Thirties meaning in English

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Definition

I am in my thirties: I am between 30 and 39 years old! idiom

Examples

"Rupert : The pirates are demanding a ransom of $2 million for the safe return of the hostages, believed to be a couple in their thirties."

Exercise 1

Select TRUE statement(s) about Rupert's news story.

There may be more than one correct answer!

All the hostages are saved at the end of Rupert's report.

The hostages are thought to be older than 30, but younger than 40.

Rupert is reporting from Somalia.

Rupert believes Somalia is in Europe.

Select TRUE statement(s) about Rupert's news story.

There may be more than one correct answer!

All the hostages are saved at the end of Rupert's report.

This is not a true statement. Rupert tells us that "one of the hostages seems to be injured", and also shouts "man overboard", meaning that someone has fallen into the sea. He describes the situation as "a bloodbath", meaning that lots of people are getting shot and injured.

The hostages are thought to be older than 30, but younger than 40.

This is a correct choice! When we say somebody is "in their thirties", the age bracket they are in is between 30 and 40. It's a good way of avoiding telling someone your real age! If you are 39 and you want it to remain a secret, you say "I am in my thirties" and people may think you're 31 (if you have been moisturizing!).

Rupert is reporting from Somalia.

This is true. Brent says: "Rupert is joining us from Somalia". This means he is reporting directly from Somalia. This is a very common phrase to introduce reporters on live news broadcasts, letting us know their exact location. Example: "Our Royal correspondent is joining us from outside Buckingham Palace where her Majesty is about to get on a horse!"

Rupert believes Somalia is in Europe.

This is incorrect. Rupert knows exactly where he is. He says, "Somalia is in East Africa". It is Brent who is confused! Brent says, "Rupert, I didn't know Somalia was in Europe..." It must be because he knows Rupert is the "European correspondent". Or it could be because his geography is very bad indeed.

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