In __________– in debt (meaning you owe money to someone) Choose the right answer: Dimes and quarters Hock Pawn Bank scroll down for the answer scroll some more The right answer is: StockMonkeys.com hock. (This word comes from a card playing term.) Here are some examples of how you can use it: I wish I… Continue reading Instant Idiom: In hock
By Jacqueline Schaalje Rob North You can use anymore to talk about situations that were true in the past, but not now. Here is an example: When I was a child I collected cigar bands. Those are the gold-coloured rings around expensive cigars. My uncle used to smoke them, and one day I got his… Continue reading Not Anymore? – Easy sentences with anymore – Plus Quiz
I got two of my stories published recently: one is this, about the recent war in Israel. It was published by On The Premises. It even got an honorable mention. Whatever. I’m overjoyed! The other story will come out in the next issue of MayDay. (These are my first fiction stories in print. I’ve published… Continue reading My First Fiction Story in Print
nemesis – (noun) someone or something that brings harm or destruction. Second meaning: someone who is too strong. This word comes from the Greek goddess of retribution (= punishment for something bad that someone did). Examples of how you can use nemesis: Choosing bad men to go out with is Emily’s nemesis. The country had… Continue reading Word to the Wise: Nemesis
By Harriet Anderson + Jacqueline Schaalje Kate Hiscock Job hunting is a woe that many people share. If you are learning English as a second language, searching for a job in an English-speaking country might seem scary. Just remember, nobody is perfect. And you might actually have some advantages being a foreigner on the job market.… Continue reading The Best Way to Find a Job + Reading Comprehension Quiz
perpendicular – (adjective) at a right angle with (90 degrees) perpendicularly – (adverb) being at a right angle with (90 degrees) thisisbossi Examples: The roof is perpendicular to the two columns. Those two lines aren’t perpendicular, they’re parallel to each other. The cars in the photo on the left-hand side are parked perpendicularly. When the… Continue reading Word to the Wise: perpendicular
See if you know them now: Do the Conditionals Mixed Quiz By Jacqueline Schaalje This is only for intermediate and advanced learners! I don’t recommend trying to understand this article if you’re a beginning learner of English. If you’re not quite sure, have a look again at some older articles that explain conditionals one by… Continue reading Conditionals Overview
By Jacqueline Schaalje Conditionals are special sentences that describe situations where you ask: what if? What would happen if A happened? Or: If A happened, would B happen? Unreal conditionals are used to talk about situations that are not real. They are imaginary or may be possible in the future, but not now. Here are… Continue reading Unreal Conditionals – What If?
sumptuous – (adjective) expensive, luxurious and/or amazing sumptuously – (adverb) in a way that is rich and/or amazing Connie Ma Examples: Our holiday meal consisted of a sumptuous variety of dishes. The sitting room was a sumptuous collection of sofas with lots of comfortable cushions. The princess looked great in a sumptuous silk dress. We… Continue reading Word to the Wise: Sumptuous
By Harry Anderson Hopefully, these quotations will inspire you to shine brighter, believe in yourself, and better understand the world around us. If only just a bit better. Vanessa, 28 years old. Vladimir Pustovit My favourite quotation is by Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae… Continue reading My Favorite Quotes
English with a Smile 