Getting there – in English

 

[moving figure*]

The greatest difficulty in mastering English is not understanding its grammar, as many students believe, but learning and applying its vocabulary. To clarify, most concepts in English have multiple words, often coming from different roots. Each word has its own subtext, with connotations that may or may not be relevant in a given situation. Some years ago, I wrote a post about the various words for eating. Today’s post deals with locomotion, specifically walking, running and driving.

[couple walking]

Walking varies in lengths and purposes. To take a walk is rather vague term, implying neither length or goal. By contrast, to get some fresh air implies a short trip outside to clear one’s head. While taking a stroll may not be specific in length, it does express a sense of pleasure, generally social. The purpose of taking a constitutional is to improve one’s physical condition, a matter of discipline, not necessarily enjoyment. If people choose the option of walking when alternatives exist, they hoof it. In places of natural beauty, taking a hike involves several hours, even a whole day, and involves uneven ground while taking a trek is a multiday experience. There is nothing like moving your legs.

[woman jogging]

Of course, some people prefer more energetic movement, specifically running. Jogging involves a slow pace that can be maintained for a long distance, without any specific destination in mind. Trotting is bit faster, ideal when a certain place has to be reached fairly quickly. The fastest form of running is sprinting, whether in a formal race or emergency situation, when speed is of essence. A quick sprint to a specific destination, such as a store before it closes, is a dash and may involve running. Running seems to involve exhilaration of one kind or another.

[poodle in driver's seat]

Alas, in the modern word, most of us by need or choice drive a car to get anywhere. Traveling to and from work is called commuting, which may involve 4-5 hours a day in some cities. Running errands is more local and involves enriching shops and services. In an emergency and at a track, a person may race, driving as fast as possible. With all the unavoidable time behind the wheel, it is surprising to know that many people enjoy taking a drive for the pleasure of seeing something beautiful. In some places, young people cruise, i.e., drive up and down the street in order to be seen by their peers and have their cars and significant others admired. In the past, Van Nuys Blvd. in Los Angeles used to be the site of weekly cruising. At the end of a visit, you may need to hit the road before the traffic gets too bad, which is to say “leave”. Even after all this driving stress, some people believe that the best way to relax is to take a road trip for extended time and see greener pastures. When it comes to driving, to each his own.

Thus, a native speaker naturally knows which terms will apply in any context and uses the right word. By contrast, people whose English is only through formal learning often struggle to be sure what word to use. Alas, the only truly effective to fully master English vocabulary is to live in an English-speaking country. However, through movies and some explanations, it is possible to attain a better understanding. Getting there can takes some effort.

* Picture captions help the blind access the Internet.

All pictures via Pixabay.