3. The adjective. Degrees of comparison of adjectives

Most adjectives describe qualities that can be measured or graded, and so can be used in comparative and superlative forms and with words such as 'very' or 'extremely'. These are referred to as gradable adjectives. Some adjectives are not gradable because they refer to qualities that are completely present or completely absent. These non-gradable adjectives (such as 'impossible' ) are not usually used in comparative and superlative forms or with words such as 'very' or 'extremely'. They can often, however, be used with words such as 'absolutely' or 'completely'.

Her exam results were absolutely awful.

He’s completely fascinated by history. 

That film is really terrifying.

When we use more than one adjective before a noun, there is often a preferred (although not fixed) order for these adjectives depending on what type of adjective they are: opinion + size/physical quality/shape/age + colour + participle adjectives + origin + material + type + purpose + NOUN. an old plastic container (= age + material + noun);

a hard red ball (= quality + colour + noun);

a frightening Korean mask (= opinion + origin + noun);

Easily confused adjectives

When we use the following adjectives to describe how a person feels about something or someone else, generally the -ed adjectives describe how the person feels, and the -ing adjectives give an evaluation of the thing or other person

alarmed - alarming, amazed - amazing, bored - boring, excited - exciting, frightened - frightening, interested - interesting, pleased - pleasing, surprised - surprising, tired - tiring, worried - worrying.

The book is very boring.

The airline has many satisfied customers.

We had a relaxing holiday.

We usually add the ending –er to one-syllable adjectives and adverbs to make their comparative form and –ist to make their superlative forms. With three or more syllables we usually add more/less and most/least. With two syllables we can usually use either.

The balloon got bigger and bigger. Everything is getting more and more expensive.

Everest is the highest mountain in the world. That’s the best film I have seen this year.

CARD #15

2. Business lunch

Many business professionals hold meetings during lunch or dinner with clients, investors, or other business professionals. 

Knowing what to do when meeting a prospective client for lunch, or going to lunch with the boss or colleague can be confusing at times. So it’s important to know business lunch etiquette.

If you are meeting someone at a restaurant arrive at least five minutes early. Be sure to greet them with a friendly business handshake.

 Don’t forget basic table manners

1. Sit up straight.

2. Don't speak with your mouth full of food.

4. Keep bites small.

5. Eat at a leisurely pace.

6. Don't wave utensils in the air, especially knives or if there is food on them.

7. Keep your elbows off the table.

8. Don't Reach.

9. Don't forget please and thank you.

10. Excuse yourself when leaving the table.

12. Wipe your mouth before drinking.

Knowing who is to sit where can often be a touchy business. Precedence at table can lead to hurt feelings and indignation among families as well as diplomats.

There are a few simple rules that apply to most situations:

1. When there is but a single table, the host and hostess usually sit at opposite ends, or occasionally in the center of the table facing each other. When multiple tables are needed, the host and hostess may be at separate tables in which case you may wish to opt for a co-host and co-hostess.

2. The highest ranking male generally sits to the right of the hostess. The wife of the highest ranking man or the highest ranking woman herself sits to the right of the host. The second ranking male will usually sit to the left of the hostess. Now the seating should be arranged such that no two women set side by side and no two men sit side by side. This will prove a dificult feat when the number of guests is evenly divisible by four, so try to avoid this possibility but should it happen, it is common to swap the spot of the hostess and the highest ranking male.

3. A rule that has all kinds of interesting psychological implications says that married people are never seated side by side, but those engaged are seated side by side whenever possible.

4. The ranks for various persons is determined by the President of the United States. The list is fairly long and complex and occasionally changes. It is kept on file at the State Department.

5. If you happen to be in the military, there is a good book to help you sort this kind of thing out, Service Etiquette by Oretha D. Swartz. It also covers other military social relationships. A handy book to have around when you may be hobnobbing with the brass.

Consider national social convention

The British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters with a drink during the meal; the Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is a time to relax and get to know one another, and they rarely drink at lunchtime. The Germans like to talk business before dinner, the French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything. `

In France you shouldn’t you sit down in cafe until you’ve shaking hands with everyone you know.

In the Middle East you must never use the left hand for greeting, eating, drinking, or smoking.

In Russia you must match your hosts drink for drink or they will think you are unfriendly.

In America you should eat your hamburger with both hands and as quickly as possible. You shouldn’t try to have a conversation until it is eaten.

So if you are going to business lunch, don’t forget to prepare. Learn basic manners, seating protocol and national social convention.