AEE: Somehow or Other This Vocabulary is Extremely Tricky

Summary

All Ears English Podcast Summary: "Somehow or Other This Vocabulary is Extremely Tricky"

Release Date: March 29, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter
Podcast Description: The All Ears English Podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced ESL learners aiming to improve their American English. Hosted by Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter, the podcast covers everyday vocabulary, idioms, expressions, phrasal verbs, as well as cultural insights and practical language tips.

---

Episode Overview

In the episode titled "Somehow or Other This Vocabulary is Extremely Tricky," Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter tackle the nuanced differences between the English words "somehow," "sometimes," and "in some ways." These terms are often confused by ESL learners due to their subtle yet significant differences in meaning and usage. The hosts aim to clarify these distinctions through detailed explanations, examples, and engaging role-play scenarios.

---

Key Topics Discussed

1. Differentiating "Somehow," "Sometimes," and "In Some Ways"

   Aubrey Carter introduces the episode's main focus: understanding when to use "somehow," "sometimes," and "in some ways." She poses the question, "How do you know when to use the words? Somehow, in some ways, or sometimes?" [00:57].

   • "Somehow" is used to indicate that something happens by an unknown or unspecified means.

     • Example: "Somehow, I was able to finish the project on time." [06:20]

   • "Sometimes" refers to events that happen occasionally or at certain times.

     • Example: "Sometimes, I don't understand him." [05:42]

   • "In some ways" expresses that something is true in certain aspects or respects.

     • Example: "Technology is good in some ways, but it also has drawbacks." [04:20]

2. Common Mistakes and Correct Usage

   The hosts highlight typical errors ESL learners make by substituting "somehow" for "sometimes" or "in some ways."

   • Incorrect: "Technology is good somehow."

     • Correct: "Technology is good in some ways." [03:36]

   • Incorrect: "Somehow I don't understand him."

     • Correct: "Sometimes I don't understand him." [05:42]

   Aubrey Carter explains, "Someone might say homework is good somehow when they mean in some ways or sometimes." [03:49]

3. Proper Contextual Use of "Somehow"

   The hosts explore appropriate contexts for using "somehow," emphasizing its meaning related to unexpected or miraculous outcomes.

   • Example: "Somehow, I was able to get here on time despite the awful traffic." [11:05]

   Lindsay McMahon adds, "It's kind of like a miracle that I got here. It's not about the routes I took." [11:12]

4. Role-Play Scenario: Committee Planning

   To demonstrate proper usage, Lindsay and Aubrey engage in a role-play where they plan an event committee.

   • Lindsay: "Traffic was awful, but somehow I was able to get here on time." [11:05]
   • Aubrey: "I'm surprised we both somehow made it on time." [11:12]

   This interaction underscores how "somehow" conveys surprise at overcoming difficulties.

5. Idiomatic Expressions and Their Meanings

   The episode also covers related idioms such as "carry on somehow" and "pick up the slack."

   • "Carry on somehow" means to continue despite obstacles.

     • Example: "Jim is moving to Chicago. We'll have to carry on somehow without him." [07:39]

   • "Pick up the slack" refers to compensating for others' lack of effort.

     • Example: "If someone doesn't do their job, you have to pick up the slack." [10:55]

   Aubrey Carter warns, "Because 'carry on somehow' is often used sarcastically, someone might assume you're being sarcastic if not clear with your tone." [08:38]

6. Expressions with Emphasis on Uncertainty

   The phrase "somehow or other" is discussed as an extension of "somehow," adding emphasis to the uncertainty of the means.

   • Example: "Somehow or other, we'll figure out a solution." [08:47]

   Lindsay McMahon encourages listeners to notice these phrases in real-world contexts to better understand their usage. [15:14]

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Aubrey Carter [03:49]: "Someone might say homework is good somehow when they mean in some ways or sometimes."

• Lindsay McMahon [05:42]: "Sometimes, I don't understand him."

• Aubrey Carter [06:20]: "Somehow, I was able to finish the project on time. So here it means by some means."

• Lindsay McMahon [14:44]: "Connection, not perfection. Don't hesitate to start a conversation because you want to say one or the other."

• Aubrey Carter [15:14]: "Our tips will help you avoid this very common mistake."

---

Practical Tips and Encouragement

The hosts emphasize the importance of focusing on connection over perfection. They encourage learners to engage in conversations without fear of making mistakes, as this fosters real-life language acquisition and fluency.

Aubrey Carter says, "Don't hesitate to start a conversation because you want to say one or the other." [14:44]

Additionally, they recommend practicing by listening for the discussed terms in everyday settings and revisiting the episode to reinforce learning.

Lindsay McMahon advises, "Try to listen for these key words somehow, in some ways, and then go back and listen to the episode again." [15:14]

---

Role-Play Insights

During the role-play, Lindsay and Aubrey demonstrate the correct use of "somehow," "sometimes," and "in some ways" in a realistic scenario.

• Lindsay: "Traffic was awful, but somehow I was able to get here on time." [11:05]

• Aubrey: "I'm surprised we both somehow made it on time." [11:12]

• Aubrey: "Somehow or other, we'll figure it out." [13:43]

• Lindsay: "Somehow, we'll solve this issue." [09:16]

This segment highlights how these terms can be naturally integrated into conversation, reinforcing their distinct meanings.

---

Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode "Somehow or Other This Vocabulary is Extremely Tricky" provides comprehensive guidance on distinguishing between "somehow," "sometimes," and "in some ways." By offering clear definitions, practical examples, and interactive role-plays, Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter equip ESL learners with the tools to use these terms accurately and confidently. The emphasis on connection over perfection serves as a motivational reminder for learners to engage actively in language practice without the fear of making mistakes.

---

Additional Recommendations

At the episode's conclusion, listeners are encouraged to check out another episode titled "Listen Today" for more valuable phrases and expressions. The hosts also promote their B2 fluency course, offering a special discount and bonus content to help learners advance their English proficiency.

Aubrey Carter: "This is one of those mistakes that native speakers understand. Today’s tips will help you avoid this very common mistake." [14:44]

Lindsay McMahon: "Go right now to allearsenglish.com B2. That's allearsenglish.com letter B number two." [04:06]

---

Final Thoughts

"Somehow or Other This Vocabulary is Extremely Tricky" serves as an essential guide for ESL learners striving to master subtle English vocabulary nuances. Through engaging dialogue, practical examples, and actionable tips, the All Ears English Podcast continues to be a valuable resource for achieving fluency and confidence in American English.

Transcript

[Lindsey McMahon]

This is the All Ears English podcast. Somehow or other, this vocabulary is extremely tricky. Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection with your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz and Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the Allears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward/app.

[Aubrey Carter]

How do you know when to use the words? Somehow, in some ways or sometimes. Today we break down the key differences to this challenging question in English.

[Lindsey McMahon]

I want to say a huge welcome to the dozens of new students who just enrolled in our B2 fluency course, which welcome to Luan Oksana, Vanessa Anamaria, Daiki Ahmed and so many more. It's inspiring to see so many of our listeners committing to this B2 study plan. And I can't wait to meet you at our live speaking events like the weekly Open Conversation Club. If you still haven't joined, this is your last chance. Join the B2 English fluency course before Sunday at midnight. Go to allearsenglish.com SLB2 that's allearsenglish.com letter B number two and I can't wait to see you inside the course. See you there. Hey there, Aubrey. With Shaken.

[Aubrey Carter]

I'm great. How are you, Lindsay?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Fantastic. Fantastic. Aubrey, we're talking a little bit about technology to. Or we're. Let me ask you a question first.

[Aubrey Carter]

Okay. It could be. I had given some examples in case I asked you a question, but.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, what would you say is something that most people think of as beneficial but is actually harmful in some ways?

[Aubrey Carter]

And this was my idea. Technology. Right. In most cases it is beneficial. It's so useful. But there can be, you know, there's definitely a risk for addiction. Too much time on screen, not being as active. So can definitely be harmful in some ways.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. Or kind of just losing our ability to think. Like Google Maps. It's good. It's great. Thank goodness. I would be. I would be lost somewhere right now in the woods. I don't know. If it weren't for Google Maps or.

[Aubrey Carter]

Like we were talking about recently, we're no longer memorizing phone numbers. So we don't have our phone. We might not be able to call anyone we know exactly.

[Lindsey McMahon]

What if all the technology Goes down someday, and we don't know how to get from our house to the grocery store. So, Aubrey, we're talking about a common mistake that we've heard lately. What is that mistake?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. So sort of the answer I was giving about technology. We often hear the mistake of using somehow instead of in some ways. Like someone might say, technology good somehow, but also has drawbacks. This is so tricky. The difference between somehow and sometimes at times, or in some ways is important, but tricky.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes, important, Exactly. And. And sort of the way to do this is counterintuitive a little bit. Right. What you would think would make sense grammatically doesn't. Doesn't work in terms of vocabulary is tricky.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right. Someone might say homework is good somehow when they mean in some ways or sometimes. You know, I think homework is good in some ways, negative in other ways. And I can see how someone learning English would think that makes perfect sense to say somehow there, but it doesn't.

[Lindsey McMahon]

It doesn't. Yep. So, guys, go ahead and hit that follow button right now before we go any further in this episode, to make sure you get five episodes a week from all ears English. Aubrey, let's go into it. So you mentioned the phrase in some ways.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly right. So you could answer this. You know, oh, technology is good. In some ways, this means partly, but not completely. So, for example, in some ways, I'm like my mother. Right. I'm saying I definitely have common, you know, attributes, but we're not exactly the same. In some ways, we're different.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. I think the funny thing is, the older we get, we realize that parts of us are just like our mother.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

We're trying to be our mother, but we are, in a way. I'm sure our listeners will identify with that. And they're smiling right now. So next one. Prescription drugs are beneficial in some ways, but can easily be abused. So again, we can't say somehow in this context. This is what we should say instead, right, Aubry?

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly right. If we mean partly but not entirely, instead of saying somehow, we would say in some ways. Or we could also say in some aspects. Right. Oh, this is beneficial in some aspects, but has negative drawbacks.

[Lindsey McMahon]

All right. And there's another thing we can say instead of somehow in this context. What is it?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, and this is a little different. If we say at times or sometimes, this means occasionally rather than all of the time. So the two ways we see somehow used incorrectly, it would either need to be replaced with in some ways or sometimes. Or at times.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. So, for example, at times, I don't understand him.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, Exactly. And this is a mistake. We would hear somehow I don't understand him. Instead, we want to say sometimes or at times. This means occasionally, but not all of the time.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Or you can say sometimes she's late.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

She shows up late. Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

Occasionally she's late. Right. And then let's go into somehow. When would we use this? Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

There is a time and a place to use it. Right. It does exist. This means in some way or by some means. All right, so this might be a little confusing for our listeners the way we're defining it. So let's give some sample sentences. Aubry.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, so maybe somehow I was able to finish the project on time. So here it means by some means. Right. I. It's sort of. I don't really understand how it happened.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

That's why we have the word how Somehow. Yes. I was able to do this.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Kind of like a miracle, Right. In a sense.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right. The actual means of it happening is surprising. So then we say how. Like, how did that happen somehow?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. And here's another one. You look different somehow. Did you get a haircut? So this means I don't really understand exactly how you look different, but you do look different. Something about you is different.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly. Right. So you can maybe ask the question how to know which to use. Right. Because for these others, we, you know, you wouldn't. You wouldn't say how. Right. Oh, technology is. Is good somehow. We're not saying how is technology good? We're saying in which ways? So this is sort of like, what question are you answering?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Interesting. Okay. And there are some expressions, like some chunks that we might want to know that you might hear in movies or just out in the street. Carry on somehow is one of them. To continue to. Yeah. Or go ahead. What does it mean?

[Aubrey Carter]

That means to continue or persevere by some means. Right. Somehow, despite hardships or challenges.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. So, for example, Jim is moving to Chicago. We'll have to carry on somehow without him, right?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. And there. Are you. Or sincere. Right. Oh, we're sad he's moving. We're going to have to figure out how to do things without him. But we often hear this and use this sarcastically to be kind of playful. Right. I might, if I'm part of a sports team and I have to leave early, be like, oh, I have to leave at noon. You'll have to carry on somehow without me, like making a joke about how I'm the star player or the team might be like some, you know, we'll have to Carry on somehow without you.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. I feel like it's moved. It's used more often in that way sarcastically, don't you think?

[Aubrey Carter]

Feels that way, I think is a little bit of a warning. Because if you're wanting to say it sincerely, be warned that because it's used sarcastically so much, someone might assume you're being sarcastic.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. Especially in this scenario with Jim moving to Chicago. Something like that. You want to be really careful.

[Aubrey Carter]

It's like, wait, are you really gonna miss him or are you being sarcastic? Maybe. We're not sure. You'll have to be really clear in the tone.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly. And there's another one. Aubry, what is it?

[Aubrey Carter]

So this is somehow or other. And sometimes you'll hear somehow or another. I grew up saying somehow or other. So, for example, you know, this means by some means or sort of in uncertain or undetermined ways. So you might say, somehow or other, we'll figure out a solution.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Nice. Love that.

[Aubrey Carter]

Okay. And it really has the same meaning as somehow. You could just say, somehow, we'll figure out a solution.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Right. That would be the simple thing. Right. Just say, somehow, we'll figure. We'll. We'll solve this issue.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. It's sort of used to emphasize that we have no idea. Right. Somehow or other adds that little bit of emphasis that, like, we don't know how. We have no idea what's going to happen.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes.

[C]

Do you feel stuck at the intermediate level? It's time to get unstuck when it comes to your English. This week we're making a special offer on our B2 fluency course. Our student Tanya joined our B2 course, and here is what she said. I like studying and comparing different methods. And I can say that your course is amazing, interesting, real, full of emotions and tips. Go to all earsenglish.com B2. The deal ends March 30th at midnight. Save up to $50 off the normal price and get our bonus course, how to be polite in English. Again, the offer ends March 30th. So go right now to allearsenglish.com B2. That's allearsenglish.com letter B number two. See you there.

[Lindsey McMahon]

All right, Aubrey, let's go into a role play. So here we are on a committee planning an upcoming event. Have you been on a lot of committees in your life, Aubry?

[Aubrey Carter]

I have had to be on, like, some fundraising committees for the school, things like that. It's so tricky because everyone's a volunteer and, you know, you're counting on people to do what they've signed up to do, but they might not. It's very tricky.

[Lindsey McMahon]

It's probably hard. Oh, my gosh. I can imagine that would be stressful for the people that are really in it. Right. And they want to see it through. Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

You have to pick up the slack. Right. That's an interesting idiom for if someone doesn't do their job, you have to fill in for them.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. Pick up the slack. That. That will be a bonus expression for today, for sure.

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely.

[Lindsey McMahon]

All right, good. So, Aubrey, here we go. Traffic was awful, but somehow I was able to get here on time.

[Aubrey Carter]

I hit traffic, too. I'm surprised we both somehow made it on time. By the way, Janice let me know she's moving and won't be able to be on the committee anymore.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Okay, thanks for letting me know.

[Aubrey Carter]

We'll have to figure out how to carry on somehow.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm?

[Aubrey Carter]

Maybe. In some ways, she was such a great part of the team, but sometimes it was difficult to reach an agreement.

[Lindsey McMahon]

I get it. We needed her, though. It's going to be tough to manage on our own.

[Aubrey Carter]

Somehow or other, we'll figure it out.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Nice.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

A lot of common uses here. Love this. So the first thing I said, Aubry, was traffic was awful, but somehow I was able to get here on time. So talking about kind of pointing to sort of. It was a miracle that I got here. Right.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly right. And this is an interesting way that we use it because you clearly know how you got there. You know which roads you took. But like you said, the meaning here is like, it's surprising that I got here on time. It was kind of a miracle.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly. It's not about the roots that I took or, you know, the roads. Exactly. And then what did you say?

[Aubrey Carter]

And then I was saying, I hit traffic, too. I'm surprised we both somehow made it on time. Yeah, same. Same meaning here. Like, it's surprising.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. And then you said, janice will have to be. Is moving, so can't be on the committee anymore. And you said, we'll have to figure it. Figure out how to carry on somehow. And here's where you could be expressing sarcasm without knowing it. Here you. You were expressing a little sarc. Them. Right?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. And I was even trying to use, like, a serious tone, but because it's so commonly used sarcastically, this would be very common for someone to be like, wait, are you being sarcastic? We're not sure.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, exactly. And then you said, maybe in some ways, she was a great part of the team, but sometimes it was Difficult to reach an agreement. So in certain ways.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly right. These are the two common errors where someone might say, somehow she was such a great part of the team, and. But somehow it was difficult to reach an agreement. And those are both incorrect because we have these specific meanings of in some certain ways, she was a great part of the team. I'm thinking of specific ways. It's not this unknown. How was it? I don't know. We do know it was in some specific ways.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Love that. That's a good way to put it, Aubrey. I love that. And then. And then we go to somehow. Right. The unknown. Bit more unknown. So you said. I said we needed her, though. It's going to be tough to manage on our own. And you said somehow or other, we'll figure it out.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. And that. This is that expression where you could just say somehow, we'll figure it out. But I'm sort of emphasizing, like, we don't know. It's gonna be a little tricky, like somehow or other. And I'm also. It's also an interesting way to sort of be more positive and hopeful about it. Right. Somehow or other, we'll figure it out.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. So using somehow is kind of pointing to sort of, I don't know, the unknown. Right. We haven't figured this thing out yet, but it's out there somewhere in a sense.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, Exactly. Right. We don't know the details. We know. We don't know how it's going to happen, but somehow. Somehow it's all going to work out.

[Lindsey McMahon]

It's all going to work out. Is there another episode our listeners should check out today?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. If you missed 2381, scroll up. Was just called Listen today. No pressure. Some really great phrases. You don't want to miss that one.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, we just recorded that one a few days ago. Super fun to record. You guys are gonna love that episode. What's the takeaway? I mean, this is actually a tough one. As we got deeper into Episode today, I realized I understand why it's confusing for our listeners.

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely. This is one of those mistakes that native speakers understand. Right. This is a little complicated. The difference between somehow, sometimes in some ways. So today's tips will help you avoid this very common mistake. And of course, our message. Right. Connection, not perfection. Don't, you know, hesitate to start a conversation because you want to say one or the other. You're not positive which one is right. Just go for it. And as you're observing language, you'll start. Start being more aware of which one is correct.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly. And because this was a challenging topic today. I'd recommend going out into the world, trying to listen for these key words somehow in some ways and then go back and listen to the episode again and notice with that context that you've had from the listening, getting that input. All right. That's a good way to practice.

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely. Awesome. Thanks, Lindsay. This was a fun one.

[Lindsey McMahon]

All right, Aubry, talk to you soon. Have a good one.

[Aubrey Carter]

You too.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Bye. Bye. Thanks for listening. To all ears. Ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com forward/fluency score. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

[D]

This episode is brought to you by Universal Pictures. Today's the day. From Universal Pictures and Plumhouse come a storm of terror. From the director of the Shallows. The Woman in the Yard. Don't let her in. Where does she come from? What does she want? When will she leave? The Woman in the Yard in theaters now.