Word Crimes – English Lyrics

• By: "Weird Al" Yankovic
• Album: Mandatory Fun

Lyrics & Translation

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
write /raɪt/ A2	verb - to form letters, words, or symbols on a surface with a pen, pencil, or other instrument
grammar /ˈɡræmər/ B1	noun - the system of rules that governs the structure of sentences in a language
literacy /ˈlɪtərəsi/ B2	noun - the ability to read and write
mock /mɒk/ B2	verb - to make fun of someone or something in a cruel way
conjugate /ˈkɒndʒʊɡeɪt/ B2	verb - to give the different forms of a verb according to tense, person, etc.
pronoun /ˈproʊnaʊn/ A2	noun - a word that takes the place of a noun
syntax /ˈsɪn.tæks/ C1	noun - the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language
definition /ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən/ B1	noun - a statement of the exact meaning of a word or phrase
sentence /ˈsɛntəns/ A1	noun - a set of words that expresses a complete thought
proofreader /ˈpruːfˌriːdər/ C1	noun - a person who reads text to find and correct errors
distinguish /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/ B2	verb - to recognize or ascertain what makes something different
irony /ˈaɪrəni/ C1	noun - the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite
figurative /ˈfɪɡərətɪv/ C2	adjective - representing something in a symbolic way rather than literally
literal /ˈlɪtərəl/ C1	adjective - taking words in their most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration
sarcastic /sɑːrˈkæstɪk/ C1	adjective - using irony to mock or convey contempt

Key Grammar Structures

• IF YOU CAN'T WRITE IN THE PROPER WAY

  ➔ Conditional sentences (Type 1)

  ➔ This sentence uses a conditional structure to express a possible situation: 'IF YOU CAN'T WRITE...'.

• IT'S A CONTRACTION

  ➔ Contractions

  ➔ The phrase 'IT'S' is a contraction of 'IT IS', showing how two words can be combined.

• YOU'D BETTER SLOW DOWN

  ➔ Modal verbs (should, had better)

  ➔ The phrase 'YOU'D BETTER' suggests a strong recommendation or advice.

• LEARN TO DIAGRAM A SENTENCE

  ➔ Infinitive phrases

  ➔ The phrase 'TO DIAGRAM' is an infinitive that expresses purpose.

• YOU SHOULD NEVER... WRITE WORDS USING NUMBERS

  ➔ Negative forms

  ➔ The phrase 'YOU SHOULD NEVER' indicates a strong prohibition.

• I HOPE YOU NEVER USE QUOTATION MARKS FOR EMPHASIS

  ➔ Subjunctive mood

  ➔ The phrase 'I HOPE YOU NEVER USE' expresses a wish or hope regarding someone's actions.

• BETTER FIGURE OUT THE DIFFERENCE

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The phrase 'FIGURE OUT' is an imperative, giving a command or instruction.