F2F Class Notes 2nd May (Dan)

“They will always be understanding” –  They always understood or They tried to be understanding or They try their best to be understanding”  Each of these sentences has a different implied meaning.

“We would solve the problem with a phone call ” – Once it has been established you are talking about communication methods it is more common to replace phone call with call.
The example from class; If we wanted to keep our language formal (speaking to your boss) we would say “Phone call” however if we were speaking with friends we can shorten it to call.

“I would point the problem” – I would point out the problem

Weren’t vs Aren’t – Weren’t is past tense. Aren’t is current tense and implies it to be ongoing.

Example: The sales figures weren’t good or The sales figures aren’t good.

“My friends talked it to me.” – My friends told me or I talked about it with my friends. 

Vocabulary

Minorities – Minor – Smaller. Smallest group/groups of people

Majority – Major – Larger. Largest group of people.

In music notes can be played in major or minor.

Han Chinese are the majority ethnic race in China.

Two minor political parties joined to win the majority vote.

Old boys club – The traditional group of people that hold power, typically describing; politics, certain industries or organisations.