English grammar
Green, sharp, rich, off, dull: words with two meanings
Use everyday adjectives that change meaning with context.
From the scene Are you ready?
In short
Some adjectives have two very different meanings. Use the context to tell which one is meant.
- colour / inexperienced green
- pointed / clever, stylish sharp
- wealthy / indulgent (food) rich
- switched off / unwell off
- not shiny / boring dull
Your turn
Which one goes with pointed / clever, stylish?
Options: sharp · green · rich
Show answer
pointed / clever, stylish → sharp
How it works
Some English adjectives change meaning completely with context.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Tomás, are you (blank) to try on the suit?
Options: clever · green · ready
Show answer
Tomás, are you ready to try on the suit?
Tomás, ¿estás listo para probarte el traje?
Good to know
Green (the colour, or inexperienced), sharp (pointed, or clever and stylish), rich (wealthy, or heavy and indulgent to eat), off (switched off, or a bit unwell), dull (not shiny, or boring).
colour / inexperienced green
Tomás
It's green, yes. Like me: I'm pretty green about getting married.
Es verde, sí. Como yo: estoy muy verde para casarme.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It's (blank), yes. Like me: I'm pretty green about getting married.
Options: sharp · rich · green
Show answer
Tomás
It's green, yes. Like me: I'm pretty green about getting married.
Es verde, sí. Como yo: estoy muy verde para casarme.
pointed / clever, stylish sharp
Javi
Only on Saturdays. I'm quite sharp, you know.
Solo los sábados. Es que soy muy listo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Only on Saturdays. I'm quite (blank), you know.
Options: rich · sharp · green
Show answer
Javi
Only on Saturdays. I'm quite sharp, you know.
Solo los sábados. Es que soy muy listo.
wealthy / indulgent (food) rich
switched off / unwell off
Tomás
No, thanks. I'm feeling a bit off.
No, gracias. Estoy un poco malo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
No, thanks. I'm feeling a bit (blank).
Options: green · sharp · off
Show answer
Tomás
No, thanks. I'm feeling a bit off.
No, gracias. Estoy un poco malo.
not shiny / boring dull
Javi
This suit's a bit dull. Try on the blue one.
Este traje es aburrido. Pruébate el azul.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
This suit's a bit (blank). Try on the blue one.
Options: sharp · dull · green
Show answer
Javi
This suit's a bit dull. Try on the blue one.
Este traje es aburrido. Pruébate el azul.
Common mistake
Not dull or tired here. Clever, not pointed.
Only on Saturdays. I'm quite sharp, you know.
Solo los sábados. Es que soy muy listo.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| colour / inexperienced | green |
|---|---|
| pointed / clever, stylish | sharp |
| wealthy / indulgent (food) | rich |
| switched off / unwell | off |
| not shiny / boring | dull |
More lines from the story
- JaviTomás, are you ready to try on the suit?Tomás, ¿estás listo para probarte el traje?
- TomásJavi? You work here? Another job?¿Javi? ¿Tú trabajas aquí? ¿Otro trabajo?