[ti:Ways to Use the Word ‘Strong’] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:00.04]This week on Ask a Teacher, [00:03.00]we answer a question from Jack who is in China. [00:07.64]Hello! We use the word “strong” to describe a person and a team. [00:14.44]Can we use it to describe a country? -- Jack, China. [00:18.84]Dear Jack, [00:20.00]As you know, “strong” is an adjective. [00:23.52]It describes something that has power [00:26.84]or something that cannot easily be broken, [00:30.52]damaged or destroyed. [00:34.12]You are right. [00:35.52]English speakers use the word “strong” [00:38.40]to describe a person or a team. [00:41.16]We can also use it to describe a country. [00:44.56]However, describing something with the adjective “strong” [00:49.92]does not necessarily mean it is good. [00:53.36]Strong can describe things that are good or bad. [00:59.68]In fact, almost anything can be strong. [01:04.16]For example, people can be strong. [01:07.64]But things like teeth, bones and muscles can be strong too. [01:14.76]The wind can be strong. [01:17.16]Here is an example: [01:20.08]The weather report says there will be strong winds tomorrow. [01:25.32]“Strong” can describe feelings also. [01:29.20]You can have a strong feeling about someone, [01:32.92]some event or issue. [01:36.20]You may even feel you know what may happen in the future, [01:40.92]like this: [01:43.52]I have a strong feeling about our team winning the championship. [01:47.88]“Strong” can also be used to describe bad qualities. [01:53.12]For example, imagine you painted a room [01:57.32]and your friend comes in and says: [02:00.28]The paint smell is too strong. Open the window, please! [02:06.16]“Strong” can mean something that is hard to fight against. [02:11.28]Many students might understand this example: [02:16.04]When I sit in the classroom for a long time, [02:19.36]I have a strong desire to sleep. [02:22.32]So, the adjective “strong” [02:25.44]can be used to describe good things and bad ones, too. [02:31.12]Well, Jack, we hope this helps to answer your question. [02:36.04]And to our listeners everywhere, [02:38.76]what question do you have about American English? [02:42.84]Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. [02:51.04]And that’s Ask a Teacher! [02:53.20]I’m Armen Kassabian. 更多听力请访问51VOA.COM