Announcements
English Functions and Phrases
When dividing most common English phrases into topics, it is wise to know how important it is to learn what a “language function” is. Namely, functions in English are phrases used to express a specific purpose. They are different from phrases based on a topic, because they are much more general, and can be used in any situation (e.g. phrases for tourists). Let me give you the list of most commonly used English functions : Asking for and … Read entire article »
Headline
American Slang Words – Part 1
I’m sure you will enjoy watching the new series on History channel called America’s Secret Slang. Here comes the first episode where you can hear the etymology of the following American slang expressions: Pork barrel project Slush fund Lame duck Dark horse Stump speech Straw poll Throw a hat into the ring Teddy bear Bully pulpit Rehire, indoors, administration Belittle, breadstuff, indecipherable Bloviator, hospitalization Evil empire Misunderestimate, embetterment Watergate, to wiretap, to bug, smoking gun, expletive deleted, cover up, stonewall Fall off the wagon, on the wagon, teetotaler, bootleg, skid row, gangbuster Flash in the … Read entire article »
Featured
How to Apologize in English ?
Everybody needs to apologize from time to time, right ? That’s why it’s important to prepare for this … Read more »
English Expressions and Idioms – How to Learn them ?
If you are interested in learning some common English expressions and idioms, the best way to do … Read more »
How to Introduce Yourself in English ?
If you are not sure how to introduce yourself, let me share a few superb videos covering … Read more »
Popular
English Functions and Phrases
When dividing most common English phrases into topics, it is wise to know how important it is … Read more »
Asking For and Giving Opinions - English Language Function
In one of the previous posts about a difference between functions and phrases, I listed some functions … Read more »
Asking for Clarification
If you don't understand what someone is saying, or you are simply not sure of what was … Read more »
Latest
Talking Against a Proposal
Now that we’ve discussed how to suggest a plan or make a proposal and how to express that you are in favour of it, it’s time to learn a few phrases to express that you are against it. I’ll start with very formal ones (F), towards semi-formal (SF) and informal (I) phrases: I see no valid reason for supporting the proposal … Read entire article »
Talking in Favour of a Proposal
While in the previous post you learnt a few commonly used phrases to make a proposal or suggest a plan, today’s post is all about accepting and talking in favour of a proposal: Formal phrases: I’m completely behind the proposal to … I thoroughly approve of … Semi-formal phrases: I agree with you on … The proposal to do… has my full support. Informal phrases: I’d like to … Read entire article »
Useful English Phrases for Making Proposals
If you’d like to put forward plans and proposals decide on one formal (F), one semi-formal (SF) and one informal (I) phrase to use in three different situations* FORMAL (F) I would like to put forward a proposal that … I would like to propose that… SEMI-FORMAL (SF) What I suggest is to … There’s only one way to … INFORMAL (I) I’ve got an idea ! If… … Read entire article »
Giving Short Answers in English
Which of these two videos taught you more about giving short answers in English ? Video 1: Video 2: I hope you had a good laugh watching both videos For the list of some other useful phrases in English, check this page and don’t forget to do some extra work on how to give short responses in English: Practice 1 Loads of exercises … Read entire article »
Checking into a Hotel English Phrases
If you are never sure which phrases to use when you are checking into a hotel, here comes an excellent video by LinguaTV Youtube channel: These are the phrases which are often used when checking in. Which ones have you heard while watching the video ? My name is… I have a reservation for a single / double room for three nights. How … Read entire article »
Making Comparisons in English
As the examination time is approaching, it’s important to practise sets of very important phrases to make your speaking more fluent and dynamic. If you are presented with two photographs to compare, like in the FCE exam, or a set of questions where you’ll need to make comparisons, here comes a list of phrases to help you: (F*) X differs from … Read entire article »
How to Apologize in English ?
Everybody needs to apologize from time to time, right ? That’s why it’s important to prepare for this situation – just in case ! (F) Please accept my apologies ! (F) I apologize (for that) ! (SF) Sorry, (that’s) my fault ! (SF) I am ( very / so / terribly ) sorry ! (I) Sorry ! With this video you can practise a fun … Read entire article »
Phrasal Verbs with Money
The post about useful phrases about money by Mr Duncan was very popular, and recently I’ve come across this new Youtube channel which I want to share with you. It’s called Skype-lessons and here’s the video about the following phrasal verbs: To take something out = to withdraw - e.g. I took out $500 from the bank To take something back = to … Read entire article »
Talking about Negative Emotions in English
Do you remember one our previous posts describing: Personality and moods ? Body language ? Expressing likes and dislikes ? After Watch this great video and revising the previous topics, try to use the vocabulary and phrases from them to describe what’s going on in these conversations. You can also practise the indirect speech and these phrases on the (upcoming) exercise pages. … Read entire article »