How to talk about sports in English

Summary

In this EngVid lesson, James explains the difference between 'playing' and 'competing' in English. He emphasizes that 'play' refers to fun, casual activities like sports, games, and video games, while 'compete' is serious and skill-focused, often requiring training. James breaks down the steps from playing to competing: training to build strength and flexibility, practicing to improve skills, and studying to master more complex techniques such as martial arts or music. Through clear examples and practical advice, learners gain a deeper understanding of English verbs related to leisure, sports, and skill development, helping them use language more accurately and effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 In English, 'play' is used for fun activities, such as sports and games, and not for serious competition.
• ⚽ 'Play' can include sports like soccer, baseball, or games like chess, cards, and video games.
• 🏆 The opposite of playing is 'competing,' which is more serious and involves trying to find a winner.
• 🎖️ Competitors can be 'amateur'—high-level athletes who do not earn money—or 'professional,' who earn money for their skills.
• 💪 To transition from playing to competing, one must 'train,' which involves working hard to become stronger, faster, and more flexible.
• 🏃 Training can include exercises like running to improve cardiovascular strength and overall physical condition.
• 🛠️ 'Practice' is used to develop and refine specific skills, eventually making them automatic and improving performance.
• 🧠 'Study' involves learning activities that require more mental focus, such as martial arts, music, or art, to gain specialized skills.
• 🎯 Playing is mainly for enjoyment, while competing, training, practicing, and studying require dedication and effort.
• 🌐 Engaging in structured learning, quizzes, and resources like EngVid can help improve vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of English terms.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the difference between 'playing' and 'competing' in sports and other activities. It explains when we use the word 'play' versus when we use words like 'train', 'compete', and 'study'.

What does the word 'play' mean in English?

'Play' in English refers to engaging in fun activities like sports, games, or video games. It's about having fun and not being serious. For example, 'I play soccer' or 'I play video games'.

What are the key differences between 'playing' and 'competing'?

'Playing' refers to doing activities for fun, while 'competing' is when you take part in a serious contest to find a winner. 'Competing' requires more preparation and effort, and often involves high-level training.

What does 'competing' involve?

Competing involves working hard to see who is the best, and it can be either 'amateur' or 'professional'. Amateurs do it for the love of the sport without payment, while professionals get paid for their performance.

What is the difference between an 'amateur' and a 'professional' athlete?

An 'amateur' athlete participates in sports for personal enjoyment and does not receive payment, while a 'professional' athlete is paid for their performance and is at the top level of their sport.

What does it mean to 'train' in sports?

Training means working hard to improve your strength, speed, and skills. It involves activities like running to build cardiovascular fitness and lifting weights to build muscle.

How does 'training' differ from 'practicing'?

Training is focused on improving physical abilities and performance, while practicing is about refining specific skills. You train to build strength and endurance, and you practice to improve technique and precision.

Why is 'practice' important?

Practice is important because it helps you learn new skills and improve them over time. By practicing, you can make certain actions automatic, allowing you to perform better without thinking too much.

What does it mean to 'study' in the context of sports or activities?

To 'study' in the context of sports or activities means to learn deeply about the theory or philosophy behind the activity. This applies to disciplines like martial arts or music, where mental focus is just as important as physical training.

Can someone 'play' martial arts?

No, you don't 'play' martial arts. You 'study' martial arts because it requires mental discipline and extensive practice. The same applies to other skills like music or art.