Communicating Vocabulary: Conditional Model/ Noun Clause Model EJ 417

Last Class We looked at using the Word/Category/Description model to define vocabulary for our students. Word: Dentist Category: Person Description: A dentist fixes teeth. A dentist is a person who fixes teeth. This is a very powerful tool for defining vocabulary, especially nouns and adjectives.

This Class We are going to look at using conditionals to define verbs, phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs, adjectives, idioms, and proverbs. This is a very versatile method of defining vocabulary and is commonly used by modern dictionaries such as the Collins Cobuild dictionary

Conditionals Conditionals are useful for defining idioms, phrases and phrasal verbs. If you are fed up with something then you can’t stand doing it anymore. If you are on cloud nine, then you are very happy. If something is a steal, then it is a bargain or it costs less than it is really worth.

Conditionals: Defining Verbs and Phrasal Verbs If you persuade someone, you convince them. If you run into someone, you meet them by chance. If you drop by a friend’s house, you visit that friend

Conditionals: Defining Adjectives If a person is stingy, the person doesn’t like to spend money. If an animal is endangered, there are few of that kind of animal left. If you are pessimistic, you think bad things will happen.

Task 1 Try to define the following using the conditional model: furious butt in on cut down on deal with (a problem)

One big advantage with this method of defining vocabulary is that you can surround vocabulary with context and collocations. It is for this reason that it is the method of choice of many modern dictionaries that are based on frequency usage.

That Means In oral communication it is helpful to use a discourse marker ‘that means’ to divide the definition from word being defined. If you figure out a problem, that means you find the answer. If you look down on someone, that means you think you are better than them.

Shades of Meaning This model also provides a quick and easy way to compare shades of meaning. If you take care of someone, (that means) you look after that person. If you take care of a problem, (that means) you solve the problem. If you take care not to do something, (that means) you try not to do it.

Noun Clauses Finally we can also use noun clauses to define words. Noun clauses are especially useful for defining gerunds and nouns.

Using Nouns Clauses to Define Words Smuggling is when you bring something into a country illegally. A strainer is what you use to get rid of water from spaghetti noodles. A factory is where things are made such as computers and cars. The jury is who decides if somebody is guilty of a crime or not.