Sunday, October 17, 2010

What´s the difference - Listen to vs Listen for?

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Starting English class with a challenge seems to please my students.

 My ''What's the difference?'' segment points out a particular problem students face learning the language. It is usually a fine point not covered normally in the course of a class, but is valuable nonetheless.

For example - Jack listens to his friend´s car.
                       Jacks listens for his friend´s car.

To ''listen to '' is to the process of hearing, in this case, a noise from the car.

To ''listen for'' is the process of hearing, but also in anticipation of some certain sound or event. In this case, Jack is waiting for the sound of his friend's car.

*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please contact Professor Winn by sending an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

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