As COVID-19 continues to force so much of the world’s population into lockdown (= a situation in which you are ordered to stay at home), I thought it might be interesting to look at the language that we use to describe what we are now doing with our days.
Holed up (= inside, in a safe place) for a long period, many people are finding new ways to while away the time (=spend the time). Some are learning a new language while others have taken up (= started) a new hobby. In some families, parents and children are now working out (=exercising) together in their living rooms.
Keen cooks are digging out (=finding) cookbooks that they haven’t used for years and trying out (=testing) recipes that they’ve never done. Of course, this assumes that they can find all the ingredients in their local supermarkets. At the start of the lockdown, there were shortages (=not enough) of particular products caused by people stockpiling them (=buying large supplies for future use).
Of course, the internet is providing a lot of people with occupation (=regular activity). Unable to meet people from different households, many are using it to get or stay in touch with friends and family. Some are enjoying virtual get-togethers online. For some people, this means getting to grips with (=trying to learn) technology that they have never used before.
In some parts of the world, it’s been reported that during the lockdown, people are fostering (=taking care of) rescue animals for the company and comfort that they provide. Many rescue centres (UK)/ rescue centers (US) are particularly busy at the moment, so this is quite helpful.
Not everyone has more time on their hands (=has more free time). In fact, some people have a lot less. With so many schools shut down, parents who are working from home are also having to homeschool (=teach at home) their children. When the children have finished their online assignments, parents are looking for new ways to occupy them (=keep them busy), while meeting their own work deadlines.
Of course, not everyone is enjoying spending so much time at home. Some have nothing – or a lot less than usual – to do. We might describe them as being at a loose end. Others are very bored and annoyed because they can’t go out and do what they usually do. Someone who feels like this may be said informally to be climbing the walls, or they may be described as stir-crazy.
I hope you found these words and phrases interesting and that you are not climbing the walls at home!
Very nice. Thank u all for a good writing.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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I’ve been reading you for quite a long time. I adore your way of explaining things.
How interesting and useful !!! Thank you
Thank you. I’m very pleased you found it useful.
I loved this text by Kate Woodford- It was useful to learn new vocabulary.Thanks.
Thank you, Luciana! That’s very encouraging!
Superb writing. Thanks a lot .
We want more like this type of writing, pleas e.
We are waiting to read again.
That’s a lovely comment – thank you!
With such a brilliant blog, I think, my dear Kate, I would never be stir-crazy. Thank you very much.
Maryem, as ever, you are very kind! All best wishes to you in these difficult times.
Kate, as ever, I love you very much, and I adore what you write now and then.
i like the words and phrases you posted it helps me alot I am new learner in english .
That’s great to hear, Dina. Thank you!
Thank you for your paragraph
You’re very welcome!
Very good text! Thanks a lot.
Thank you, Andre!
Wow, this is a crazy sports!Although it is crazy and dangerous,i like it!!!
I simply loved the tips on the text!
Great! I’m pleased to hear it.
Great article,thx
You’re most welcome!
Roses are red violets are blue i’m hanging of the wall, and is my life to
Wishing you all the best!
Thank a lot for a great article! I’m going to read it with my students. We are still on remote learning and I want my students to share their thoughts on how they feel being in lockdown and what activities they do in order not to go stir-crazy.
Helen, I’m so pleased to hear this! I hope it helps your students to express how they’re feeling in these challenging times. Thank you!
I didn’t like it i loved it 🙂😁🥰😘
Thank you!
You made a fantastic writing. It’s so helpful and I can learn a lot from it.
Thank you very much!
That’s great to hear – thank you!
thank u for ur good and helpful site
You’re very welcome!