What Gives You 'Food for Thought'?
2024-07-14
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1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
2On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language.
3We hope it gives you something to think about.
4In other words, we hope this show gives you some food for thought.
5Food for thought is a set noun phrase.
6It describes something that should be thought about and considered carefully.
7The "food" can come from many different sources.
8A news story, an idea, an offer, an opinion, or advice can all give us food for thought - just to name a few.
9When you give someone food for thought, you make them consider carefully, or think seriously, about something.
10Food for thought can also make us see things in a new way.
11It can make us look at something with new eyes.
12Or we can say it opens our eyes or is eye-opening.
13Now, let's hear two friends use some of these expressions.
14A: I read a story the other day about beekeeping. It was eye-opening.
15Did you know that some people use it as a way to reduce stress?
16B: Really? I know it helps the environment.
17But I did not know that it also helps the beekeeper.
18A: The story really opened my eyes to the possibility of beekeeping.
19So, I've decided to start this summer. Do you want to help?
20B: No, thanks. I'm afraid of bee stings.
21But you've given me food for thought.
22Working to help the environment and reduce stress sounds like an interesting idea.
23Maybe I can find another way.
24A: I'm sure you can!
25Food for thought is meant to be processed or digested... just like, well, food!
26In fact, we sometimes use the word "digest" when talking about thoughts and ideas.
27Here's an example:
28The writer's conference gave her much food for thought.
29It took her weeks to digest everything she learned.
30Food for thought can be used in formal and informal situations.
31There is a food-related phrasal verb that is similar to food for thought, although it is much more informal - to chew on something.
32Like eating food, when you "chew on" something, you think about it thoroughly.
33Here's an example:
34When my friend was offered a job he chewed on the offer for some time.
35In the end, he decided that the job was not for him and did not accept it.
36If you want to sound more formal, you can use verbs like reflect or contemplate.
37Food for thought often leads to reflection and contemplation.
38And that brings us to the end of this Words and Their Stories.
39Recently, what has given you food for thought? Let us know in the comments section. Or send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.
40Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.
1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. 2On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We hope it gives you something to think about. In other words, we hope this show gives you some food for thought. 3Food for thought is a set noun phrase. It describes something that should be thought about and considered carefully. The "food" can come from many different sources. A news story, an idea, an offer, an opinion, or advice can all give us food for thought - just to name a few. 4When you give someone food for thought, you make them consider carefully, or think seriously, about something. 5Food for thought can also make us see things in a new way. It can make us look at something with new eyes. Or we can say it opens our eyes or is eye-opening. 6Now, let's hear two friends use some of these expressions. 7A: I read a story the other day about beekeeping. It was eye-opening. Did you know that some people use it as a way to reduce stress? 8B: Really? I know it helps the environment. But I did not know that it also helps the beekeeper. 9A: The story really opened my eyes to the possibility of beekeeping. So, I've decided to start this summer. Do you want to help? 10B: No, thanks. I'm afraid of bee stings. But you've given me food for thought. Working to help the environment and reduce stress sounds like an interesting idea. Maybe I can find another way. 11A: I'm sure you can! 12Food for thought is meant to be processed or digested... just like, well, food! In fact, we sometimes use the word "digest" when talking about thoughts and ideas. Here's an example: 13The writer's conference gave her much food for thought. It took her weeks to digest everything she learned. 14Food for thought can be used in formal and informal situations. 15There is a food-related phrasal verb that is similar to food for thought, although it is much more informal - to chew on something. Like eating food, when you "chew on" something, you think about it thoroughly. Here's an example: 16When my friend was offered a job he chewed on the offer for some time. In the end, he decided that the job was not for him and did not accept it. 17If you want to sound more formal, you can use verbs like reflect or contemplate. Food for thought often leads to reflection and contemplation. 18And that brings us to the end of this Words and Their Stories. 19Recently, what has given you food for thought? Let us know in the comments section. Or send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. 20Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. 21Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. 22______________________________________________ 23Words in This Story 24sting - n. a wound caused by a pierce with a poisonous or irritating chemical compound, as in a bee sting 25digest - v. to take into the mind or memory 26formal - adj. Language that is more structured and follows standard grammatical rules. It is often used in professional, academic, and official contexts. 27informal - adj. Informal language is more commonly used in situations that are more relaxed and involve people we know well. 28reflect - v. to think quietly and calmly 29contemplate - v. to view or consider with continued attention 30We want to hear from you. Do you have similar expressions in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here. Or send us an email at LearningEnglish@voanews.com.