The Nail - Part 3
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EN: Use 'some distance' to describe an unspecified amount of space or length without being exact.
We walked some distance to find a restaurant.
EN: Use 'began to' followed by an action to show that something started happening in the past.
It began to rain.
EN: The phrase 'began to' is used to describe the start of an action in the past. It is followed by the base form of a verb.
It began to rain.
EN: Use 'After' at the beginning of a sentence to show that one action happened before another. Use a comma to separate the two parts of the sentence.
After he finished his homework, he played games.
EN: Use 'couldn't' (could not) to talk about things someone was unable to do in the past.
I couldn't find my keys yesterday.
EN: Using 'and' to connect multiple actions in a sequence. When listing three or more actions, use commas between them and 'and' before the last one.
She opened the door, entered the room, and sat down.
EN: The phrase 'on foot' is a standard way to say someone is walking instead of using a vehicle. It is more formal than just saying 'walked'.
EN: The pattern 'not... until' is used to say that something did not happen before a certain time. It means 'only at that time did it happen'.
I didn't sleep until 11 PM.
EN: Use 'was' to describe a state or feeling in the past. It connects the subject to a word that describes it.
The girl was happy.
EN: The word 'that' is used here to connect a main thought (He thought) with a complete sentence that explains what he thought.
I believe that you can do it.
EN: In many fables, characters blame inanimate objects (like a nail) for their problems instead of reflecting on their own choices, such as rushing or being impatient.
EN: The phrase 'found out that' is used to show that someone learned a new fact or piece of information. The word 'that' introduces the information being learned.
I found out that the library is closed on Mondays.
EN: 'Haste makes waste' is a common English proverb. It teaches that when you try to do things too quickly, you are more likely to make mistakes, which ends up wasting more time.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
soon; in a short time
by walking rather than using a vehicle
doing something too quickly often results in mistakes or poor results
to fall to the ground