Everyday English (Vocabulary Building)

Topic: City Life & Country Life

We will examine and practise vocabulary related to life in the city and countryside.

Lesson Notes September 15, 2026 (Vocabulary Building)

Words & Phrases

• Overcast (Adjective) = A gray and dull sky completely covered by dark clouds so you cannot see the sun or blue sky.

  • The sky was so overcast that we could not see the sun all afternoon.

  • Although it was cold and overcast, it did not actually rain during our walk.

  • I prefer running when the weather is overcast because the air feels cooler.

• He went back to his parent’s house to do the weeding. He also found a large hornet’s nest under the eaves.

Grammar

• “Grass” is generally uncountable. We only use “grasses” when talking about different species or types of grasses.

  • Do you know fox tail grass?

  • I had a small bunch of bunny tail grass, but it died over the summer.

  • I have several types of grasses planted in my garden.

Appropriate Language

• Animals that Sting

  • Bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, jellyfish, stingrays

• Animals that Bite

  • Mosquitoes, spiders, snakes, centipedes, most bugs

Life in the country

• “…, but they love it here now.” means “they loving living here now”

Section 3

• I used to use the Odakyu line to get to Shinjuku. It was very convenient. (NOT “use to Odakyu line)

• I used to live in the countryside, but as a teenager I thought it was boring. (We use “the + countryside”)

• Almost every day I go shopping by car. (NOT “by my car”)

• When I use my car, I’m always thinking about where to park.