How do you prefer to learn English? Do you like learning from a textbook, or do you prefer to read / listen to native English speakers and then copy them? Some sources of English are very helpful (for example, the BBC or English-learning websites), but it isn’t always the best idea to copy everything that… Read More
The ‘problem’ with English grammar isn’t that it’s very complex or difficult – at least, compared to some other languages. The problem is that there are always lots of little rules – and many, many exceptions. So how do you deal with this problem? You have two choices:– study a grammar textbook, memorise the rules,… Read More
There are lots of ways to talk about the future in English, so which one do you choose? Many times you can use more than one way – and you’ll still be grammatically correct. But there are some changes in meaning and focus. Read on to get a clever hack to know when to use… Read More
What stops you from getting an advanced English grammar? Sometimes, it can be a major area of grammar, like conditionals or tenses. But sometimes, it can be a smaller thing, which is more easily fixed. Here are three grammar problems that are common at advanced level, but which you can correct so that you speak… Read More
When we want to learn a new language, it can be overwhelming. There’s so much to learn in grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. So to make it simpler and easier to manage, we choose a textbook, (Or our teacher chooses it for us.) We complete that textbook, and then go to the next in the series.… Read More
If you’ve ever heard British English speakers say something that you know is wrong, it could be because they’re using non-standard English grammar. This is the grammar that people use when they speak – but which is considered to be incorrect. Sometimes it comes from a regional dialect, and sometimes it happens because grammar rules… Read More
In English, many words have more than one meaning. A great way to get to advanced level – in both your vocabulary and speaking – is to start using these words in their different ways. For example, there are many speaking phrases with “word”. You can use these phrases to talk about conversations and communication… Read More
When you’re at upper-intermediate or advanced level (B2 and above), you already know a lot of English. You can have a conversation, read easily and understand other people speaking in English. Probably the methods you used to get to this level were structured. For example, many people study English through a series of coursebooks with… Read More
Do you want to know how we spend our summers? Read on for some great English vocabulary and phrases all about the summer hols. (= holidays) Words in bold have quick explanations to help you understand them. Summer Holiday Destinations Summer hols (= holidays) start at the end of July, when schools break up (=… Read More
When it’s hot and you want to relax, learning English might be the last thing you want to do! And while it’s true that taking a break is good for your brain and memory, you don’t want to lose everything you’ve learnt! So, a good way to maintain your English is through quick activities that… Read More
