SPEAK with understanding
→ Read or Listen to the passage. Locate all of the meanings of the homonym or heteronym. Studying for a test: limit and time your responses to 30-60 seconds.

HOMONYM: LEFT

“During our road trip, Dad turned left at the intersection even though the GPS suggested going straight. We laughed when it quickly adjusted. At the gas station, my sister realized she had left her jacket in the back seat. She rushed to grab it before we pulled away. At lunch, there were only two sandwiches left, so we split them. Later that evening, my cousin grew upset at the restaurant and suddenly started shouting at the waiter. My aunt shook her head and whispered, ‘He just went left—that’s not like him at all.’”

SPEAK w/ P I E

(Pronunciation Intonation Expression)

  • Pronunciation
    Left = /lɛft/ → sounds like kept

  • Intonation Practice
    “Turn left at the corner.”
    “She left her book on the bus.”
    “There is only one slice left.”
    “He went left during the meeting.”

  • Expression Tip
    Remember: The word will be stressed differently depending on how it is being used.

SEVERAL MEANINGS

  1. Opposite of right (direction).

  2. Past tense of leave.

  3. Remaining.

  4. (Informal) Acting strangely or unexpectedly.

IDIOMS/EXPRESSION

  • Left out – excluded.

  • Left hanging – not given an answer or decision.

  • Out of left field – surprising or unusual.