Look at these two sentences: 1 We’ve waited for an hour to get into that club. 2 We’ve been waiting for an hour to get into that club. They’re both using present perfect. (For a review of present perfect, please go here): What’s the difference between the two sentences? The first sentence uses present… Continue reading Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive (Continuous)
By Jacqueline Schaalje You’ve probably been in the situation: you’re at a party or reception and you have to speak to people that you don’t know (yet). They ask you about your job. What do you tell them? Here are some ideas: I’m in [field]. You can be in banking, in accounting, in the tourist… Continue reading Useful Phrases to Talk about Your Job
Jacqueline Schaalje Photos by Pedro Ribeiro Simoes I get asked this question fairly often. There are many different approaches to learning vocabulary, but in my view reading offers you one of the best ways to learn new words in a fun way. 1 Read and Read. I know, you’ve heard this tip before from old… Continue reading What’s the Best Way to Learn New Vocabulary?
Most of my students get excited when I tell them we’re going to learn conditionals. I don’t really know how to explain that happy glimmer in their eyes when I say the word “conditionals.” Although many of my students don’t know what conditionals are, they’ve heard the word somewhere and they know it’s IMPORTANT. Aha,… Continue reading Conditionals – Automatic conditionals: When I’m hungry, I eat.
Simile is when you compare one thing to another. Simile is pronounced [si-mi-lee]. Examples: She’s as busy as a bee. He’s as noisy as a chainsaw. That room is as small as a matchbox. She’s as pretty as a picture of the Mona Lisa. You get the idea. As … as When you’re using an… Continue reading As Busy as a Bee – Similes
I’ve received a few questions about this, asking how you can shorten (reduce) parts of sentences, such as this one: When Adam was studying in Vietnam, he ate rice for breakfast. You can shorten this sentence by leaving out the subject (Adam) and changing the verb to an –ing-form (studying). The shorter sentence will… Continue reading Reduced Clauses
Who cares? Well, we do. As you know, prepositions are little words like in, to, for, of, on, at, over, above. Etcetera. All you need to know about “care” is that the meaning changes if you choose another preposition to go with it. 1 Care for “Care for” means looking after someone, making sure they… Continue reading Prepositions: Which Preposition Comes after “Care.”
As, because, since and seeing that or seeing as all give a reason. There is no difference in meaning. However, there are some other differences, as follows: Since is formal. You will usually find since in writing. Seeing that and seeing as are informal, so only use those in speaking or in an informal email… Continue reading Giving Good Reasons – As, Because, Since, Seeing As, Seeing That
You might be one of those people who dream that your English will one day be as good as your first language. Is this possible? Yes, I think it is. But many educators now seem to believe that you should learn two languages when you’re young. I don’t think that’s true or even desirable. I… Continue reading Are You Going to Be Bilingual?
You already know from other articles in this blog that I don’t recommend learning word lists. I believe it’s better to learn new words while you’re using them. However, learning a couple of words in a game can be relaxing and fun. Click this link for some intriguing word games on Dictionary.com. Another website you… Continue reading How Many Words Do You Know?
English with a Smile 