"A Long Time Ago" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"A long time ago" refers to a period in the distant past, suggesting that an event or situation occurred many years or even centuries earlier. It is often used to introduce stories or historical narratives.
1. In a story context: A long time ago, in a far-off kingdom, there lived a brave knight who embarked on a quest to save his princess from a dragon's lair.
2. Referring to past events: I haven't seen my childhood friend since we graduated high school; that was a long time ago.
3. Explaining historical facts: The Great Wall of China was initially built over 2,000 years ago, a testament to the incredible engineering skills of that era.
4. Comparing timelines: My grandmother used to tell me about how people communicated without smartphones – seems like a long time ago now, doesn't it?
5. Expressing nostalgia: Remember when we used to play hide-and-seek in the park after school? Those days feel like a lifetime ago.
A.E. Housman refers to Alfred Edward Housman, an English poet and classical scholar known for his works such as "A Shropshire Lad" and his scholarly editions of Latin literature. The initials "A.E." stand for Alfred Edward, while "Housman" is his surname.
"A far cry from" is an expression used to indicate a significant difference or distance between two things, situations, or people. It suggests that one thing is greatly unlike or distant from another. For example:<br><br>"The new office is a far cry from the old one; it's much more modern and spacious."
"a friend of mine" refers to someone who is acquainted with the speaker and considered to be their friend. It is a way of saying that the person being referred to is known personally to the speaker.
"a great deal" means a large amount or quantity, often referring to something intangible like time, effort, or money. It can be used to express that something is significant or substantial. For example:<br><br>"I have a great deal of work to do today," meaning there is a lot of work to be completed.<br><br>"She learned a great deal from that experience," indicating that she gained considerable knowledge or insight.
The phrase "a la carte" is a French term that translates to "menu à la carte" in English. It refers to the system where you can order individual items or dishes from a menu, rather than a set meal or package. In other words, it allows customers to choose what they want to eat or drink without having to pay for a pre-determined selection. This is commonly used in restaurants where you can pick and choose your favorite foods or customize your meal according to your preferences.
The phrase "a la mode" is French and it means "in style" or "fashionable" in English. It is often used to describe something that is currently popular or trendy. For example, you might say, "This ice cream flavor is really popular, it's served a la mode."
The phrase "à la seconde" is French and translates to "in the second way" or "the second way" in English. It usually refers to a method, style, or manner in which something is done or presented, indicating an alternative approach or a different option from the first one.
A life of ease refers to a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle without much effort or stress. It implies a situation where one has financial security, leisure time, and the ability to enjoy themselves without having to work hard or struggle.
The phrase "a long way" typically refers to a significant distance or a considerable amount of time needed to travel or accomplish something. It implies that the journey or task is not short or easy, requiring persistence or effort.
"A lot of" means a large quantity or number of something. It is often used to indicate that there is a significant amount or many items involved. For example, "I have a lot of work to do" means there is a substantial amount of work, and "There are a lot of people at the party" suggests there are many people present.
A "moot point" is a matter or issue that is debatable, open to discussion, or no longer relevant because it cannot be changed or settled. It refers to a point that may have been important at one time but has now become academic or hypothetical.
The phrase "a number of" refers to an unspecified but considerable or more than one quantity or amount of something. It is often used when the exact count is not important or known, but you want to convey that there is a multitude or several instances of something. For example:<br><br>- A number of students signed up for the event.<br>- A number of books are missing from the library.
The phrase "a piece of" typically refers to a small or portion of something, often used when referring to an object, idea, or concept. For example, "a piece of cake" means it's easy, "a piece of advice" is a suggestion, and "a piece of artwork" is a section or part of a larger creation. It can also imply that something is incomplete or not the whole thing.
"A stitch in time saves nine" is an English proverb that means taking care of a problem or task promptly will prevent it from becoming a bigger issue later on. It emphasizes the importance of addressing problems early on to avoid more work or complications.
"A whole lot" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate a large or significant amount of something. It implies that there is a considerable quantity or extent, often more than what might be expected or considered typical. For example, "I love reading a whole lot of books every month."
"Ab urbe condita" is a Latin phrase that means "from the founding of the city." It refers to the traditional date of 753 BC when Rome was founded, and it is used as a historical marker for counting years in ancient Roman history.