Analysing speech patterns: Steve Jobs
By The English Farm, December 03 2022
There are many different ways to speak well and many different people who do so. Today, let's look at Steve Jobs's speaking style.
Natural English
Learn hand gestures with TED talks
By Patrick, April 23 2022
Hand gestures can make a difference in your English meetings or next presentation. In this blog post, learn 3 easy ways to incorporate them today!
How to use TED talks to learn English
By Cassandra, January 08 2022
Have you ever wondered why your teachers encourage the use of TED talks? Find out why and the steps to use TED talks to learn English.
One simple pattern for jokes and metaphors
By The English Farm, December 18 2021
Metaphors, jokes and strong language are very common in spoken English. Even if you don't use it yourself, understanding this style is a big step towards watching movies with subtitles or hanging out with native English speakers.
Understand and use GENERATION
By Di, August 16 2021
Many English learners have trouble using the word “generation.” Does it mean what you think it means?
Uptalk brings you down
By Di, May 30 2021
"Uptalk" is when you say everything with a rising tone like it's a question. It makes you sound weak and underconfident. Here's how to solve it.
Sushi is not "raw fish"
By The English Farm, February 20 2021
Communicating in English means you have to communicate not only in a new language, but also across a culture. That means more than just translating words and phrases.
Discover collocations for clear, natural English
By Di, November 21 2020
Collocations are key to communicating in English. So what are they, and where do you find them?
Idioms: All ears
By Di, August 22 2020
Prick up your ears for these 10 idioms using the word "ear"!
How word stress can completely change meaning
By The English Farm, May 23 2020
Stressing a word when speaking, by saying it longer, louder or with higher intonation, will show the listener which word is key.
Beat around the bush
By Pamela, February 03 2020
If someone beats around the bush, they do not talk about a subject in an open or direct way. Instead, they may talk about a lot of irrelevant or unimportant details to avoid getting to the main point. People usually beat around the bush, either consciously or subconsciously, when they are trying to avoid a subject that is sensitive, controversial, or uncomfortable. As a result, the person may approach the topic cautiously by discussing it in a vague or roundabout way.
Learn English with karaoke
By Di, October 19 2019
Singing karaoke is a great way to learn English vocabulary and pronunciation—listen to a song, learn the lyrics, and sing!
Portmanteaus you should know
By The English Farm, October 05 2019
A portmanteau is the combination of two words to make a new word. Using portmanteaus is quick and convenient, and it makes you seem more natural.
When yes and no get confusing: answering DO YOU MIND IF
By Di, April 28 2018
The answer to “Do you mind if…” can be confusing for anyone, even native English speakers. This confusion is from the fact that there are two opposing answers that come from two opposite ways of thinking about this question. Find out how to eliminate confusion.
Avoid saying DELICIOUS
By The English Farm, August 30 2017
Japanese people say "delicious" far more often than native English speakers do. The reason is that "delicious" is a direct translation from a Japanese word that is very commonly used in Japanese. But translating directly from your native language is a big roadblock when you are learning a language.
Giving emphasis
By Kevin, June 25 2017
Use emphatic phrases to make your spoken English more effective.