American English Can Be Difficult

It is such a gift to be able to speak and comprehend multiple languages. I found this example many years ago of how difficult it is to learn American English. I'm not sure who the original author was. As a native New Yorker, I take so much for granted. I need to remind myself that not every person has an easy path. If you work with someone who speaks English as a second language, offer to help them if they are interested.

We polish the Polish furniture.

He could lead if he would get the lead out.

A farm can produce produce.

The dump was full, it had to refuse the refuse.

The soldier decided to desert the dessert.

The present is a good time to present the present.

At the Army base, a bass was painted in the head of a bass drum.

The dove dove into the bushes.

I did not object to the object.

The insurance for the invalid was invalid.

The bandage was wound around the wound.

There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

They were too close to the door to close it.

The buck does funny things when the does are present.

They sent a sewer down to stitch the tears in the sewer line.

I shed a tear when I saw the tear in my clothes.

I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

I spent last evening evening out a pile of dirt.

#communication #language #ESL