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New Year's Resolutions

What a New Year's resolution is, where the custom came from and why so many of them fail by February. The language of intentions - going to, I have decided to, give up - comes with the topic.

The custom is far older than the calendar we keep it by: the Babylonians made promises to their gods at the turn of the year, and the Romans did the same to Janus, the god who looks both forwards and backwards. The modern version has kept the promise and dropped the gods.

It also comes with a well-documented failure rate, which is what makes it a good topic. Ask why most resolutions collapse by February, and a class will arrive on its own at the answer – they are too big and too vague. Rewriting I will get fit as I will walk for twenty minutes after lunch practises future forms and gives students something they can actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a New Year's resolution?

A promise you make to yourself at the start of a new year to change something: to exercise more, to eat better, to give up a habit, to learn something. The custom is old – the Babylonians and the Romans both made promises at the turn of the year.

How do I talk about resolutions in English?

Use the structures of intention: I am going to, I have decided to, I want to give up, I will try to, from now on I am going to. Note that give up takes the -ing form – give up smoking, not give up to smoke.

Why do most resolutions fail?

Usually because they are too big and too vague. "I will get fit" gives nothing to do on Monday morning, while "I will walk for twenty minutes after lunch" does. Making the promise small and specific is the practical lesson worth taking from the topic.