John’s English Blog

Many English verbs which end in -ate have a Latin origin. They will be familiar if you speak a Latin language. Beware of false friends!

For example the English word calculate. Many English words should be calculate.

• Spanish - calcular
  
• Italian - calcolare
  
• French - calculer
  
• Valencian - calcular
  

Many words follow this pattern:

Abbreviate
You can abbreviate “mister” to “Mr”.

Abdicate
Edward VIII had to abdicate so that he could marry Wallis Simpson.

Accelerate
The Caterham R500 EVO can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds.

Complete these sentences!

1. I don’t know how long it will cost, but I estimate between £100 and £200.
2. This train will terminate at London Kings Cross.
3. I like listening to Stephen Fry narrate Harry Potter.
4. It’s healthy to participate in sport.
5. I’m going on holiday. How do I activate roaming on my mobile?
6. The cabin crew will demonstrate the safety procedure.
7. In case of fire, evacuate the building.
8. I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate.
9. Do not operate machinery after drinking alcohol.
10. We can illustrate it with a diagram.
11. It’s important to comunicate with your spouse.
12. You should wear blue to accentuate your eyes.
13. We can fabricate the frame from steel or aluminium.
14. How much time do you dedicate to studying?
15. Japanese Knotweed is almost impossible to eliminate.
16. I’ve already written the report. Don’t duplicate my work.
17. Can you negotiate with a five-year-old child?
18. Police are trying to locate the suspect.
19. How do you celebrate your birthday?
20. Queen and David Bowie were able to collaborate to produce “Under Pressure”

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