At the Night Market (J8B)
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EN: Linking verbs (sensory verbs) like 'smell', 'look', 'taste', 'sound', and 'feel' are followed directly by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject's state or quality.
The soup smells delicious.
EN: The demonstrative adjective 'this' is used to point out a specific singular noun (night market) that is close to the speaker in distance or time.
This coffee is too hot.
EN: Night markets are a core part of Taiwan's food culture, offering a vibrant sensory experience filled with diverse aromas, bright lights, and bustling sounds. Expressing excitement about the smell of food is a common way to start a night market adventure.
EN: The phrasal verb 'look at' is used in the imperative mood here to direct someone's attention to something. An imperative sentence starts with the base form of the verb and does not require an explicit subject 'you'.
Look at the sky; it is going to rain.
EN: The verb 'look' is a linking verb (copular verb) here, which is followed by an adjective ('delicious') to describe the subject ('They'). It means 'to appear' or 'to have a certain appearance'.
The flowers look beautiful in the garden.
EN: The verb 'look' is a linking verb (sensory verb) used to describe appearances. It is followed directly by adjectives (e.g., 'fresh', 'juicy') to describe the subject, rather than adverbs.
The soup looks hot and delicious.
EN: The word 'so' is an adverb of degree used before adjectives or adverbs to add emphasis, meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.
The weather today is so warm.
EN: Taiwanese night markets are world-famous for their abundance of fresh, high-quality tropical fruits, such as mangoes, guavas, and wax apples. Vendors often sell pre-cut fruit bags, making it a healthy and refreshing snack choice to balance out the savory fried foods.
EN: Sensory verbs (linking verbs) like 'smell' and 'taste' are followed directly by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject's characteristics.
The soup smells delicious and tastes sweet.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses that show a contrast or conflict in meaning.
The weather was cold, but we had a great time.
EN: Stinky tofu is a famous traditional street food in Taiwan's night markets. While its strong, pungent odor can be intimidating to first-time visitors, it is beloved by locals and often described as tasting much better and milder than it smells.
EN: The verb 'smell' is a linking verb (sensory verb) that is followed by an adjective (terrible) to describe the subject (It), rather than an adverb.
The soup smells delicious.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'to me' is used to express a personal opinion or subjective experience, meaning 'in my opinion' or 'from my perspective'.
This music sounds beautiful to me.
EN: Stinky tofu is a famous Taiwanese street food. While locals and many visitors love its rich flavor, its strong, pungent odor can be overwhelming and 'terrible' to those who are not used to it. This sentence perfectly captures the common divided reactions to this unique dish.
EN: Imperative sentences are used to give commands, make requests, or offer invitations. They start with the base form of the verb (bare infinitive) and the subject 'you' is implied but omitted.
Try the soup. It is very delicious.
EN: Linking verbs (or copular verbs) like 'taste' are used to describe the subject. They are followed by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the state or quality of the subject.
The cake tastes sweet and soft.
EN: Dumplings are a highly popular and symbolic food in Taiwan, often enjoyed as a quick, delicious meal at night markets or specialized dumpling shops. Describing them as 'juicy' (filled with savory broth) is a key indicator of high-quality dumplings.
EN: Linking Verbs of Sensation (Sensory Verbs): Verbs like 'taste', 'smell', 'look', 'feel', and 'sound' are linking verbs when they describe sensory experiences. They are followed directly by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject.
The soup smells delicious.
EN: Compound Adjectives with 'and': When two adjectives describe the same subject and are of equal importance, they can be joined by the conjunction 'and' to form a compound predicate adjective.
The room is bright and clean.
EN: Bubble tea (also known as pearl milk tea) originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has become a global phenomenon. It typically consists of a tea base mixed with milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwanese night markets, adjusting the sweetness and ice level (e.g., 'half sugar, less ice') is a highly customized and essential part of the ordering culture.
EN: Sensory verbs (verbs of perception) like 'sound', 'look', 'smell', 'taste', and 'feel' are linking verbs. They are followed directly by an adjective (not an adverb) to describe the subject's characteristics.
The music sounds beautiful.
EN: The conjunction 'when' introduces an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause happens at the same time as the action in the dependent clause.
The dog barks when someone knocks on the door.
EN: In Taiwanese night markets, sensory descriptions are highly valued. The crunchiness of fried chicken (especially 'large fried chicken cutlets' or 大雞排) is a key measure of its quality, making the sound of eating it as important as the taste.
EN: The verb 'taste' is a linking verb (sensory verb) used to describe the flavor of something. It is followed directly by an adjective (e.g., 'sour') to describe the subject, or by 'like + noun' (e.g., 'like lemon') to make a comparison.
This soup tastes delicious, like home.
EN: The phrase 'a little' is used as an adverbial modifier before adjectives (like 'sour') to mean 'slightly' or 'to a small degree'.
The cake is a little sweet for me.
EN: In Taiwan's night markets, many traditional drinks like 'Aiyu Jelly Lemon Tea' (愛玉檸檬) or 'Kumquat Lemon Juice' (金桔檸檬) feature a sour, refreshing taste, which is highly popular for balancing out the rich and savory street foods.
EN: The sensory verb 'feel' is a linking verb used to describe physical texture or state. It is followed directly by an adjective (e.g., 'soft') to describe the subject.
The blanket feels warm and cozy.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'like + noun' (e.g., 'like a cloud') is used after sensory verbs or adjectives to make a comparison, meaning 'similar to' or 'having the characteristics of'.
This tea smells like fresh mint.
EN: Comparing soft foods to 'clouds' or 'cotton candy' is a common and poetic way in both English and Chinese to describe light, airy textures in desserts, such as soufflés, chiffon cakes, or certain traditional Taiwanese whipped desserts.
EN: The pronoun 'everything' is an indefinite pronoun. In English, indefinite pronouns ending in -thing, -body, or -one (such as everything, everyone, somebody) are grammatically treated as singular. Therefore, they require a singular verb (e.g., 'tastes' with an -s in the simple present tense).
Everything in this shop looks beautiful.
EN: The verb 'taste' is a linking verb (sensory verb) used to describe the flavor of something. Linking verbs are followed directly by adjectives (like 'amazing') to describe the subject, rather than adverbs.
The soup tastes delicious.
EN: In Taiwan, night markets are a culinary paradise where people socialize and enjoy a wide variety of street foods. Saying 'Everything here tastes amazing!' is a common and enthusiastic way to compliment the diverse and delicious local food culture.
EN: The simple present tense with the linking verb 'be' (is) is used to state a general truth, fact, or definition. In this sentence, 'The night market' is the singular subject, so it takes the singular verb 'is'.
The library is a quiet place for reading.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'of Taiwan' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'taste'. The preposition 'of' is commonly used to show possession, origin, or association, meaning 'belonging to' or 'associated with'.
This is the map of the city.
EN: Night markets are a core part of Taiwanese culture, offering a wide variety of local street foods (known as 'xiaochi'). Saying the night market is 'the taste of Taiwan' highlights how deeply food culture is tied to the national identity and daily life in Taiwan.
EN: The metaphor 'A is a feast for B' is used to describe something that provides great pleasure or delight to a specific group or aspect, in this case, 'the senses'.
The art gallery was a feast for the eyes.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used here to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of the 'feast', showing who or what benefits from the wonderful experience.
EN: Taiwanese night markets are famous worldwide not just for the food, but for the lively atmosphere. The combination of bright neon lights, shouting vendors, sizzling sounds of cooking, and diverse aromas creates a unique sensory experience that defines local street food culture.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'as' is used here to mean 'at the same time that' or 'while'. It introduces an adverbial clause of time ('As you walk in') that sets the background for the main action.
As we opened the door, the dog ran out.
EN: The phrasal verb 'smell of' is used to describe a characteristic odor that something has. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase representing the source of the smell.
The kitchen smells of fresh coffee.
EN: Taiwan's night markets are famous for their rich sensory experiences. The combination of savory 'grilled meat' (like skewers and sausages) and 'sweet snacks' (like sweet potato balls or shaved ice) represents the diverse and vibrant culinary culture of Taiwan.
EN: The verb 'look' is a linking verb (sensory verb) that connects the subject with an adjective that describes it (subject complement). Unlike action verbs, linking verbs are followed by adjectives, not adverbs.
The soup smells delicious.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used to connect two words of the same grammatical class. Here, it connects two adjectives, 'bright' and 'colorful', which both describe the subject 'lights'.
The room is warm and cozy.
EN: Taiwanese night markets are famous for their vibrant atmosphere, characterized not only by the delicious smells of street food but also by the bright, colorful neon signs and lights of the stalls that create a festive, welcoming environment.
EN: The verb 'hear' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). It can be followed by an object and a present participle (V-ing) to emphasize an ongoing action that is in progress.
I heard someone playing the piano in the next room.
EN: The phrasal verb 'call out' means to speak or shout loudly, often to attract attention. In a market context, it refers to vendors shouting to attract customers.
EN: In Taiwanese night markets, vendors shouting out promotions, discounts, or calling out to passersby to try their food is a signature part of the lively atmosphere (known as 'rè nao' or bustling/warm-noisy). It reflects the energetic and friendly street food culture of Taiwan.
EN: The verb 'taste' is a linking verb (sensory verb) that is followed directly by an adjective (wonderful) to describe the subject, rather than an adverb.
The soup tastes delicious.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'from A to B' is used to show a range or variety of things, indicating that the food includes everything between those two extremes.
The store sells everything from books to toys.
EN: Taiwan's night markets are famous for their incredible variety of foods, ranging from savory and spicy dishes like beef noodles to sweet treats like shaved ice and grass jelly. This sentence perfectly captures the diverse culinary experience of a night market.
EN: Linking verbs (sensory verbs) like 'look' and 'feel' are followed directly by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject's state or appearance.
The soup smells delicious and tastes warm.
EN: Compound sentences with shared subjects: When two clauses share the same subject ('Fresh fruit'), the subject does not need to be repeated after the coordinating conjunction 'and'. Note that both verbs ('looks' and 'feels') must agree with the singular uncountable noun 'fruit'.
EN: In Taiwan's night markets, fresh cut fruits (like guava, mango, and wax apple) are extremely popular. Vendors often keep them chilled on ice, making them feel literally 'cool in your hand' and providing a refreshing contrast to the hot, savory street food.
EN: The sensory verb 'feel' is used as a linking verb (copula) to describe the texture or physical sensation of a subject. It is followed directly by adjectives (e.g., 'crispy', 'soft') rather than adverbs.
The blanket feels warm and cozy.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two contrasting adjectives ('crispy' and 'soft') that describe different parts of the same subject ('outside' and 'inside').
The bread is burnt outside but raw inside.
EN: The contrast of textures—specifically 'crispy on the outside, soft on the inside' (外酥內內軟)—is a highly prized culinary characteristic in Taiwanese night market food, commonly used to describe delicacies like deep-fried stinky tofu, sweet potato balls, and pepper buns.
EN: Sensory verbs (sound, look, taste) are linking verbs that are followed by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject. When multiple sensory verbs share the same subject, they can be joined by 'and'.
The music sounds soft and beautiful.
EN: Indefinite pronouns like 'everything', 'something', 'everyone' are grammatically singular. Therefore, the verbs that follow them must take the singular form (adding -s/-es in the simple present tense).
Everything looks perfect for the party.
EN: Taiwanese night markets are famous for being a sensory overload in the best way possible. The phrase 'Everything sounds, looks, and tastes exciting' perfectly captures the lively atmosphere, where the sizzling sounds of cooking, the bright neon signs, and the diverse flavors of street food come together to create an unforgettable experience.
EN: The causative verb 'make' is used here in the pattern 'make + object + bare infinitive (verb root)' or 'make + object + adjective'. In this sentence, 'makes me feel' uses the bare infinitive 'feel' after the object 'me' to express causing a certain state.
The funny movie makes me laugh every time.
EN: The linking verb 'feel' is followed by adjectives ('happy and full') to describe the subject's state or emotion. 'Full' here double-functions to mean both satisfied/content and physically full from eating.
After a long walk, I feel tired but peaceful.
EN: In Taiwan, night markets are not just places to buy food; they are social hubs and a significant part of daily life. The phrase 'happy and full' perfectly captures the quintessential Taiwanese night market experience, where delicious, affordable street food ('xiaochi') satisfies both the stomach and the soul.
EN: Using the sensory verb 'taste' to ask about flavor. In English, sensory verbs like 'taste', 'smell', and 'look' are linking verbs. When asking about the quality or state of something using these verbs, we use the question structure 'How + do/does + subject + verb?'.
How does the coffee smell?
EN: Subject-verb agreement with singular nouns. 'The soup' is a third-person singular noun, so the auxiliary verb 'does' must be used instead of 'do' to form the question.
How does the cake taste?
EN: In night markets and casual dining settings, sharing food and asking for opinions like 'How does it taste?' is a very common social interaction, showing interest in the other person's culinary experience.
EN: Linking verbs (sensory verbs) like 'taste' are followed directly by adjectives (not adverbs) to describe the subject. In this sentence, 'rich' and 'spicy' are adjectives describing the subject 'It'.
The soup smells delicious.
EN: 'A little' is used as an adverbial modifier before adjectives to mean 'slightly' or 'to a small degree'.
I am a little tired today.
EN: In Taiwanese night markets, 'rich' (often referring to a deep, savory broth or sauce) and 'spicy' are highly appreciated flavor profiles. Many iconic dishes, like beef noodles or stinky tofu, balance these exact elements.
EN: Using the auxiliary verb 'does' to form a yes/no question in the simple present tense. When the subject is third-person singular ('the cake'), we use 'Does' at the beginning of the sentence, and the main verb ('taste') returns to its base form.
Does the soup smell good?
EN: The linking verb 'taste' is followed directly by an adjective ('sweet') to describe the subject. The adverb 'too' is used before the adjective to indicate an excessive amount or degree.
EN: In Western culture, desserts are often expected to be quite sweet. However, in many Asian cultures, including Taiwan, the highest compliment for a dessert is often 'it's not too sweet,' reflecting a preference for lighter, more balanced flavors.
EN: The verb 'taste' is a linking verb (sensory verb) that is followed by an adjective (e.g., 'just right', 'sweet') to describe the subject, rather than an adverb.
The soup tastes delicious.
EN: The adverb 'too' is used before adjectives or adverbs to mean 'more than is needed or wanted' (excessive amount). 'Not too' is commonly used to express that something is within a desirable limit.
The tea is not too hot to drink.
EN: The sensory verb 'taste' is used with 'like' followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g., 'fresh oranges') to describe what something tastes similar to. This is different from using 'taste' directly with an adjective (e.g., 'tastes sweet').
This soup tastes like chicken broth.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with Singular Nouns: 'This juice' is a singular uncountable noun, so the present tense verb 'taste' must take the third-person singular ending '-s', becoming 'tastes'.
The coffee smells amazing.
EN: The sensory verb 'smell' is used with 'like' followed by a noun phrase to describe what something resembles in scent. Unlike 'smell + adjective' (e.g., 'smells sweet'), 'smell + like' must be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
The air smells like rain.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with singular nouns: 'The bread' is a singular third-person subject, so the verb 'smell' takes the '-s' ending ('smells') in the simple present tense.
The soup tastes delicious.
EN: The sensory verb 'look' is followed by 'like' when it is followed by a noun phrase (e.g., 'a small mountain'). This pattern is used to describe the appearance of something by comparing it to something else.
That cloud looks like a giant rabbit.
EN: The preposition 'of' is used here to indicate the material or substance that makes up the noun. 'A mountain of rice' means a large heap or pile made of rice.
She has a mountain of homework to do tonight.
EN: In Taiwan's night markets and local eateries, generous portions are highly valued. Describing a dish as a 'mountain of rice' or 'mountain of shaved ice' is a common, complimentary way to express excitement about the hearty and satisfying portion size.
EN: The pattern 'It sounds like + clause' is used to express an impression or conclusion based on what you have heard or read. 'It' acts as an empty subject, and 'sounds' is a sensory linking verb.
It sounds like you had a great time in Taiwan.
EN: The word 'all' can be used as a pre-determiner or pronoun to emphasize that everyone in a group is included. In 'you are all', it is placed after the auxiliary/be verb to emphasize the plural 'you'.
We are all ready to order.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, making observational statements starting with 'It sounds like...' or 'It looks like...' is a polite and indirect way to show empathy and connect with others, rather than making a blunt assumption.
EN: The sentence 'We are!' is an ellipsis (shortened sentence) where the predicate adjective 'hungry' is omitted because it is understood from the previous speaker's question ('It sounds like you are all very hungry.'). This is very common in spoken English to avoid repetition.
Are you ready? Yes, I am!
EN: The verb 'look' is a linking verb (copula) used to describe appearance. It is followed directly by an adjective (e.g., 'too good') to describe the subject ('Everything here').
The cake looks delicious.
EN: In English, saying something looks 'too good' (often followed by 'to be true' or 'to eat') is a common hyperbole (exaggeration) used to express high praise. In the context of a night market, it means the food is incredibly appealing.
EN: The contraction 'Let's' stands for 'Let us' and is used to make suggestions or proposals. It is always followed by the base form of the verb (bare infinitive) without 'to'.
Let's try that new restaurant down the street.
EN: The conjunction 'before' is used to introduce a subordinate adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause happens prior to the action in the adverbial clause. Note that we use the simple present tense ('go') in the time clause to refer to a future action.
Please wash your hands before you eat dinner.
EN: In Taiwan's vibrant night market culture, food is often served in small, snack-sized portions (known as 'xiaochi' or small eats). This makes it very common for groups of friends to share and continuously say 'Let's try one more' as they encounter endless tempting food stalls.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
A form of fermented tofu that has a strong odor, popular as a street food in East Asia.
A cold, sweet drink made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca balls.
An experience that is highly pleasing to many or all of the physical senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
To shout or speak loudly to get someone's attention.
Perfect; in the exact amount, degree, or condition that is needed.