Vocabulary: New Year’s Eve

With only one day to go until New Year’s Eve, you might wish to revise some common words and vocabulary that you might hear if you are out celebrating this occasion. New Year’s Day – The day when people celebrate the beginning of a new year.  It is held on 1st January and in some countries…

VOCABULARY: Going Shopping

Useful Shopping Phrases Finding a Shop Opening Hours QUESTIONS Can you recommend a good toy/clothes shop? Is there a chemists/supermarket in the area? Where can I get toothpaste/pet food? Where’s the nearest shopping centre? ANSWERS/COMMENTS There’s a really good bookshop just around the corner. You can buy that here in the hotel. The best toy…

VOCABULARY: At the Airport

25 Essential Airport English Vocabulary Words Airline (N) The airline or carrier you fly with is the name of the company that owns the airplane e.g. Singapore Airlines, British Airways. I need to book a flight to Berlin next week. Which airline do you suggest I fly with? The cheapest airline that flies to Germany is…

VIDEO & VOCABULARY: Job Interview

Video A list of English words and phrases commonly used at interviews, and when applying for jobs. achievement Things you have done (in a work situation) which have been very successful. certificate A printed document with details of exams you have passed and/or your qualifications. CV A CV is a document which sets out details…

BASIC: Christmas Vocabulary

Christmas Vocabulary Here are typical words and expressions that people use when talking about or at Christmas. Christmas expressions Merry Christmas! Happy Christmas Happy New Year! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Wishing you a prosperous New Year All the best for the coming year Seasons Greetings! advent the arrival of someone or something…

SONG: Pronunciation Practice

Practice your pronunciation Songs are a great way to learn new vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. I hope you enjoy this one. Sing along!

5 Most Common Grammatical Errors

Understanding the five most common grammatical errors can help you improve your writing. When you know which errors to look for, it’s easier to act as your own editor. Error #1: Run-on Sentence or Comma Splice A run-on sentence is a sentence that joins two independent clauses without punctuation or the appropriate conjunction. A comma…

CLOZE TEST: Veganism

Choose the correct term for each blank space below. Terms: to vegan saturated known environmentally from use those that but provide including Text Veganism is the practice of abstaining (1)_________ the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A follower of veganism is known…

Grammar: What are Dependent Clauses?

Dependent Clauses A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can’t stand alone. These clauses include adverb clauses, adjective clauses and noun clauses. Adverb Clauses Adverb clauses modify verbs and begin with subordinating conjunctions. Here…

Vocabulary: Idioms using the verb “CUT”

10 English Expressions with the Word CUT #1 – a cut above If something is a cut above something else, it means it is better or superior. We usually use this expression to compare two things that are of the same type (two books, two programs, two products of different brands). The director’s second film was definitely a cut…

Vocabulary: At the Restaurant

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS AT THE RESTAURANT Questions your server may ask: Do you have a reservation? (Did you call ahead of time?) How many? (How many seats do you need?) Table for two? Are you ready to order? Do you need some more time? Can I start you off with a drink? Would you like to…

Idioms with HAVE

Expressions using the verb HAVE have a big mouth Definition: somebody who tells secrets, who is a gossip Don’t talk to Mary she has a big mouth. If you didn’t have such a big mouth, I’d tell you my secrets. have a bee in your bonnet Definition: have an obsession, something that always remains in…

36 Expressions with GET

“Get” is a great word in English! It is used in so many different ways. GET + adjective get married We’re getting married next year – the wedding will be in August. get divorced Brenda got divorced ten years ago, and she hasn’t seen her ex-husband since! get angry My sister gets really angry when…

Do vs. Make

The difference between Do vs. Make English Vocabulary Do and Make are two verbs which frequently confuse students. Here we will learn about the difference between Do and Make and when to use each one. When do you use DO? DO is used as follows: 1. DO is used when talking about work, jobs or tasks….

Business Vocabulary: Idioms

Common Business Expressions IDIOM WHAT IT MEANS EXAMPLES 24/7 “24/7” means 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The convenience store on the corner is open 24/7. a tough break When something unfortunate happens, it can be called a “tough break.” It was a tough break for us when Caroline quit. She was one…

BASIC: Vocabulary

Vocabulary at School Do you know these words? blackboard desk teacher eraser binder book pen pencil clip marker eraser/rubber ruler pencil case glue scissors protractor set squares compass scotch tape/sellotape clip school bag test tube flask funnel beaker stapler pins paint brushes palette paint globe map computer School Subjects 1 + 1 = 2 Chemistry…

Pronunciation: Song

Pronunciation Practice It’s time to practice your pronunciation with a nice song. Hope you enjoy it. Sing along!

Star Wars: Grammar Activity

Choose the correct answer 1. The Star Wars films are _______ to have been inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s films Yojimbo and The Hidden Fortress. a. say b. said c. saying 2. The name Jedi is said to have come from “Jidai Geki” (“period dramas”) which was the name ______ in Japan to films about samurai….

Grammar: Subordinate Clauses

What Is a Dependent Clause? (with Examples) A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Like all clauses, a dependent clause has a subject and verb. Examples of Dependent Clauses Here are some examples of dependent clauses (bold). Notice…

Grammar Tip: Either… or / Neither… Nor

Either/or and neither/nor 1.Either / or – used in a sentence in the affirmative sense when referring to a choice between two possibilities We can either eat now or after the show – it’s up to you. 2. Neither / nor – used in a sentence in the negative sense when you want to say…