How to talk about travel
By Huda, February 22 2024
When discussing your travels, there are many terms you can use to describe the nature of your trip.
Vocabulary
Common mistakes: SAY or TALK?
By Di, June 10 2023
"Say" and "Talk" are often confused, but they mean different things, and we use different grammar for each one. If you want to know how to use them correctly every time, check out this blog!
Choose the right word: RENT, BORROW, or LEND
By Di, November 12 2022
Non-native speakers often confuse the words rent and borrow when speaking English. On the surface, these words seem very similar, but actually, they are quite different. Discover the difference in this blog post.
What's the difference between OVERWORK and OVERTIME?
By Matthew, September 24 2022
It's very easy to confuse the words overtime and overwork. Find out the difference, and see examples of each one in context.
When to use 'FIRST' or 'AT FIRST'?
By Di, August 20 2022
First, let me say that learning the difference between “first” and “at first” is easy. At first, you may think it’s complicated, but after reading this blog, you’ll see just how easy it is.
The 3 aspects of new vocabulary: definition, connotation and collocations
By Di, January 22 2022
To learn new words, most people look them up in the dictionary or translator. This is a good start. But the definition is only one aspect of a word that you need to know. To use the word correctly, you need to think about two other things: connotations, and collocations.
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.
“Three-year-old boy” or “three-yearS-old boy”?
By Matthew, December 05 2021
Using a plural in English can be tough. There are many rules, and sometimes they are hard to understand and remember. One such case is a compound adjective.
When HOW questions are not questions at all
By The English Farm, November 28 2021
English speakers like to use strong language, and one way they do that is with questions that are not really questions.
Describe flavors like a pro
By The English Farm, April 12 2021
Most people can say they like or don't like something. It can be delicious or disgusting, but that doesn't communicate the flavor. Let's work on describing flavors.
Vocabulary for formal meetings
By Di, March 01 2021
Formal meetings have a special vocabulary. Many of the words seem simple, but the meanings may be different than what you expect.
When to say ANY and EVERY
By Jin, February 14 2021
At first glance, sentences like, "Anyone can try it" and, "Everyone can try it" seem to mean the same thing. What's the difference?
Worth it or deserve it?
By Pamela, February 06 2021
You’ve probably heard your teachers say, “Keep studying, it will be worth it in the long run!” Or, “Congratulations, you deserve it!” But what do these expressions really mean, and how can you use them in your own life?
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?
Describing amounts with "enough" and "too"
By Di, August 29 2020
The words enough and too are easy to understand, but many students fail to use them correctly. Or, even if they are correct, they may be unnatural. I've heard too many mistakes, and I've had enough! It's time to master too and enough.
Idioms: All ears
By Di, August 22 2020
Prick up your ears for these 10 idioms using the word "ear"!
"Okay" and "It’s okay" are opposites
By The English Farm, February 29 2020
Okay usually means yes, sure. But when you say, "It's okay", the meaning changes significantly.
Do you misuse the word GLOBAL? Probably!
By Matthew, February 15 2020
In Japan, "global" is a buzz word that people like to use. Students want to be more "global". They want to work on the "global stage" for a "global company". In English, maybe you should choose a different word.
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.