In this issue, students try to talk about themselves, their profession and place of work. Word formation with the ending – er, definite and indefinite articles, greeting and farewell phrases, phrases for expressing a request, apology and gratitude are analyzed.
Watch the fourth English lesson of the “Polyglot” course for free online:
Main Key Points:
Word formation with ending -er
IN English language, from many verbs, in order to form a form denoting the person who is engaged in this business, we add the ending - er to the word. For example: write (write) – writer (writer).
Articles.
The indefinite article “a” is a shortened form of the word “one”. Used when we are not talking about a specific subject, but about “one of..”
The definite article “the” was formed as a result of the contraction of the word “this” (this). Used when talking about a specific subject that the interlocutor knows about.
For example, if you are talking about your profession, you say “I am a writer” (I am one of the writers who are representatives of this profession). And if you ask “Where is the writer?” then you have in mind a specific person that your interlocutors know about.
Greetings
Hello, Hi - Hello
Good morning - Good morning (Before 12 o'clock)
Good afternoon - Good afternoon (after 12 o'clock)
Good evening - Good evening (from 6 pm)
Good night - Good night, Good night
Etiquette
Thank you, thanks - thank you
Welcome - please (in response to gratitude)
Please - please (request)
I am sorry - I'm sorry
Excuse me - excuse me (often used at the beginning of an address)
Apologize - to apologize (carries an admission of guilt)
I regret - I regret (does not carry guilt)
Good afternoon Today, in addition to refreshing with you some of the structures that we studied in previous lessons, we will move on to new topic- we'll start talking! And what can a person talk about with greater pleasure, if not about himself? Therefore, we will gradually, each of you begin to talk about ourselves. That is, it will turn out to be such a micro- or mini-presentation that will gradually expand, grow stronger, and bloom. This is exactly what must be included in the fireproof reserve we were talking about.
This topic inevitably arises in any communication. As soon as you meet someone and start communicating, you need to tell something about yourself. The structures that we mastered in the previous lesson are already enough to basic level this became possible. Moreover, how this happens: first of all, we must, again, include this image within ourselves, press this button with our sensations, associations, attitudes, and, without straining, without pulling ourselves up, but on the contrary, relaxing as much as possible, we must think , in a situation where someone met you and asked: who are you, where did you come from, what do you do - what would you answer in Russian?
Alice, if you had to meet someone, the first question is: Alice, very nice, what do you do?
I work in museum. (You have to speak English, right?)
OK. So, if I ask you (if I ask you) what do you do? Where do you work? What is your profession?
You work in a museum. And what is your profession?
Okay, so, without straining in any way, we think: in such a situation, what would you answer in Russian if I asked what your profession is?
Well, I am an art critic by training. I work in the public relations department. Hard to tell…
Amazing! That is, it is very important to understand that it can be very difficult to answer in Russian. Not because we don’t know some words, but because we may not be able to immediately find out: what am I really doing in this life? So you can say... You studied art, right?
Our art is art.
Art - art
You studied history of art. Or art history.
History of art - art history - art history
And you work in a museum - what are you doing there? Public relations, right? There is a wonderful word that everyone knows:
Public relations - PR - public relations
Manager, director or what?
The manager would rather...
Manager. So you are talking about yourself:
I studied art history (Study - to study)
When you talk about yourself, who am I?
I work in... - when we say WHERE I work.
When we say WHO I work for, the word as is used here:
I work in the museum as a PR-manager
PR-manager in Russian will be PR-manager) Looks like it! They stole a lot of words from us :)
So, you studied art history and now you work in the museum as a PR-manager.
Let's start with the most basic thing - say about yourself who I am, where I live, what I do.
Oleg, if someone, God forbid, asks...
That's a very difficult question!
… What do you do?
Answer in Russian?
First in Russian, yes.
Well, I'm a writer, a playwright, and I work in television.
Amazing! “Write” in English - write. This is one of those irregular verbs that has a special form, and which we use where? Past tense, statement: I wrote or I wrote.
Verbal nouns
In the English language, from many verbs you can form a noun that determines the occupation of the person who is engaged in this business. We just add this ending at the end: -er.
Accordingly, the one who writes is a writer.
That is, if you add this to the verb -er, will it turn out to be a profession?
Noun.
This, of course, does not apply to everyone, but to many.
This is the same as the suffix -el in Russian: write - writer, drive - driver.
This is not the only way to form nouns in English, but it is one of the most common.
That's another 20,000 words in a minute!
Well, actually. Oleg, how to say: “I am a writer”?
No, I “am” a writer
How will the lover be?
Although it doesn't end in -l.
Also -er is added. You know, there is such a phenomenon in social life: in the United States there is such a general tendency to transfer political correctness to the sphere of language. And what does it mean? All words that indicate a person’s gender are eliminated. For example, if earlier there were the words actor and actress, that’s it, they canceled it! Now the woman is an actor.
That is, the word actress is no longer there?
Well, of course it exists, but it is considered indecent.
Are there any left in England?
Left in England, yes.
That is, it turns out to be politically incorrect to ask: “Is this girl married?” You just need to ask: “Is she married?”
I'll tell you the most scary thing which happens in Lately. Very serious attempts, already legislated in some Western countries, are to abolish the words “father” and “mother”, so that it is simply “parent”, so as not to discriminate or offend anyone.
And who is offended in this case?
For example, a representative of a gay person is offended...
What, maybe two mothers? Or two fathers?
Why, maybe there are two mothers or two fathers. Everything is possible.
So, returning to the writer. Oleg…
I am a writer
Why the indefinite article “a”?
But because he is not “that” writer, but one of the writers. Oleg is a modest person :)
What if I were that same writer?
And if Oleg were that same writer, then he would be the writer:
By the way, what are called articles also causes bewilderment among our compatriots - because there are no articles in the Russian language - why and where did this come from?!
But in fact, I believe that the article should immediately begin to be explained from where it came from.
The is just a shortened form of this. And the lazy English, in order not to pronounce this-this-this too often, began to pronounce simply the.
A “a” is a shortened form of the word “one”.
Oh, so interesting!
In order not to overuse the word one, they began to simply say “a”.
Therefore, when they talk about profession, I am one of the writers. And if, say, the question is asked: “Where is this writer who created this? Where is he? ” - then Oleg will boldly come forward and say: “I am the writer.” (I am that writer).
So, Oleg, if suddenly someone asks: “What do you write? ” (What are you writing?)
I write books. Roman and... special studies. I can also say that I write non-fiction.
Yes, the easiest way to say...
Fiction - fiction
That is, fiction, invention.
And journalism, specialized literature is not fiction - it is non-fiction
Non-fiction - journalism
And so, in general, if these are books, novels:
Are short stories actually novels?
No. In the Russian sense, these are not synonyms. They're just different types.
Is there no “short story” in English at all?
Novel is just a novel. In English this is a standard, stable translation.
Here in French a novel is a novel. In Russian, this is a borrowing from French. Just as in English, in the absence of, say, the expression “bon appétit,” the French bon appétit is used. However, the speaker understands where this wind is blowing from.
Oleg, tell us more about yourself. Here's how to say: My name is Oleg. I am a writer. I am writing this-this-this...
My name is Oleg. I am a writer. I write books, novels and plays. And I work for TV.
Amazing!
Can we say “for” TV?
Yes, it is literally “for”.
So you can’t say “on” TV? or “in” TV?
No. No. On - this will always mean either “on” or “on some issue”. For example: We can speak on this subject.
Then I would really like you to write these words that would help us.
A special scheme for prepositions is dedicated to this.
Please, Alexandra: What do you do? What is your profession? Where do you work?
My profession is actor... 🙂 Without gender discrimination
I think that political correctness has not yet reached us, we can, in principle...
- …actress. I work in theater, for TV. Sometime in cinema.
And what theater?
This means FOR is FOR. Once again I want to draw your attention to where the articles come from.
A - one of many, it's just a shortened form of the word one (one)
The - shortened form (by origin) of the word this (this)
Then I should say an actress.
Yes. “A” may be followed by the letter “n”.
What does this mean?
If this is immediately followed by a vowel. So that it doesn’t sound like “eh ektor”. Just purely for euphony. Again, this “n” sound reflects where this word came from - from the word one (one).
Nastya, what is your profession? What do you do?
I am an actress. And I work in films. I play in films and in different theatres. And... “wherever they call you”, actually :) That’s it.
So, you are an actress. You play in movies, in films.
Can you say “films”?
You can say films, you can say movies.
What are movies? Series?
No, movies are just movies, movies.
Movie - cinema - cinema
The word movie comes from the word move. This is the same root as the word “cinema” (from the Greek kinema - movement). This is a direct translation into English: move - movement. Moving pictures originally.
It turns out that there is movement)
- You can’t say “In a” either... In movies, in films...
No, “in a” is one thing: now I’m filming “in one” film.
To play a role - play a role
“A” because you play one role there.
Character - character, character
That is, when we take a plot, a film, a play, a book, there are characters, characters.
Where will they call this stringer? Or is it something else?
The question is, of course, interesting :)
No, in general, “wherever they call” this can be interpreted as freelancer. A freelancer is a person of any profession who does not work strictly on the staff of some organization, but chooses according to his interest, according to the conditions, and responds to offers that are made to him.
Can an actor also be a freelancer?
I think it can.
How should I indicate this on the application form?
At different sites you play contractually specific roles. How is that?
The questionnaire indicates the craft and profession. Freelancer is a form of activity: do I work in this profession in one company, in one organization, or do I choose different offers and respond to them.
Vladimir, what is your profession? And where do you work?
My profession is actor. But I'm a freelancer. Sometimes I’m working in movie…
If in one, then “in a movie,” and if in films at all, then “in movies” or “in cinema.”
OK. He works where he likes.
What is your second profession?
I make music sometime, make theater spectacle. I'm director.
Yes, the director is director.
Film director - film director
Theater director - theater director
It's my actress, my wife. She plays in my spectacles. She very, very good actress. She is a genius. But sometimes I feel stupids she with me…
Vladimir, do you use plays that Oleg wrote? Do you stage his plays?
Yes, of course. Next times we will play together.
Don't make it together. We read one film... How will the script be?
Script - script
Where read one script together. Sometimes… you know 🙂 I mean 🙂
Which we all strive for! 🙂
Yea, thank you! I know. I know.
You know what I mean - you know what I mean
This is the apotheosis of this group of weed words.
It is possible to terrify many people with these phrases!
Don't confuse read and write. You say “we are reading.” We are “writing” one script!
A person who is asked “You know what I mean?” will be embarrassed to admit that he does not understand something. He will say: “Yes. Of course.”
After a while we will move into press conference mode, when there will be questions and answers. Maybe something will result in the professional sphere, who knows.
Anna, what is your profession? What do you do?
My profession is very special. I'm an actress.
OK. Where do you play?
I play in a theater and in movies too.
Theater… You maybe heard about it, The School of Dramatic Art. It is the theater which… you now what I mean… which was created by Anatoliy Vasilyev, very famous director. He stage one performance. I take part in this performance. Now he left this theater and I continue to work with the new director. He is his student.
Student - student, student
OK. Thank you! Darya, what about you?
Hello! My name is Darya. I am teacher of music. Now I’m freelancer, but my first profession and my lovely profession is a teacher of music. I worked in a music school. I really like children. And everything will be OK.
Do you have a second profession? Do you have a second profession?
Yes. I’m manager and my third profession - I’m cosmetologist.
You have many professions!
What about the fourth profession? 🙂
I can also cross stitch!
And a fourth profession, it will be repeat, I’m an actor. (I don’t like the word actress.)
Do you play on a theater on a movies?
Yes I play in the Theater of Doc with Sacha Rebenok. And the center of “drama” Roshchin and Kazantsev.
In what performances do you take part in the center of dramatic art?
I had one performance but now we don’t play it. It call... “Captive spirits.”
prisoner
Literally - Prisoner spirits.
Prison-like, you might say.
Then “Prison spirits”. Prison is prison, and prisoner is captive, [prisoner]
No, the jailer is the one who guards.
And if someone’s theater is by?
No, usually the name comes and then just theater. For example, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center. That is, it does not say “the name of someone,” there is no such thing.
How about the Roshchin and Kazantsev Drama Center?
First the name: The Roschin & Kazantsev Center of Drama, Vasilyev Theater.
And the because...
Because it's very specific. Not one of the theaters, but this one.
Thank you! Mikhail, what will you tell us? (What will you tell us?)
What is your profession? Where do you work?
My profession and my work is jewelry design.
Are you a designer?
Jewel - precious stone
Jewelry designer - jeweler [jewelry]
Where do you work? Do you work in a company or do you work as private designer?
Private - private, individual
… individual designer or you work on a company?
I work in my company.
Order - order, order; order, order
I order something - I order something.
This could be in a restaurant, at a jeweler or somewhere else
In my opinion this is “order”.
And order too. This is a word that has many meanings: order, order; monastic or knightly order; order, order, order; order.
Is ordering a person also an order?
No, contract. A murder order is a contract. Therefore, a killer is a contract murderer. A contract killer is literally a contract killer.
So, you work as an individual (private) jewelry designer?
Who are your clients? (Who are your clients?)
This is professional secret.
Please note, it is very important that two things go in parallel: this chain is built - structures, structures, structures that should gradually become more and more automatic. The more automatic they work, the easier and more pleasant it is for us to talk about all the topics at this entire level of customization. The tension is immediately relieved. That is, when we talk about jewelry production, about directing, about theaters, about cinema, about books, the tension is relieved, because we don’t have to remember this scheme every time and think about did or didn’t, will or won’t. As soon as this begins to work automatically, we have, if we also add image and sensation there as seasoning, the picture becomes three-dimensional.
I realized that the image at the moment when I speak, I think in Russian. And when they start answering me, I can’t think for him in Russian and therefore I don’t understand anything that they say to me in response.
So we found this pain point! When we speak, we should not write text on the internal monitor, then cross it out, forward it. And our thoughts, sensations - how this happens on native language- immediately convert, transform into words. Do not leave this space, this dimension. That is, the image plus sensations plus a clearly working structure is what removes these barriers, relieves this tension and makes communication in the language pleasant.
And here’s another question about the button, when when you hear the word “English” an image should appear. I was trying to imagine it, I had a lot of things mixed up. I'm confused. Can I invent it for myself, this image?
Certainly! The main thing is that it works.
Can I also ask a question? So “playing in plays” is “play in plays”?
It turns out to be a tautology. Play a role, perform a performance.
How to say: “I’m playing in Oleg Shishkin’s play”?
This can be said “I have a role”: I have a role in Shishkin’s play.
But you can’t say: I’m playing in the play?
Well, by definition this is, of course, a tautology. Play is both to play and, as a noun, it is a play. Like any tautology, that is, repetition of one root, it is always possible, they just try to avoid it stylistically. That's all. It's always possible.
Yes. There is one more important point worth noting. A group of words and expressions related to etiquette. That is, with communication. Of course, you already know most of these expressions. But it wouldn’t hurt to put things in order in order to use them more effectively.
Firstly, how do people greet each other in English?
Well, maybe so)
The simplest option, of course:
Hello, hi - hello
More extensive, more formal greetings are very clearly limited by time parameters:
Good morning - Good morning(strictly until 12 o'clock, and God forbid a minute later)
What will happen?
At the very least they will beat you!) At the maximum they will say fi)
Good afternoon - good afternoon (from 12 to approximately 6 pm)
Because in English “noon” is “noon”, and “after” is “after”.
And noon can be used as a separate word?
Yes. For example: We will meet at noon - We will meet at noon.
Around 6 o'clock it already starts:
Good evening - good evening (from 6 pm)
Good night - good night, good night
I encountered the same problem. When you write a letter, for example, by email, and I don’t know at what point the person will read this letter. And at the same time, relationships do not allow me to write “Hello!” What do I need to do?
In this situation, they came up with the following formula in Russian: good day. Haven't you met? In English, this formula is never used in writing at all. The standard address in a letter is Dear. Even in an official letter.
Well, in Russian, if they write to you Good afternoon and you read it at night, it’s somehow natural.
How about, say, “hello”?
An English letter begins like this:
And one more moment. Of the most standard words associated with etiquette: thank you, please.
Thank you, thanks - thank you
But the main thing that should not be mistaken is that in Russian “please” - in English is divided into two different categories of statements.
First of all, please. When we make a request: please do it; please help. In this case
Please - please (request)
But when they thanked us, we will no longer respond, please. We will answer
Welcome - please (in response to thank you)
Of course, there are many different synonyms, but this is perhaps the most common.
Welcome still means Welcome.
Or contact us.
Yes. Just like in Russian the words “please” and “please” have the same root. That is, welcome is the answer to “thank you”.
When we meet a person, what do we say?
Nice to meet you - Nice to meet you
There may be other forms, but this is the most popular.
Isn’t that “I’m glad to see you”?
The fact is that the word meet means both to meet and to get acquainted. That is, we introduce ourselves: My name is Dmitriy or I am Dmitriy! Nice to meet you!
It is not clear to me, for example, in which cases to use sorry and in which excuse me.
There was such a story. When two countries entered into some kind of diplomatic conflict and the price of the issue was the release of pilots who accidentally flew into foreign airspace. The country they flew to demanded an apology; the country whose pilots flew in did not want to apologize. Accordingly, the offended party demanded that they write to her “we apologized” (we ask for forgiveness). And those who did it said that we would write “we regreat” (we are sorry, but we are not to blame). And after much wrangling, they found one word that suited everyone: sorry. Because sorry, on the one hand, means that I apologize (I stepped on someone’s foot), and on the other hand, I, without seeing any guilt, express sympathy. Let’s say a chair breaks under Oleg, I say: Oh! I'm sorry!
I’m sorry - I apologize (the most neutral option)
But if a person did me some kind of trouble and says: “Sorry!”, can I perceive this as some kind of neglect?
Hardly. Precisely because it is universal. It also has this meaning.
Well, he chose a universal word, and didn’t say excuse me there...
Excuse me is not used here at all.
Yes, excuse me or forgive me implies taking responsibility. And sorry, this is more streamlined and neutral.
Oh sorry! Don't forgive me! N-na in reply!))
This option is also possible!) As we see from this diplomatic example.
Apologize - apologize (with an admission of guilt)
Is it necessary to say for what? Or I apologized and that's it?
This may be sufficient, or it may not be sufficient. Then you will need to remind: what are you apologizing for?
I apologized for coming late - Sorry for being late
I regret - I regret (but this no longer carries any admission of guilt)
Is regret appropriate in the case of condolences?
Yes.
And if this is the most neutral and universal -
What is excuse me?
Excuse me means excuse me or excuse me.
For example, when you need to ask something: Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is? Or how to get there.
Yes. This may be an appeal, but it means, excuse me for stopping you, asking, distracting you, etc.
Well, that is, less common than sorry?
Finally, there is one more word that is usually used when we ask again. In order not to ask again with the word “what” (this is not considered very good), we can ask again: “Sorry?” or “Pardon?” (pardon)
In fact, it's clean here English word just forgive. All the rest are from French. The story goes like this, if you remember that English for a long time in England, not only was it not a state language, but it was even indecent to speak it. For several centuries, English was spoken only by robbers like Robin Hood, serfs, pirates, beggars, etc. All decent people in England spoke French. And culture, science, theology are Latin.
Well, as a matter of fact, we have touched upon etiquette. Perhaps we still missed this way of saying goodbye. This good bye or simply bye. The most standard. Although of course there may be a lot of other options ( take care, so long, see you)
It's already Spanish.
What does so long mean?
Just “bye.”
Well, what does the word “for now” mean in Russian? It means “until we see you.” Then we started talking just bye. What do you mean bye? It means goodbye until we see each other. For as long (so long) as we won’t see each other, be healthy.
On this joyful note, it would be appropriate to say Good bye! Take care! See you!
How will it be goodbye?
Farewell - goodbye
So, let's summarize. I highly recommend that you take these few minutes to repeat these basic patterns, basic formulas. Because they are the ones who create the thread where we string all these numerous words and expressions. And thus creating this fireproof reserve, we free up our energy in order to accumulate opportunities and pleasure to communicate on all the topics that we are interested in communicating about. Thank you! Till tomorrow!
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Let's study English further. Let's move on to lesson four. Having learned the material of this lesson, we can safely say that the fourth part of the “English in 16 hours” course is already behind us. We've already touched on many aspects of English grammar, so if you've either learned something poorly or don't understand, it's time to go back and review it. Let me remind you that D. Petrov’s methodology has already provided for all possible abbreviations of the material; only the most important, basic ones are given in these lessons. You shouldn’t jump over the “difficult”. Create the next law - before studying new material, be sure to repeat the previous one.
Repeat and consolidate - only in this case, the result will not disappoint you.
In this lesson we will talk about the following:
- What's your job? - Conversation about professions
- Articles in English - Articles in English
Professions - professions
- I studied art history. I work in the museum as a P-R manager.
- I studied art history. I work at a museum as a manager in the public relations department.
- I am a writer. I write books: novels and plays. Also I work for TV.
- I am a writer. I write books: novels and plays. I also work in television.
- I am an actress, I play in movies.
- I am an actress, I play in films
- I am an actor and film director
- I am an actor and film director.
These were examples of answers from Petrov's students. However, there are a huge number of other professions. Here are the more common professions:
- Builder ["bıldə] - Builder
- Baby-sitter ["beıbı"sıtə] – Nanny
- Cabby ["kæbı] – Taxi driver
- Bar person
- Driver ["draıvə] - Driver
- Bookkeeper ["bυk-ki:pə] - Accountant
- Cashier - Cashier
- Charwoman ["ʧɑ, wumən] - Cleaning lady
- Barber ["bɑ:bə] - Hairdresser
- Biologist
- Bodyguard ["bɒdɪɡɑ:d] - Bodyguard
- Baker ["beıkə] - Baker, baker
- Cook - Cook, cook
- Cosmetologist [, kɔzmı"tɔləʤıst] - Cosmetologist
- Economist - Economist
The name of a profession can often be derived from a verb that denotes an action performed in the course of a particular profession.
For example: to write - to write, add -er to the verb, and we get the name of the profession: Writer - writer. Even look at the professions presented above, many of them are also educated on this principle.
Articles in English
Articles often cause confusion among Russian speakers, because there is nothing like it in Russian. To better understand the essence of articles in the English language, D. Petrov considers it most effective to explain the history of their origin in the language.
So, the definite article the came from this- this. This is the abbreviation, however, having learned this fact, it becomes clear why this article is called a definite article, that is, it indicates the fact that we know who or what we are talking about.
Indefinite article a(an) came from one- one. “One of many,” but we don’t know which one, which is why it is the indefinite article.
Why is there one definite article and two indefinite articles? It’s all very simple:
- A - used before nouns that begin with a consonant.
- An - used before nouns starting with a vowel.
Working on vocabulary
Let's enrich your English vocabulary with exactly the words you need in communication:
List of greetings in English:
- hello - hello (this is how we can say hello to a good acquaintance or friend)
- hi - hello (the most informal greeting)
- good morning - good morning (before 12 noon we can safely use “Good morning”, both in informal and formal conversation)
- good afternoon - good afternoon (from 12:00 to 18:00 this greeting is used)
- will meet at noon - we'll meet at noon (as you noticed noon is noon, hence the greeting - good AFTER (before) NOON (half day)
- good evening - good evening
Well, before going to bed we can wish:
- good night - good night, good night
Address in English:
- Dear... - Dear... (It is also used in official addresses, as in Russian - respected...)
Expression of gratitude in English:
- thank you - thank you
- thanks - thank you (gratitude for a lesser service, for some trifle)
- please ... - please ... (when we ask for a favor)
- Welcome! - Please! (when we are thanked, we respond: welcome/please)
- Welcome - Welcome! (this is another meaning of welcome)
Acquaintance
- nice to meet you - nice to meet you
- To meet - meet, get acquainted (two meanings)
We apologize in English:
- sorry - I beg your pardon
- excuse me - sorry
- pardon - sorry (used for example in this situation: sorry for interrupting)
- forgive me - forgive me
Saying goodbye in English:
- Good bye, bye - goodbye
- take care - take care of yourself
- so long - bye
- see you - see you
- fare well - goodbye (meaning goodbye forever)
You probably think that there are too many new words that are difficult to remember. However, from time to time you may imagine some situation where you will need to speak English. You have to imagine how you would respond. Such imaginary “conversations” will help you consolidate what you have learned, even if you are unable to communicate in English. Good luck to everyone!
Download Additional materials to the lesson at the link below.
While studying polyglot lesson 4, we will repeat in English not only the material we have already studied, but also begin to speak. And what else can a person talk about so eagerly than about himself? So get ready for the fact that today you will practice writing a story about yourself and improvising.
A story about yourself
First of all, we must launch images - associations, thinking. Without straining, but, on the contrary, relaxing, we should think about the next situation. When someone meets us and asks, “Who are you? Where? What do you do?”, what would you answer in Russian?
So, if you received the question: What is your profession? Where do you work? What do you do?
What will be your answer? You may not have found the answer right away, because even in Russian it is often difficult to explain - many, for example, work outside of their education. In this situation, you need to calm down, relax, and slowly formulate your answer, first mentally, in Russian.
We talk about the profession
When we say who a person works, we use the word as.
She works as a teacher. - She is a teacher.
My sister works as a manager. – My sister works as a manager.
My mother works as an accountant. - My mom works as an accountant.
Some professions are difficult to immediately translate into English if you have not looked at the dictionary before. For example, Oleg works as a playwright. To describe his type of activity, it will be useful irregular verb write(wrote). To describe a person who is engaged in this type of activity, you need to add the ending –er to the first form of the verb. Accordingly, the one who writes will be a writer. As a result, we manage to turn a verb into a noun.
This rule does not apply to all verbs, but to many:
- The article the comes from the word that (this). And the indefinite article “a” is an abbreviated form of one (one).
Please note: before the name of the profession in simple sentence The indefinite article is a/an because when we say: “She is a teacher,” we mean that she is one of all teachers, and not, for example, that same teacher. (She is the teacher who told me this - She is the teacher who told me this.)
- When we need to say who a person works for, we use the preposition for (for).
I am a worker. I work for cement plant. - I am a worker. I work at a cement factory.
- To say where a person works, in is used.
Please note: it is very important to build the chain correctly - structures that should become more and more automatic each time. The more “automatic” they work, the easier and more pleasant it will be for us to talk about all these topics and easily switch from one to another. The tension is immediately relieved, because There is no need to remember the table and verb forms every minute. In particular, if a picture and an image are added to the text, then the picture becomes three-dimensional.
The “pain point” for many is internal translation, which at the initial stages has to be done in your head from Russian to English. By studying the language and bringing knowledge of forms to automatism, we will be able to transform emerging thoughts and emotions immediately into words in English without transitional translation. The goal is not to leave this space. An image + a clearly functioning structure leads to smooth and competent speech.
Everyday phrases
Another important point worth dwelling on is the words associated with etiquette. You probably know most of these expressions. However, it will never be superfluous to once again sort everything into shelves in order to use them more effectively.
- First, let's remember how people greet each other in English. The simplest option is hello, hi! (Hello).
More extensive and formal greetings are clearly limited by time.
Good morning - good morning (before 12 o'clock).
Good afternoon - good afternoon (literally after - after and noon - noon. This greeting is used from 12 to 6 o'clock).
Good evening - good evening (you can talk for about 6 hours).
Good night - good night.
- We thank you in the following way: Thank you - thank you.
- It should be noted that in Russian, “please” is used when making a request and responding to gratitude. In English, when making a request we use please, and in response to thank you – welcome. We say the same word when inviting someone to enter, for example, a house - and we translate welcome as “welcome.” In Russian, “please” and “please” also have the same root.
- When we meet, we say: Nice to meet you - nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you
There may, of course, be other formulas, but this is the most famous.
How to apologize
- The most popular phrase with which you can apologize is “I’m sorry.” By saying this, we both apologize and express sympathy (in the second option, what happened is not our fault and we simply reflect our feelings about what is happening.
You spoke very rudely to me yesterday. – I’m sorry.
(Yesterday you spoke to me very rudely. – Sorry/Sorry.)I have lost very important documents yesterday. – I’m sorry.
(Yesterday I lost very important documents. – I’m sorry/I sympathize.) - An apology option, when a person takes responsibility for what happened, would be:
Forgive me. Excuse me.
Using the last option, we can also attract attention.
- Also a more formal form of apology would be apologize.
I apologize for being rude to you. “I apologize for being rude to you.”
- Another form of regret is regret, but it does not carry with it any admission of guilt.
I regret that it happened to you. - I'm sorry this happened to you.
- To ask something again, you can say:
Sorry? Pardon? Forgive me?
So, try not to stop training the basic circuit. Video lesson on this topic:
