How to ... use vague language

Vague language is very common, especially in spoken English. We often add words and phrases such as kind of, sort of, that kind of thing to make what we’re saying sound less factual and direct.

I watch a lot of crime drama and that kind of thing.

We use vague language when:
• we are not very sure of the precise details of something.
• we can’t remember the exact word or information.
• we are having an informal conversation and want to talk generally and sound less direct.

Vague nouns and phrases

We use thing/things to refer to something without saying its name.
There are a few things I don’t like about that film.

We use bit to refer to a small piece of something.
I love the bit where the animals escape.

We use stuff to refer to more than one object, or an uncountable noun.
In the end, they move all their stuff into a new flat.
We use what’s her name? or what’s it called? when we can’t remember the name of someone or something.
The hero is played by that actress – what’s her name?

Numbers

We use around and about to give a vague idea of a number.
There are around ten episodes in the series.
We use -odd after a number, to mean 'about’.
There are 200-odd dancers in the final scene.
We use or so after a number, to show that the number is not completely accurate.
The storm lasted for two days or so.

Adjectives and ages

We use -ish to make either an adjective or an age more vague.
She’s about twenty-ish.

Making a statement less certain

We use sort of and kind of to make a statement slightly more vague and less certain.
I sort of understood what the fi lm was about. (I didn’t understand very well.)
It’s kind of like a modern version of Groundhog Day.

Avoiding a long list

We can use phrases such as and stuff, and everything, and so on, and that kind of thing, or something instead of finishing a list.
We organised a movie night at home with pizzas, crisps, drinks and so on.
she’s basically a superhero, so she can fly and everything.

Binge-watching refers to the practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV series or shows in one sitting, often for several hours. This behavior has surged in popularity with the rise of streaming platforms that offer entire seasons at once, providing viewers the convenience of consuming content continuously without waiting for weekly releases.

Recent research sheds light on the psychological and physical impacts of binge-watching. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that binge-watching is associated with both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, viewers often report increased relaxation and escapism, providing a break from daily stress. The communal aspect, such as discussing episodes on social media or with friends, can also enhance social connectedness.

However, the research also highlights potential risks. Excessive binge-watching can lead to poorer sleep quality, increased sedentary behavior, and negative mood changes such as feelings of guilt, anxiety, or loneliness. The intensity of emotional engagement during binge-watching, especially in thriller or drama series, can elevate stress hormones, impacting overall health.

Another significant finding from 2024 studies indicates that binge-watching during nighttime can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to difficulties in falling asleep and daytime fatigue. Experts advise setting viewing time limits and taking breaks between episodes to mitigate these effects.

To balance enjoyment and health, experts recommend mindful binge-watching: being aware of time spent, choosing engaging but not overly distressing content, and combining watching sessions with physical activity or social interaction.

In summary, binge-watching is a modern entertainment trend offering convenience and enjoyment but requires careful management to avoid negative health consequences. As streaming services continue evolving, understanding these effects is crucial for healthier viewing habits.

Nouns:

escapism - the practice of avoiding reality by engaging in fantasy or entertainment
sedentary behavior - lifestyle involving little physical movement; sitting for long periods
circadian rhythms - natural body clock that controls sleep-wake cycles over 24 hours
intensity - the strength or extreme degree of something
engagement - deep involvement or participation in an activity

Verbs:

surge - to increase suddenly and powerfully
mitigate - to make something less severe or reduce negative effects
elevate - to raise to a higher level (stress, temperature, etc.)
disrupt - to seriously interrupt or disturb a normal process

Adjectives:

excessive - going beyond what is normal, reasonable, or acceptable
communal - shared by a group of people; involving community participation
mindful - deliberately aware and conscious of your actions

Academic Phrases:

sheds light on - provides new information or clarification about something
associated with - connected to or linked with (used in research contexts)
potential risks - possible dangers or negative consequences that might occur

Linking and elision are important aspects of natural spoken English, especially at the B2 level where fluency and comprehension are essential. This section covers all key rules of linking and elision used in connected speech:

1. Linking Consonant to Vowel: When a word ends in a consonant sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound, the consonant links to the vowel. Example: "pick it up" sounds like "pick-it-up."

2. Linking Vowel to Vowel: When one word ends with a vowel sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound, a linking consonant sound (usually /w/, /j/, or /r/) is inserted to make pronunciation smoother. Example: "go on" sounds like "go-w-on."

3. Intrusion: Insertion of an extra sound (/w/, /j/, or /r/) between two words to ease pronunciation, especially between vowel sounds where no sound exists in spelling. Example: "I saw it" can sound like "I saw-r-it."

4. Elision of Sounds: Dropping certain sounds, typically consonants, in connected speech to make it quicker and easier. Commonly elided sounds include /t/, /d/, and /p/. Example: "next day" sounds like "nex-day."

5. Elision in Clusters: When consonant clusters are difficult to pronounce, one consonant may be omitted. Example: "friendship" pronounced as "frenship."

6. Linking /r/: In non-rhotic accents (like British English), the /r/ sound is pronounced when the next word begins with a vowel. Example: "far away" sounds like "far-r-away."

7. Assimilation (related): While not strictly linking or elision, assimilation often occurs together and involves sounds changing to become more like neighboring sounds. Example: "good boy" pronounced "goo-b boy."

We can use do, does or did in affirmative sentences to emphasise that what we are saying is true, especially when we are making a contrast with different information or a different opinion.

*I do really want to go to the concert.*
*(Perhaps you think I don’t want to go.)*

*I did really enjoy their last album.*
*(I didn’t think I would enjoy it.)*

*He does enjoy playing the drums.*
*(He hates playing the guitar.)*

Notice that when we use do, does or did for emphasis, we stress the auxiliary.

*I can’t stand opera, but I do like classical music.*

A: *He doesn’t like jazz music, does he?*

B: *No, he does like jazz, but he doesn’t like R&B.*

A: *You said you would call them.*

B: *I did call them, but they didn’t answer.*

We can also use do, does and did to emphasise that we feel strongly about something.

*I do love eating out in expensive restaurants.*

*He does look amazing in that new suit.*

We can also use do, does and did to confirm something we think is true, by adding a question tag.

*You do like spicy food, don’t you?*

*He doesn’t still work there, does he?*

*You did remember the passports, didn’t you?*