The term “finish” is used as both a verb and a noun in various contexts, from completing tasks in school to describing the quality of objects. It has roots in Middle English and Latin, and while it shares a resemblance to the Spanish word “finito,” the actual Spanish equivalent is “terminar.”
Want is another word that clearly expresses a basic idea, but that can include a wide range of nuanced meanings.
Fast is a versatile word, with many meanings and uses as well as synonyms.
Like its opposite, fast, slow is most often used as an adjective to describe an aspect of speed, in this case, low speed.
Happy is a very common word, but it does have some subtleties in the ways it is used.
Sad, like its opposite, happy, is an adjective generally used to describe feelings, although in this instance the feelings are those of sorrow or unhappiness.
Understanding the many, many ways in which the word right is used will certainly expand students’ language facility.
Said is the past tense and past participle form of the word say, and it is an unavoidable term for anyone using the English language.
Let’s think about ways to use the word think. In a classroom, regardless of the activity, the primary goal is to encourage students to think.
An everyday event in classrooms revolves around listening—listening to peers, teachers, CDs, DVDs, announcements on the school sound system, and so on. Listening is an integral part of learning.
