Podcast Summary: All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2325: "English Fluency is Not a Ways Off"
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan (Aubrey Carter)
Platform: All Ears English Podcast
Introduction
In Episode 2325 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter delve into the nuances of expressing distance and progress in American English. Titled "English Fluency is Not a Ways Off," the episode focuses on common native expressions that convey distance, both physical and metaphorical, enriching listeners' conversational skills.
Exploring the Phrase "Ways"
Timestamp: 03:14
The episode kicks off with Lindsay posing a question to Aubrey about her swimming capabilities, leading to the introduction of the phrase "quite a ways." Aubrey explains:
"That's a very native chunk. Right? To say quite a ways. It sounds probably kind of strange. This word ways is very flexible in English."
— Aubrey Carter [03:14]
Lindsay and Aubrey clarify the meaning and usage of "quite a ways," emphasizing its versatility in everyday conversation to indicate significant distance or progress.
Different Contexts of "Ways" in American English
Timestamp: 05:01
The hosts outline four primary ways natives use "ways" to describe distance:
-
Quite a Ways
Meaning: Really far or a great distance.
Example: "She ran quite a ways before running out of breath."
— Aubrey Carter [04:44] -
A Ways to Go
Meaning: There is still much to do or a long distance remaining.
Example: "We still have a ways to go before we get there."
— Aubrey Carter [05:53] -
A Ways Off
Meaning: Something is far away or not imminent in time.
Example: "The meeting is a ways off."
— Lindsay McMahon [06:54] -
A Ways Away
Meaning: Similar to "a ways off," often used regionally to indicate something is far away.
Example: "She lives a ways away."
— Aubrey Carter [08:09]
Practical Usage and Distinctions
Timestamp: 07:44
Lindsay provides a useful distinction between "a ways off" and "way off":
"Don't be confused with the difference between a ways off and way off. Like, you're way off. You're completely wrong."
— Aubrey Carter [07:44]
This highlights the importance of context, where "a ways off" pertains to distance or time, whereas "way off" refers to being incorrect.
Role Play: Applying the Phrases
Timestamp: 10:05
To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Aubrey engage in a role-play scenario set on a hike. They demonstrate the usage of the discussed phrases naturally within conversation:
Lindsay: "I'm glad we picked this hike. Even though it was quite a ways."
Aubrey: "That'd be cool to explore, but it's a ways off."
Lindsay: "We've got a ways to go."
— [10:05 - 11:38]
This exercise illustrates how these expressions seamlessly integrate into everyday dialogue, enhancing fluency and making speech sound more native.
Key Takeaways
Timestamp: 12:30
Towards the end of the episode, Lindsay and Aubrey summarize the importance of these phrases:
"These phrases are so native and natural, especially for informal conversations... Pick one to throw into your conversations."
— Aubrey Carter [12:30]
Additionally, Lindsay encourages listeners to:
- Notice Usage: Pay attention to how these phrases are used in various contexts.
- Practice Incorporation: Actively incorporate at least one of these expressions into daily conversations to build fluency.
Conclusion
In this episode, All Ears English successfully unpacks the flexibility and utility of the word "ways" in American English. By providing clear definitions, examples, and practical role-play, Lindsay and Aubrey equip intermediate to advanced English learners with valuable tools to sound more natural and confident in their conversations. Emphasizing connection over perfection, the episode underscores that mastering such nuances brings learners closer to native-level fluency.
Notable Quotes:
- Aubrey Carter [03:14]: "That's a very native chunk. Right? To say quite a ways."
- Aubrey Carter [07:44]: "Don't be confused with the difference between a ways off and way off."
- Aubrey Carter [12:30]: "Pick one to throw into your conversations."
Additional Resources:
- All Ears English App: For real-time transcripts and personalized vocabulary lists.
- Fluency Score Quiz: Assess your English level at allearsenglish.com/fluencyscore
Join Lindsay and Aubrey in future episodes to continue enhancing your American English skills through engaging and practical lessons. Remember, Connection NOT Perfection!