All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2355: Don’t Get Tripped Up By English Vocabulary
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the intricate world of English phrasal verbs in Episode 2355 of the All Ears English Podcast. Titled "Don’t Get Tripped Up By English Vocabulary," this episode offers learners practical insights into using “trip” and its various phrasal forms effectively, enhancing both their spoken and written English skills.
1. Episode Overview
The episode centers around demystifying the phrasal verbs associated with the word “trip.” Lindsay and Michelle explore the different contexts in which these verbs are used, providing listeners with clear examples and practical applications to avoid common pitfalls in English vocabulary.
2. Personal Anecdotes and Introduction to Tripping
Lindsay shares a personal story about tripping onto a shuttle bus while skiing, highlighting the embarrassment and confusion that can arise from such mishaps. This real-life example sets the stage for discussing both the literal and metaphorical uses of “trip” in English.
“One of the most embarrassing moments. I almost started crying. It was really, really bad.”
— Lindsay (03:08)
Michelle relates by sharing her experience of tripping off a ski lift, emphasizing the additional pressure felt when one is skilled yet still makes mistakes.
“If you're a good skier and it happens, it's even worse. It's like, okay, no, I could do better than this.”
— Michelle (03:34)
3. Listener Interaction: Understanding “Tripped” Phrasal Verbs
The hosts address a thoughtful question from a YouTube subscriber, Basil Muhammad, regarding the nuanced differences between “tripped up,” “tripped over,” and “tripped on.”
Lindsay introduces the topic:
“I could say, I'm terribly sorry, I don't mean to trip you up, or I tripped over my own feet and fell down the stairs.”
— Lindsay (04:44)
4. Detailed Breakdown of Phrasal Verbs
a. Trip Up
“Trip up” is primarily used in a metaphorical sense to indicate making a mistake or being confused.
“On IELTS Energy, we do say this a lot when we're talking about how students get tripped up on the exam.”
— Michelle (06:31)
Examples:
- “I got tripped up when the direction said head north and I went south.” (07:04)
- “Daylight savings time often trips me up.” (07:13)
b. Trip Over
“Trip over” refers to the physical action of stumbling due to catching one's foot on an obstacle.
“I tripped over a rock on the hike and twisted my ankle.”
— Michelle (08:17)
c. Trip On
Similar to “trip over,” “trip on” is used to describe stumbling due to encountering an obstacle.
“I tripped on the uneven sidewalk and almost fell.”
— Michelle (10:18)
Both “trip over” and “trip on” are interchangeable when describing physical tripping, and the hosts emphasize that specifying the object causing the trip is essential.
5. Practical Applications and Role-Play
To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario where they demonstrate the use of “trip over” and “trip on” in conversation between classmates.
Role-Play Highlights:
- Michelle: “I tripped over a rock when I was hiking and fell and broke it.” (13:43)
- Lindsay: “A few of the questions tripped me up, but then I figured them out.” (14:03)
This exercise showcases both the physical and metaphorical uses of “trip,” reinforcing the lesson’s key points.
6. Additional Insights and Tips
The hosts provide valuable tips on handling mistakes in English conversations:
- Acknowledge the mistake: “Sorry, I'm tripping over my words here. What I meant to say was X.” (16:22)
- Maintain confidence and connection: Emphasizing that making mistakes doesn't hinder human connection and can be an opportunity to showcase vocabulary.
7. Notable Quotes
-
“Connection is the most important thing.”
— Lindsay (16:22) -
“If you're going to say trip over, then you have to state what it was that you tripped over.”
— Michelle (07:48)
8. Additional Resources and Recommendations
Lindsay and Michelle recommend listeners to explore the Business English Podcast, specifically Episode 3:54 on phrasal verbs like “take on,” to further expand their vocabulary in professional settings.
“Search for business English. You'll see the yellow come up and go ahead and hit the follow button on that show, too.”
— Lindsay (15:35)
9. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation that mistakes are a natural part of learning English. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace errors as opportunities for growth and connection rather than setbacks.
“Mistakes are inevitable. They don't have to get in the way of human connection.”
— Lindsay (16:22)
10. Final Thoughts
Episode 2355 serves as an invaluable resource for intermediate to advanced English learners seeking to master phrasal verbs related to "trip." Through personal anecdotes, listener interactions, and practical examples, Lindsay and Michelle provide clear guidance on using these expressions confidently and accurately, reinforcing the podcast’s mission of fostering connection over perfection.
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