chat

A chat is a discussion. This word is used for informal and formal occasions. In the sentences below, the word "chat" is a noun.

• Let’s have a chat. (The verb "have" is often used with "chat.")
• We had a chat about something that was very important.
• Joe and Mary had a chat over the phone.
• The teacher told the students to stop chatting with each other and listen. (The word "chatting" is a gerund in this sentence.)
• There’s been some chat around the office that someone is going to get fired.
• There’s been a lot of chatter around the office regarding Meg. (The word "chatter" is a noun.)

In the next set of similar sentences, the word "chat" is a verb.

• Let’s chat.
• We chatted about something that was very important.
• Joe and Mary chatted over the phone.
• The students were chatting with each other when they should have been listening to the teacher.
• Employees chatted all day about who they thought was going to get fired.
• People go to coffee shops to relax and chat with friends. (In this sentence, the word "chat" is used as an infinitive.)

They met on the street, chatted briefly,

and then parted ways.

On the internet, the word "chat" is used in reference to online discussion.

• This website has a chat room.
• The people who go there chat with each other in order to practice their English language skills.
• Some people are very good at chatting in the chat room in a manner that is respectful.

Click here for more vocabulary practice.

March 28, 2019