LIVE, LIFE and LIVE. Thank you to Waldemar from Poland for requesting an explanation of how to use these words. I think the use of LIVE as an adjective and adverb is the part that causes most confusion – but see what you think!
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LIVE (verb)
Meaning 1: to have life, or to be alive, or stay alive
Examples: 1. It is amazing that she lived after being in such a serious car accident. (note: she could easily have died after this accident.)
He lived to be 100 and got a telegram from the Queen! (note: the Queen sends all 100 year olds a telegram on their 100th birthday.)
I don’t know how he manages to live on such a small income. (note: this means that I don’t know how he pays for food, accommodation etc.)
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Meaning 2: to have an interesting life
Examples: 1. If you have never seen the sun rise, you haven’t lived!
2. He just wants to live a bit before getting a serious job.
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Meaning 3: to have your home or place somewhere.
Examples: 1. I live in London – where do you live?
2. He lives with his wife and children.
3. Where do the tea cups live in this kitchen?
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LIVE (adjective or adverb)
Note: Here, the pronunciation is different, with a long /ai/ sound.
Meaning 1: If a performance is live, it is seen or broadcast while it is actually happening.
Examples: 1. Have you seen any good live bands recently? (note: this means, ‘Have you been to any good performances by bands playing music recently?’)
2. I can’t believe you saw the Rolling Stones playing live! (note: This person saw a live Rolling Stones gig. Here, live is an adverb, describing the verb ‘playing’.)
3. The Royal Wedding was broadcast live to around 3 billion people worldwide.
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Meaning 2: charged with electricity, or able to explode or burn.
Examples: 1. Be careful with that wire – it is live and you could get an electric shock!
2. The army used live ammunition even though it was just a training exercise.
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LIFE (noun)
Note: The plural of this is LIVES
Meaning: The period between birth and death, or the experience or state of being alive.
Examples: 1. He lived his whole life in the same house.
2. Life’s too short to worry about such trivial things!
3. They lost their lives in a terrible accident. (note: this is a less direct way of saying that they died. )
4. He was sent to prison for life.
5. Football is his life! He is mad on it. (note: this means, ‘Football is the best thing in his life. He lives for football. He is crazy about football.)
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Now, try to write your own sentences using LIVE, LIVE and LIFE. Make sure these sentences are true to your own life because this will help you to remember them better. That is all for Audio Word Study #044 on DailyStep.com.