English Idioms, Slang and Useful Vocabulary » Curious Questions http://esl.culips.com Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:01:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en-us hourly 1 Listen to fun English podcasts with natural expressions and everyday vocabulary for language learners. Every Culips episode has interesting elements of culture as well as language. Culips ESL Podcast clean Culips ESL Podcast asami@culips.com asami@culips.com (Culips ESL Podcast) 2008-2009 Everyday English: idioms, slang and useful vocabulary English, ESL, study, idiom, podcast, language, lesson, slang, English Idioms, Slang and Useful Vocabulary http://esl.culips.com/images/logo-iTunes.jpg http://esl.culips.com/category/curious-questions/ Slang: Dude! http://esl.culips.com/2010/01/expression-dude/ http://esl.culips.com/2010/01/expression-dude/#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:39:45 +0000 Culips http://esl.culips.com/?p=1852
Dude! This word is very popular nowadays, especially with young people. You can often hear this word in movies and television shows, or with your Native English speaker friends. It has been around for awhile but young people are using the word dude, more and more. So…dude, what does it mean?

Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Maura: You want to use dude with your friends in a casual environment like a party or something like that.
Harp: Yeah, so dude is an old word.
Maura: Yeah, and it has had a lot of different meanings that generally refer to a man.
Harp: Yeah exactly. And dude became popular in the 60s and the 70s in surfer culture and then it made its way into mainstream.
Maura: Yeah, so dude was really first used in a popular way by surfers, I guess maybe in California, somewhere where they surf in the USA.
Harp: Exactly, but we’ll talk about dude in the surfer culture in the Lipservice.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Video: Dude – Bud Light

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2010/01/expression-dude/feed/ 1 expression,slang Dude! This word is very popular nowadays, especially with young people. You can often hear this word in movies and television shows, or with your Native English speaker friends. It has been around for awhile but young people are using the word dude, Dude! This word is very popular nowadays, especially with young people. You can often hear this word in movies and television shows, or with your Native English speaker friends. It has been around for awhile but young people are using the word dude, more and more. So…dude, what does it mean? Maura: You want to use dude with your friends in a casual environment like a party or something like that. Harp: Yeah, so dude is an old word. Maura: Yeah, and it has had a lot of different meanings that generally refer to a man. Harp: Yeah exactly. And dude became popular in the 60s and the 70s in surfer culture and then it made its way into mainstream. Maura: Yeah, so dude was really first used in a popular way by surfers, I guess maybe in California, somewhere where they surf in the USA. Harp: Exactly, but we’ll talk about dude in the surfer culture in the Lipservice. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Video: Dude - Bud Light Culips ESL Podcast clean 9:23 No matter what http://esl.culips.com/2009/09/no-matter-what/ http://esl.culips.com/2009/09/no-matter-what/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:46:29 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=892 No matter what is a common expression used by English speakers. The question in this episode comes from Ae Sun who heard this expression used while she was watching TV. There are also other similar expressions like, no matter what happens and no matter who/when/why/where/which/how. Check out this episode to find out how to use this expression like a native speaker.
Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Maura: We use the expression no matter what when we’re talking about doing something, some kind of action. When we say we will do something no matter what, it means that we will do the action even if it’s difficult. We will do it.
Harp: Yeah, it’s like saying that it isn’t important what happens. You will complete the action. So, it shows a strong feeling about the action. So even if something is difficult, or if you have to try really hard different ways, it’s still the same result.
Maura: Let’s give an example.
Harp: Hey, are you going to the party? Did your parents say you could go, or are you grounded?
Maura: I’m going to the party no matter what.
Harp: All right! See you there

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Video: No Matter What – Badfinger

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2009/09/no-matter-what/feed/ 2 - - No matter what is a common expression used by English speakers. The question in this episode comes from Ae Sun who heard this expression used while she was watching TV. There are also other similar expressions like, No matter what is a common expression used by English speakers. The question in this episode comes from Ae Sun who heard this expression used while she was watching TV. There are also other similar expressions like, no matter what happens and no matter who/when/why/where/which/how. Check out this episode to find out how to use this expression like a native speaker. Maura: We use the expression no matter what when we’re talking about doing something, some kind of action. When we say we will do something no matter what, it means that we will do the action even if it’s difficult. We will do it. Harp: Yeah, it’s like saying that it isn’t important what happens. You will complete the action. So, it shows a strong feeling about the action. So even if something is difficult, or if you have to try really hard different ways, it’s still the same result. Maura: Let’s give an example. Harp: Hey, are you going to the party? Did your parents say you could go, or are you grounded? Maura: I’m going to the party no matter what. Harp: All right! See you there Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Video: No Matter What - Badfinger Culips ESL Podcast clean Culture: Wedding anniversaries http://esl.culips.com/2009/07/culture-wedding-anniversaries/ http://esl.culips.com/2009/07/culture-wedding-anniversaries/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:35:38 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=823 anniversaryEliza from China emailed to ask us about Wedding Anniversaries. Here we talk about different ways to wish someone a happy anniversary, what couples do on their anniversaries and the special names of some anniversaries. If you’re married or not, listen below.

Harp btn_lipservice.gif

Harp: And for other more special anniversaries people celebrate with parties, with their family and friends.
Robin: Right, but this is only for big anniversaries, like 25 years, maybe 30, 40 or 50 years. Usually big parties come after the couple has been married a long time.
Harp: Yes, sometimes it is the children of the couple who plan a big party for the parents’ wedding anniversary. You know I actually did this for my parents’ 25th Anniversary.
Robin: Did you?
Harp: Yeah I planned a party with my 2 sisters.
Robin: Really? Were there a lot of people?
Harp: Yeah, there were actually about 60 people.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: amandabhslater

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2009/07/culture-wedding-anniversaries/feed/ 2 culture Eliza from China emailed to ask us about Wedding Anniversaries. Here we talk about different ways to wish someone a happy anniversary, what couples do on their anniversaries and the special names of some anniversaries. If you’re married or not, Eliza from China emailed to ask us about Wedding Anniversaries. Here we talk about different ways to wish someone a happy anniversary, what couples do on their anniversaries and the special names of some anniversaries. If you’re married or not, listen below. Harp: And for other more special anniversaries people celebrate with parties, with their family and friends. Robin: Right, but this is only for big anniversaries, like 25 years, maybe 30, 40 or 50 years. Usually big parties come after the couple has been married a long time. Harp: Yes, sometimes it is the children of the couple who plan a big party for the parents’ wedding anniversary. You know I actually did this for my parents’ 25th Anniversary. Robin: Did you? Harp: Yeah I planned a party with my 2 sisters. Robin: Really? Were there a lot of people? Harp: Yeah, there were actually about 60 people. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: amandabhslater Culips ESL Podcast clean Pronunciation: Silent P http://esl.culips.com/2009/06/pronunciation-silent-p/ http://esl.culips.com/2009/06/pronunciation-silent-p/#comments Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:38:31 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=782 psychoSometimes English pronunciation is very difficult. Sometimes we spell words quite differently from how they sound. This happens often because the word originally comes from another language. This is the case with the silent P that comes at the beginning of some words. (As we don’t hear the P when we speak, this could be a more difficult podcast for some. Check out our Lipservice.)

Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Maura: So she is really asking if we can give some other examples of words that are spelled with the letter P as the first letter – but we don’t pronounce the P. She is asking for more of these words that start with a P that we don’t pronounce.
Harp: Did everyone out there know this already? That when we say the word psychology, we do not pronounce the p at the beginning. Psychology is the science and study of the mind and human behaviour.
Maura: Of course if you’re listening, you only hear the s sound but when we write the word psychology it actually starts with the letter p which is not pronounced.
Harp: So to answer Anais’s question, there are not very many words where we do not pronounce the p. But there are a few words.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Asami

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2009/06/pronunciation-silent-p/feed/ 5 Pronunciation Sometimes English pronunciation is very difficult. Sometimes we spell words quite differently from how they sound. This happens often because the word originally comes from another language. This is the case with the silent P that comes at the beginni... Sometimes English pronunciation is very difficult. Sometimes we spell words quite differently from how they sound. This happens often because the word originally comes from another language. This is the case with the silent P that comes at the beginning of some words. (As we don’t hear the P when we speak, this could be a more difficult podcast for some. Check out our Lipservice.) Maura: So she is really asking if we can give some other examples of words that are spelled with the letter P as the first letter - but we don’t pronounce the P. She is asking for more of these words that start with a P that we don’t pronounce. Harp: Did everyone out there know this already? That when we say the word psychology, we do not pronounce the p at the beginning. Psychology is the science and study of the mind and human behaviour. Maura: Of course if you’re listening, you only hear the s sound but when we write the word psychology it actually starts with the letter p which is not pronounced. Harp: So to answer Anais’s question, there are not very many words where we do not pronounce the p. But there are a few words. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Asami Culips ESL Podcast clean Expression: Call Someone Names – Is this an insult? http://esl.culips.com/2009/03/expression-call-someone-names-is-this-an-insult/ http://esl.culips.com/2009/03/expression-call-someone-names-is-this-an-insult/#comments Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=569 callnameHave you ever been called a name? It is not a nice experience. Mohammed from Egypt wrote to us and asked us about this expression, to call someone names? He wanted to know if it was insulting or not. To find out about this expression and to hear some example of names check out this episode!

Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Maura : Yeah, there are all sorts of possibilities of calling people names.
Robin : Absolutely.
Maura : So, for example we could say, “John called Paul an idiot and a jerk”. So John called Paul names.
Robin : That’s right
Maura : Hey, I got another example.
Robin : What is that?
Maura : Robin, did you hear that Sarah was calling Peter names?
Robin : Oh really, what was she calling him?
Maura : She was calling him stupid. Yup, not very nice.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Leonid Mamchenkov

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2009/03/expression-call-someone-names-is-this-an-insult/feed/ 6 expression Have you ever been called a name? It is not a nice experience. Mohammed from Egypt wrote to us and asked us about this expression, to call someone names? He wanted to know if it was insulting or not. To find out about this expression and to hear some ... Have you ever been called a name? It is not a nice experience. Mohammed from Egypt wrote to us and asked us about this expression, to call someone names? He wanted to know if it was insulting or not. To find out about this expression and to hear some example of names check out this episode! Maura : Yeah, there are all sorts of possibilities of calling people names. Robin : Absolutely. Maura : So, for example we could say, “John called Paul an idiot and a jerk”. So John called Paul names. Robin : That’s right Maura : Hey, I got another example. Robin : What is that? Maura : Robin, did you hear that Sarah was calling Peter names? Robin : Oh really, what was she calling him? Maura : She was calling him stupid. Yup, not very nice. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Leonid Mamchenkov Culips ESL Podcast clean Expression: Call it a day http://esl.culips.com/2009/01/expression-call-it-a-day/ http://esl.culips.com/2009/01/expression-call-it-a-day/#comments Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:57:46 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=492 Here we look at a question about the expressions, Let’s call it a day and Let’s call it a night. These expressions are used often after work has been done or you are feeling tired. Listen to this episode for specific cases of when these expressions are appropriate! You’ll also learn about another similar expression, Let’s call it quits!

Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Jessie : Right, so we use this expression to mean that we are going to stop working and hopefully start relaxing.
Maura: Yes relaxing is good. We could use it in any situation where you are working. It doesn’t have to be at your job. For example, maybe you are a student and you have been working on a school project with your friends and you have been working all afternoon. So you could continue working all night too but you decide that that is enough, that is enough studying, that is enough work. You can say “let’s call it a day”
Jessie : So it kind of means the same thing as “let’s stop working now”.
Maura: Exactly.
Jessie : So if it was last night but we had been working all day and into the night, could we still say “let’s call it a day”?

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Paul Hocksenar

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2009/01/expression-call-it-a-day/feed/ 0 ESL Podcast,expression Here we look at a question about the expressions, Let’s call it a day and Let’s call it a night. These expressions are used often after work has been done or you are feeling tired. Listen to this episode for specific cases of when these expressions ar... Here we look at a question about the expressions, Let’s call it a day and Let’s call it a night. These expressions are used often after work has been done or you are feeling tired. Listen to this episode for specific cases of when these expressions are appropriate! You’ll also learn about another similar expression, Let’s call it quits! Jessie : Right, so we use this expression to mean that we are going to stop working and hopefully start relaxing. Maura: Yes relaxing is good. We could use it in any situation where you are working. It doesn’t have to be at your job. For example, maybe you are a student and you have been working on a school project with your friends and you have been working all afternoon. So you could continue working all night too but you decide that that is enough, that is enough studying, that is enough work. You can say “let’s call it a day” Jessie : So it kind of means the same thing as “let’s stop working now”. Maura: Exactly. Jessie : So if it was last night but we had been working all day and into the night, could we still say “let’s call it a day”? Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Paul Hocksenar Culips ESL Podcast clean How do you end emails? – Standard & Creative Ideas http://esl.culips.com/2008/12/355/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/12/355/#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:00:29 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=355 Are most of you out there writing emails in English? Are you getting bored with ending your emails the same way all the time? Well, then this episode is for you! Here we discuss which email endings are appropriate and when to use them. We also give some fun ideas on how to be more creative with your email closings!

Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Maura: Yes, there are tons and tons of ways to end an email. Often people use the standard ones, always the same kind of thing. But then other people are really creative and original.
Jessie:Yeah. There are some people who will never end an email the same way twice.
Maura:Yeah, that’s true. And since it’s a new way to communicate, there aren’t really any “rules” about how to end it.
Jessi:Yeah. It’s not like you can just look it up in the dictionary.
Maura:Exactly. And some people don’t write anything. If you’re writing a really quick email you just sign your name or nothing.
Jessie:Yep.
Maura:So in her email, Yuko mentioned two ideas in her question. She said that she uses “Thanks” and ”Bye for now”. And with “Bye for now” can pretty much use it any time, yeah?

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Illust: m-c

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/12/355/feed/ 0 email,ESL Podcast Are most of you out there writing emails in English? Are you getting bored with ending your emails the same way all the time? Well, then this episode is for you! Here we discuss which email endings are appropriate and when to use them. Are most of you out there writing emails in English? Are you getting bored with ending your emails the same way all the time? Well, then this episode is for you! Here we discuss which email endings are appropriate and when to use them. We also give some fun ideas on how to be more creative with your email closings! Maura: Yes, there are tons and tons of ways to end an email. Often people use the standard ones, always the same kind of thing. But then other people are really creative and original. Jessie:Yeah. There are some people who will never end an email the same way twice. Maura:Yeah, that’s true. And since it’s a new way to communicate, there aren’t really any “rules” about how to end it. Jessi:Yeah. It’s not like you can just look it up in the dictionary. Maura:Exactly. And some people don’t write anything. If you’re writing a really quick email you just sign your name or nothing. Jessie:Yep. Maura:So in her email, Yuko mentioned two ideas in her question. She said that she uses “Thanks” and ”Bye for now”. And with “Bye for now” can pretty much use it any time, yeah? Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Illust: m-c Culips ESL Podcast clean Culture: Kisses In Canada http://esl.culips.com/2008/11/curious-questions-16-kisses-in-canada/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/11/curious-questions-16-kisses-in-canada/#comments Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:12:05 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=318 Kiss In CanadaEverywhere around the world there are different customs for greeting. Here in Montreal you can often see people kissing each other on the cheeks. So what is normal here? And what is normal for Canada? In this episode, Robin and Harp kiss and tell!

Harp btn_lipservice.gif

Harp:So today’s question is from Asami who is originally from Japan, but she is currently living in Montreal and she’s asking about Canadian culture, I guess, and she is saying: What is the custom when saying goodbye or hello in Canada?
So she wants to know about how to greet someone in Montreal and in the rest of Canada. She says that she often sees people kiss each other on the cheek, but she has also seen people hug or do nothing. So what do we do here in Montreal?
Robin: She says she has often seen people kiss each other on the cheek, but she has also seen people hug or do nothing. So what do we do here in Montreal?
Harp: Exactly, so now just so you understand, this is a cultural question, she is not asking about English, but she wants to know the action that people do, whether they kiss on the cheek, whether they hug or whether they do nothing.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Maura & Harp

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/11/curious-questions-16-kisses-in-canada/feed/ 1 culture,ESL Podcast,greeting Everywhere around the world there are different customs for greeting. Here in Montreal you can often see people kissing each other on the cheeks. So what is normal here? And what is normal for Canada? In this episode, Robin and Harp kiss and tell! Everywhere around the world there are different customs for greeting. Here in Montreal you can often see people kissing each other on the cheeks. So what is normal here? And what is normal for Canada? In this episode, Robin and Harp kiss and tell! Harp:So today’s question is from Asami who is originally from Japan, but she is currently living in Montreal and she’s asking about Canadian culture, I guess, and she is saying: What is the custom when saying goodbye or hello in Canada? So she wants to know about how to greet someone in Montreal and in the rest of Canada. She says that she often sees people kiss each other on the cheek, but she has also seen people hug or do nothing. So what do we do here in Montreal? Robin: She says she has often seen people kiss each other on the cheek, but she has also seen people hug or do nothing. So what do we do here in Montreal? Harp: Exactly, so now just so you understand, this is a cultural question, she is not asking about English, but she wants to know the action that people do, whether they kiss on the cheek, whether they hug or whether they do nothing. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Maura & Harp Culips ESL Podcast clean Idiom: He had better go to work soon. http://esl.culips.com/2008/10/curious-questions-15-had-better/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/10/curious-questions-15-had-better/#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2008 22:38:36 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=263 You had better go!You had better listen to this episode! Did you understand this first sentence? If you didn’t, check out this episode and hear us explain “had better” for you. We will also give you lots of examples of how to use it.

Harp btn_lipservice.gif

Harp: Let’s explain had better just a little bit. So when you use, he had better, or we had better or she had better, basically you are saying that they have to, that they should, they must do something or…
Robin: Something bad will happen
Harp: Exactly so it is a fixed expression to say that you have to do something or something bad will happen and the something bad, we don’t always say that in the expression.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: moonwire

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/10/curious-questions-15-had-better/feed/ 2 idiom You had better listen to this episode! Did you understand this first sentence? If you didn’t, check out this episode and hear us explain “had better” for you. We will also give you lots of examples of how to use it. You had better listen to this episode! Did you understand this first sentence? If you didn’t, check out this episode and hear us explain “had better” for you. We will also give you lots of examples of how to use it. Harp: Let’s explain had better just a little bit. So when you use, he had better, or we had better or she had better, basically you are saying that they have to, that they should, they must do something or… Robin: Something bad will happen Harp: Exactly so it is a fixed expression to say that you have to do something or something bad will happen and the something bad, we don’t always say that in the expression. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: moonwire Culips ESL Podcast clean Idiom: Have Something Down Cold http://esl.culips.com/2008/10/curious-questions-14-34down-cold34/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/10/curious-questions-14-34down-cold34/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:00:36 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=250 Down ColdDo you have all English idioms down cold? If you don’t know every English idiom, listen to this podcast to learn a couple more. The question this week is about the expression “to have something down cold.”

Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Robin: “To have it down cold,” what does that mean? For example: “She has been rehearsing the play for months. She has her part completely down cold.” Could anyone give me some more examples?
Maura: “To have something down cold” means that you know something very well.
Robin: The meaning has absolutely nothing to do with “cold.”
Maura: Let’s look again at the example that we got with the question.
Robin: “She has been rehearsing the play for months. She has her part completely down cold.”
Maura: This means that she knows her part for the play very well. She knows every scene perfectly. She doesn’t make any mistakes because she has it down cold.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: -Nat

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/10/curious-questions-14-34down-cold34/feed/ 0 idiom Do you have all English idioms down cold? If you don’t know every English idiom, listen to this podcast to learn a couple more. The question this week is about the expression “to have something down cold.” - - - - - - - Robin: “To have it down c... Do you have all English idioms down cold? If you don’t know every English idiom, listen to this podcast to learn a couple more. The question this week is about the expression “to have something down cold.” Robin: “To have it down cold,” what does that mean? For example: “She has been rehearsing the play for months. She has her part completely down cold.” Could anyone give me some more examples? Maura: “To have something down cold” means that you know something very well. Robin: The meaning has absolutely nothing to do with “cold.” Maura: Let’s look again at the example that we got with the question. Robin: “She has been rehearsing the play for months. She has her part completely down cold.” Maura: This means that she knows her part for the play very well. She knows every scene perfectly. She doesn’t make any mistakes because she has it down cold. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: -Nat Culips ESL Podcast clean Ideas for Answering Machine Greetings http://esl.culips.com/2008/09/curious-questions-13-answering-machine-greetings/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/09/curious-questions-13-answering-machine-greetings/#comments Sun, 07 Sep 2008 05:22:43 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=144 How do I leave a greeting in English on my answering machine at work? There are standard messages and there are more special, funny ones. Listen to this podcast to hear professional messages and Harp and Maura sing!

Harp Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Maura: Hello. This is Karen. I’m either on the phone or away from my desk.
Please leave a detailed message and I’ll call you back as soon as possible. Thanks.
Harp: Something like that sounds good. If you want to leave someone else to contact, you can say, “If you need immediate assistance dial zero”. Or “If you need assistance right away please call 514-1232-2323”.
Maura: That is not our real number so don’t try calling. And your average answering machine in a home is not that different. You can say the names of the people, the family name or the phone number. Here are some more examples.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo:

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/09/curious-questions-13-answering-machine-greetings/feed/ 0 greeting,idea How do I leave a greeting in English on my answering machine at work? There are standard messages and there are more special, funny ones. Listen to this podcast to hear professional messages and Harp and Maura sing! - - - - - - Maura: Hello. How do I leave a greeting in English on my answering machine at work? There are standard messages and there are more special, funny ones. Listen to this podcast to hear professional messages and Harp and Maura sing! Maura: Hello. This is Karen. I’m either on the phone or away from my desk. Please leave a detailed message and I’ll call you back as soon as possible. Thanks. Harp: Something like that sounds good. If you want to leave someone else to contact, you can say, “If you need immediate assistance dial zero”. Or “If you need assistance right away please call 514-1232-2323”. Maura: That is not our real number so don’t try calling. And your average answering machine in a home is not that different. You can say the names of the people, the family name or the phone number. Here are some more examples. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: Culips ESL Podcast clean Grammar: “As Well” vs “Too” http://esl.culips.com/2008/08/curious-questions12-as-well/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/08/curious-questions12-as-well/#comments Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00:57 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=77 As Well? Too?This question is about “as well”. Is it exactly the same as “too”? Can it also be used in another way? Check out this episode to find out! And check out our Lipservice as well.

Harp Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Harp: I would like some ice cream.
Maura: I would like some ice cream as well.
Harp: At the end of a sentence as well is just the same as too. The only small distinction is that as well is a bit more formal sounding than too. When speaking or writing in a more formal situation or just to sound a bit more polite, replace as well for too.
Maura: She wants to go to the park too. She wants to go to the park as well. She also wants to go to the park.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: g-mikee

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/08/curious-questions12-as-well/feed/ 0 grammar This question is about “as well”. Is it exactly the same as “too”? Can it also be used in another way? Check out this episode to find out! And check out our Lipservice as well. - - - - - - - Harp: I would like some ice cream. This question is about “as well”. Is it exactly the same as “too”? Can it also be used in another way? Check out this episode to find out! And check out our Lipservice as well. Harp: I would like some ice cream. Maura: I would like some ice cream as well. Harp: At the end of a sentence as well is just the same as too. The only small distinction is that as well is a bit more formal sounding than too. When speaking or writing in a more formal situation or just to sound a bit more polite, replace as well for too. Maura: She wants to go to the park too. She wants to go to the park as well. She also wants to go to the park. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: g-mikee Culips ESL Podcast clean Idiom: Are we on for tonight? http://esl.culips.com/2008/08/curious-questions-11-are-we-on-for-tonight/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/08/curious-questions-11-are-we-on-for-tonight/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:00:12 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=67 Are we on for tonight? Here we have a question about a casual expression for confirming plans. To find out exactly what it means, you’ll have to listen to this episode!

Harp btn_lipservice.gif

Robin – So are we on for coffee tomorrow before work?
Harp – No
Robin – No?
Harp – No, yes, yes of course. I’m just joking.
Robin – So when you want to be specific about making plans you can say “are we on for tonight?” or “are we on for Thursday at 6?”

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/08/curious-questions-11-are-we-on-for-tonight/feed/ 0 idiom Are we on for tonight? Here we have a question about a casual expression for confirming plans. To find out exactly what it means, you’ll have to listen to this episode! - - - - - - Robin – So are we on for coffee tomorrow before work? Are we on for tonight? Here we have a question about a casual expression for confirming plans. To find out exactly what it means, you’ll have to listen to this episode! Robin – So are we on for coffee tomorrow before work? Harp – No Robin – No? Harp – No, yes, yes of course. I’m just joking. Robin – So when you want to be specific about making plans you can say “are we on for tonight?” or “are we on for Thursday at 6?” Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast Culips ESL Podcast clean “Let’s…” and “Why don’t we…” http://esl.culips.com/2008/07/curious-questions-10-lets/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/07/curious-questions-10-lets/#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:00:18 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=61 Let’s listen to this Culips episode! This time we talk about the expressions beginning with “Let’s…” and “Why don’t we…”, give your examples and explain the differences between them. Why don’t you stop reading and listen to it now!

Harp Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Harp:The question in this episode is from Ming in China:
Maura: What is the difference between “Let’s do…” and “Why don’t we do…”?
Harp: The answer is simple. There is really no difference in meaning or intention. They are essentially the same. In your standard ESL textbook these expressions are often taught together because they are used in the same way: to suggest something.
Maura: Let’s go see a movie. Why don’t we see a movie? In both cases I’m suggesting we see a movie.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: compscigrad

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/07/curious-questions-10-lets/feed/ 0 idiom Let's listen to this Culips episode! This time we talk about the expressions beginning with "Let's..." and "Why don't we...", give your examples and explain the differences between them. Why don't you stop reading and listen to it now! Let's listen to this Culips episode! This time we talk about the expressions beginning with "Let's..." and "Why don't we...", give your examples and explain the differences between them. Why don't you stop reading and listen to it now! Harp:The question in this episode is from Ming in China: Maura: What is the difference between “Let’s do…” and “Why don’t we do…”? Harp: The answer is simple. There is really no difference in meaning or intention. They are essentially the same. In your standard ESL textbook these expressions are often taught together because they are used in the same way: to suggest something. Maura: Let’s go see a movie. Why don’t we see a movie? In both cases I’m suggesting we see a movie. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast, Photo: compscigrad Culips ESL Podcast clean Slang: We’re going to dinner? Sweet! http://esl.culips.com/2008/06/59/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/06/59/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:40 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=59 Sweet! Have you all heard of this new slang term? What does it mean? When can you use it? Find out in this podcast.
We will give you a couple examples.

Harp Maura btn_lipservice.gif

Harp: “Hey, that’s a sweet bike,”
Maura: And “Hey, that’s a cool bike,” mean the same thing.
Harp:“I really like your new coat. It’s sweet.”
Harp: “Your new haircut is sweet.”

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/06/59/feed/ 0 slang Sweet! Have you all heard of this new slang term? What does it mean? When can you use it? Find out in this podcast. We will give you a couple examples. - - - - - - Harp: “Hey, that’s a sweet bike,” Maura: And “Hey, that’s a cool bike, Sweet! Have you all heard of this new slang term? What does it mean? When can you use it? Find out in this podcast. We will give you a couple examples. Harp: “Hey, that’s a sweet bike,” Maura: And “Hey, that’s a cool bike,” mean the same thing. Harp:“I really like your new coat. It’s sweet.” Harp: “Your new haircut is sweet.” Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast Culips ESL Podcast clean Expression: How have you been? http://esl.culips.com/2008/06/curious-questions-8-how-have-you-been/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/06/curious-questions-8-how-have-you-been/#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:00:39 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=54 How have you been?
When you greet someone you can say, “How are you?” and you can say “How have you been?” A smart listener asks, “what is the difference between “How are you?” and “How have you been?”

petit_harp.gifpetit_robin.gif btn_lipservice.gif

Robin: “How are you?” is exactly the same as “How are you doing? How is it going?”
Harp: The other expression was “How have you been?” Like “How are you?” this often follows greetings, but as “How are you?” asks about the exact moment, “How have you been?” asks about recently or lately in general.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/06/curious-questions-8-how-have-you-been/feed/ 0 ESL Podcast How have you been? When you greet someone you can say, “How are you?” and you can say “How have you been?” A smart listener asks, “what is the difference between “How are you?” and “How have you been?” - - - - - - - - Robin: “How are you? How have you been? When you greet someone you can say, “How are you?” and you can say “How have you been?” A smart listener asks, “what is the difference between “How are you?” and “How have you been?” Robin: “How are you?” is exactly the same as “How are you doing? How is it going?” Harp: The other expression was “How have you been?” Like “How are you?” this often follows greetings, but as “How are you?” asks about the exact moment, “How have you been?” asks about recently or lately in general. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast Culips ESL Podcast clean Expression: In Da House http://esl.culips.com/2008/05/curious-questions-7-in-da-house/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/05/curious-questions-7-in-da-house/#comments Sat, 24 May 2008 04:00:14 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=52 Robin and Maura are in da house! What does that mean? A real music lover heard this and wrote in to find out what it is all about.

maurarobin btn_lipservice.gif

Robin: One, two, one, two. Is Harp in da house? Check one, two, one, two, Maura in da house. Is Maura in da house?
Maura: Hey everyone out there, this is Maura and…
Robin: And Robin.
Maura: Yes, we’re here with you with the Curious Questions podcast where we always take one of your questions and answer it for you. The next question is a very specific one. And it must be from a very careful listener, or someone who really loves rap music. Let’s first listen to the question.
Robin: I often hear in da house in rap songs. What does it mean? How do you use it? Can you use it in a daily conversation?

To hear a real example check out the video by Mariah Carey, featuring ODB who uses “in da house” at the beginning of the song!

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast
Mariah Carey Fantasy Remix

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/05/curious-questions-7-in-da-house/feed/ 0 ESL Podcast,expression Robin and Maura are in da house! What does that mean? A real music lover heard this and wrote in to find out what it is all about. - - - - - - Robin: One, two, one, two. Is Harp in da house? Check one, two, one, two, Maura in da house. Robin and Maura are in da house! What does that mean? A real music lover heard this and wrote in to find out what it is all about. Robin: One, two, one, two. Is Harp in da house? Check one, two, one, two, Maura in da house. Is Maura in da house? Maura: Hey everyone out there, this is Maura and… Robin: And Robin. Maura: Yes, we’re here with you with the Curious Questions podcast where we always take one of your questions and answer it for you. The next question is a very specific one. And it must be from a very careful listener, or someone who really loves rap music. Let’s first listen to the question. Robin: I often hear in da house in rap songs. What does it mean? How do you use it? Can you use it in a daily conversation? To hear a real example check out the video by Mariah Carey, featuring ODB who uses "in da house" at the beginning of the song! Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast Mariah Carey Fantasy Remix Culips ESL Podcast clean Pronunciation: Want vs Won’t http://esl.culips.com/2008/05/curious-questions-6-want-or-wont/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/05/curious-questions-6-want-or-wont/#comments Sat, 10 May 2008 04:00:04 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=48 The question this time is a pronunciation question. How can we hear the difference between “want” and “won’t”. It is true that they are very similar, but there are some differences and here we explain them for you.

petit_maura1.gifpetit_robin.gif btn_lipservice.gif


Robin: So just to be clear, the first example was won’t, that is will not as a contraction, W-O-N-’-T. The second example was the verb want and want is often followed by the preposition to. They sound the same because they almost look the same. They both are W and then a vowel and then a N and a T.
Maura: I wonder if you can hear the difference in this episode? I hope so. If you’re having any trouble hearing the difference and want to understand this pronunciation episode, go to our website Culips.com and see the transcripts in Lipservice.
Robin: So with won’t we have an O and the second example with want we have an A. This is a big distinction to make because if you listen closely these vowel sounds are pronounced differently and can help you distinguish between them.
Maura: In won’t we hear wo. The mouth looks like an O, the lips move out and back in a little, but they don’t lose the O shape.
Robin: In want we hear a short A sound: ah.

Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast

Do You Want to Dance-Bobby Freeman-original song-1958

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/05/curious-questions-6-want-or-wont/feed/ 0 Pronunciation The question this time is a pronunciation question. How can we hear the difference between “want” and “won’t”. It is true that they are very similar, but there are some differences and here we explain them for you. The question this time is a pronunciation question. How can we hear the difference between “want” and “won’t”. It is true that they are very similar, but there are some differences and here we explain them for you. Robin: So just to be clear, the first example was won’t, that is will not as a contraction, W-O-N-’-T. The second example was the verb want and want is often followed by the preposition to. They sound the same because they almost look the same. They both are W and then a vowel and then a N and a T. Maura: I wonder if you can hear the difference in this episode? I hope so. If you’re having any trouble hearing the difference and want to understand this pronunciation episode, go to our website Culips.com and see the transcripts in Lipservice. Robin: So with won’t we have an O and the second example with want we have an A. This is a big distinction to make because if you listen closely these vowel sounds are pronounced differently and can help you distinguish between them. Maura: In won’t we hear wo. The mouth looks like an O, the lips move out and back in a little, but they don’t lose the O shape. Robin: In want we hear a short A sound: ah. Podcast/ Lipservice: Culips ESL Podcast Do You Want to Dance-Bobby Freeman-original song-1958 Culips ESL Podcast clean Pronunciation: Can vs. Can’t http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-5-can-or-cant/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-5-can-or-cant/#comments Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:36 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=36 Today we’re going to look at a question about pronunciation. Let’s listen to David from Greece.
“I am having a difficult time telling the difference between can’t and can. Their meanings are totally opposite of each other. Help me better understand the pronunciation. Please give tips and examples of sentences using can’t and can.”

Hosts: petit_maura1.gifpetit_robin.gif btn_lipservice.gif

FRENCH CANCAN AT SUMMER BALL 1987

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-5-can-or-cant/feed/ 0 Pronunciation Today we’re going to look at a question about pronunciation. Let’s listen to David from Greece. "I am having a difficult time telling the difference between can’t and can. Their meanings are totally opposite of each other. Today we’re going to look at a question about pronunciation. Let’s listen to David from Greece. "I am having a difficult time telling the difference between can’t and can. Their meanings are totally opposite of each other. Help me better understand the pronunciation. Please give tips and examples of sentences using can’t and can." Hosts: FRENCH CANCAN AT SUMMER BALL 1987 Culips ESL Podcast clean Appointment vs. Reservation http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-4-appointment/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-4-appointment/#comments Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:21 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=25 Do you have an appointment? Do you have a reservation? What’s the difference between these and when do we use them?

Hosts: petit_maura1.gifpetit_robin.gif btn_lipservice.gif

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-4-appointment/feed/ 0 Do you have an appointment? Do you have a reservation? What's the difference between these and when do we use them? - - Hosts: - - Do you have an appointment? Do you have a reservation? What's the difference between these and when do we use them? Hosts: Culips ESL Podcast clean Expression: Sleep Tight http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-3-sleep-tight/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-3-sleep-tight/#comments Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:00:23 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=10 Have you ever heard the expression “Sleep Tight”? We say it at the end of the night, but what does it really mean? In this episode we’ll talk about expression before bed.

Hosts: petit_robin.gifpetit_harp.gif btn_lipservice.gif

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/04/curious-questions-3-sleep-tight/feed/ 0 Have you ever heard the expression "Sleep Tight"? We say it at the end of the night, but what does it really mean? In this episode we'll talk about expression before bed. - - Hosts: - - Have you ever heard the expression "Sleep Tight"? We say it at the end of the night, but what does it really mean? In this episode we'll talk about expression before bed. Hosts: Culips ESL Podcast clean Different meanings of Whichever http://esl.culips.com/2008/03/curious-questions-2-whichever/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/03/curious-questions-2-whichever/#comments Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:00:13 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=9 “Whichever” way you look at it, English can be a little bit difficult. Here we talk about “whichever” and how to use it carefully. Don’t listen to whichever podcast. Listen to this one!

Hosts: petit_maura1.gif petit_harp.gif btn_lipservice.gif

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/03/curious-questions-2-whichever/feed/ 0 “Whichever” way you look at it, English can be a little bit difficult. Here we talk about “whichever” and how to use it carefully. Don’t listen to whichever podcast. Listen to this one! - Hosts: - “Whichever” way you look at it, English can be a little bit difficult. Here we talk about “whichever” and how to use it carefully. Don’t listen to whichever podcast. Listen to this one! Hosts: Culips ESL Podcast clean Miss, Mrs. or Ms? http://esl.culips.com/2008/03/curious-questions-1-miss-mrs-or-ms/ http://esl.culips.com/2008/03/curious-questions-1-miss-mrs-or-ms/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:57 +0000 The Culips Team http://esl.culips.com/?p=1 When and how do you use these formal titles for females? Should you call every woman Mrs.? Miss or Ms.? Ms. Maura and Ms.Harp will tell you here.

Hosts: petit_maura1.gif petit_harp.gif btn_lipservice.gif

]]> http://esl.culips.com/2008/03/curious-questions-1-miss-mrs-or-ms/feed/ 0 When and how do you use these formal titles for females? Should you call every woman Mrs.? Miss or Ms.? Ms. Maura and Ms.Harp will tell you here. - - Hosts: - When and how do you use these formal titles for females? Should you call every woman Mrs.? Miss or Ms.? Ms. Maura and Ms.Harp will tell you here. Hosts: Culips ESL Podcast clean