Your brother is editing a music video for his band. There is a scene in the video in which the band members look like they're flying. You like that scene a lot and want to praise your brother for it. You say:
That's really cool how you made it look like they're flying.
(something) is cool
If you're able to read this decription in English, then I'm sure that you know the meaning of the word "cool". However, I want to give a feeling for what situations you can use "cool". This word started off as slang, but has been used for so long that it's OK to use in most situations. A normal adult can use the word "cool" in any of these situations:
- talking to a friend or family member
- in a business meeting
- talking to someone they just met
- in an email message
- in an advertisement
Situations in which it would be strange to use "cool" are:
- if you're over 65 years old
- in a written essay
(it's good) how you (did something)
In spoken English, people often use this kind of expression to praise someone for doing something good. Different phrases meaning "it's good" can be used at the beginning of the sentence:
It's great how you were able to finish so quickly.
It's nice how you always remember people's birthdays.
make (something) (do something)
To "make" something happen is to cause it to happen, by doing it yourself or telling someone else do it:
Do you know how to make a rock skip on the water when you throw it?
She made Jason bring her a coffee.
(something) looks like (clause)
When something "looks like" it is happening, that means that it seems to be happening. You use "it looks like (something is happening)" when you're not sure if it's real:
It looks like Jenna and Phillip might be interested in each other.
Or you can use it when you know something isn't real, but it "looks like" it is. In the example at the top, you know that the band members aren't flying, but on the video it "looks like" they are.
(Print this lesson)
Follow PhraseMix