Recent Posts
How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your English Conversation Skills
In my English conversation classes I often encourage students to practice their English speaking skills using ChatGPT. Not many people can afford daily conversation classes, but using AI you can now practise speaking English regularly. Even better it’s free!
Using voice mode, ChatGPT can now listen to you and respond in real time, making it an incredibly effective tool for practicing spoken English, or any language.
Learn Everyday English Idioms- A Can of Worms
Today we’re looking at another everyday English idiom - can of worms. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where trying to solve one problem only leads to a whole lot of other problems, then you’ve probably opened a can of worms.
Let’s look at its meaning and how to use this idiom in your English conversations.
Mastering English Collocations with the Word 'Question'
If you’ve ever wondered how to sound more natural in English, one of the best things you can do is learn collocations—words that naturally go together. Today, let’s talk about collocations with the word question. Pressing questions, rhetorical questions, dodging questions and more1 These phrases will help you express yourself more fluently and confidently in both speaking and writing.
Learn Phrasal Verbs With ‘Check’
Phrasal verbs are a brilliant way to make your English sound more natural and conversational. Today I’ve got a quick guide to some common phrasal verbs with the word ‘check,’ including their meanings, and examples to help you use them confidently. Some of these English phrasal verbs have multiple meanings, so check them out!
Advanced English Vocabulary for Talking About Money and Personal Finances
Talking about money and personal finances in English requires a strong grasp of vocabulary to articulate your thoughts clearly and accurately. In this blog post, we’ll explore advanced English adjectives, verbs, nouns, and phrases to help you discuss financial topics with confidence.
Oh Bollocks! : How to swear in British English
Swearing in British English can be quite an art form—often combining humour, sarcasm, and just enough cheekiness to keep things interesting. The swear word bollocks is a prime example of this, so let’s have a look at what this classic British swear word means, where it comes from, and—most importantly—how you can use it (with plenty of examples, of course).
Learn 20 English Collocations with ‘Family’
Many of us, all over the world gather with family during December and January. Perhaps you’ve just celebrated a family Christmas or a New Year’s Dinner with your loved ones, or maybe you’re preparing for Lunar New Year and a chance to catch up with more distant relatives. Today I’ve got a useful list of English collocations with the word family, along with their meanings and example sentences.
8 English Idioms For Talking About Your Goals
Hey everyone and happy New Year! As English learners, you might be setting fresh goals for the year ahead—like improving your English listening skills, expanding your English vocabulary, or becoming more confident in your English conversations. These goals can feel challenging, but having a few idioms in your toolkit will give you the language to express yourself and speak about your plans and intentions fluently. Today I’ve got 8 English idioms you can use to talk about your goals.
9 Tips for Achieving Your English Learning Goals in 2025
As we move into a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on your English learning journey and set yourself some personal goals for 2025. Whether you're looking to improve your fluency, expand your vocabulary, or master advanced grammar, setting clear goals can help keep you motivated and on track.
So, with that in mind, here are 9 practical steps and tips to help you achieve your English learning goals in the year ahead.
English Word of the Day - Chaotic
Advanced English Vocabulary for Everyday Life- In this blog post, we’ll look at the definition of the English adjective chaotic, explore its synonyms and antonyms, share real-life examples of how to use this word in sentences and offer practical tips to help you talk about those hectic moments that we all encounter. Plus we look at an example of the word from the recent news.
10 Phrasal Verbs for Talking About the New Year in English (2025 Edition)
As one year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the past twelve months while dreaming of fresh starts and new possibilities. Whether you’re celebrating achievements from 2024 or planning your intentions for 2025, here are ten phrasal verbs that will help you talk about your goals, ambitions, and reflections in English with confidence!
10 Must Watch British Christmas Movies To Boost Your English
My Very British English Christmas Movie Recommendations With Trailers.
Few things capture the magic of the festive season quite like a good Christmas film. The following 10 festive movie recommendations (including a few of my absolute favourites!) will help you to fine-tune your English listening skills, expose you to a variety of British English accents and give you the chance to learn a bit about British Christmas traditions and culture.
How to Start a Conversation with a Stranger in English: 10 Tips You Need to Know
Starting a conversation with a stranger can feel a bit daunting, can’t it? Even more so if English isn’t your first language!
If you’re looking to improve your confidence and connect more easily with others, these 10 tips will help you master the art of starting conversations in English.
10 Phrasal Verbs for Talking About Advice in English
When discussing advice in English, phrasal verbs are an excellent way to sound more natural and conversational. These versatile expressions combine a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a meaning that is often different from the individual words. Here’s a guide to some of the most useful phrasal verbs for talking about giving, receiving, and acting on advice.
How to Use the Idiom ‘Take Something with a Pinch of Salt’ in English
Have you ever received advice or information that seemed a little... questionable? Maybe a friend swore by a bizarre life hack, or you read a too-good-to-be-true tip online. In moments like these, English speakers often use the idiom ‘take something with a pinch of salt’ to express healthy skepticism. Let’s explore what this idiom means, how to use it, and some common examples to help you sound more natural in English conversations.
Using Advice vs. Advise in English: A Simple Guide
If you're an English learner, you’ve likely come across the words ‘advice’ and ‘advise’ and wondered if they’re the same thing. Although they look similar, their meanings and usage are different. In this blog post, I'll break down the difference between these two words and show you how to use them correctly in your writing and conversations.
Ways to give advice in English- 5 useful phrases
Struggling to find the right words to give advice in English ?
Here are five easy and natural expressions you can use to give advice in English—gently and effectively. Plus, I'll share tips for when to use them and how to make your advice sound even more supportive.
Talking about Christmas Traditions in British English
Christmas is a magical time of year in the UK, filled with traditions, festive gatherings, and a generous sprinkling of British charm. It’s a time for families and friends to come together, eat good food, exchange gifts, play board games, watch movies and have a few days off work.
Whether you're celebrating the holiday season in the UK or just want to expand your festive vocabulary, this guide will help you brush up on some common British Christmas traditions.
Learn 20 English Collocations With The Noun ‘Lie’
This week here on the blog, we’ve been looking at English language for talking about deceit, dishonesty and lies.
Enhancing your English fluency involves more than just vocabulary and grammar; it includes understanding how words naturally combine, known as collocations.
Today we’re going to explore 20 common collocations with the noun ‘lie'‘ and how to use them in everyday English.
Talking About Lies and Deceit in English: Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Lies and deceit are universal concepts, but English has a rich vocabulary to describe the shades of dishonesty, from small ‘white lies’ to outright deception. In this post, we’ll explore idioms, collocations, and phrases that you can use to discuss lies and deceit effectively in English.