Positivity

by Peter Chisholm

Hello you lovely language lovers!

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Today at The Inspire Academy we are feeling particularly ‘up beat’ (we are NEVER ‘down beat’ though) and so, I thought a great topic for this blog would be POSITIVITY and POSITIVE PHRASES.

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Positivity, especially in American culture, is extremely important and widely used.

‘Positive Reinforcement’ is a method of teaching and communication commonly used in the English speaking world, it’s based around complimenting rather criticising to get the best out of workers and students.

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As an English teacher I agree 100% with this – it IS the best way!

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Positivity also helps us strengthen our relationships and, let’s face it, generally make the world a nicer place.

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Here are a few good (and funny) phrases you can use everyday to keep things positive!

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‘Over the moon’ – A great phrase meaning to be extremely pleased about something.   

Example: “Peter was over the moon with his birthday present”

‘Music to my ears’ – means you are pleased to hear what the other person is saying.

Example: “when Peter said he liked the gift I bought him it was music to my ears”

‘Bee’s knees’ – A classic British phrase! It means that something is fantastic but it can also to describe a feeling of being very happy.

Example1: “Peter LOOKED like the bee’s knees in his new suit”

Example2; “Peter FELT like the bee’s knees in his new suit”

‘I believe in you’ – A very American phrase and an excellent thing to say to encourage a person in a particular task.

Example: “I know this is difficult but you can do it, I believe in you!”

‘Wicked’ – So here’s a strange one! Wicked has 2 separate meanings, officially it is used to describe a person or an action that is nasty or wrong BUT it can also be used to describe something or an experience that was or is brilliant.

Example1: “It was wicked of you to take that child’s ice cream away from them”

Example2: “I had a wicked time surfing today”

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I hope you enjoy using these, English can be a funny language sometimes can’t it?!

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Until next time,

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Stay Happy Stay INSPIRED