When you notice something, it means you suddenly see or hear it. For example, you might notice a bird singing outside your window.
Notice can also be a paper that tells people important news. Like a sign that says 'wet floor' is a notice.
It helps you to be careful or know something new. So, notice is about seeing or hearing, or reading an important message.
Notice: Understanding its Meanings and Usage
The word "notice" is a versatile English word that can function as both a verb and a noun. It's classified at CEFR B1 level, indicating its importance for intermediate English learners. Understanding its various meanings and contexts of use is crucial for effective communication.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
- DEFINITION: As a Verb
- To notice something means to become aware of it, often by seeing or hearing it. It implies a conscious act of perceiving something that might have been overlooked before. It can also mean to pay attention to something or someone.
When used as a verb, "notice" often describes the moment a person becomes aware of a detail, a change, or a presence. It's about perception and observation. This can be an intentional act, like trying to find something specific, or an unintentional one, where something catches your attention.
I didn't notice the typo in the report until I read it a second time.
Did you notice how quiet the street is today?
People use "notice" in everyday conversations to talk about things they've observed or become aware of. It's often followed by a noun or a noun phrase, or a 'that' clause. For example, you might say, "I noticed that she was wearing a new dress."
- DEFINITION: As a Noun
- As a noun, "notice" refers to a written or public announcement or warning that is displayed publicly. It can also refer to the attention or observation given to something or someone.
When "notice" is a noun, it often refers to a formal communication. This can be a sign, a bulletin, an official announcement, or a warning. These notices are usually displayed in public places or distributed to relevant individuals to inform them about something important, such as a change in policy, an event, or a potential danger.
The landlord put up a notice about the upcoming repairs.
We received a notice from the bank regarding changes to our account.
Beyond formal announcements, "notice" as a noun can also refer to the act of paying attention or receiving attention. For instance, if someone is "given notice," it means they are informed that their employment will end. If something "comes to one's notice," it means they become aware of it.
- Public Notice: This is a common phrase referring to information made available to the general public, often legally required, such as announcements about government actions, public meetings, or legal proceedings.
- Giving Notice: In a professional context, "giving notice" means informing your employer that you intend to leave your job. Similarly, an employer might "give notice" to an employee about termination.
- At Short Notice: This idiom means with very little warning or preparation time. For example, "I had to prepare a presentation at short notice."
- Take Notice Of: This phrasal verb means to pay attention to something or someone. "Please take notice of the safety instructions."
Understanding the distinction between "notice" as a verb and "notice" as a noun, along with its various collocations and idioms, will significantly enhance your comprehension and usage of the English language at the B1 level and beyond. Pay attention to the context in which the word is used to determine its precise meaning.
수준별 예문
I didn't notice the cat sleeping on the chair.
No me di cuenta de que el gato estaba durmiendo en la silla.
Here, 'notice' is used as a verb meaning to become aware of something.
Did you notice the new painting in the living room?
¿Te diste cuenta de la nueva pintura en la sala?
This is another example of 'notice' as a verb, asking if someone became aware of something new.
Please take notice of the signs around the park.
Por favor, presta atención a los letreros alrededor del parque.
In this sentence, 'take notice of' is a phrase meaning to pay attention to something.
The teacher put a notice on the board about the school trip.
El maestro puso un aviso en la pizarra sobre el viaje escolar.
Here, 'notice' is a noun, referring to a written announcement.
I hope they notice my new haircut.
Espero que noten mi nuevo corte de pelo.
This uses 'notice' as a verb, expressing a desire for someone to become aware of something.
There was a 'wet paint' notice on the bench.
Había un aviso de 'pintura fresca' en el banco.
Another example of 'notice' as a noun, indicating a warning.
She didn't notice the time and was late for her appointment.
No se dio cuenta de la hora y llegó tarde a su cita.
This uses 'notice' as a verb, meaning to be aware of the passage of time.
The loud music made it hard to notice the doorbell.
La música alta dificultaba escuchar el timbre.
Here, 'notice' as a verb refers to becoming aware of a sound.
The subtle shift in her tone didn't go unnoticed by her astute colleague, who immediately sensed something was amiss.
Her sharp colleague noticed the subtle change in her tone and immediately felt something was wrong.
Here, 'unnoticed' is used as an adjective modifying 'shift'. The phrase 'didn't go unnoticed' is a common way to emphasize that something *was* noticed.
It's imperative that we give ample notice to all stakeholders before implementing such a radical change to company policy.
It's essential that we inform all stakeholders well in advance before making such a big change to company policy.
'Give notice' is a common collocation meaning to inform someone in advance. 'Ample notice' implies sufficient time.
Upon closer inspection, she began to notice the intricate details woven into the ancient tapestry, revealing a story untold.
When she looked closely, she started to see the complex details in the old tapestry, which told an untold story.
This sentence uses 'notice' as a verb, emphasizing the act of becoming aware through visual observation.
Despite his attempts to remain inconspicuous, his unusual attire was bound to attract notice from the curious onlookers.
Even though he tried to be unnoticeable, his strange clothes were sure to get attention from the curious people watching.
'Attract notice' is a phrasal verb meaning to draw attention. 'Inconspicuous' means not easily noticed.
The impending storm served as a stark notice to the coastal residents, urging them to take immediate precautionary measures.
The coming storm was a clear warning to those living on the coast, telling them to take precautions right away.
Here, 'notice' is used as a noun, meaning a warning. 'Stark notice' emphasizes the clear and severe nature of the warning.
I couldn't help but notice the palpable tension in the room as the two rivals faced each other across the negotiation table.
I definitely noticed the clear tension in the room when the two rivals sat opposite each other at the negotiation table.
'Couldn't help but notice' is a common idiom indicating that something was impossible to ignore. 'Palpable' means easily perceived.
The company issued an official notice stating its intention to cease operations at the end of the fiscal year, impacting hundreds of employees.
The company released an official announcement saying it would stop working at the end of the financial year, affecting many workers.
'Issued a notice' is a formal way of saying that a company published an announcement. This refers to the 'written announcement' aspect of the definition.
He gave his landlord a month's notice, as stipulated in their rental agreement, before moving out of the apartment.
He told his landlord a month in advance that he was moving out, as their rental contract required.
'Give a month's notice' is a common expression related to informing someone a month in advance, particularly in housing or employment contexts.
관용어 및 표현
"take notice (of something/someone)"
To pay attention to something or someone.
The teacher told the students to take notice of the instructions on the board.
neutral"escape notice"
To not be seen or discovered.
The small detail in the painting might escape notice if you don't look closely.
neutral"give notice (of something)"
To formally inform someone about something, especially an intention to leave a job or end an agreement.
She gave her landlord a month's notice that she would be moving out.
neutral"at short notice"
With very little warning or time to prepare.
I'm sorry, I can't make it to the meeting at such short notice.
neutral"until further notice"
Until another announcement or instruction is given.
The road will be closed until further notice due to repairs.
neutral"serve notice (on someone)"
To formally deliver a written warning or announcement to someone.
The company served notice on him that his contract would not be renewed.
formal"take no notice (of something/someone)"
To ignore something or someone.
He tried to upset her, but she took no notice of his comments.
neutral"come to someone's notice"
To become known to someone, especially someone in authority.
It has come to my notice that there have been several complaints about the new policy.
neutral"put someone on notice"
To warn someone that their behavior or performance needs to improve, or that they are at risk of losing their job.
The manager put the employee on notice after several late arrivals.
neutral"a moment's notice"
Immediately or with very little time to prepare.
She's always ready to go at a moment's notice.
neutral셀프 테스트 24 질문
I did not ______ the cat in the garden.
To 'notice' means to see or become aware of something. The other words do not fit the meaning of seeing the cat.
Did you ______ the new picture on the wall?
To 'notice' means to become aware of something. Here, it means to see the new picture.
The teacher put a ______ on the board about the test.
A 'notice' is a written announcement. The other options do not fit the context of an announcement about a test.
When you notice something, you see it.
Yes, 'notice' often means to see or become aware of something with your eyes.
A notice is always a loud sound.
No, a 'notice' is usually a written announcement, not a sound.
If you do not notice your friend, you do not see them.
Yes, if you do not notice your friend, it means you did not become aware of their presence by seeing them.
Write a short sentence using 'notice' as a verb to describe something you saw or heard recently.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I noticed a beautiful bird in my garden this morning.
Write a short sentence using 'notice' as a noun, referring to a sign or announcement.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
There was a notice on the door about the shop closing early.
Imagine you lost your keys. Write one sentence telling someone to 'notice' them if they see them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Please notice my keys if you see them anywhere.
What did the boy notice?
Read this passage:
The little boy was playing in the park. He saw a colorful butterfly flying near the flowers. He pointed and said, 'Look, Mom! Do you notice the butterfly?' His mom smiled and said, 'Yes, I notice it! It's very pretty.'
What did the boy notice?
The passage states, 'He saw a colorful butterfly flying near the flowers. He pointed and said, 'Look, Mom! Do you notice the butterfly?''
The passage states, 'He saw a colorful butterfly flying near the flowers. He pointed and said, 'Look, Mom! Do you notice the butterfly?''
What kind of notice was on the school board?
Read this passage:
There was an important notice on the school board today. It said that the school fair would be next Saturday. All the students should read the notice carefully to know the time and place.
What kind of notice was on the school board?
The passage says, 'It said that the school fair would be next Saturday.'
The passage says, 'It said that the school fair would be next Saturday.'
Why is it sometimes hard to notice the cat?
Read this passage:
My cat likes to hide. Sometimes, it's hard to notice her in the house. But if I look closely, I can often see her sleeping under a chair or behind the curtains.
Why is it sometimes hard to notice the cat?
The passage states, 'My cat likes to hide. Sometimes, it's hard to notice her in the house.'
The passage states, 'My cat likes to hide. Sometimes, it's hard to notice her in the house.'
Imagine you are a building manager. Write a short notice (3-4 sentences) to residents about upcoming maintenance work that will affect water supply. Make sure to include the date, time, and what residents should do to prepare.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
NOTICE: Please be advised that there will be scheduled maintenance work on the building's water supply system on October 26th, from 9 AM to 1 PM. During this time, water service will be temporarily interrupted. We kindly ask residents to fill containers with water beforehand for essential use. Thank you for your cooperation.
You recently noticed a new art exhibit opening in your city. Write a short social media post (2-3 sentences) to recommend it to your friends, mentioning what caught your eye.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Just noticed a fantastic new art exhibit opening at the City Gallery this weekend! The sculptures really caught my eye and I think you'd all love it. Definitely worth checking out!
Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) describing a time you noticed something subtle that others missed, and how it affected the situation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
During a team meeting, I noticed a slight tremor in Sarah's voice whenever the topic of the new project came up, something no one else seemed to pick up on. It was a subtle sign of her anxiety, which later helped me understand her hesitation to take on a leadership role. This small observation allowed me to offer her support and encouragement, ultimately boosting her confidence for the task.
What did the study suggest about people who spend more time in nature?
Read this passage:
A new study has revealed that people who spend more time in nature tend to notice more details in their surroundings. The research, conducted over several months, involved participants taking daily walks in urban parks. Scientists observed that these individuals were not only more aware of the flora and fauna, but also quicker to notice changes in their environment, suggesting an enhanced observational skill.
What did the study suggest about people who spend more time in nature?
The passage states, 'Scientists observed that these individuals were not only more aware of the flora and fauna, but also quicker to notice changes in their environment, suggesting an enhanced observational skill.'
The passage states, 'Scientists observed that these individuals were not only more aware of the flora and fauna, but also quicker to notice changes in their environment, suggesting an enhanced observational skill.'
What caused the passerby to notice the house?
Read this passage:
The old house stood silently on the hill, its windows like vacant eyes. It was only when a strong gust of wind rattled a loose shutter that a passerby finally took notice of the faint light flickering within. This small detail, easily missed, led to the discovery of an elderly woman trapped inside after a fall.
What caused the passerby to notice the house?
The passage states, 'It was only when a strong gust of wind rattled a loose shutter that a passerby finally took notice of the faint light flickering within.'
The passage states, 'It was only when a strong gust of wind rattled a loose shutter that a passerby finally took notice of the faint light flickering within.'
According to the passage, why is it important for drivers to notice road signs?
Read this passage:
To ensure road safety, drivers are advised to pay close notice to road signs and markings. These visual cues provide critical information about speed limits, upcoming hazards, and directions. Failing to notice such signs can lead to serious accidents and penalties.
According to the passage, why is it important for drivers to notice road signs?
The passage explicitly states, 'These visual cues provide critical information about speed limits, upcoming hazards, and directions. Failing to notice such signs can lead to serious accidents and penalties.'
The passage explicitly states, 'These visual cues provide critical information about speed limits, upcoming hazards, and directions. Failing to notice such signs can lead to serious accidents and penalties.'
This sentence uses inversion for emphasis, a common feature at C2 level. 'Scarcely did I notice' emphasizes how difficult it was to perceive the change.
This sentence employs sophisticated vocabulary and a complex sentence structure, requiring a C2 level understanding to reorder correctly.
The sentence presents a challenging scenario with advanced vocabulary like 'cacophony' and 'emanating', testing the ability to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence at C2.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
