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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 28 Aug, 1000

Catch Word #205 – Whatever floats your boat

Episode description

In this week’s episode, Andrew and Jeremy teach you two new idioms about preferences. These idioms do not describe your own preferences, but rather are phrases you can use when describing other people’s preferences, interests, and quirks. Let’s find out what they are!

Fun fact

Do you know why boats float? It’s because of a phenomenon called displacement, discovered by the Greek scientist Archimedes a couple thousand years ago. When an object is placed in water, it pushes water out of the way to make room for itself—this is called displacement. If the weight of the object is less than the weight of water displaced, the object will float. Boats float because the water they displace weighs more than the boats themselves. Cool, right?

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Whatever floats your boat
  • To each their own
  • Stupendous
  • To be into [something]
  • Can’t stand [something]
  • Nuts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~19 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 28 Aug, 1000
~19 minutes

Catch Word #205 – Whatever floats your boat

Episode description

In this week’s episode, Andrew and Jeremy teach you two new idioms about preferences. These idioms do not describe your own preferences, but rather are phrases you can use when describing other people’s preferences, interests, and quirks. Let’s find out what they are!

Fun fact

Do you know why boats float? It’s because of a phenomenon called displacement, discovered by the Greek scientist Archimedes a couple thousand years ago. When an object is placed in water, it pushes water out of the way to make room for itself—this is called displacement. If the weight of the object is less than the weight of water displaced, the object will float. Boats float because the water they displace weighs more than the boats themselves. Cool, right?

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Whatever floats your boat
  • To each their own
  • Stupendous
  • To be into [something]
  • Can’t stand [something]
  • Nuts

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Hosts: Andrew Bates and Jeremy Brinkerhoff
Music: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Andrew Bates
Transcriptionist: Heather Bates
Study guide writer: Kassy White
English editor: Stephanie MacLean
Operations: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: Alex (Unsplash.com)

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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
The best way to study with Culips is with our study guides.