A Difficult Topic
We were all born. Except for my sister! I’m pretty sure she was made. So why is this common thing so hard to talk about? If we are honest, “Where were you born?” is something we learn to say in our first English lessons, but for some reason talking about birth is a real challenge for English learners.
Let’s take a look at why this can be a little difficult and some examples of how to talk about this not so complicated matter.
The Problem With ‘Born’
The most common mistake I see students make is to say “I born in….”. This seems like such an easy sentence, so why is it wrong? The answer is simple. You did not do this action. The doctor or your mother did all the work, not you! On your first birthday, you were very lazy and just cried loudly afterwards.
– I born in America. (Incorrect)
– I was born in America. (Correct)
It’s All About Passive
When we talk about an action but don’t mention who does it, we use the passive form. We don’t need to understand everything about the passive form today but here is a quick introduction.
E.g. 1
– I ate a pizza. (Simple Past) – Who did the action? I did.
– A pizza was eaten. (Passive Past) – Who did it? We don’t know or it is not important.
E.g. 2
– Builders will build a new skyscraper. (Simple Future) – Who will do it? The builders.
– A new skyscraper will be built. – (Passive Future) Who will do it? We don’t know or it’s not important. We know it will probably be builders so we don’t need to mention them.
Talking About Parenthood
Now that we can talk about ourselves correctly, let’s talk about becoming a parent. Learn some new vocabulary by reading this passage about becoming a father and add the common English language to your own English.
So you are going to be a dad!
When your wife becomes pregnant it can be an exciting and terrifying time. You have so many questions! How did this happen? What do I do now? Is the baby mine? Ok, you should be confident about the answer to the last question but it might be good to check.
Throughout her pregnancy, she will have the most unusual cravings like pickles and ice cream. Pregnancies last for around 9 months, you should know that already, and then the excitement begins. Near to your wife’s due date, she will look more like an olive on a stick than a person, and it is your job to lie and tell her that she has never looked more beautiful.
Either when you are sleeping or doing something equally important she will begin to feel contractions which is a sign that the birthing process is about to begin and that it is soon time to go to the hospital. At the hospital, the doctor tells you that it is going to be a long wait, and now your responsibility is to hold your wife’s hand and tell her that ‘it will soon be over’. She may even tell you that she hates you and that you are evil for doing this to her, but don’t worry, this is the pain talking!
After a few more hours of shouting, screaming and a lot of “push…..puuush….puuuush!!” you will hear the beautiful sound of a crying newborn baby. When your wife and your new baby are ready, it’s time to take them home.
Now you only have one thing left to do. Love and take care of your child, everyday, every minute and every second of your life!
Do you still want children?
