An informative infographic illustrating key verbs related to housework and repair tasks, designed to help ESL learners expand their practical English vocabulary.

Handy Verbs for Home: Mastering Housework and Repair in English

 

Embarking on the journey of learning English opens up a world of opportunities, not least the ability to manage and talk about everyday tasks around the home. This lesson is dedicated to essential verbs that describe housework and repair activities, ensuring ESL learners can confidently tackle chores and minor repairs in English.

Learning Objectives:

  • Acquire key verbs related to housework and home repairs.
  • Understand and apply these verbs in everyday contexts.
  • Enhance practical communication skills for managing household tasks.

 

Housework and Repair Verbs with Definitions and Examples

  1. Fold (the scarf): To bend something, especially cloth, so that one part lies on another part.
    Example: "Please fold the clothes after they are dry."

  2. Iron: To smooth clothes, sheets, etc., with an iron.
    Example: "I need to iron my shirt for the meeting tomorrow."

  3. Hang: Attach or place something so it is held up without support from below.
    Example: "Hang the washing out to dry."

  4. Dry: To become dry or to make something dry.
    Example: "Let the dishes dry on the rack."

  5. Make (the bed): To arrange the bedclothes neatly.
    Example: "I make the bed every morning."

  6. Change (the sheets): To replace the bed's linen.
    Example: "We change the sheets every week."

  7. Vacuum: To clean with a vacuum cleaner.
    Example: "I vacuum the living room every day."

  8. Take out (the rubbish/garbage): To remove trash from inside to an outside bin.
    Example: "Don't forget to take out the rubbish tonight."

  9. Wipe off (the table): To clean a surface by rubbing.
    Example: "Please wipe off the kitchen table after dinner."

  10. Scrub: To clean something by rubbing it hard, possibly with a brush.
    Example: "Scrub the bathtub once a week to keep it clean."

  11. Repair: To fix something that is broken or damaged.
    Example: "He repaired the leaking tap."

  12. Tighten: To make something tight or tighter.
    Example: "Tighten the screws on that chair; it's loose."

  13. Nail: To attach or join with nails.
    Example: "Nail the shelf to the wall securely."

  14. Drill: To make a hole in something with a drill.
    Example: "We need to drill holes for the new curtains."

 

Conclusion and Takeaways

This housework and repair verbs lesson has armed you with practical vocabulary to discuss and manage household tasks in English. By incorporating these verbs into your daily conversations, you enhance your language skills and your ability to navigate living environments more independently and confidently.

  • Practice: Integrate these verbs into your routine by describing your activities in English.
  • Visual Aids: Create flashcards with each verb and its definition to reinforce memory.
  • Engagement: Share your experiences using these verbs in our Facebook community, and learn from others' stories.
  • Real-life Application: Challenge yourself to follow English DIY videos or instructions for simple repairs using these verbs.
  • Continuous Learning: Explore further vocabulary related to housework and repairs to expand your practical English skills.

Remember, mastering a language includes learning how to talk about the mundane to the complex. For more insights and tips, visit our Facebook page and become part of a community eager to learn and share.

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