Pronunciation:
TH has an unvoiced and a voiced sound and can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of words.
What do unvoiced and voiced mean?
How or why might it make a difference when a sound is at the beginning, middle, or end of a word?
If you feel that you need to practice the TH sounds, here is a one-hour video by Rachel's English that you might find helpful: English TH - Accent Training. She talks about how some people make D and T sounds when they are trying to say a TH sound. Have you ever done that, or have you noticed someone else doing that?
Here are some sentences that you can say out loud to practice TH:
1/ The student's thesis is wordy, but it's worth discussing nevertheless.
2/ Tanya's team fights for fifth place in the stealthy footstep contest.
3/ He thought I taught throughout the week, but then I told him the truth.
4/ Matthew dreads taking the trail through the thicket of thorns.
5/ First take the path to your left, then turn left and follow the trail of feathers.
Grammar:
Whether, if, and helping verbs
A month ago, we wrote a post about conditional sentences using IF. More recently, someone asked about the difference between WHETHER and IF. Let's review and practice WHETHER and IF!
IF or WHETHER -- two possibilities
We can't decide if it makes sense to spend that much.
We can't decide whether it makes sense to spend that much.
Do you know if he went to Mexico?
Do you know whether he went to Mexico?
IF or WHETHER -- followed by OR NOT
I don't know if Melissa is making cookies or not.
I didn't know whether Melissa is making cookies or not.
WHETHER -- after a preposition and before TO + INFINITIVE
They talked about whether it's better to eat more vegetables or get more exercise.
She can't decide whether to move to China or stay in India.
WHETHER -- noun / adjective + as to whether = about, concerning
There was some confusion as to whether Alissa was still working at the museum.
In addition to confusion: debate, discussion, doubt, question, speculation, uncertainty
WHETHER -- after advice, choose, consider, depend on, discuss, talk about, think about
We will discuss whether the game is worth seeing or not.
WHETHER -- in a clause that functions as a noun or object
The main topic is whether he will stay another six months or leave this summer.
Whether the president will run again in the next election remains a subject for debate.
Practice: IF, WHETHER, or BOTH?
1/ Everyone in our neighborhood is welcoming. It doesn't matter _______________ you've lived here for years or just arrived.
2/ We're wondering _______________ you've received the results from the test yet.
3/ Management is considering _______________ to investigate the complaints.
4/ He's undecided as to _______________ he will apply for graduate school or look for other work.
5/ I don't know _______________ Marcy will come with us to Montauk or stay in the city.
6/ The authorities have refused to confirm _______________ or not they have apprehended the suspect.
7/ There was much discussion as to _______________ we should refer to that person as he, she, or they.
8/ The price of the refrigerator depends on _______________ you get one with an icemaker or not.
Enrich Your Vocabulary | TOEFL Words: ludicrous (adjective)
Ludicrous means so foolish and absurd that it's laughable, ridiculous, or comical. Can you make three sentences with it?
1/
2/
3/
The Britannica Dictionary: 100 Essential Words for the TOEFL
At the end of this post, you will find a quizlet set of TOEFL vocabulary flashcards.
Phrasal Verbs -- turn up
What does this phrasal verb mean in the following sentences?
1/ This is one of my favorite songs. Turn it up!
2/ The guest of honor turned up three hours late. We were wondering where she was all that time.
3/ Some missing treasures turned up while they were cleaning.
Can you make a couple sentences using the phrasal verb turn up?
1/
2/