Understanding ‘Quarter’: A Key Word for IELTS Success
Learn the various meanings and correct usage of the word ‘quarter’ for your IELTS exam. This video covers its use as a noun and verb, explores its etymology, and provides examples to help you avoid common mistakes. Perfect for IELTS candidates looking to improve their vocabulary and language precision.
Imagine you’re at a pizza party, and someone offers you a quarter of a pizza. How much is that exactly?
Today, we’re going to explore the word quarter and how to use it correctly in your IELTS exam.
Word type: Quarter can be used as a noun or a verb.
Meaning: As a noun, quarter has several meanings. It can refer to one fourth or twenty-five percent of something.
It’s also used to describe a three-month period of a year, or fifteen minutes in relation to time. As a verb, to quarter means to divide something into four equal parts.
Word history: The word quarter comes from the Latin quartarius, meaning a fourth part. It has been used in English since the thirteenth century.
Antonyms: While quarter doesn’t have direct antonyms, some related opposite concepts include whole, full, or complete.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for quarter include fourth, twenty-five percent, and quadrant.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how to use quarter in different contexts.
I spent a quarter of my salary on rent this month. The company’s profits increased in the first quarter of the year.
The meeting will start at a quarter past two. Can you please quarter the apple for me? Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing a quarter with a third.
Remember, a quarter is always one fourth or twenty-five percent. Another error is using quarter incorrectly with time.
We say a quarter past or a quarter to, not a quarter after or a quarter before. To wrap up, quarter is a versatile word that can help you express fractions, time, and divisions in your IELTS speaking and writing tasks.
Practice using it in different contexts to become more comfortable with its various meanings. Remember, whether you’re talking about pizza slices or financial reports, using quarter correctly can help you sound more natural and confident in English.
