Unit 1 the Correct Word
Focus
Denotation and Connotation
1. Denotation refers to the literal and primary meaning of a word-the definition you find in a dictionary.
2. Connotation refers to the implied or suggested meaning of a word.
Attitude : when we write in English, we have to be careful with some emotionally loaded
words-i.e. words that can reveal the writer ’s attitude.
We can divide the words attitude into three parts: 1commendatory\positive 2neutral Collocation: fixed combination of words
There are several types of collocation: 1.V+N(follow the fashion) 2. A+N(a brilliant success) 3.V+AD(think alike) 4.PREP+N(the answer to a question) 5. V+PREP(think of an idea)
False Friends
Advise(v) vs. advice(n) angel (天使)vs. angle(角度)capital(首都,资金)vs. capitol(国会大厦)
Complement(补充)vs. compliment (称赞)credible(可信的,确实的)vs. credulous(轻信的,易受骗的)get knowledge(t) vs. learn knowledge(f)
Grammar
Subject-Verb agreement
1when the subject is compound
Work and play are equally important.
Ham and eggs is my favorite breakfast.
(1)由and或both…and连接的并列结构作主语时,如果意义为复数,谓语动词用复数;如果作主语的并列结构不是指两个或两个以上的人或物,而是表示单数,则动词用单数;and与each等限定词时,随后动词用单数。
(2)由neither…nor not only…but also连接的并列结构作主语,随后动词形式常遵循就近原则。
(3)主语后用along with, together with引导等词组,动词形式根据主语形式而定。
2When the subject expresses quantity
(1)有many a等限定词,其后动词形式为单数
(2)a pair, heap of 后动词多接单数形式
3when the subject is a relative pronoun, a what-clause, or in the there-be structure
(1)以nominal clause 作主语,随后动词通常用单数
(2)relative clause 中谓语动词单复数形式通常以关系代词先行项的形式而定
(3)there be 谓语动词单复数形式取决于所后的
Unit2 The Appropriate Word Focus
Style: in English, words can be, roughly, formal , general, colloquial, and slang in terms of style. Formal and general
Formal words are not as common as general words, which form the basis of the vocabulary and
Notice: a common belief among students is that formality is a virtue, but the best policy is to use general words in most cases and formal words in specific, formal contexts .