Youtube, Reddit or Snapchat it may be credited as a «word.»
In the OP’s own quote: For example, the primary definition of ‘word, n.’ in the OED is «I. Speech, utterance, verbal expression.» opens the door to a vast array of interpretations. Take what was previously little more than a noise meaning «I guess it’s «OK»…would probably fall under the «Utterance» category and has now been reborn as «meh» in written form. Now who is to say that this is not a ‘real word»? It not only conveys meaning but is understood by a number of people to mean a particular thing.
Combine CONTEXT with this idea of COMMON USAGE
So now, I think the OP will be satisfied with what discourse they originally intended to provoke with the «philosophy of language» question. Once context is added to «meh» like a toddler seated alone at a table staring blankly into a plate of tepid broccoli, it is simple minded to argue the validity of the ‘realness’ of the word. Truly, the idea has been communicated and understood on both the sending and receiving side in the context of «picky-eater» and there is little point in further arguing the matter in hopes that Webster will one day catch up.
And that’s all I got to say about that…
answered Aug 23, 2015 at 21:26
8
«A real word», as in the question ‘is X a real word?’, or more simply ‘is X a word’ asks for answers expressing support from a triumvirate of authoritatively determinable conditions:
-
X must be communicative, which is to say that it must be both expressive and susceptible to interpretation. Usage (for a simple example, as evidenced by material showing usage beneath a dictionary or lexicon headword, but extending to other instances in written material, or instances attested by personal, verbal experience) is considered proof of this. ‘Usage’ is here intended in a diachronic sense; that is, if usage at any time, past or present can be evidenced, that is also evidence the word is communicative.
-
X must be conventional, in the sense that it conforms to the linguistic conventions of the language at issue (here English). The proof of this is less satisfying and complete, but generally (for English) the edge cases are clear: a word written in Arabic or Greek characters, for example, or merely transliterated from those languages, is not considered an English word until and unless it has been ‘assimilated’.
-
X must be acceptable, in that it is not deliberately or through ignorance misrepresented as a word. ‘Acceptable’ is here intended in a synchronic sense; that is, X must be currently acceptable to meet the contraints of this test. Acceptability changes over the course of time, and what one day may be considered acceptable as a word, the next day may not, or vice versa. Thus, if a word is no longer acceptable but was once, or the other way around, pointing that change and its engendering circumstances out is highly relevant when answering the question ‘is X a word’. Proof of acceptability is, as with conventionality, more difficult to come by, but can be achieved by citing expert sources that support or deny acceptability and showing how any expert sources that oppose the former must be mistaken.
The 3 conditions are interdependent. Proof of usage is not valid proof that something proposed as a word is a word unless proof of acceptability and conventionality can also be offered (whether such proof is explicit or not).
This answer does not, of course, completely answer the question, and it fails to spell out the relationships of 1-3 and scientific, jargon, cant, slang, nonsense, nonce, spurious, neologistic, et al. terms. Those relationships are, however, inferable. This answer does suggest a legitimate path forward when an answer to a question of the general form ‘is X a word’ is sought.
The point here is that, when somebody asks a question on this Q&A site that takes the form of ‘is X a word’, they are asking for an authoritative answer. Answers that account, whether implicitly or explicitly, for the 3 conditions proposed, will be considered authoritative, and can be supported with reference to external authority.
answered Sep 9, 2015 at 20:15
JELJEL
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A dictionary word
As opposed to «a made-up word,» or «non-dictionary word,» the phrase «a real word,» means little existentially beyond literally: «a dictionary word,» i.e. a word published alphabetically in a dictionary along with its definition(s).
e.g.
Though it may be perfectly cromulent, the word «cromulent» is not a real word.
answered Sep 6, 2015 at 10:46
chillinchillin
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level 1
Yeet is for distance. Kobe is for accuracy.
level 1
I’ve been hearing this word since the early 2000s. It’s not trolling. It’s just a slang word for throwing or just a general verb replacement.
level 2
Thank you, that makes sense. So it’s like how in the 90’s we would replace random words with «smurf»?
level 1
· 4 yr. ago
Not to be confused with user1429
I like using it. So it exists, but that ends up going into defining what a ‘real’ word is
level 1
Define a real word. You mean in the Webster’s dictionary? No. In the urban dictionary? Yes.
level 1
People use the word yeet. I know several who use it unironically.
level 1
The only definition of a word is that it be a sound or series of sounds people use with a generally agreed upon meaning. So yes, yeet is a real word.
Тренировочные тесты WORDFORMATION (form: 8 -9).
Test 1.
1. This is the most . …. . . . . concert I‘ve ever been to. (Expense) 2. Her husband’s not a very……….person. (Patience) 3. Susan is very……….and wants to do well. (Ambition) 4. Show some…….…. Don’t you like the idea? (Enthuse) 5. Her problem is that she has not enough……..…in herself. (Confide) 6. Dan is really very…………, even rude sometimes. (Polite) 7. I haven’t been to the cinema………… . (Recent) 8. Mary………… and they never s aw her again. (Appear)
Test 2.
1.Most people have no real……… in ghosts.(Believe) 2. Mark Twain wrote many……… stories. (Humour) 3. The children’s…..… at the concert was excellent. (Behave) 4. Rita asked for a ……… and cashier gave her one. (Receive) 5. Do you think you have the……… to pass the exam? (Able) 6. You need a lot of ……… to write a good story. (Imagine) 7. I read an interesting …… in the newspaper. (Advertise) 8. Their friendship began in their …….. . (Child)
Test 3.
1. I’m telling you the …..…! I swear! (True) 2. Your composition isn’t good enough. You’ll have to …..… it. (Write) 3. Did you know Ann used to work as a …….. when she was younger? (Wait) 4. They need your …..… before they can do it. (Sign) 5. It all happened quite…..… . I didn’t have time to think. (Sudden) 6. I’m sure his new film is going to be a huge…… .(Succeed) 7. Did Paul give an ……… for his actions? (Explain) 8. The ……… of the village are all very kind. (Inhabit)
Test 4.
1. The leaflet gives a brief……… of each place. (Describe) 2. Can you give us a quick ……… of how it works? (Explain) 3. Olga broke the vase during an ……… with her husband. (Argue) 4. Gold is a very ……… metal. (Value) 5. Peter began to feel depressed and …..… . (Help) 6. His book is the result of years of ……… research. (Care) 7. This snake is not ……… at all. (Danger) 8. The bright flowers make the room look…….. . (Cheer)
Test 5.
1. Teenagers nowadays are more interested in ……… problems. (Globe) 2. Have you seen the new Levi ..…… on TV? (Advertise) 3. I looked everywhere but I couldn’t find him. He’s ……… (Appear) 4. It’s very…..… to drink and drive. (Danger) 5. Can you give me some more …… about this adventure holiday? (Inform) 6. We need to put up some …… for tonight’s party. (Decorate) 7. The weather today will be cold and…….. . (Wind) 8. Margarita was very ……… with the service. (Satisfy)
Test 6.
1. They put a lot of ..…… on him to agree to their demands. (Press) 2. I’ve had three…… nights and l feel exhausted. (Sleep) 3. If you have problems with your ………, see a doctor. (Circulate) 4. I’m feeling very …… today. I think I’ll go for a run. (Energy) 5. Remember that ..…… are also human. (Examine) 6. His nose was quite …… for days after he’d it pierced. ( Pain) 7. There are a lot of …… restaurants in this area. (Fashion) 8. Although she isn’t beautiful, most men find her quite……… (Attract).
Test 7.
1.The food was completely …… ; he was a useless cook .(Taste) 2. There were over 500 ……to the temple every day .(Visit ) 3. You can’t hope to win the race without any …….… .(Train) 4. In spite of her …….…,Jane continued her journey .(Hungry ) 5.Hard as he tried , he was unable to find …… .(Solve ) 6.I ..…… speaking , I don’t think Latin is a useful subject .(Person) 7.You need to organize your time more …….… (Efficient )
Test 8.
1. Stories are more ………. than lists of words .(Memory ) 2. His exam results were very …… . (Please ) 3. Passing exams will help you to get a ……job .(Good ) 4. You should revise on a regular ……… (Base ) 5. There are books that are specially …..….for foreign learners.(Simple ) 6. A degree is a very useful……….to have .(Qualify )7. I hope you will take into ……… what I have just said to you .(Consider ) 8. This new book had many beautiful …..…in it .(illustrate )
Test 9.
1.My aunt became …..….when she went to America. (Fame) 2.Paul sings …….; I’m surprised he isn’t a professional singer. (Beauty) 3.I was …….to see all my old friends again. (Delight ) 4.They bought some …… for their new house. (Furnish ) 5. She lives in a really ……mansion in the suburbs. (Luxury ) 6. Are you sitting ……. in that chair ? (Comfort ) 7.Everyone was nervous about the ……’s visit. (Inspector) 8.Our teacher has a really strong ……. . (Person) 9.His father has the best …… of ancient coins. (Collect)
Test 10.
1.The teacher wanted to know what my greatest …….(Ambitious) 2.I..……ever go to the theatre. I don’t like it .(Hard ) 3.Marina has a very …… manner , which I appreciate .(Relax) 4.Her son took part in the world ………last year .(Champion) 5.I was ……….when victor said I was beautiful.(Flatter) 6. Julia got a ………for best leading actress .(Nominate ) 7.She’s a very ………thinker .(Origin) 8.Her friend is very ……….! You can trust him .(Rely)
Ответы к тренировочным тестам. Test 1. 1. Expensive 2. Patient 3.Ambitious 4.Enthusiasm 5. Confidence 6.Impolite 7.Recently 8.Disappeared Test 2. 1. Belief 2. Humorous 3. Behaviour 4. Receipt 5. Ability 6. Success7. Advertisement 8. Childhood Test 3. 1. Truth 2. Rewrite 3. Waitress 4. Signature 5. Suddenly 6. Success 7.Explanation 8. Inhabitants Test 4. 1. Description 2. Explanation 3. Argument 4. Valuable 5. Helpless 6. Careful 7. Dangerous 8. Cheerful Test 5. 1. Global 2. Advertisement 3. Disappeared 4. Dangerous 5. Information 6. Decorations 7. Windy 8. Satisfied Test 6. 1. Pressure 2. Sleepless 3. Circulation 4. Energetic 5. Examiners 6.Painful Test 7. 1.Tasteless 2. Visitors 3.Training 4 . Hunger 5. Solution 6. Personally7. Efficiently Test 8. 1. Memorable 2. Pleasant 3. Better 4. Basis 5. Simplified 6. Qualification 7. Consideration 8. ILLustrations Test 9. 1. Famous 2. Beautifully 3. Delighted 4. Furniture 5. Luxurious 6. Comfortably 7. Inspector 8. Personality 9. Collection 10. Test 10. 1. Ambition 2. Hardly 3. Relaxed 4. Championship 5. Flattered 6. Nomination 7. Original 8. Reliable
Go or do? How good is your vocabulary?
Divide the words/phrases into two categories.
DO |
GO |
|---|---|
extreme sports
voluntary work
clubbing
window shopping
on trips to the countryside
Go or do? How good is your vocabulary?
Divide the words/phrases into two categories.
DO |
GO |
|---|---|
extreme sports
voluntary work
clubbing
window shopping
on trips to the countryside
Which word fits the sentence?
Fill in the gaps.
Nowadays surfing the
is one of the most popular pastime with teenagers.
My sisters went window
with my mum.
I really liked to
with my friends in the evenings.
I like to do voluntary
with my classmate.
Jake always plays
games when he finishes his homework.
William and Martha sometimes go on
to the countryside.
Which word fits the sentence?
Fill in the gaps.
Nowadays surfing the
is one of the most popular pastime with teenagers.
My sisters went window
with my mum.
I really liked to
with my friends in the evenings.
I like to do voluntary
with my classmate.
Jake always plays
games when he finishes his homework.
William and Martha sometimes go on
to the countryside.
How well do you know our new words?
Match the words with their meanings.
заниматься экстремальными видами спорта
How well do you know our new words?
Match the words with their meanings.
заниматься экстремальными видами спорта
How well do you know our new words?
Complete the table with the words below.
|
the |
net |
|
|
send |
messages |
|
|
do |
voluntary |
|
|
on |
trips |
|
|
go |
window |
|
|
play |
games |
|
|
hang out |
friends |
surf
shopping
work
go
text
whith
computer
How well do you know our new words?
Complete the table with the words below.
|
the |
net |
|
|
send |
messages |
|
|
do |
voluntary |
|
|
on |
trips |
|
|
go |
window |
|
|
play |
games |
|
|
hang out |
friends |
surf
whith
shopping
text
computer
work
go
Which phrase fits the picture?
Match the pictures and the words.
Do extreme sports
Chat online
Hang out with friends
Do voluntary work
Which phrase fits the picture?
Match the pictures and the words.
Do extreme sports
Chat online
Hang out with friends
Do voluntary work
Which word fits the sentence?
Choose the correct answer.
My sister always does
work at her school.
I usually
online about three hours a day.
Teenagers often send text
on their mobiles.
Jill really likes to
time with her family.
I want to take my little brother on a
to the countryside.
I don’t like to do any
sports because it’s really dangerous.
Which word fits the sentence?
Choose the correct answer.
My sister always does
work at her school.
I usually
online about three hours a day.
Teenagers often send text
on their mobiles.
Jill really likes to
time with her family.
I want to take my little brother on a
to the countryside.
I don’t like to do any
sports because it’s really dangerous.
Which word fits the sentence?
Cross the odd ONE out.
Watch: TV/DVD/the net
Plant: trees/computer games/flowers
Hang out with: emails/friends/the family
Send: text messages/emails/the time
Listen to: music/on a trip/your mum
Chat: the window /with your friends/ online
Which word fits the sentence?
Cross the odd ONE out.
Watch: TV/DVD/the net
Plant: trees/computer games/flowers
Hang out with: emails/friends/the family
Send: text messages/emails/the time
Listen to: music/on a trip/your mum
Chat: the window /with your friends/ online
How good is your vocabulary?
Complete the table with the words below.
|
send emails |
send text messages |
|
|
go on a trip |
go clubbing |
|
|
do extreme sports |
do the gardening |
|
|
play computer games |
play the piano |
|
|
to be a teacher |
to be a good person |
play the guitar
send flowers
to be into fashion
go window shopping
do voluntary work
How good is your vocabulary?
Complete the table with the words below.
|
send emails |
send text messages |
|
|
go on a trip |
go clubbing |
|
|
do extreme sports |
do the gardening |
|
|
play computer games |
play the piano |
|
|
to be a teacher |
to be a good person |
go window shopping
play the guitar
send flowers
do voluntary work
to be into fashion
Which word fits the sentence?
Choose the right answer.
Apart from my homework I usually run
for the elderly.
Window
is my favourite pastime.
My friend lives in another city. We usually send
to each other.
Most of my friends enjoy
the net.
Alan used to do
sports once a week.
Susan spends a lot of time on the Internet chatting
.
Which word fits the sentence?
Choose the right answer.
Apart from my homework I usually run
for the elderly.
Window
is my favourite pastime.
My friend lives in another city. We usually send
to each other.
Most of my friends enjoy
the net.
Alan used to do
sports once a week.
Susan spends a lot of time on the Internet chatting
.
Which phrase fits the sentence?
Complete the text.
Somebody prefers to sleep and relax during their leisure time, but most people prefer to do a great number of interesting things. It can be reading, , watching TV, listening to music and so on.
As for me, I don’t have a lot of free time . In my free time I like to hang out with my friends or surf the Net. And I usually chat with my friends .
various types of sport games
because I don`t see some of them for a long time
because I’m always busy with my school
Which phrase fits the sentence?
Complete the text.
Somebody prefers to sleep and relax during their leisure time, but most people prefer to do a great number of interesting things. It can be reading, , watching TV, listening to music and so on.
As for me, I don’t have a lot of free time . In my free time I like to hang out with my friends or surf the Net. And I usually chat with my friends .
various types of sport games
because I’m always busy with my school
because I don`t see some of them for a long time
Which word fits the sentence?
Choose the right answer.
Mark listens to/does the music after a long working day.
She often runs/goes errands for her grandmother.
I can’t stand/can’t enjoy doing extreme sports.
I’m really onto/into fashion.
And enjoys hanging off /out with her new friends.
I would really like to go on/into trips to the countryside.
Which word fits the sentence?
Choose the right answer.
Mark listens to/does the music after a long working day.
She often runs/goes errands for her grandmother.
I can’t stand/can’t enjoy doing extreme sports.
I’m really onto/into fashion.
And enjoys hanging off /out with her new friends.
I would really like to go on/into trips to the countryside.
Making sentences
Match the phrases to get the sentences.
Making sentences
Match the phrases to get the sentences.
Making a dialogue
Match the phrases to get the sentences.
I can say that I can’t stand shopping, but I really enjoy
Hello, my name is Nick I’m a very sociable person.
I’m also very fond of surfing the Net.
But my favourite free time activity is spending
I can spend hours looking through the feed of my social networks.
I can listen to my favourite songs for hours.
I like hanging out with my friends.
playing computer games. My brother and I can sit in front of the display clicking the mouse all day long.
Making a dialogue
Match the phrases to get the sentences.
I can say that I can’t stand shopping, but I really enjoy
Hello, my name is Nick I’m a very sociable person.
But my favourite free time activity is spending
I’m also very fond of surfing the Net.
I can listen to my favourite songs for hours.
I can spend hours looking through the feed of my social networks.
playing computer games. My brother and I can sit in front of the display clicking the mouse all day long.
I like hanging out with my friends.
Reading comprehension
Choose the right answer.
Ways of spending free time, if you have some.
It might be an almost unique situation but let’s imagine that you have got some free time and don’t know what to do. According to the .
On the top of the list we can see “surfing the net”. This way you can kill time by looking through your feed on the Instagram or replying to the comments on Facebook.
The next activity is hanging out with friends. This one is a really great activity especially if you haven’t seen your friends in real life for ages.
Number . Have you ever wanted to try bungee jumping or parachuting? It might be the right time to do it.
The next popular activity is going on the trips to the countryside. Just to countryside with the amazing view of the sunset in the river and fresh air.
The last activity which is listed in the magazine “Teen’s choice” is listening to music. If you your earphones into your smartphone and enjoy your favourite songs?
in case you have at least some free time
have some time why don’t you plug
three in the list of the most popular free time activities
magazine «Teen’s choice» there are 5 most popular activities
imagine, what can be better than a trip
is doing extreme sports
Reading comprehension
Choose the right answer.
Ways of spending free time, if you have some.
It might be an almost unique situation but let’s imagine that you have got some free time and don’t know what to do. According to the .
On the top of the list we can see “surfing the net”. This way you can kill time by looking through your feed on the Instagram or replying to the comments on Facebook.
The next activity is hanging out with friends. This one is a really great activity especially if you haven’t seen your friends in real life for ages.
Number . Have you ever wanted to try bungee jumping or parachuting? It might be the right time to do it.
The next popular activity is going on the trips to the countryside. Just to countryside with the amazing view of the sunset in the river and fresh air.
The last activity which is listed in the magazine “Teen’s choice” is listening to music. If you your earphones into your smartphone and enjoy your favourite songs?
in case you have at least some free time
magazine «Teen’s choice» there are 5 most popular activities
imagine, what can be better than a trip
three in the list of the most popular free time activities
have some time why don’t you plug
is doing extreme sports