Spring is almost here in Boston! Are you getting excited?
Around this time of year, you might be starting to take walks around your city on the weekends or in the early mornings before work.
Taking a long walk is a great way to clear your head if you are feeling stressed or to think through a problem that you might be dealing with. Maybe you will even find a walking buddy or a language exchange partner so that you can practice your English while you walk!
Prepare for your warm-weather walks with today's lesson on street vocabulary words, idioms, phrasal verbs, and new expressions!
5 Ways to Walk
- To take a stroll: This is a very relaxed and leisurely way to walk. When you take a stroll, you walk slowly and the destination is usually not to get anywhere, but instead you are just enjoying the exercise and the experience of being out in the neighborhood.
- To power walk: Many people prefer to power walk instead of running for their daily exercise. Sometimes you might see "powerwalkers" walking very fast in workout clothing and carrying weights in their hands. It is a good way to burn calories.
- To wander: Someone who wanders is often trying to explore a new place. A wanderer usually doesn't have a destination. He wanders and takes in (observes) what he sees around him. People who have "wanderlust" cannot stop traveling and exploring new places.
- To scurry: To go from one place to the next very quickly, to be in a rush or to be in a hurry. During the morning rush hour, everyone scurries around the subway station to get to the right train.
- To run into someone/to bump into someone: To cross someone's path unexpectedly on the street or while you are out in th
Idioms and Expressions
- To be within walking distance: This expression means that a place is close because you can walk to it. Example: We are lucky to live in an area where the shops, restaurants, and cafes are all within walking distance.
- To walk on eggshells: To try hard not to make someone angry or cause problems. Example: Ever since my boss threatened to fire me, I have been walking on eggshells at the office.
- A walk in the park: If something is a "walk in the park" it is very easy. Example: Tomorrow's presentation will be a walk in the park so we don't need to spend much time preparing.
- To take a hike: This is a rude way of telling someone to go away. Example: The girl told the boy to take a hike because he was bothering her.
- All walks of life: People from a variety of economic and social classes. Example: In New York City, there are people from all walks of life.
Phrasal Verb Quiz! Verbs that Begin with "Walk"
1) When we arrived at our hotel, we unpacked and _________ the city before dinner.
a) walked around
b) walked on
c) walked off
2) His wife _________ on him when she found out that he was cheating.
a) walked up
b) walked out
c) walked over
3) The thief _________ with the gold necklace when the saleswoman's back was turned.
a) walked over
b) walked by
c) walked off
4) The employees _________ the new intern by giving him too much work.
a) wallk all over
b) walk up
c) walk out on
5) I was having a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe when an old friend _________.
a) walked on
b) walked by
c) walked around
Answers: 1) a 2) b 3) c 4) a 5) b
Now that you have all of the vocabulary that you need, check out this article featuring the best places to take a walk in New York and Boston! Be sure to check that out!
Are you still struggling with phrasal verbs like "walk out" and "walk around"? If so, click on the link below to get an invitation when our new phrasal verb mobile iPhone app is ready! It's coming soon and it's going to be awesome! Don't miss it!
Photo credits: kids walking: aka Kath, walking sign: Peter Blanchard, walking in a group: USACE-Sacramento, eggshells: tuchodi, Dog: Sister72
infographic: crazy shoes: shannonkrigen, fire hydrant: rachaelvoorhees, intersection: ToGa Wanderings, street corner: kayadams.com, lamppost: The Big Quack, pot hole: stevendepolo, man hole: celesteh, sidewalk: rpsongsaj, crosswalk: yiie, curb: Orin Zebest, Jaywalking: Elvert Barnes
