Pandemic & Prevention
Listen to Course
0:00
0:00
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle): This tense is used to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has a result or relevance in the present.
Technology has changed how we communicate.
EN: Noun Phrase as Object (the way + clause): The phrase 'the way' is often followed by a clause (people live) to describe the manner in which something is done, acting as the object of the verb.
I like the way she sings.
EN: The term 'pandemic' specifically refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people. In English-speaking media, 'COVID-19' and 'the pandemic' are often used interchangeably when referring to the events starting in 2020.
EN: Present Perfect Passive: Formed with 'have/has + been + past participle'. It is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present, or has an effect on the present, where the subject is the receiver of the action.
Many new buildings have been built in this city since last year.
EN: The preposition 'Since': Used to indicate the starting point of a period of time that continues to the present. It is commonly paired with the Present Perfect tense.
I have lived here since 2015.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present moment, emphasizing the ongoing effort.
Scientists have studied the virus for many years.
EN: The 'to-infinitive' (to protect) functions as an adverbial of purpose, explaining 'why' the governments and organizations have worked hard.
He exercised every day to stay healthy.
EN: In many Western cultures, the term 'citizens' in a public health context emphasizes the social contract between the state and its people, highlighting the government's responsibility for collective safety.
EN: Gerund as Subject: The word 'Understanding' is a gerund (verb + -ing acting as a noun). It functions as the subject of the sentence, representing an abstract concept or action.
Learning a new language takes time and patience.
EN: Noun Clause with 'How to': The phrase 'how to stay safe' is a noun clause acting as the object of the gerund 'Understanding'. It uses the structure 'wh- word + to-infinitive' to express a method or way of doing something.
She taught us how to cook Italian pasta.
EN: In English-speaking healthcare contexts, 'older adults' is often preferred over 'elderly' or 'old people' as it is considered more respectful and neutral.
EN: The use of the superlative adjective 'the best' followed by a noun and an infinitive phrase (to + verb) to express purpose or function.
Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary.
EN: The word 'any' is used here in an affirmative sentence to mean 'it doesn't matter which one' or 'every'.
You can call me at any time.
EN: In public health discourse, the phrase 'prevention is better than cure' is a common idiom that aligns with the sentiment of this sentence.
EN: The structure 'One of the + superlative adjective + plural noun' is used to identify a specific item from a group of items that share a common quality. Note that the verb must be singular because the subject is 'One'.
One of the most beautiful cities in the world is Paris.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (has been) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues to be true up to the present moment.
She has been a teacher for ten years.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): Used when the action is more important than the doer. Here, 'were developed' focuses on the vaccines rather than who made them.
The bridge was built in 1990.
EN: Subordinating Conjunction 'because': Used to introduce a clause that provides the reason for the main action.
She stayed home because it was raining.
EN: The sentence reflects the unprecedented global scientific collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, which broke traditional barriers in research and data sharing.
EN: The verb 'help' can be followed by an object and then either a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') or a to-infinitive. In this sentence, 'recognize' and 'fight' are bare infinitives.
This app helps me organize my daily tasks.
EN: The word 'before' acts as a conjunction here, connecting the main clause with a subordinate clause of time. In such clauses, the present simple tense is used to refer to future possibilities.
Please wash your hands before you eat dinner.
EN: In English-speaking medical contexts, 'vaccine' refers to the substance itself, while 'vaccination' or 'getting a shot' refers to the act of receiving it. The phrase 'get sick' is a common, informal way to say 'become ill'.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle): Used to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present.
I have already finished my homework.
EN: Non-restrictive Relative Clause (which): Used to provide additional information about the entire preceding clause, separated by a comma.
It rained all day, which ruined our picnic plans.
EN: In English-speaking countries, the term 'vaccination' and 'vaccine' are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, though 'vaccination' technically refers to the act of receiving the vaccine.
EN: The First Conditional (If + present simple, will/modal/imperative) is used to talk about real possibilities in the present or future. Here, 'it is a good idea' acts as a suggestion based on a specific condition.
If you are tired, it is a good idea to take a rest.
EN: The Present Perfect Passive (have/has + been + past participle) is used to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past where the person is the recipient of the action.
The report has already been finished by the team.
EN: In many Western cultures, the family doctor or 'General Practitioner' (GP) is the primary source of medical advice. It is common practice to consult them before making medical decisions like vaccination.
EN: Gerund as Subject: The word 'Wearing' is a gerund (verb + -ing) acting as the subject of the sentence. It treats an action as a singular noun concept.
Eating healthy food is good for your body.
EN: Present Perfect Tense: 'Has been' is used to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present moment.
She has been a teacher for ten years.
EN: In many East Asian cultures, wearing masks was common even before COVID-19 to prevent spreading colds or to protect against pollution. In Western countries, it became a significant cultural and political topic during the pandemic.
EN: Non-restrictive Relative Clause: The word 'which' is used after a comma to provide extra information about the entire preceding clause ('A mask covers your nose and mouth'). It acts as a connector to show the result or effect.
He passed the exam, which made his parents very happy.
EN: The structure 'stop someone/something from doing something' is used to describe preventing an action or a process from happening.
The rain stopped us from going to the park.
EN: In many East Asian cultures, wearing a mask when sick was a common social etiquette even before the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, in many Western countries, mask-wearing became a significant point of public debate and a new social norm only during the pandemic.
EN: Past Continuous Tense: Used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past or to provide background context for another event.
While we were walking to the park, it started to rain.
EN: Passive Voice (Past Simple): Formed with 'was/were + past participle'. It focuses on the person receiving the action rather than the one performing it.
The students were told to stay quiet during the exam.
EN: In many Western cultures, wearing masks in public was not common before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in many East Asian countries, it was already a social norm to wear masks when sick to protect others.
EN: The conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast. In English, unlike in Chinese, you should not use 'but' in the main clause if you have already used 'although' at the beginning.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
EN: The verb 'find' can be used in the pattern 'find + object + adjective' to express an opinion or perception about something after experiencing it.
I found the movie very boring.
EN: During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask-wearing became a subject of debate in some Western countries due to concerns over personal freedom, whereas in many Asian cultures, it was more readily accepted as a collective responsibility.
EN: The use of 'especially' as an adverb of degree to emphasize the adjective 'useful'. It highlights that the benefit is particularly high in specific situations.
This book is especially helpful for beginners.
EN: Adverbial clauses of time starting with 'when'. This structure (when + subject + verb) is used to indicate the specific circumstances or time under which the main action or state occurs.
Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
EN: In many East Asian cultures, wearing a mask when sick was a common social etiquette even before the pandemic. However, in many Western countries, this practice only became widespread during COVID-19 and remains a topic of public health discussion.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance or effect in the present.
Technology has played a major part in modern education.
EN: The phrase 'play a role in' is followed by a gerund (verb-ing) when describing the activity being influenced.
Exercise plays a role in maintaining good health.
EN: The term 'quarantine' has historical roots in the Italian word 'quaranta', meaning forty, referring to the 40-day isolation period required for ships arriving in Venice during the Black Death.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): This structure is used when the focus is on the person or thing affected by the action, rather than the one performing it. Here, 'was infected' and 'were asked' emphasize the experience of the individuals.
The students were told to finish their homework by Friday.
EN: Adverbial Clause of Time (When...): The word 'when' introduces a subordinate clause that establishes the time or condition under which the main action occurs.
When the bell rings, the class will start.
EN: The term 'quarantine' and the practice of staying at home for a 'specific period' became a global standard during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the exact number of days (e.g., 7, 10, or 14 days) varied by country and health guidelines.
EN: The modal verb 'could not' is the past tense of 'cannot,' used here to express a lack of ability or permission in the past due to specific circumstances.
He could not attend the meeting because he was feeling unwell.
EN: The past participle 'infected' is used as an adjective to describe the noun 'person,' indicating the state of having been affected by the virus.
The doctor treated the infected wound carefully.
EN: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 'quarantine' became a globally understood term, though specific rules varied by country. In many cultures, it emphasized the collective responsibility of the individual to protect the community.
EN: The verb 'help' can be followed by an object and then either a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') or a full infinitive (with 'to'). In this sentence, 'prevent' is a bare infinitive acting as the object complement.
Exercise helps keep your heart healthy.
EN: The structure 'prevent someone/something from doing something' is used to describe stopping an action or process from happening.
The heavy rain prevented us from going to the park.
EN: In public health contexts, 'community' refers not just to a neighborhood, but to the general public or a group of people living together in a specific area, emphasizing collective responsibility.
EN: The sentence uses a Relative Clause starting with 'that' to provide more information about the noun 'rules'. The relative pronoun 'that' acts as the subject of the clause.
The company has policies that are difficult to follow.
EN: The conjunction 'but' is used to connect two adjectives ('strict' and 'necessary') that show a contrast or a balance between a negative-sounding quality and a positive purpose.
The training was long but useful.
EN: The term 'quarantine' became a daily part of global vocabulary during COVID-19. In many Western cultures, there was a significant debate between individual freedom and 'public safety' rules, which is reflected in the use of the word 'strict' in this sentence.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle): Used here to describe an action that started in the past and has a result or impact continuing into the present.
The experience has changed my perspective on life.
EN: Ditransitive Verb (teach someone something): The verb 'teach' can take two objects: an indirect object (us) and a direct object (many valuable lessons).
He taught me a secret technique.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, the phrase 'lessons learned' is commonly used in professional and personal contexts to reflect on past challenges and how to improve in the future.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and has relevance or results in the present.
Scientists have discovered a new way to treat the virus.
EN: Gerunds (verb + -ing) function as nouns. In this sentence, 'washing' and 'keeping' act as the compound subject of the noun clause.
Exercising daily improves your health.
EN: The phrase 'keeping distance' refers to 'social distancing,' a term that became globally recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic as a key public health strategy.
EN: The phrasal verb 'depend on' means to be determined or conditioned by something. In the present simple tense, when the subject is singular (Public health), the verb must take an 's' (depends).
Success depends on your hard work.
EN: The quantifier 'every' is used to refer to all members of a group, but it is grammatically followed by a singular countable noun (individual).
Every student has a unique talent.
EN: In Western public health discourse, there is a strong emphasis on 'individual responsibility' alongside government action. This sentence reflects the civic duty expected of citizens during a health crisis.
EN: The conjunction 'Even though' is used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or concession. It is more emphatic than 'although'. Note that in English, we do not use 'but' in the main clause when 'even though' is used.
Even though it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
EN: The present perfect tense ('has improved') is used here to describe a state or action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present situation.
The technology has improved significantly over the last decade.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, public health guidelines are often framed as 'recommendations' or 'guidelines' rather than strict 'laws' to encourage individual responsibility and community cooperation.
EN: The preposition 'By' followed by a gerund (verb-ing) is used to express the method or means by which an action is achieved.
By practicing every day, you can improve your English skills.
EN: The comparative adjective 'better' is used here to modify the state of being 'prepared', indicating an improvement over the current state.
We need to be better organized for the next meeting.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To be a very important part of something or have a significant influence on an outcome.
To maintain a physical space between oneself and others.
To cooperate or collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.
A medical state where a patient's condition is severe, often requiring hospitalization or intensive care.
The science and systems focused on protecting and improving the health of entire populations through organized community efforts.