Something really important and that I haven’t discussed with you yet is how to say and write dates in English. I’ll also review with you about the differences in saying and writing dates in British and in American English. Let’s start by looking at an email. Is this email correct? Hi Angelo, Are you free… Continue reading How to Write and Say Dates in English
By Jacqueline Schaalje Some of my students have asked me sometimes why there are so many ways to say the same thing in English. I usually answer that there are subtle differences in meaning. Sometimes, however, the differences are huge! You can say something rudely or politely, and there are many grey shades in between.… Continue reading Make Your English Sound Friendly and Polite
In a recent article I talked about slang and I gave you a list of American slang words that are used a lot. Now here are some common British slang expressions that you will hear in movies or when you speak to natives of the United Kingdom. UK (British) slang: Arse = ass (behind). A pain in… Continue reading How to Use Slang Words and Expressions: British Slang
Some of my students complain that American slang is incomprehensible to them and they are glad to learn British English, because “it’s easier to understand.” But other students have discovered that they were unable to understand anyone in London because they talked “slang.” Now the question is whether the problems were really caused by slang.… Continue reading Slang: Use It or Not?
By Miranda Carter Euphemisms are one of the more difficult aspects of learning English. Also known as “figures of speech”, euphemisms are defined as mild or pleasant words or phrases that are used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive. The purpose of euphemisms is to cover something’s true meaning. They make not-so-nice things… Continue reading Popular Euphemisms: What Are They and How Can You Use Them?
You can use the expression “used to” for things that were true in the past, but they are not now. People may have changed their habits, or they have died, etc. Often, used to speaks about the distant past (not about yesterday). For instance, when you were a kid you had a stamp collection, but… Continue reading Upgrade Your English with Used To – I Used to Live in London
Just a few drops There is a difference between a few and few. This difference is similar to a little and little. Have a look here at my earlier article about this. First of all, you use a few or few when you can count things. So you can use few or a few for… Continue reading A Few and Few – They don’t mean the same!
What are euphemisms? Euphemisms are nice and pleasant expressions that are used in the place of offensive or unpleasant expressions. So instead of something that sounds harsh or cruel, you’ll use a euphemism that makes it sound harmless or less cruel. If I give you some examples, I’m sure you’ll know what I’m talking about. For… Continue reading Are You Between Jobs? – Euphemisms
Plus Quiz: What should you call people with white or black skin? Let’s learn some expressions to talk about how people look. Without of course being demeaning or racist, sexist, or any of these other bad things. You can talk about someone’s face, and about their body or physique. Talking about someone’s face: Open up… Continue reading Describe What People Look Like Using Expert Vocabulary
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
English with a Smile 