Foreign Expressions: Words or phrases borrowed from other languages that are used in English.
Purpose: They add variety, precision, and sophistication to language. Understanding their correct use helps in effective communication and comprehension.
Common Foreign Expressions
Latin: e.g., ad hoc (for this specific purpose), et cetera (and so on), exempli gratia (for example).
French: e.g., coup d’état (a sudden overthrow of government), déjà vu (the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before), je ne sais quoi (a certain indescribable quality).
Italian: e.g., piano (slowly), bona fide (genuine), al dente (cooked to be firm to the bite).
German: e.g., zeitgeist (the spirit of the time), schadenfreude (pleasure derived from another’s misfortune), übermensch (superman).
Context and Correct Usage
Contextual Meaning: Ensure that the foreign expression fits the context of the sentence and conveys the intended meaning.
Examples: Provide sentences with the correct and incorrect usage of foreign expressions to highlight proper context.
Pronunciation and Spelling
Pronunciation: Teach how to pronounce these foreign expressions correctly.
Spelling: Ensure correct spelling, as some expressions might have unique spelling variations.
Common Mistakes
Misuse: Using a foreign expression when a simple English word would suffice or using it incorrectly in context.
Overuse: Using too many foreign expressions can make writing or speech seem pretentious or unclear.
📝 Worksheet: Use the Correct Foreign Expression
A. Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct foreign expression for each sentence.
The rebels attempted a sudden overthrow of the king’s rule. a) Tabula rasa b) Coup d’état c) Déjà vu d) Faux pas
She wore white to the wedding, which many considered a serious ____. a) Carpe diem b) Prima facie c) Faux pas d) Rendezvous
The teacher wanted to keep things the same, so she preferred the ____. a) Status quo b) C’est la vie c) Ad hoc d) Rendezvous
At first sight, the painting looked real, but later it was proved fake. a) Ad hoc b) Tabula rasa c) Prima facie d) Carpe diem
We all agreed to meet at the park at 6 p.m. for our ____. a) Coup d’état b) Rendezvous c) Status quo d) Faux pas
B. Fill in the Blanks
Use the correct foreign expression.
When his phone broke, he shrugged and said, “____.”
She felt a strong sense of ____ when she entered the old house.
The committee was formed on an ____ basis to solve the issue.
Life should be enjoyed—____!
The new student came to class like a ____, ready to learn.
✅ Worksheet Answers
A. MCQs 1 → b) Coup d’état 2 → c) Faux pas 3 → a) Status quo 4 → c) Prima facie 5 → b) Rendezvous
B. Fill in the Blanks 6 → C’est la vie 7 → Déjà vu 8 → Ad hoc 9 → Carpe diem 10 → Tabula rasa
