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[Mastering Motion Verbs: A Guide to English Movement Vocabulary]-[Episode 77 - Ways to Move]

English Vocabulary Booster · B1 · 2020-12-09

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📋 Summary

Introduction to Movement Verbs

In this episode of the English Vocabulary Booster, teacher Lara explores the nuances of movement through a dramatic story involving two characters encountering an mysterious, unwanted creature. The episode focuses on five specific verbs—slither, sprint, hop, crawl, and slip—that describe distinct ways of moving in various contexts.

1. Slither: Controlled Surface Movement

Lara defines slither as a way of moving where the entire body remains in constant contact with the surface. Unlike walking or running, slithering involves moving the body from side to side. The most quintessential example provided is a snake. Lara shares a personal anecdote from a trip to Laos, where she witnessed a snake "literally jumping from the balcony" and then proceeding to slither away, illustrating the verb's usage for serpentine, ground-based motion.

2. Sprint: The Burst of Speed

Sprint is characterized as running "really, really fast" for a short distance. It is not an endurance activity; rather, it is described as a "burst of movement." Lara admits to being "terrible at sprinting," noting that while she has good resistance for long-distance running, she struggles with the explosive speed required for a sprint. This term is essential for describing quick, high-intensity dashes.

3. Hop: Short, Quick Jumps

Distinguishing between types of jumping, Lara explains that a hop is a "quick and short jump." This is the natural mode of locomotion for animals like crickets, rabbits, and kangaroos. The emotional context of the story—where a character fears an insect has "hopped" on them—highlights how this term is often used to describe the erratic, sudden movements of small creatures that can cause panic in humans.

4. Crawl: Limb-Based Navigation

To crawl is to move using one's legs (or limbs). For insects, this involves using their many small legs to traverse surfaces. For humans, crawling requires placing both hands and knees on the floor. Lara connects this term to human development, sharing a phone call with her mother to confirm that she started crawling at six months old. This creates a clear distinction between the animalistic crawling of insects and the developmental milestone of human infants.

5. Slip: Loss of Balance

Finally, slip refers to the act of losing one's balance, typically resulting in a fall. Lara emphasizes that slipping is usually associated with environmental hazards, such as a "wet" floor or icy conditions. Interestingly, she points out the linguistic connection between the verb "slip" and "slippers"—the footwear we wear at home—which she jokingly notes can ironically be quite slippery themselves.

Conclusion

By using these five verbs, learners can move beyond general terms like "run" or "move" to provide precise, descriptive accounts of motion. Whether describing the graceful movement of a snake or the unfortunate accident of falling on a wet floor, these expressions allow for a more native-like command of the English language.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I thought it might be interesting for you guys to see what happens kind of behind the scenes.
2
That thing was huge.
3
I could swear he had paws.
4
Anyway, where is it now?
5
It's gotta be there.
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📝Key Phrases

1
behind the scenes
2
mind one's own business
3
all of a sudden
4
at the top of one's lungs
5
get around
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📖 Transcript

Welcome to a new episode of English Vocabulary Booster.
My name is Lara and I'm a SALSA certified English teacher.
Learning new vocabulary usually takes a long time, but we'll do it in a way that's easy, quick and efficient.
In every episode, we'll learn how to use five new English words or expressions, so that you too can start speaking like a native.
So let's get learning!
Hello you guys, welcome!

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