shock

You look very young. I was very shocked.

If something really surprises you then it ‘shocks’ you.  Notice the following:

1. What shocks me the most is that animals can live in this climate.
2. They were shocked when I told them I was moving to Brazil.

sound like

It sounds like a boy’s name.

If a name has a masculine tone or connection to it then it ‘sounds like’ a boy’s name.  To ‘sound like’ something is to have a similar tone or connection.  Notice the following:

1. When she laughs she sounds like horse.
2. What was that?  It sounded like a door opening.

tomboy

Like a tomboy.

A ‘tomboy’ is a little girl who acts and maybe dresses like a boy.  Instead of playing with dolls maybe she prefers to be outside and play with rocks.  Notice the following:

1. Because she had three brothers she has always been a tomboy.
2. I know you are a little bit of a tomboy and hate to wear dresses.

feel

How does it feel to be a grandmother.

We use the word ‘feel’ to describe emotional and physical sensations, which are usually a response to something happening in your life.  In this example we can say, “What are the emotions that you have about being a grandmother?”  Notice the following:

1. You looked very sick yesterday.  Do you feel better today?
2. How did it feet to graduate from university?

occupy

A grandmother who is occupied with her grandchild.

If a grandmother is ‘occupied’ with her grandchild then she spends time with him and is active in his life.  We also use this word to mean busy.  Notice the following:

1. Her job occupies most of her time.
2. Sorry I didn’t call you yesterday.  I was very occupied.