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English Audio Request

serge33510
200 Words / 1 Recordings / 2 Comments

During a discussion with an English learner today, I became aware of possible confusion between a "day off" and an "off day". I think it's an important topic for today's newsletter. Let's look at some examples of how to use these terms.

A "day off" is a day that you don't go to work. Some people take a day off to catch up on lost sleep, or to see a doctor, or to finish a project around the house. With a demanding work schedule, there is often not enough time to do these things unless you take a day off.

An "off day" is a day when things don't go as well as usual. This term is often used when referring to performers. If someone is usually an accomplished pianist, but on a particular day, they can't play anything correctly, no matter how hard they try, they are having an off day. They haven't completely forgotten how to play the piano, they're just having trouble on a particular day for an unknown reason.

After seeing the difference between these two terms, I think it would be more fun to have a day off than an off day. Do you agree?

Recordings

Comments

serge33510
Feb. 5, 2014

Thank you again for the good job!
As you mentioned a Pacific Northwest accent, I'd like to know, if you don't mind, where you are from.
Actually I find your accent quite neutral, compared to some accents from other parts of the United States.
Thanks,
Serge

_undertoad
Feb. 5, 2014

Any time, Serge! Happy to help.

I grew up in Eastern Washington State (a small city named Spokane) and now I live in Portland, Oregon. Most people from around here speak in the same way.

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