SUPERNATURAL

Jensen Ackles                                                                                                                                     Jared Padalecki

THE SUPERNATURAL!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE SUPERNATURAL OR THE UNEXPLAINED?

THE LOCH NESS MONSTER, GHOSTS, LEPRECHAUNS, UFO’S, BIGFOOT AND YETI, VAMPIRES AND WEREWOLVES?……..HOW ABOUT ALIENS?

This is always a fun topic and thematically universal to all cultures!  These days you probably can’t find a newspaper, magazine, TV show, or at least one movie a year that has been affected by this theme!  Harry potter, Supernatural, Twilight, Urban Legends, Sanctuary, True Blood, Horror movies involving the supernatural, the list goes on and on! The supernatural theme is universal but the magic, excitement, intrigue, unknown, and the scariness is in the details!  The details are great conversation topics whether talking about yourself, a movie, or a TV Show! And don’t forget, Halloween is this month in North America!

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki of 

the TV Show Supernatural  

Question 1: Do you believe in the supernatural?

Jensen Ackles Answer 1: I’m not easily scared and I’m rather rational, but the more I work on the series the more I’m sensitive to strange stories I hear about. I wouldn’t say I believe in ghosts, but I keep an open mind.

Question 2: Do you believe in supernatural or aliens?

Jared Padalecki Answer 2:  Yes. Personally, I’ve never had any paranormal experience or seen aliens, but the universe is big and I can’t believe we’re alone. I’m sure there are a lot of supernatural things that we have no clue about…(have no clue about = we really don’t know about)

Both Jensen and Jared express their viewpoints with casual English.  Jensen is the NO case and Jared is the YES case.  However, the language they use isn’t strong.  They are both open to other ideas.  They start with their personal feelings/thoughts ‘believe or not believe’ and then diplomatically reveal that they are open to other ideas, thoughts, or opinions.  Both emphasize that the world or universe is bigger than they are.  The speaking style has gone from a microcosm to a macrocosm. Quite smooth! Being open to other people’s ideas is a KEY to great communication! 

 

Speaking Style

I have simplified their speaking styles for clarity but the core of their speaking styles remains the same.

NO CASE

Question 1: Do you believe in the supernatural?

Answer 1: I am not __________ and I’m rather __________.  I wouldn’t say I believe in __________, but I keep an open mind.

Examples Answers:

1. I am not frightened easily and I’m rather logical. I wouldn’t say I believe in Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster, but I keep an open mind.

2. I am not really a believer and I am rather skeptical.  I wouldn’t say I believe in Aliens, but I keep an open mind.

YES CASE

Question 2: Do you believe in the supernatural?

Answer 2: Yes. Personally, I have never had __________, but the __________ big.  I’m sure there are a  __________ we have no clue about…

Examples Answers:

3. Yes. Personally, I have never had any ghost encounters, but the world is big.  I’m sure there are a lot of things we have no clue about…

4. Yes. Personally, I have never had a Bigfoot or Yeti encounter, but the Rocky Mountains and Himalayas are big. I am sure there are creatures we have no clue about…

SUPERNATURAL TV SHOW WEBSITES

SUPERNATURAL TV 

LINK:http://www.supernatural.tv/

SUPERNATURAL CWTV

LINK:http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural


SUPERNATURAL JAPAN - TV and ANIME
LINK:http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/supernatural/index.html

SUPERNATURAL TV Trailer Season One

SUPERNATURAL ANIME (Animation ) Trailer

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!                              

Alex
Celebrity English
Communicating with the World
http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/blogalexg

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish
 

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Will Smith: a father’s influence

                                                                                  Will Smith

Question: Who was a big influence in your life?

Will Smith: My father. When my father got out of the Air Force, he started his own refrigeration business. I might have been 12 and my brother 9 when one day he decided he wanted a new front wall at his shop. He tore the old one down -- it was probably 16 feet high and 40 feet long. And he told us that this was going to be our gig over the summer. We were standing there thinking, there will never, ever, be a wall here again. We went brick by brick for the entire summer and into winter and then back into spring. One day there was a wall there again. I know my dad had been planning this for a long time. He said, "Now, don't you all ever tell me there's something you can't do." And he walked into the shop. The thing I connect to is: I do not have to build a perfect wall today. I just have to lay a perfect brick. Just lay one brick, dude.

Conversational Speaking Styles-Talking about an influential person in our life
Often we talk about the past with friends.  As we get closer to people, we often tell them about who influenced us in life.  Of course it can be a father, mother, aunt, uncle, manager, teacher, event in your life.  However, people quite often tell you about one of their parents. 

Will Smith, was originally a singer/rapper that created humorous songs.  He is very good at talking to people.  People love to listen to him talk.  His style is casual and he sounds very ‘down-to-earth’ (= sensible, realistic, not vain, not snooty).  Even though he is being interviewed he comes up with very ‘rich’ (=a lot of) information about himself in a short period of time.

Now how can we use this in our own lives? How can we transfer Will’s style to our own?

Speaking Style- Over View
You probably noticed that Will Smith uses past simple and past continuous verb tenses throughout his story.  There is only one perfect verb tense usage  “might have been”!  On TOEIC and TOEFL tests the past perfect is important.  Also, in school, this grammar idea is emphasized a lot. But don’t worry if you have spent hours and hours on difficult grammatical points.  Your hours of study can easily be used with British Native Speakers.  British Native Speakers use the perfect tenses more often than American Native Speakers in English Conversation. 

So when you create a story about who influenced you in life, try to use past simple and past continuous.  If your listener is British then feel free to use more of the perfect verb tenses. 



Speaking Tip!
Most people are not as good at talking as Will Smith.  So, it is a good idea to write your ideas down first.  Just like in a diary.  All you have to do is write down some key words and phrases.  Don't make the story too long or it will bore your listener.  About 6-8 sentences is enough. Will's story is a bit longer but he is a pro! Then like an actor practice telling your story. You don't have to memorize it but be comfortable with the key words and phrases!

Have a good week! And Enjoy using English at your next party or friendship encounter!
 
Will Smith in an early Music Video
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (Will Smith)

  

Until next week! Take care!

Alex
Celebrity English
Communicating with the World
http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/blogalexg
https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

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OLIVIA PRICE: "Creating an outstandingly beautiful and unique image in the modeling world"

OLIVIA PRICE: AMERICAN MODEL

AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT MODELING!

A NATURAL, UNEDITED LOOK INSIDE A SUCCESSFUL WORKING MODEL’S CAREER.  OLIVIA PRICE HAS BEEN FEATURED IN MAGAZINES AND ASKED TO DO 'PLAYBOY' PHOTO SHOOTS (SHE DECLINED).  IF YOU ARE AN 'NFL' FAN, YOU MAY BE SEEING HER GORGEOUS PROFILE SOON!

THE BEGINNING

Question 1:  Where did you grow up?

Olivia Price:  I grew up about 30 minutes outside of Los Angeles.

Question 2:  When did you know you wanted to be a model?

Olivia Price:  I was a loner in high school, but around age 16 a friend took an interest in photography and borrowed me for a subject from time to time.  Getting back the photos was always exhilarating, and I have sought the spotlight since childhood.  I began incorporating my desire for fame and creative edge into photographs earlier this year, and I love it.

HOW to STAY FIT and BEAUTIFUL

Question 3:  How do you stay fit? What are your beauty secrets?

Olivia:  I got lucky when it comes to genetics! I'm naturally thin and have a high metabolism from being a competitive gymnast for so many years, but I've been doing a lot of yoga and dance recently.  The beauty rule I live by is never sleeping with makeup on, it ages your skin drastically.  And always wear sunscreen!

DOWN TIME

Question 4:  What do you like to do in your free time?

Olivia:  My schedule is hectic, so I cherish every opportunity to be a vegetable.  In between shoots I like preparing my own wardrobe from unique finds at the thrift store down the road from my house.  I like altering certain pieces on my sewing machine to make concept costumes. I also paint and dabbled in photography.

Question 5:  What kind of music are you into?

Olivia:  Dubstep and tehcno are what I'm into right now- Deadmau5, Afrojack and DJ's like that.  I'm big into remixes!

AN INSIDE PERSPECTIVE ON MODELING

Question 6:  For my readers aspiring to be models, how did you get started and how did you gain the confidence to pursue a modeling career? I mean, it is very competitive and a tough industry to be in….

Olivia:  My first real experience with modeling started with an invite to pose with some ’souped up’ cars.  I was looking at gigs on Craigslist and I got a response to come shoot!  It ended up being more risqué work than I was comfortable with at the time.  I would advise all aspiring models not to violate their own levels of comfort for anyone.  It will leave you with regret.

Question 7:  Who is your favorite model?

Olivia:  This is such a tough question! I think Adriana Lima is the hottest woman on the planet, but as far as creating outstandingly beautiful and unique images, I'd have to go with Tyra Banks.  She's an expert at inventing concepts and delivering theme.

MEN

Question 8:  For my male readers, what do men do wrong when trying to date the fairer sex?

Olivia:  I've found that a lot of men get too comfortable too quickly.  That playful level of tension and feeling the need to almost act in a new romance makes it fun.  I like a man with sharp wit who can keep me intellectually on my toes.  Chivalry is very key!

FUTURE

Question 9:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Olivia:  In five years I hope to be acting in films.  My end-all goal though is to put fame and fortune to use in various philanthropic projects, primarily in disaster relief.

Olivia Price is natural, successful, refined, and accessible.  She is down-to-earth but seriously professional! Olivia is truly a talented model creating an image of "outstanding beauty and uniqueness" in the modeling world.

~FROM ALEX TO OLIVIA~

THANK YOU FOR AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT MODELING!

IT WAS A TRUE PLEASURE!

~See more of Olivia and follow Olivia's career~

FACEBOOK

LINK: http://www.facebook.com/OliviaMorganPrice

TWITTER

LINK: http://twitter.com/#!/OlivPrice

 

MORE GREAT LINKS!

OLIVIA PRICE: BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

LINK: http://vimeo.com/28224699

OLIVIA’S FAVORITE: WATCH TYRA BANKS WORK THE RUNWAY!

 

ALEX

Celebrity English: "COMMUNICATING WITH THE WORLD ONE PERSON AT A TIME"

http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/
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SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

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Brad Pitt: Love

                                                             Brad Pitt

Question: How do you know when you’re in love?

Brad Pitt: Do you know how you tell real love? It's when someone else's interest trumps your own. I like to put it that way: trumps your own.

(to put it that way=to say it that way)

(to trump your own=to beat/defeat/over-power your own)

Talking about Love

Talking about love with friends.  Love is a topic when you have talked to someone 4 –5 times; maybe more.   Love is a strong emotion and people often listen closely and check to see if you feel the same or different from them.  People see love as a core value. 

Brad Pitt uses a rhetorical question to answer the original question. Also, he re-frames the original question in another form but the topic idea remains the same.  The form he uses has an authority style feeling to it.

Do you know how to tell (=notice) you’re in real love? = I will teach you.

This authority style speech gives him an aura of father, teacher, guru, expert, etc.

However, it is common and doesn’t sound too strong for the listener in a rhetorical question form.  You may also want to use this style to give yourself a moment to think of an appropriate answer. 

He says his idea about love using a common wording that is often used to describe love:

It's when …

Next, he gives his message and reemphasizes it by simply repeating the same words again:

It's when someone else's interest 'trumps your own'. I like to put it that way: 'trumps your own'.

He is using a strong expression style and then changes to a softer feeling. The change of tone expresses his passion and belief about love for his mate.  His mate is number one and he will be number two for her because he truly loves her.  Brad Pitt comes across as a man with strong convictions about love.  Brad achieves HIGH CLASS COMMUNICATION/English with only a few sentences. 

Speaking Pattern

Do you know how to tell you’re in real love? It's when someone else's interest trumps your own. I like to put it that way: trumps your own.

Part One

First, let’s simplify Brad’s style:

Do you know how to tell you’re in real love?  It's when someone else's interest trumps your own.

Examples:

Do you know how to tell you’re in real love?  It's when someone else's interest trumps your own.

1.Do you know how to tell you’re in real love?  It's when two becomes one.

2.Do you know how to tell you’re in real love?  It's when you can’t imagine life without the other person.

Part Two

Now, let’s lengthen the style:

Do you know how to tell you’re in real love? It's when someone else's interest trumps your own. I like to put it that way: trumps your own.

Examples:

3.Do you know how to tell you’re in real love?  It's when two becomes one.

I like to put it that way: two becomes one.

4.Do you know how to tell you’re in real love?  It's when you can’t imagine life without the other person.  I like to put it that way: can’t imagine life without the other person.

Try it with me :-)

I would love to see one of your ideas in Brad's simplified form. Please post or send me 1 Example Sentence. :-)

It’s when ______________________.

Also Find Out what Angelina Jolie feels about Long-term Relationships!

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BRAD PITT’S LATEST MOVIE!  "THE TREE OF LIFE" 

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Jennifer Aniston: Beauty

                                                                           Jennifer Aniston

Question 1:  What do you do with your hair?

Jennifer Aniston 1: With my hair, I just cut it and I condition it. 

                                   Just L'Oreal.

Question 2: What is your secret to looking so healthy?

Jennifer Aniston 2: I drink lots of water - water, water, water. 

                                  Water is important. And sleeping.

Speaking Style

Culturally, the topic of beauty often comes up in conversation.  Everybody wants to know what the other person is doing to stay SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!  When we see someone who looks great we often ask about his or her beauty routines.  We feel we might be missing something.  Deep down most people want to look handsome or beautiful.  People are always fighting against aging.

This type of conversation usually comes up once you have met or talked to a person two or three times.  However, if the person is exceptionally beautiful, you can probably ask them these questions at the first meeting.  It is a form of flattery and good-looking people are accustomed to it.

Jennifer uses a casual and natural language style to answer two common questions about beauty. 

In the first answer, she repeats the final part of the question in her answer:

Q:  What do you do with your hair?

Jennifer: With my hair, I just cut it and I condition it. Just L'Oreal.

This is a common conversation technique.  You respond with the final part of the question.  It focuses and links the topic smoothly and gives you a moment to think of your answer.  Try it out!  It isn’t so hard and it is FUN!  When I feel nervous I use this technique quite often.  It is almost like a game!  Nobody will know you are nervous on the inside!

In the second answer, she emphasizes her belief in water as a beauty aid by repeating it three times.  It may look odd in writing but in a conversation you would say the three extra ‘water’s quickly.  Jennifer’s character in the TV Comedy 'Friends' uses this style from time to time.  This speaking style became popular in the late 1980’s.  So, it isn’t so strange to a native speaker.  Jennifer reemphasizes that ‘Water is important’.  It is a bit unique. However, people remember unique speaking styles!

The English is not so difficult but these two natural speaking styles create a smooth, well-connected language conversation pattern with a unique twist.  ENJOY TRYING IT OUT! People will remember you!  You will make a great impression! 

Speaking Pattern

ONE

Q 1:  What do you do with your hair?

Answer 1: With my hair, I just cut it and I condition it. Just L'Oreal.

EXAMPLES

1.What do you do with your hair?

With my hair, I just cut it and mousse it. Just Herbal Essence.

2.What do you do with your hair?

With my hair, I just cut it and color it. Just Clairol.

3.What do you do to keep in shape?

To keep in shape, I jog and practice Yoga 3 times a week.

TWO

Jennifer Aniston 2: I drink lots of water - water, water, water. Water is important. And sleeping.

EXAMPLES

1.I eat lots of vegetables - vegetables, vegetables, vegetables. Vegetables are important. And sleeping.

2.I take lots of vitamins – vitamins, vitamins, vitamins. Vitamins are important. And sleeping.

3.I jog a lot! Jog, jog, jog. Jogging is important  And sleeping.

ENJOY using these Natural English Language Styles!

Below are the LINKS to Beauty Products mentioned in this language feature and Jennifer's next movie!

L'OREAL the company JENNIFER ANISTON uses for HAIR CARE

LINK:  http://www.loreal.com/_en/_ww/index.aspx

SOON TO BE RELEASED JENNIFER ANISTON MOVIE “WANDERLUST”

LINK:  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655460/

 

HERBAL ESSENCE

LINK: http://www.herbalessences.com/en-US/hair-products/curly-hair-products/curly-hair-mousse

   

CLAIROL

LINK:  http://www.clairol.com/index.jsp

  

CHECK BACK SOON! 
                                        

                                                   ALEX 

                                   CELEBRITY ENGLISH

                                   http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/

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                                                    Facebook with Alex

                       

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Britney Spears: Friends

                                                                                  Britney Spears

Britney Spears talking about her friends: 

It's so funny how different friends bring out different sides of you. Felicia is more of my work side. I talk to my friend Jenny more about my personal stuff. My cousin Laura Lynn I'm goofiest with. And with Courtney, who is totally* silly, I act completely serious.    

                                                        (totally*=completely)

Speaking Style

Britney is describing her friends and how they affect her when she is with them.  

Britney introduces her idea with a statement.  In this case, ‘funny‘ can mean ‘interesting’.  The statement: “It’s funny how…” is a common, natural expression.  It is rhetorical in this case.  For a good conversation style, when you use a statement you should follow with example ideas to give the listener more details and support the initial statement. This signals to the listener that you are comfortable with the topic and want to continue talking about it.  Also, you are signaling that you want to share some more personal information about yourself.  This helps to create ‘intimacy’/’closeness’.  As people share intimacy or deeper feelings, the conversation can move toward a deeper understanding of one another. 

Personally, if I was talking to Britney ‘one-to-one’ I would ask her some more questions about her friends and then tell her about my friends.  With both people sharing, two-way (intimate) communication is achieved.  Moreover, sharing of information about your friends helps gain trust between people.  It is trust that allows people to feel more comfortable talking to you! 

Detailed answers, mutual sharing of information, and creating a sense of trust will aid in people sharing and talking about more DETAILED/COMPLICATED LANGUAGE TOPICS!

Speaking Pattern

 Part 1

1. The underlined names you can change with your own case.
2. Change Felicia, Jenny, Laura Lynn, Courtney
3. Also to note: ‘My cousin’ can be changed to ‘My sister’, ‘My brother’, etc.

It's so funny how different friends bring out different sides of you. Felicia is more of my work side. I talk to my friend Jenny more about my personal stuff. My ‘cousin’ Laura Lynn, I'm goofiest with. And with Courtney, who is totally silly, I act completely serious.

Part 2

It's so funny how different friends bring out different sides of you. Felicia is more of my work side. I talk to my friend Jenny more about my personal stuff. My cousin Laura Lynn I'm goofiest with. And with Courtney, who is totally silly, I act completely serious.

Examples:

1. It's so funny how different friends bring out different sides of you. Felicia is more of my business side. I talk to my friend Jenny more about my private stuff. My cousin Laura Lynn I'm silliest with. And with Courtney, who is totally serious, I act completely reserved.

2. It's so funny how different friends bring out different sides of you. Felicia is more of my job side. I talk to my friend Jenny more about my intimate stuff. My cousin Laura Lynn I'm happiest with. And with Courtney, who is totally relaxed, I act completely at ease.

Hope you have chance to try out this conversation style! Hang in there and take care!

                                                     
ALEX!

Celebrity English

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ENJOY THE MUSIC: 'Till the World Ends'

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                                                                         Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington: Small Talk

Question 1: What are you reading, these days?

Denzel Washington: Books? I don’t have time.

Question 2: What’s on your iPod?

Denzel Washington: Lenny Kravitz. I have all his stuff. All of James Brown, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, everything from blues to gospel to jazz. More than 5,000 songs.

Making Small Talk

When getting to know someone we all have to engage in Small Talk.  As a language learner it can get boring.  It seems like you are always making small talk when you really want to talk about deeper or complicated subjects with people.  However, I just think of Small Talk as a step toward deeper/more complicated conversations.  Most people don’t suddenly start having deep conversations with people they don’t know so well.  So we need to start with simple topics first.

Speaking Style

The first answer about books is quite a common speaking style.  Denzel uses a rhetorical question because he feels a bit inwardly surprised.  Then he gives a truthful answer.  In conversation, it isn’t the best idea to say something negative but it gives him legitimacy.  If you do use a negative style make sure the rest of your answers are positive style answers. Positive answers are usually a better way to create more conversation.

So, in his next answer, he gives a positive answer with lots of information.  He tells us the names of two music singers and two music bands.  His next expression is a great way to introduce your favorite music genres:

…everything from blues to gospel to jazz. 

You can also just give two genres if you like:

…everything from blues to gospel.

In his final sentence he shows his passion for music.  He tells us that he has more than 5,000 songs in his iPod.  Denzel loves music!  This also ‘ties’ the answer idea into the question idea smoothly. 

The language is natural, informal, and passionate.  He starts with a negative answer but finishes with positive information filled answer.  With simple English he has created a HIGH CLASS ENGLISH STYLE OR GREAT COMMUNICATION!

He has signaled to the listener that he is open to more questions. We are moving forward into deeper/complicated English conversation topics. 

Now you try it!  Have fun at your next English Party!

Speaking Pattern

Denzel  Answer 1: Books? I don’t have time.

Denzel Answer 2: Lenny Kravitz. I have all his stuff. All of James Brown, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, everything from blues to gospel to jazz. More than 5000 songs.

Examples:

Ex. 1)

 Male singers + music bands

Answer 1: Books? I don’t read very often.

Answer 2: SEAL. I have all his stuff. All of Ricky Martin, Theory of a Deadman, Bon Jovi, everything from Latin music to alternative music to rock n roll. More than 1000 songs.

Female singers + music bands

Ex. 2)

Answer 1: Books? I don’t read so much because of my work.

Answer 2: Britney Spears. I have all her stuff. All of Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, the Dixie Chicks, everything from pop to rock to country. More than 2000 songs.

Until next week-here is some music for you to check out,

Alex :)

 

Denzel Washington’s Music Interests

 

Lenny Kravitz

James Brown

Beatles

The Rolling Stones

 

Take Care!

Alex - Celebrity English

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Natural English from Aretha Franklin and Bono: 'Growing Up'

                  Aretha Franklin 'The Queen of Soul'

Bono of U2

In casual conversation, the simple question: “Where are you from?” often occurs. Let’s take a look at how Bono (Irish musician) and Aretha Franklin (American musician) answer the question.

Question:  “Where are you from?”

Bono: I grew up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood.

Aretha Franklin: I was brought up in Detroit, and most of my 

                           family's here.

Speaking Style

People often ask me:  “Which style is better?”

I grew up…

        OR

I was brought up…

I think if you ask your native speaker friends, they will say they use either style without thinking.  Both answers are natural in a casual/informal conversation.  Also, you can notice that Aretha Franklin shortened her sentence by dropping the object.

I was brought up by my grandmother in Detroit.  (according to Aretha’s biography)

In conversation you can do this too!

Common Mistake

However, language learners often want to add an object to the verb ‘grew up’ because the ideas seem similar or interchangeable to the verb 'to be brought up'.

For example:

I grew up by my parents in New York.       incorrect

My parents grew me up in New York.        incorrect

Unfortunately, both sentences are incorrect because the verb ‘grew up’ doesn’t take an object.  The verb ‘brought up’ can take an object. 

I was brought up by my parents in New York.      correct

My parents brought me up in New York.              correct

Now the sentences are “OK”!

Anyhow, don’t think too much about grammar.  You can use either phrase in casual conversation quite easily by following Bono and Aretha’s answer styles.  Here are some examples if you need some extra practice.  Please try them out at your next social gathering.  

Conversational Speaking Patterns

I grew up in __________.

1. I grew up in New York.                                  

2. I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood.   

I was brought up in __________.

3. I was brought up in Detroit.                    

4. I was brought up in the countryside.      

More Stuff!

Check out the tourist links of Bono and Aretha’s hometowns:

Bono-Dublin, Ireland

LINK http://www.visitdublin.com/

Aretha-Detroit, Michigan, United States

LINK http://www.visitdetroit.com/

Take Care Alex! See you next week!

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