Exceptional Expressions

Exceptional Expressions Posted 11/07/2009 Permanent Link

#14 Change

EVERYDAY EVENT:

The Exceptional Expression for Everyday Events (or E4) this week focuses on the word change. In a classroom the teacher may talk about scientific changes such as the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. Teachers may also talk about adjusting the class schedule to allow time for extra PE.

EXCEPTIONAL EXPRESSION:

The word change can refer to small changes, like the order of a sentence in a paragraph. Change can also refer to larger changes, such as the thesis of a paper. Some terms for scientific change can be used to describe general change. For example, a simple hello can evolve into a friendship.

Don’t forget change can also be used as noun.

FOLLOW-UPS:

• How is revolutionizing the design of a pen different from altering it?
• Would you modify or substitute a recipe?
• How is a person who undergoes a metamorphosis different than a caterpillar undergoing metamorphosis?

THE SPANISH CONNECTION:

Change is a Middle English word. It is believed that the Middle English word ultimately came from the Latin word cambiare. The Spanish word for change, cambiar, is believed to have come from the same Latin word. Change and cambiar would be cognate if change had not undergone modification in Old French and Middle English. However, synonyms of change have remained close to its Latin root and have corresponding cognates in Spanish.

WORD CHANGES:

1) IDIOMS:

• Change horses in midstream
• Changing of the guard
• Short change
• Change of heart

2) COMMON PHRASES:

• Change with the times
• A change of pace
• Chunk of change
• Winds of change
• Change of mind
• For a change

Click here to download the printable version of E4: Change.