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GRAMMAR |
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A headline is the heading or
caption of a newspaper article. |
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Newspapers headlines try to catch the
reader's eye by using as few words as possible. The language
headlines use is, consequently, unusual in a number of ways.
Let us see: |
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Grammar words, such as articles or
auxiliary verbs, are often left out: |
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EARLY CUT FORECAST IN
INTEREST RATES |
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A simple form of the verb is used:
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MAYOR OPENS HOSPITAL |
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The infinitive is used to describe
something that is going to happen in the future: |
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PRESIDENT TO VISIT FLOOD
AREA |
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VOCABULARY |
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Newspapers headlines use a lot of
distinctive vocabulary. They usually prefer words that are
shorter and sound more dramatic than ordinary English words.
We suggest that you print out this list for the activities
on the next page: |
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PAPER WORD |
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MEANING |
PAPER WORD |
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MEANING |
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aid |
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help |
key |
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essential, vital |
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ax |
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cut,
remove |
link |
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connection |
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back |
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support |
loom |
► |
is
likely to happen |
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bar |
► |
exclude, forbid |
move |
► |
step
forward |
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bid |
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attempt |
ordeal |
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painful experience |
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blast |
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explode, criticize |
oust |
► |
push
out |
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blaze |
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fire |
pact |
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agreement |
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boost |
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incentive, increase |
plea |
► |
request |
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boss/head |
► |
manager, director |
pledge |
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promise |
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clash |
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dispute |
poll |
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election, survey |
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combat |
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fight |
probe |
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investigation |
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curb |
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restraint, limit |
quit |
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leave,
resign |
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cut |
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reduction |
seek |
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look
for, pursue |
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deny |
► |
contradict |
talks |
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discussions |
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drive |
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campaign, effort |
threat |
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danger |
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go-ahead/nod |
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approval |
vow |
► |
promise |
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hike |
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increase |
wed |
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marry |
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NOTE: The words
in blue can be used either as nouns or verbs. |
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ABBREVIATIONS |
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Newspapers headlines often use
abbreviations. These examples are commonly used in the media
and the press: |
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GOV'T
House
FDA
CIA
R&D
IRS |
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Government
►
United States House of
Representatives
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Food and Drug Administration
►
Central intelligence Agency
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Research and Development
►
Internal Revenue
Service |
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HUMOUR |
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Some newspapers enjoy making jokes in
their headlines by playing with words or punning (humorous
use of words which sound the same).
For example, look at this headline about a new treatment for
colds: |
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CAN WE STOP SNIFFLES? GET
ON YOUR SNEEZE AND SPRAY. |
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This is a play on the expression "Get
on your knees and pray". |
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In the exercises below you can practise
this grammar. |
Pulsa este ícono
para abrir y
consultar
las
respuestas correctas.
