Learn English with Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift in on her European Eras Tour.

So, today, let’s look at some key phrases from her songs, to help us learn English.

The words in songs are called ‘lyrics’.

Let’s study some of her most iconic lyrics now.

I knew you were trouble when you walked in - I Knew You Were Trouble

Taylor uses the past tense to talk about Harry Styles (?) here. ‘Knew’ is the past form of ‘know’, an irregular verb. "Walked" is a regular past tense verb, simply adding "-ed". This line shows how past tense verbs describe actions that have already happened. She is saying that she has always known the man would be ‘trouble’, and she accepts responsibility for pursuing the relationship - so shame on me (e.g. it’s my fault)

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22 - 22

Here we have the phrasal verb, ‘know about’.

To ‘know about’ something means to have information or awareness of it.

In this lyric, because she starts with the negative, ‘I don’t’, Taylor is saying ‘I’m not sure if you feel this way, but I feel 22.’

I'm feeling like I’m the only one who’s ever been in love - Superman

Here, ‘I’m feeling’ uses the present continuous tense, showing an action happening right now. The phrase indicates an ongoing state or emotion. Present continuous is formed with "am/is/are" + verb + "-ing". This tense is useful for talking about actions happening at the moment of speaking.

You belong with me - You Belong with Me

The verb ‘belong’ is often used with prepositions like "with" or "to".

‘Belong with’ means to be in the right place or situation. In this context, it shows a sense of fitting or being right together.

‘Belong to’ implies more that I am the owner of the person or object.

• This pen belongs to me. This pen is mine

• My dog belongs to me. I am the owner of this dog.

• My dog belongs with me. My dog & I are a team, and I am the correct human, and he is the correct animal, to live together.

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time - Look What You Made Me Do

The phrase 'nick of time' means doing something at the last possible moment, just before it is too late. It's used to describe situations where an action is taken just in time to avoid a negative outcome or to achieve something important.

The word 'nick' literally refers to a very small cut / slice

• I nicked my finger on the knife

So, a ‘nick’ of time, is like a very tiny slice of time.

You are the best thing that's ever been mine - Mine

Superlatives are used to rank, or put qualities ‘in order’, when there are three or more things. They often end in "-est" or are preceded by "most". For example ‘the tallest’ or ‘the most beautiful’.

Homework

Share your favourite Taylor Swift lyric in the comments!