“Funny” or “fun”? Clear Your Confusion about These English Words
Hi there! I’m your English coach Christina, welcome to Speak English with Christina, where you’ll learn American culture and business know-how to become confident in English.
Sometimes the English language is just confusing. Some words look the same, but mean different things! For instance, take the words “funny” and “fun.”
English learners often use one for another, but that’s a mistake you don’t want to make! Their meaning is close, but still very different.
What’s the difference? How can you use them correctly? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!
Let’s go!
“Fun” vs “Funny” Sentence Examples
Let’s look at some contrasting examples, so you can see the difference.
Do not say: “Our trip to Disneyworld was funny. The kids loved it.”
But: “Our trip to Disneyworld was fun. The kids loved it.”
Do not say: “I had a funny time at the football game.”
But instead: “I had a fun time at the football game.”
Don’t say: “My friend has a dark sense of humor that’s very fun.”
But: “My friend has a dark sense of humor that’s very funny.”
These are mistakes that I often hear! So what’s the rule?
The “Fun” vs. “Funny”: What’s the difference?
“Funny” meaning
“Funny” means “something that makes you laugh.” Like a joke, a comedian or a TV show.
For example:
“Have you ever seen Saturday Night Live? It’s such a funny show!”
“Your jokes are very funny. You’re a funny guy!”
“Fun” meaning
On the other hand, “Fun” means “enjoyable.” Like a good time, a game or an adventure!
For example:
“I love visiting new countries, it’s always fun!”
“Thanks for inviting me to your party yesterday, it was fun!”
You don’t always need to laugh to have fun, but funny things and fun experiences often come together.
For example: “We spent a really fun evening at that comedy show. It was so funny!”
“Fun” or “Funny”: Advanced definitions
A fun experience means an enjoyable experience. A fun person is when you enjoy spending time with them–and with whom you often do fun activities!
Fun isn’t always an adjective, it can be a noun as well. Especially in the expression “to have fun” : it means to have a pleasurable time.
For instance:
“Julia is a fun girl! She’s really fun to be around, she always has crazy ideas for things to do.”
“Good luck for your football game, but more importantly, have fun!”
And finally, we also use “funny” as a synonym for “strange,” “surprising” or “unexpected.”
For instance:
“I know Paul? That’s funny you ask, I just met him!” (= it’s a surprising coincidence)
“The milk had a funny taste, I threw it away.” (=a strange, unexpected taste)
“I hope your brother is alright, he was acting a little funny when I saw him yesterday.” (acting funny = to have a strange behavior)
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#1
How do you understand «funny you should ask,» particularly the word funny? In the following context, it does not mean «making me laugh.»
Employee A: We can expect all kinds of problems.
Employee B: What can I do to help?
Employee A: Funny you should ask. The boss wants you and me to….
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#2
Could it be that it is funny that you ask, since you should already know it?
Just a wrong guess, i guess…
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#3
Hello and welcome, neverstoplearning.
Funny here means odd,coincidental, or ironic. The phrase could be replaced with «as a matter of fact….»
It is an interesting coincidence that you should ask what you can do to help, when in fact I was just about to give you the orders from the boss about that.
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#4
Don’t think so. But I sure appreciate the comment.
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#5
Yes, I agree with Kelly B. «Funny» means «strange» as in «That’s funny! Where has my mobile phone disappeared to all of a sudden?»
In the employee dialogue above, I can’t help the feeling of a semantic incoherence. Perhaps it could be paraphrased: «Employee A: Oh, thanks for asking! The boss…»
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#6
Funny is in «that’s a strage coincidence» seems the most likely explanation to me too.
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#7
I guess you mean «strange coincidence», and I’m all with you!
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#8
I definitely has an undertone of: (Funny you should ask) — I was just going to tell you exactly what you can, will and must do to satisfy the boss.
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#9
I definitely has an undertone of: (Funny you should ask) — I was just going to tell you exactly what you can, will and must do to satisfy the boss.
It is an interesting coincidence that you should ask what you can do to help, when in fact I was just about to give you the orders from the boss about that.
Are you guys forgetting the inherent sarcasm as in «Wow, you wanna help? Well done…duuuhhh!»?
If the dialogue began:
Q: Hey, is there anything I can do?
A: Funny you should ask! The boss…
then I’d accept your ideas about «coincidence»…
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#10
Gabbi. No «inherent sarcasm» is apparent from the written text. Not to me anyway.
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#11
Gabbi is creating unnecessary complications here.
In most cases where this phrase is used, it suggests surprise that the question should have been asked because the speaker was about to say something that would in fact answer the question asked.
OK, so it may also be used sarcastically, but let’s not assume that everyone descends to sarcasm.
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#12
The inherent sarcasm lies in the relationship between Employee A’s first utterance and his/her second utterance (as reaction to Employee B)
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#13
Gabbi said:
The inherent sarcasm lies in the relationship between Employee A’s first utterance and his/her second utterance (as reaction to Employee B)
You would need to explain more clearly.
I don’t see any need to imply sarcasm in this situation. True, it could be there, but it could also be a very normal, amicable comment.
We should not suggest that sarcasm is an essential element of the usage. It is possible, but exceptional.
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#14
Hi,
I appreciate all the comments. Personally, I will go with the idea of «coincidence.»
Thanks again.
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#15
Just a related question: why is ‘should’ applied in this sentence, and not just ‘funny you ask’? I know it’s common, but I think it’s weird.
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#16
My guess is the same as Ada’s: it is funny that you asked, since you should already know it.
Is it wrong? Or it can be an alternative, depending on the tone or the following reply?
If it means «coincident», why doesn’t say «Funny you asked!»?
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#17
Dminor said:
Just a related question: why is ‘should’ applied in this sentence, and not just ‘funny you ask’? I know it’s common, but I think it’s weird.
Having been schooled pretty much in Romance grammar I think of this as our kind of «subjunctive». Actually, so is «ask» in «funny you ask», I’d say, since otherwise you should say «funny you have asked».
I’m afraid I don’t know the rules of when you add (or can add) a «should» to a verb to make in subjunctive in English.
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#18
I think it all boils down to two main definitions of funny… I remember hearing someone ask — «Do you mean funny ‘ha-ha’ or funny ‘weird’?» I think it’s from an old t.v. show…
Here’s a similar idiom — «the funny thing is» (from Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms):
what I am about to say is really strange. But the funny thing is, I still love my job…
And the funny thing is, the guy spending the least money on TV ads is the one who’s ahead in the opinion polls.
I think in the original context, ‘funny’ means what a strange coincidence almost laughable. Meaning, pretty soon, you won’t be laughing, because I’m about to put you to work!
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#19
Just got back from work…Ok…
What do we have? We have a short text of three lines only analyzable from its surface structure.
Employee A seems to basically say «the ‘paper‘ is about to hit the fan!»…or in other words «We’re in for serious trouble», meaning both employees A and B.
Employee B replies naively «Is there anything I can do to help?»
Definition of irony
(Grice, 1978) : «saying something when you really mean the opposite»
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#20
So…could «funny you should ask» be part of a «category of assertive irony, manipulating existential presupposition» (- quote from a scientific source)?
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#21
timpeac said:
Having been schooled pretty much in Romance grammar I think of this as our kind of «subjunctive». Actually, so is «ask» in «funny you ask», I’d say, since otherwise you should say «funny you have asked».
I’m afraid I don’t know the rules of when you add (or can add) a «should» to a verb to make in subjunctive in English.
«Funny you should ask» is a setup line in turn-of-the-20th-century vaudeville, and it was used by comics to create a segue (usually a very clumsy one) from whatever was said, to the pretext for telling a joke or funny story.
It’s usually a fairly long story, or a «shaggy dog» joke as such endless and ultimately pointless narratives were called.
So how is your Aunt Sadie?
Funny you should ask.
[and here follows a long involved story about gall bladder surgery, woven around a running gag involving some peculiarity of Aunt Sadie’s.
Why «should?»
Because vaudevillian skits of this type come from the era of late 19th-century mass immigration, and have their roots in the Yiddish-language culture— which was thriving, with newspapers and book publishers, songwriters and theater both serious and popular/comic.
«So you bought a piano? Since when do you need a piano?»
«I’m hoping to make a parlor out of Shlomo’s room when he gets that place of his own.» (Shlomo is my wife’s older unmarried brother).
«When he what? You should live so long!»
Because of its vaudeville/burlesque origins, the set-up phrase «Funny you should ask» is indeed tinged with irony— at the very least it arouses anticipation that something wry or facetious is coming.
I agree this irony is not inherent in the expression as used. But to anyone familiar with its history, an ironic undertone is at least latent.
.
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#22
So you put the use of «should» in this phrase down to Yiddish influence alone?
Isn’t it the same as in any innumerable variation —
Strange that question should come up now.
Worrying that his girlfriend shouldn’t know how to open a can.
I find it hilarious that he should have told you that.
etc — What’s the difference?
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#23
Should is often used to express a given level of certainty. While might or could is used to express less than 50% certainty e.g. «he could have finished by now», should is often used for slightly more than 50% certainty — «he should have finished» (must for almost 100% certainty)
In your examples, we can also use other modals instead of should (perhaps more accurately…)
What’s a word for conflicting emotions that are felt at the same time? For example, loneliness, sadness, happiness, being content but also feeling as if something isn’t right?
To sum up: What’s a word for something that is sad and funny at the same time?
Mari-Lou A
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asked Jan 24, 2012 at 19:00
5
The word you want is tragicomedy (noun) or tragicomic (adjective).
Laurel♦
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answered Jan 24, 2012 at 19:05
2
I think bittersweet is the best word to describe this feeling.
both pleasant and painful or regretful: a bittersweet memory.
It’s also less «modern» sounding than tragicomic and so would come across as more sincere.
Laurel♦
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answered Jan 24, 2012 at 19:28
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
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4
I like the word «wry,» although it has a large context.
answered Jan 24, 2012 at 23:11
ncmathsadistncmathsadist
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1
A general word for having simultaneous, contradictory emotions is ambivalent.
answered Jan 24, 2012 at 19:39
GnawmeGnawme
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2
Per other answers, tragicomic fits the bill — but its use is largely restricted to litcrit contexts.
In common parlance, pathos and the related pathetic are often used ironically, of something that in principle should arouse pity, but in fact is treated with wry humour. Not so common in speech is bathos, which often signifies a sudden transition from genuine pathos to ludicrous levity.
answered Jan 24, 2012 at 19:14
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
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2
Perhaps the more common choice for what you’re describing is ironic, but, admittedly, doesn’t necessarily capture the presence of the two elements you cite. Nor does it seem likely that any one particular word has been established that’s capable of accomplishing that feat. Is that what you’re looking for or will a neologism do the trick?
answered Jan 24, 2012 at 19:03
Maybe Gallows Humor isn’t a perfect fit, but in general the Doom & Gloom of the style of humor could be considered to be fairly synonymous with sadness, and of course humor is basically a perfect fit for the funny half of the equation.
answered Jan 24, 2012 at 20:02
aslumaslum
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Melancholy means for something to be both sad and happy at the same time. It has a nice, find feeling but still makes you sad
answered Apr 12, 2016 at 14:40
Since you’re looking for a word describing one’s state of mind and mood, and also conflicting emotions, perhaps, the word broody would help, as its first meaning is moody, meditative, introspective:
broody, adjective broodier, broodiest
moody; meditative; introspective
(of poultry) wishing to sit on or hatch eggs
(informal) (of a woman) wishing to have a baby of her own
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/broody
answered Jan 24, 2016 at 20:48
a_hanifa_hanif
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- Dark (as in dark comedy)
- Lol-worthy (when something seems only sad, but you need to strike a funny abstract note without making a joke)
Laurel♦
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answered Jan 25, 2012 at 0:14
Mike LyonsMike Lyons
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1
satire:
satire ˈsaˌtī(ə)r/ noun The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
Source: Oxford Dictionaries.
Synonyms:
mockery, ridicule, derision, scorn, caricature, irony, sarcasm
Source: Oxford Dictionaries.
That was what I was looking for when I came upon this thread.
Sven Yargs
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answered Aug 2, 2016 at 3:54
1
Comparative and superlative forms are important aspects of English grammar. This article will look at the comparative and superlative forms and how they apply to “funny.” We will look into “funnier” and “more funny,” as well as a few other varieties.
Funnier Or More Funny: What Is The Comparative Form Of “Funny”?
The comparative form of “funny” is “funnier.” We use it to compare two objects with each other to find out which one we deem to be more “funny” than the other. We typically add an “-er” ending to a word with comparisons like this.
“Funny” is two syllables, which comes with its own set of rules to follow.
Normal comparative form rules dictate that one-syllable words have an “-er” ending, while multiple-syllable words (three or more) use “more” before the word. For example:
- Harder
- More difficult
However, “funny” is two syllables, which isn’t directly covered in the rules. For the most part, two-syllable words follow comparative form rules based on how they sound.
Many native speakers think that “more funny” sounds a bit jarring, which is why it’s not used. Instead, we use “funnier” to show that someone or something is more “funny” than another thing.
Technically, “more funny” is not correct, but it’s far from popular, and many people avoid it at all costs.
Funniest Or Most Funny: What Is The Superlative Form Of “Funny”?
“Funniest” is the correct superlative form of “funny.” This time, we use it to compare more than one item and see which one is the “most” funny of the group. It can refer to a group or two or more, whereas the comparative form only ever refers to two.
We follow similar rules to the comparative form above, where we ignore the “most” starting word because “funny” is a two-syllable word that would sound strange as “most funny.”
The rules are similar whether we look at the superlative or comparative forms. We can take the same examples from the above section to show you how the “-est” ending applies to one-syllable words and “most” applies to multiple-syllable words.
- Hardest
- Most difficult
Again, we use “funniest” based on feel rather than any specific grammar rules. It’s much cleaner to see a sentence using “funniest” over the alternative “most funny.”
While “more funny” is sometimes used because it is technically correct, the same does not apply to “most funny.” Many people think it makes no sense, and it’s far too jarring in many written forms. Therefore, it is not grammatically correct.
What Are The Different Forms Of “Funny”?
Now that we’ve seen all the forms that are relevant to the word, it’s time to make it a little more comprehensive.
Word | Funny |
Comparative | Funnier |
Superlative | Funniest |
“More funny” and “most funny” are best left unwritten. We tend not to use them as either the comparative or the superlative form, so you should stick with the “-ier” and “-iest” endings of “funny.”
How Prevalent Is The Use Of “Funnier” And “More Funny”?
We also have a few graphs that might help make the popularity of the two words clearer to you.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “funnier” is by far the most popular choice for native writers to use. “More funny” has grown slightly in popularity in recent years, but it’s nowhere near the level of “funnier” in all cases.
As you can see, that proves that “funnier” is always the way to go. Many native speakers value it more as the comparative form, which is why we recommend sticking to it.
How Prevalent Is The Use Of “Funniest” And “Most Funny”?
The same graph can be given to you to see how “funniest” and “most funny” compare.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “funniest” is by far the most popular choice. This time, “most funny” is barely used in comparison, showing that it is far from a top choice for any native speakers to use.
To make sure you get the superlative form correct, just stick with “funniest.” There isn’t any wiggle room with this form either (unlike the comparative form where “more funny” had a bit of usage).
More often than not, a native speaker will think you’ve made a grammatical mistake if they see you write “most funny.”
Examples Of How To Use The Comparative Form Of “Funny” In A Sentence
Some examples using only the correct forms of each “funny” variation should help you make more sense of it. Once you’ve read through these, you won’t struggle with them again!
- You are funnier than I am, but I’ll make sure to make everyone laugh when I can.
- I don’t want him to be funnier than me anymore, but I don’t know how to stop people from thinking I’m boring.
- I think that this comedian is funnier than that one, though I know that everyone is entitled to their opinions.
- Do you think you’re funnier than me? I’d love to see which one of us can get the most laughs in front of an audience!
- We are funnier when we are together, but it doesn’t happen all that often, unfortunately.
- They think they’re funnier than they are, which is why they always come up with those lame and crude jokes.
- You are not funnier than her, but I appreciate the effort you put into trying.
“Funnier” is the only correct comparative form we use. It works when we are comparing two things with each other to see which is comparatively “more funny” than the other thing.
Examples Of How To Use The Superlative Form Of “Funny” In A Sentence
Check out how the superlative form works as follows:
- Which of your friends would you consider to be the funniest?
- I am by far the funniest member of my family, and everyone knows it too!
- You are the funniest when you are with her, which is why I think you two are made for each other.
- I’m the funniest person in my class, and I always make sure that everyone leaves the lesson with a great big smile on their face!
- You are the funniest person I’ve ever met, and you should consider taking up a career in comedy.
- She is the funniest girl I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
- We are the funniest group of people, and I think we should start looking at posting our antics online!
“Funniest” is the only correct superlative form. We use this form when we are comparing multiple items (two or more) together, and whichever one comes out on top ends up being the “funniest” option.
Is It Ever Correct To Use “Funney”?
We’ve seen all we need to about “funny” and its forms. However, there are a few other common errors that we need to go over to see how they work.
“Funney” is not correct. It’s a misspelling of “funny,” and it should never be used. You do not need the extra “E” letter before the “Y.”
Does “Fun” And “Funny” Mean The Same?
“Fun” and “funny” do not mean the same thing. “Fun” means that someone or something is enjoyable or exciting, while “funny” means that someone or something makes you laugh or is good at telling jokes.
Typically, “fun” people can be a pleasure to be around because they always know the best places to visit and the best things to do.
However, “funny” people can make you laugh easier based on what they say or their actions.
There is plenty of overlap between each word. A “fun” person can be seen as “funny” while they are out doing fun things, and a “funny” person can be “fun” to be around if they consistently make someone laugh.
Is It Ever Correct To Use “Funner” And “Funnest”?
Now that we know the key differences between “fun” and “funny,” let’s explore the comparative and superlative forms of “fun” a little while we’re here.
“Funner” and “funnest” are not correct forms of “fun,” according to Google Ngram Viewer. Instead, we should only use “more fun” and “most fun” when we are looking to create the comparative and superlative forms, respectively.
Interestingly, this contradicts what we said earlier. Standard comparative and superlative rules state that one-syllable words need a “-er” and “-est” ending. However, “fun” is a one-syllable word, but this rule does not apply.
Unfortunately, some English words are like this, and they become exceptions to common rules. It’s just something you need to understand and work with. Eventually, you’ll learn all the major exceptions that you need to focus on.
Here are a few examples to help you remember the correct forms:
- Correct: You are more fun than I am, which is why I think you should take charge of this adventure.
- Incorrect: She is funner than me, and I don’t know what I can do to get everyone interested in what I want to do.
- Correct: We have the most fun when we are together, and I couldn’t think of anyone out there as a better friend than you.
- Incorrect: You are the funnest person I know, and you always know where to take your friends to treat them to a good time.
You may also like:
“Much” And “Many” – Comparative and Superlative Forms Explained
“More Fair” or “Fairer” – Correct Comparative Revealed
“Sincere” – Comparative and Superlative Forms Explained
Funny Enough or Funnily Enough – Which Is Correct?
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
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You overcooked this meat
2 Our team did not perform well enough last season
Our team
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3 I met a former school friend in a cafe in town.
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4 She’s an expert in history after World War IL
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6 They bought the house, but sold it again a year later.
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7 Ben Stiller wrote Zoolander with two other writers.
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1
Another word that means the same as ‘under’ is … .
2
Another word that means the same as ‘next to’ is … .
3
When you get to Third Street, don’t turn right. Turn … .
4
After I said, «Good-bye» to my sister, I walked … her.
5
My friends are … Japan. They live in Tokyo.
6
Every morning, I get … a bus to go to school.
7
The letter ‘B’ is … the letter ‘A’ and the letter ‘C’.
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> around
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8
I dropped my book on the floor and I didn’t pick it up. It’s … the table.
9
There is a ball in the middle of the road. Everyone is driving … it.
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We walked … the library and sat down to study.
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After we studied for the test, we walked … the library to go home.
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Another word that means the same as ‘over’ is … .
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Be careful when you are on the bridge. Don’t fall … the water.
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Last month we traveled to Australia. We flew … Barcelona to Sydney.
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They didn’t turn left and they didn’t turn right. They walked … .
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I saw my friend walking … me and I said, «Hello. «
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James
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b) Rewrite the sentences so they
mean the same. Use as… as.
James is stronger than Clive.
Clive isn’t as strong as James.
1 Adam is shorter than Jerry.
Jerry isn’t
2 Your bag is nicer than mine.
My bag isn’t
3 Tokyo is bigger than London.
London isn’t
4 Tennis is more popular than cricket.
Cricket isn’t
5 Children learn languages faster than adults.
Adults don’t
6 I work harder than you.
You don’t
7 England played better than France.
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