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Expression of the Week “With a grain of salt”

“With a grain of salt” To receive some information with a healthy dose (a substantial amount) of doubt, skepticism, suspicion, and caution.

“With a grain of salt” You should take that with a grain of salt. You’d better take that with a grain of salt. I would take that with a grain of salt if I were you.

“With a grain of salt” Suppose I were to tell you that President 习近平 will come to class next week to speak to us. Yeah, it’s true! Well, your response should probably be, “Teacher Wayne, I’m gonna take that with a grain of salt.” “I won’t believe it until I see it!”

Vowels with Communicative Meaning

Written Pronounced Used to Express Ahhh! /ɒ//ɒ/ When you’re thirsty and you drink some water, you might say: Ahhh! That was refreshing!!! Inflection tip: The voice starts mid-level, and then drops slowly as you make this sound. Satisfaction, relaxation

Written Pronounced Used to Express Aha! / ɒ h ɒ / Inflection tip: There are many different ways to inflect this sound, each way changing the meaning a bit. Perhaps the most common way is to pronounce both syllables quickly, the first one flatly – like a Chinese 1 st tone – and the second similar to a Chinese 4 th tone. Discovery Aha! Now I understand this math homework.

Written Pronounced Used to Express Aw /ɔ/ Aw. I’m so sorry that you aren’t feeling well and have to miss my party. Sympathy, disappointment

Written Pronounced Used to Express Ow! /ɑʊ/ Ow! That hurt! or Ow! That hurts! Inflection tip: The voice starts high and then drops. It can be a quick drop of the voice, but is usually extended much longer – depending on the extent of the pain. Pain (ouch!)

Written Pronounced Used to Express Oh? / əʊ / Guess what, Helen! I have a new boyfriend! Oh? Tell me more!!! Inflection tip: The voice goes up, as when asking a question. Mild surprise, interest

Written Pronounced Used to Express Oh. / əʊ/ Oh. Now I get it. Inflection Tip: Start the voice high, and slowly drop it. Understanding

Written Pronounced Used to Express Uh-oh /ʔʌ ʔəʊ/ (Suppose you’re shopping, and it’s time to pay.) Uh-oh. I forgot my wallet at home. Inflection Tip: The symbol that looks a bit like a question mark “ ʔ ” signifies a glottal stop – stopping the air stream at the vocal cords. Trouble

Written Pronounced Used to Express Ooh! /uː/ Ooh! There’s a fly in my soup! Ooh! Those fireworks in the sky are beautiful. Inflection Tip: This sound can be inflected many different ways, changing the meaning significantly. Listen to my examples! Disgust, or delight

Written Pronounced Used to Express Oops. /uːps/ Oops. I dropped my pencil. Recognition of a problem

Written Pronounced Used to Express Huh? /hʌ/ nasal Huh? I’m not sure I understand your point. Note: Never use this when responding to your elders, especially your parents or your teachers! This can indicate a lack of respect! Only use it with your peers. Pronunciation Tip: The “H” is pronounced harder than usual. Lack of understanding

Written Pronounced Used to Express Uh-Huh /ʌhʌ/ nasal Do you want to go to the store later today? Uh-huh. Sounds like a good idea to me! Inflection Tip: As with the other sounds, this one can be stressed several different ways. The most common is to raise the voice on the 2 nd syllable. Agreement. Yes.

Written Pronounced Used to Express Uh-uh /ʔʌ ʔʌ/ nasal Do you want to go to the store later today? Uh-uh. I’m a little bit busy today. Maybe next time. Thanks anyway. Inflection Tip: The 2 nd syllable is typically lower in tone than the 1 st one. No

Written Pronounced Used to Express Boo! /buː/ Scaring someone Inflection Tip: Usually spoken quickly with a downward stress, just like a Chinese 4 th tone. Boo! Ha ha, I scared you.

Written Pronounced Used to Express Boo-hoo /buː huː/ Sarcasm; fake crying Boo-hoo. I feel so sorry for you.

What would you say when you sit down in a big, comfortable chair after standing for a long time? Ahhh!

What would you say if you didn’t understand what one of your friends just said to you? Huh?

What would you say when you see your teacher coming toward you, knowing you had skipped his class earlier in the day? Uh-oh!

What would you say when you quietly walk behind a friend, wanting to scare her? Boo!

What would you say if you spill a glass of water on the floor ? Oops. or Uh-oh.

What would you say if your friend told you she had a bad cold? Aw.

What would you say on a hot day, right after drinking some ice-cold water ? Ahhh!

What would you say if you were just about to eat your noodles, and you see a big, ugly bug on top ? Ooh!

What would you say when hammering a nail, you miss it – hitting your finger instead ? Ow!