Questions

Question 1

kill my time vs waste my time

Answer 1

While both “kill my time” and “waste my time” express the idea of spending time doing something unproductive, there’s a subtle difference in meaning and connotation:

Kill My Time:

• More neutral: It suggests simply passing the time without a specific purpose.
• Implies boredom: It often indicates a lack of something better to do.
• Example: “I killed some time browsing the internet before my meeting.”

Waste My Time:

• More negative: It suggests spending time on something pointless or unproductive, often with a hint of frustration or annoyance.
• Implies a sense of loss: It implies that time could have been spent more productively.
• Example: “Don’t waste my time with pointless arguments.”

Here’s a simple analogy:

• Kill My Time: Like watching a movie you’re not really enjoying, but it’s better than nothing.
• Waste My Time: Like spending hours on a task that doesn’t lead to any useful outcome.

Ultimately, the choice between the two phrases depends on the context and the emotion you want to convey.

Question 2

conventional vs traditional

Answer 2

While “conventional” and “traditional” are often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle difference between them:

Conventional:

• Focuses on what is widely accepted or common: It refers to practices, methods, or beliefs that are generally accepted and followed within a particular society or group.
• Implies conformity to norms: It suggests adhering to established standards or practices.
• Example: “Conventional wisdom suggests that you should save money for retirement.”

Traditional:

• Focuses on established customs or practices: It refers to practices, beliefs, or customs that have been passed down through generations and are considered characteristic of a particular culture or community.
• Implies a sense of history and continuity: It suggests a connection to the past and a way of life that has endured over time.
• Example: “The traditional wedding ceremony in Japan involves exchanging sake cups.”

Here’s a way to think about it:

• Conventional is about what’s considered “normal” or “usual” in a particular context.
• Traditional is about what’s been passed down through time and is considered “authentic” to a specific culture.

Examples:

• Conventional: A conventional house has a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms.
• Traditional: A traditional Chinese wedding involves a tea ceremony.

In summary:

• Conventional emphasizes conformity to current norms and practices.
• Traditional emphasizes historical customs and cultural values.

Question 3

thief vs robber vs burglar

Answer 3

Anyone that steals can be called a thief.

A robber often uses violence or the threat of violence to steal things from places such as banks or shops.

A burglar breaks into houses or other buildings and steals things.

Question 4

like to do vs like doing

Answer 4

like doing = enjoy (наслаждаться, получать удовольствие)
like to do = habit/preference/way you do it (привычка, предпочтение, то, как вы это делаете)

I like getting up at 6 o’clock.
I like to get up at 6 o’clock.

Оба можно перевести, как “Я люблю вставать в 6 часов”.

В первом случае, когда мы говорим like getting up, подразумевается, что сам процесс подъёма в 6 часов доставляет мне удовольствие (я прям кайфую от этого).

Во втором случае мне приносит радость сам факт того, что я это делаю. То есть, когда звонит будильник в 6 и мне надо встать, особого наслаждения я скорее всего не испытываю, но вот эта моя привычка/мой выбор вставать в 6, мне по душе.

Question 5

in spite of vs despite

Answer 5

In spite of and despite are prepositional expressions.

In spite of and despite have a similar meaning to although or even though. They express a contrast between two things. They are both more common in writing than in speaking. Despite is a little more formal than in spite of.

We usually use in spite of and despite with a noun:

He got the job in spite of his prison record.

[recession is a time when the economy of a country is not good]

John’s company is doing extremely well despite the recession.

We can also use in spite of and despite with -ing:

He was very fast in spite of being terribly overweight.

They arrived late despite leaving in plenty of time.

Warning:
We don’t use a that-clause after in spite of or despite. We use in spite of the fact that or despite the fact that:

When they arrived at Malaga it was hot, in spite of the fact that it was only the end of April.

Not: … in spite of that it was only the end of April

In spite of is written as three separate words. We never use of with despite:

They enjoyed the rides in spite of the long queues. (or … despite the long queues.)

Not: … inspite the long queues or … despite of the long queues.

Question 6

contest vs competition

Answer 6

While “contest” and “competition” are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences:

Contest:

• Focuses on a specific task or event: A contest is usually a structured event with a clear goal or objective. It often involves a limited number of participants competing for a prize or recognition.
• Implies a single winner: Contests typically have a single winner, or a limited number of winners, based on specific criteria.
• Example: “The school held a baking contest for students.”

Competition:

• Broader in scope: Competition can be a broader concept, encompassing any situation where individuals or groups strive to outperform each other.
• Can have multiple winners: Competitions can have multiple winners or can be based on relative performance, not just a single winner.
• Example: “There is fierce competition among the top universities for the best students.”

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Contest: A specific event with a clear goal, usually a single winner.
• Competition: A broader concept, encompassing any situation where people strive to be better than others.