Retracing my steps

Is walking the cheapest, most interesting and relaxing exercise you can do in a big city?  Well, I could say it is in my experience. Not only that. When I walk, I don’t just move my feet and count my steps, hoping to reach my destination without getting too tired. What a terrible bore of an exercise that would be! It’s a form of sightseeing, soul-searching, clearing your mind, planning and an excuse to indulge in your favourite music. And, for someone with a keen attention to detail, it can be a real visual feast. Tokyo’s landscape continues to change and deliver new interesting spots to visit even if you’ve been there before. I recently made a pit stop, a refreshing coffee break with a book at Shimokitazawa Station on my way home. Loved it!

  

   

Flashback Friday - Look

It's that time of the week again. In this look back at our old issues of e.Front's English Corner we were looking at the verb look and some of the ways you can alter the meaning by changing the preposition. Take a look:

 

Hello everybody and welcome back to e.Front’s English Corner! I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather. In this issue we’ll be looking at the word look. As you know look is a very common word but there are many other interesting ways to use it.

This issue’s word: Look

1.               “Everybody looked up to our professor in University.”

2.               “She knew her husband was having an affair but she looked the other way.”

3.               “I’m looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.”

4.               “I always look after my mother when she is ill.”

5.               “Nurses look in on their patients regularly.”

Well, that’s all for this issue. Look out for more interesting phrases from us in two week’s time!

※   looked up to　尊敬した

※   looked the other way　見て見ぬふりをした

※   look forward to 楽しみにしている

※   look after　～の世話をする

※   look in on　様子を見にちょっと立ち寄る

※   Look out for　期待する

 

Of course, we all look forward to things in life so this is my first choice of phrasal verb to remember, but also 'look the other way' is a fun phrase that can be used in a variety of situations - if you use your imagination 

AH

Seasonal remedies

We’ve just entered the pre-spring weather roller-coaster. Although most of you welcomed the sun and lighter clothing you said you felt rather hot, dizzy and dopey. And so did I. That’s why, especially in this season, it’s never a bad time for a perfect cup of coffee. Rarely does it taste as good as when you really need it!

I know you’ve got your pill boxes and medicine pouches equipped with antihistamines, painkillers and masks to keep you safe from allergies. But, for those of you who love your caffeine, it’s bound to brighten your day and lift your spirits.

Incidentally, Lawson’s black coffee never looked or tasted that good. At least not in my experience.

Flashback Friday - Check

Ok, it's time for Flashback Friday again. Here's the next installment of useful phrasal verbs from a past issue. We were looking at the verb check, which most of you probably know. However, I suspect that there are a few phrases that you don't know about. So, check it out! 

 

e.Front’s English Corner - Volume 1, Issue 4

Hello everyone! In this issue of e.Front’s English Corner we’ll be checking out the word check. Most of you will be familiar with the phrases check in and check out. For example, people check into hotels at the beginning of their holiday and at the end they check out, but below are some other uses of this word.

This issue’s word: Check

1.               “I’ve finished the report. Can you check it over before I hand it in?”

2.               “I need to go to the Doctor for a check up.”

3.               “Excuse me. Can I get the check, please?”

4.               “Many British politicians need a reality check!”

5.               “This new medicine is helping to keep my allergy in check.”

That’s it for this time. Be sure to check us out next time!

check it over（間違っていないか）目を通す　

check up　検査／見てもらう

the check　伝票

reality check!　現実を知る

keep ～ in check　～を抑制する

 

Given all the chaos in the world, I feel that reality check is probably the key phrase that everybody should know ...

Until next time!

AH

End of winter

The sun has come out and the temperatures have spiked to as high as 20 degrees. Everything is beginning to look and smell like spring. Personally, after this year’s winter I’m somehow left with a feeling of wanting. If you’re like me and got used to the four seasons you would have noticed the difference. The temperatures have fluctuated above the Tokyo average and the snow has largely been a no show. Winter happens to be my favourite season and when it lacks its core components it creates a tiny gap of disappointment. I don’t mean to grumble but I wouldn’t mind the town covered in white before turning green.

On the bright side however, there’s plenty of life around to captivate our attention and satisfy the senses. Every cloud has a silver lining 😊