Hey there! This is TOP episode 213. Learn English with 4 Non Blondes “What’s Up”
I’m Ola, an English teacher with over a decade of teaching under my belt. I believe that unlocking fluency is within your reach. In fact, the key to fluency is in your pocket. Imagine confidently speaking English, changing jobs, getting a better position at work, travelling, communicating, and making friends everywhere. That’s possible, and that’s why you’re here.
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Welcome back to another episode of Teacher Ola Podcast. Thank you so much for joining me today. 4 NON Blondes, ‘What’s Up’. I’ve been learning English with music since I remember and for me, there’s no better way to improve fluency, grammar, and vocabulary, all at once! I’m very glad you think the same way!
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Here I picked 10 expressions from ‘What’s Up’ by 4 Non-Blondes. But first have a listen, go and find 4 Non Blondes ‘What’s Up’ and listen to it. Do some research and find out what the song is about. I’m 100% sure you know the song. Everybody knows the song. Have a listen to get in the mood. Stop this episode, go to YouTube and then after one listening come back here. We’ll learn some words. Ok, let’s do it!
One. 25 years and my life is still – “Still” as an adjective means not moving or making any sound; calm and quiet. You can hear or give a command to keep still, that is to remain not moving. Something or someone can be ‘dead still’ – extremely quiet.
I can’t believe how still the night is.
She sat perfectly still during the meditation.
One more example sentence:
The forest was so still that you could hear the leaves rustling.
Two. I realized quickly when I knew I should – “Realized” is the past tense of the verb “realize,” which means to become aware or to start to understand something clearly. Like in these common expressions:
I realized my mistake too late.
She finally realized the importance of time management.
Another sentence:
After hours of research, I realized that I had been using the wrong tool all along.
Three. That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man. – “Made up of” means composed or formed from various elements or parts. For instance:
The team is made up of experts from different fields.
The soup is made up of vegetables and spices.
This necklace is made up of precious gemstones.
Our committee is made up of volunteers.
The mosaic artwork in the park is made up of thousands of colourful tiles.
Four. And so I cry sometimes when I’m lying in bed – “Lying in bed” simple yet beautiful thing. I love it! Who doesn’t?
I enjoy reading a book while lying in bed.
He spent the entire day lying in bed when he was sick.
Lying in bed, he contemplated his plans for the future.
After a long day at work, I love lying in bed to relax and unwind.
Five. Just to get it all out what’s in my head – “Get it all out” means to express or release everything that is on one’s mind or in one’s thoughts, often as a way of relieving emotional or mental tension. To vent. Example sentences:
I just need to get it all out and talk about what’s been bothering me.
Can we meet for coffee? I need to get it all out about what’s been going on in my life.
Six. And I, I am feeling a little peculiar – “Peculiar” means strange or unusual in a way that is unpleasant or makes you worried
That’s a rather peculiar smell.
Her peculiar sense of humour
There’s something peculiar about that old house.
For some peculiar reason, she refused to join us.
Seven. And so I wake in the morning and I step outside – “Step outside” means to exit a building or a place temporarily.
I need to step outside for some fresh air.
Let’s step outside to discuss this privately.
She stepped outside during the break to make a phone call.
After the intense meeting, he needed to step outside to clear his mind.
Eight. And I take a deep breath and I get real high – “Get high” colloquially means to experience a euphoric state, often associated with drug use, but can also refer to a feeling of excitement.
He got high on the excitement of the adventure.
Some people use meditation to get high.
Getting high on success is a wonderful feeling.
She felt like she was on top of the world, getting high on the thrill of achieving her dream.
Nine. And I scream from the top of my lungs – “At the top of my lungs” means to shout or speak very loudly, using one’s full vocal capacity.
I called for help at the top of my lungs.
He sang at the top of his lungs during the concert.
She laughed at the top of her lungs when she heard the joke.
Don’t shout at the top of your lungs.
In the crowded stadium, fans cheered at the top of their lungs as their team scored the winning goal.
Ten. “What’s going on?” – “What’s going on?” is a common informal expression used to ask about a situation that is happening right now. A lot depends here on the intonation.
Hey, what’s going on with you lately?
I heard some noise; I wonder what’s going on.
I haven’t seen you in a while; can you catch me up on what’s going on in your life?
Can you tell me what’s going on here?
Brilliant! Time to get you speaking. Listen and repeat out lodu:
She sat perfectly still during the meditation.
I realized my mistake too late.
The team is made up of experts from different fields.
I enjoy reading a book while lying in bed.
I just need to get it all out and talk about what’s been bothering me.
For some peculiar reason, she refused to join us.
She stepped outside during the break to make a phone call.
He got high on the excitement of the adventure.
He sang at the top of his lungs during the concert.
Can you tell me what’s going on here?
So, there you have it! Ten phrases from the song by 4 Non Blodnes ‘What’s Up’. I explained some phrases you might need while speaking everyday English. I hope you like it! If you do, please rate my podcast, and leave a comment or a heart. This will make our podcast more visible and we’ll reach more blocked English speakers.
Now. Check out the Worksheet which is in your inbox. If you aren’t a member of TOPeople download the worksheet from teacherola.com/213. I’ll be back next week. As always, keep speaking English every day. Keep listening to something in English every day. Also, join my newsletter! It’s at teacherola.com/newsletter.
Thank you for listening! I’ll see you next Wednesday! Happy learning. Take care! Stay fearless and say it out loud! Bye!