Coca-Cola
I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language each week. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
Coca-Cola is the second most recognized English word in the world, right behind OK. In 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. John Stith Pemberton invented this refreshing drink that would eventually be consumed around the globe. Searching for an herbal remedy for his morphine addiction, he used coca leaves to create a syrup that was mixed with carbonated water at the pharmacy. Dr. Pemberton’s partner and bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, suggested the name and penned the now-famous trademark “Coca‑Cola” in his unique script. The drink initially sold for 5 cents a glass.
Read more about the history of Coke on the website: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/history/the-birth-of-a-refreshing-idea
Grammar Tip
Language Level – B1
A Direct Object – is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb in a sentence.
Example: Shawn eats fish.
- Subject = Shawn
- Verb = eats
- Direct Object = fish
Tip: You can easily find the direct object by:
- First finding the action verb
- Ask – Who or What
- The answer is the direct object.
Not every action verb has a direct object.
When a verb has a direct object, it is called a transitive verb. Some verbs do not have a direct object. They are known as intransitive verbs.
For example:
Malcolm fell very badly.
(Step 1. Find the verb = fell)
(Step 2. Ask What? = Nothing. You can’t fall something.)
(Therefore, there is no direct object. The verb to fall is intransitive.)
If you ask what? with a linking verb (not an action verb), you will find a verb complement not a direct object.
For example:
Peter is happy.
(Step 1. Find the verb = is)
(Step 2. Ask What? = happy.)
(However, on this occasion, happy is not the direct object. This is because is (i.e., the verb to be) is a linking verb.)
Let’s Practice!
Identify the direct object in the sentences below. Hint: Not all sentences will have one.
- I will deliver the package to her by Monday.
- We are signing a contract with Coca-Cola.
- We bought a new truck for local deliveries.
- You should give flowers to your wife for her birthday.
- Has Rose seen the most recent changes?
- No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.
- I promised to have the project done by Friday.
- Michael baked a cake for the party.
Vocabulary Tip
Language Level – B2
We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.
A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.
- Household (n)
- Housing (n)
- Humorous (adj)
- Humor (n)
- Hunting (n)
- Hunt (n)
- Hurt (n)
- Ideal (n)
- Illustrate (v)
- Illustration (n)
Practice this vocabulary with Quizlet.
Reading Tip
Language Level – B2
Coca-Cola has been offering that refreshing fizz on a hot day for more than a century. You’re probably used to sipping on a Coke at dinner, ordering a Coke at the drive thru or, on nights you’re feeling adventurous, mixing it with your favorite brand of rum. You can use Coke for everything from baking a cake to cleaning your toilet to repelling pests.
Continue reading the article here: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/uses-for-coca-cola/
Weekly Challenge
Language Level – C1
Watch this fantastic video for advanced English learners. It has new vocabulary with pronunciation while reading a magazine article about Amazon reviews.
Questions?
