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Learn Idioms to Talk About Fear in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Learn Idioms to Talk About Fear in English

Ever felt so scared you ‘jumped out of your skin’? Or maybe someone ‘made your blood run cold’? English is full of idioms that capture the feeling of fear, shock, and those spine-tingling moments that really get to us. Whether you’re sharing a real experience, telling a story, or simply adding a bit more depth to your conversation, these expressions are a great way to capture and convey moments of fear. Let’s go through 7 idioms that are perfect for talking about fear in English

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8 Ways to Embrace Imperfection in Your English Journey
Jo Asker Jo Asker

8 Ways to Embrace Imperfection in Your English Journey

Learning English is a journey, not a destination. For many speakers of English as a second language, the pressure to be ‘perfect’ can create unnecessary stress, especially when it comes to speaking. But here’s the thing: it’s okay not to speak perfectly! In fact, embracing imperfection can lead to greater progress and confidence. Here are eight ways to embrace imperfection in your English journey.

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Mastering the Art of the Apology in English: 13 Collocations You Need to Know
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Mastering the Art of the Apology in English: 13 Collocations You Need to Know

In English, apologies come in all shapes and sizes—there’s no one-size-fits-all way to say ‘sorry.’ Whether you’ve made a mistake, someone expects an apology from you, or you’re navigating a public mishap, knowing the right language for each situation makes all the difference.

Let’s look at some key collocations with ‘apology’ to help you communicate more confidently and naturally in English.

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How to Use ‘Sorry’ in British English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to Use ‘Sorry’ in British English

Did you know that the average Brit uses the word ‘sorry’ around 8 times a day?

In English, particularly in British English, we use the word ‘sorry’ in many ways that go beyond a simple apology. Whether we’re late, in someone’s way, or simply trying to ask for help, ‘sorry’ slips into our sentences almost automatically.

But why do we say it so much, and what are the different ways we use this little word in everyday life?

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Mastering English Collocations: Talking About Boundaries
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Mastering English Collocations: Talking About Boundaries

Boundaries are essential in life and relationships. They define limits, ensure mutual respect, and help us communicate clearly. Whether you're navigating personal relationships or discussing professional limits, knowing how to talk about boundaries in English is a valuable skill. In this post, we’ll explore some common collocations with the word “boundary” to help you express yourself more naturally and confidently.

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How to Politely Set Boundaries in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to Politely Set Boundaries in English

As a speaker of English as a second+ language, setting boundaries politely can sometimes feel challenging. Expressing your needs clearly is an essential communication skill, whether in personal or professional situations. Here are some helpful tips and examples to guide you in setting boundaries with kindness and confidence, all while practicing your English communication skills.

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How to Talk About Self-Care in English: 10 Phrasal Verbs
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to Talk About Self-Care in English: 10 Phrasal Verbs

Self-care is more than a buzzword—it’s a vital practice for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In English, there are many ways to talk about self-care, and phrasal verbs are a great tool to express this.

Whether you're discussing your relaxation techniques or sharing how you prioritise mental health, this post will equip you with the phrasal verbs needed to talk about self-care confidently and effectively in English .

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English Listening Practice- Goodbye Summer
Jo Asker Jo Asker

English Listening Practice- Goodbye Summer

Today's video is a bit different from my usual Sunday English lesson, as I thought I'd catch up with you after being away for a few weeks. Plus there's a little peek at some video from my recent family holiday in St. Ives, Cornwall. Plus there's a free PDF for you to download.

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Master English Conversation Skills  With A Short Story
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Master English Conversation Skills  With A Short Story

Meet Sophia and Gabriela as they navigate the art of small talk—a skill that’s essential for building connections and feeling at ease in any English-speaking environment. This story is designed to help you practice English listening, pick up natural conversational phrases, and learn how to effortlessly speak English in everyday conversations.

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14 English Phrasal Verbs for Productivity
Jo Asker Jo Asker

14 English Phrasal Verbs for Productivity

Today, we’re exploring 14 essential English phrasal verbs that can help you speak fluently about productivity in both your professional and personal life.

From sorting out to following up and breaking things down, I've got all the phrasal verbs you need to learn plus there's a free PDF.

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10 ways to give encouragement in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

10 ways to give encouragement in English

Do you stand on the sidelines, cheering on your family and friends with words of encouragement just when they need it most? If so, today's English lesson is perfect for you. We ‘re learning some positive phrases and words of encouragement to support, motivate, and uplift the people around you. These phrases are ideal for making meaningful connections in your everyday English conversations.

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Talking about Positivity and Optimism in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Talking about Positivity and Optimism in English

Welcome to another English lesson! Today, we're looking at talking about the subject of positivity and optimism in English —how to discuss it, express it, and even a bit about the concept of toxic positivity. You’ll find all the English vocabulary, collocations, expressions and phrasal verbs that you need to start having English conversations about positivity.

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Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Making Phone Calls in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Making Phone Calls in English

In today's English lesson, we're going to explore phrasal verbs related to making phone calls. We'll define each verb and provide examples of their usage. Plus there’s a little story at the end which incorporates all the English language that we’re looking at in this lesson. Mastering these phrasal verbs will hopefully help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English.

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Ways to Talk About Summer Holidays in English ☀️
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Ways to Talk About Summer Holidays in English ☀️

Discover essential English vocabulary for discussing Summer holidays! Whether you're planning a staycation, looking to unwind, or eager to catch some rays, this blog post provides ESL students with useful expressions and example sentences to enhance your conversational skills. Learn how to describe your Summer plans effectively and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. This guide is your go-to resource for mastering summer holiday vocabulary in English

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Essential British English vocabulary for living, working or studying in the UK
Jo Asker Jo Asker

Essential British English vocabulary for living, working or studying in the UK

Sunday English lesson- Watch the video and download your free PDF

Planning on visiting, working, or living in the UK? Navigating everyday British life can be a lot easier with the right phrases and vocabulary. In this blog post, we'll explore 35 essential English phrases that will help you not only survive but thrive in the UK.

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10 English Idioms with Clothes: What They Mean and How to Use Them
Jo Asker Jo Asker

10 English Idioms with Clothes: What They Mean and How to Use Them

In this blog we'll explore ten English idioms related to clothes. These idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations, so understanding them will enhance your fluency and comprehension. From filling someone’s shoes to wearing your heart on your sleeve, we’ll look at the meanings, example sentences and usages of these idioms.

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7 Practical Tips for Thinking in English to Enhance Your Fluency
Jo Asker Jo Asker

7 Practical Tips for Thinking in English to Enhance Your Fluency

Are you happy with your fluency in English? Today I’m sharing 7 practical tips on how to start thinking in English to boost your fluency. These tips will help you to stop translating in your head and train your brain to think in English. I also discuss the importance of habit formation in language learning and how introducing these habits into your daily life will make thinking in English come more easily.

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15 English phrasal verbs with turn
Jo Asker Jo Asker

15 English phrasal verbs with turn

In today’s English lesson, we’re looking at phrasal verbs with a focus on the word ‘turn.’ Phrasal verbs, a combination of a verb and one or more prepositions or adverbs, often carry meanings that can be challenging to decipher.

From turning up to turning around, turning down to turning out; let’s explore the meanings and look at some examples of these phrasal verbs in action.

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How to improve your conversation skills in English
Jo Asker Jo Asker

How to improve your conversation skills in English

Tips and tricks on how to become better at conversation in English as a foreign language. Today we're looking at a topic that's essential for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills in English: how to have better conversations. Whether you're a professional, a student, or just someone who loves to chat, these tips are designed to help you navigate your conversations with confidence and ease.

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