pet

Everyday

1. A pet is an animal that lives with people at home and is cared for, like a cat, dog, rabbit, fish or hamster. tree →
2. To pet an animal is to stroke it gently. tree →
3. A teacher's pet is a pupil the teacher seems to like best. tree →
4. A pet hate or pet name is your own special one. tree →
5. Pet can also be a loving name for someone you care about, like "my pet". tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a group word for animals kept at home; pets of different kinds are added; legs counted per kind; food per pet per day is a rate. Everyday life and science: pets need food, water, exercise and a vet. Safety: ask the owner before you pet a dog; wash your hands after touching pets. Phrases: pet shop, pet food, have a pet, look after a pet, teacher's pet.

Examples

• Ann has 2 cats and 3 fish. How many pets does she have? tree →
• 15 pupils have a pet. tree →
• A pet shop sold 8 puppies. tree →
• Each pet eats 100 g of food a day. tree →
• Our class pet is a guinea pig. tree →
• Always ask before you pet someone's dog. tree →
• Pets need fresh water every day. tree →
• She takes her pet rabbit to the vet. tree →
• Wash your hands after you hold a pet. tree →
• “But who is he, my pet?” tree →

Note

Countable: a pet, pets. Verb past «petted». A group word: «how many pets» adds the kinds. Trap: when counting legs, a fish has none and a bird has 2.