There are two types of English.
There’s the English in your school books.
And then there’s the English native speakers use.
A big problem a lot of students have is they learned the wrong English.
The First General Store
This week, I’m giving you a tour of rural Virginia, and the general stores that used to be a big part of life here.
Now, they’re closing and disappearing.
Here’s one that’s a few minutes down the road.
My family has been here over 50 years, and as long as I can remember, this store has been closed.
How would you describe it?
A beginner who knows English from school might say, “It’s old.”
That’s correct.
But here’s a more colorful, native-speaker way to describe it, “It’s seen better days.”
The Second General Store
It’s lunch time.
I’m going to get in the car and get a sandwich at a general store that’s been in business for 148 years!
I’ll show it to you tomorrow.
Cheers,
Mr. Vig
P.S.
In today’s Vitamin V: Extra Strength, I teach you two more colorful native-speaker expressions you can use instead of “old.”
Click here to upgrade to Vitamin V: Extra Strength and listen to this important lesson now.
Nice story! 🙂
I might say that about myself
Interesting to see an old general store in Virginia. Hmm, closed for 50 years, but the building itself still stands. Pure nostalgia. I just had a nostalgic trip to my childhood home in the countryside. No one was home at the moment but the door was unlocked just like we used to have. It surprised me but i liked it.
Nice story.. but it’s truly a tragedy when historic general stores in Northern Virginia fall into neglect. Perhaps, are there any non-profit organizations to help and save these traces of the past!
Moreover, I found some explanations about “ABC” :
“The ABC system stands for Alcoholic Beverage Control. It refers to a regulatory framework used in some U.S. states—called “control states” or “ABC states”—where the state government directly controls the sale and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages, especially spirits (hard liquor).
The state may:
• Act as the exclusive wholesaler for certain types of alcohol.
• Operate state-run retail stores (especially for spirits).
• Regulate and issue licenses for private vendors, bars, and restaurants.”
“2. Which States Are ABC States?
As of 2025, 17 states and 1 U.S. territory are considered control or ABC states. Their level of control varies—some manage wholesale distribution only, while others control both wholesale and retail.”
“Why These Systems Exist
Control states aim to:
• Reduce alcohol abuse, prevent underage sales, and limit outlet density
• Generate revenue for public services and alcohol education
• Maintain price stability and prevent excessive retail competition    
Some studies indicate control states see lower alcohol-related harm and better prevention outcomes due to these measures”
Is this right?
Could you send us a link to download a map of this part of Virginia?
Thanks.
I like so much.that you have choosed to tell us about rural Virginia, this wonderful side of communities wich was so.neglected. as if.it iwould be a shame to.be born in it.But why…?
In Hungary ‘ABC’ is an abbreviation of the expression ‘Alapvető Beszerzési Cikkek’, as: A=Alapvető (in English: essential) B=Beszerzési (in English:supply) C=Cikkek (in English:items).
Thanks for photo of general store from Virginia. It seems like be stoped time with it.This general store looks so ancient, rural. Has terasse and I think whole it is built from wood mainly. It looks like family house. Still there are christmas lights. Certainly there was friendly and romantic mood.
Helo! Salut you!
I cuould read this story and I understood all about Is !
Thank you a lot Mr, Vig!