Recent Posts
10 Essential English Collocations with Confidence
In my English conversation classes this week we’ve been talking about confidence and we explored some of the collocations that arise when discussing this topic.
Collocations are pairs or groups of words that frequently occur together, and mastering them can make your English sound more natural and fluent.
How to say you don’t understand something in English.
We’ve all been in situations where we need to ask a person to repeat, clarify or to explain what they are saying. Maybe they are speaking very quickly or using words we don’t understand. Perhaps they’re speaking quietly or just haven’t explained themselves very clearly.
I’ve come up with eight polite and effective ways to convey that you don't understand something in English.
Talking About Procrastination in English
Whether it's putting off a daunting work assignment, delaying a household chore, or postponing a personal project, we've all been guilty of procrastinating at some point. In this blog post, we will explore five expressions that capture the essence of procrastination, shedding light on the different ways we choose to delay tasks.
Learn 12 ways to say you’re hungry in English.
When it comes to expressing hunger in English, there are lots of fun and creative phrases that go beyond the basic "I'm hungry." In this blog post, we'll explore 12 interesting ways to say you're hungry that will add a bit of flavour and humour to your English.
Atomic Habits for learning English
This week, in classes and on social channels we’ve been looking at the subject of habits. In conversations a few students have mentioned the importance of James Clear’s groundbreaking book, Atomic Habits.
So, what’s all the fuss about?
Collocations for talking about habits in English.
This week in my English conversation classes, some of my students have been talking about cultivating good habits and kicking bad habits. In the process we have explored some collocations that are commonly used when talking about habits in English. These are a few of the phrases and expressions we came up with.
Free PDF - 30 Days of English Journaling Prompts
Need inspiration for starting your English journaling journey? Download my free pdf 30 Days of Journaling Prompts - Prompts to practise your English.
Have you ever considered keeping an English daily journal where you make a commitment to write in English once a day. It’s a habit that some of my students have developed and it needn’t take up much time!
English idioms about deception.
Have you ever encountered a wolf in sheep’s clothing or had the wool pulled over your eyes? This week in some of my classes we’ve been talking about scammers, con artists, deceipt and fraud. During the lessons students have explored different language for talking about the subject and the following idioms came up in our conversations.
English phrasal verbs with look
To Look Out For
To look out for means to watch for or be vigilant about something. It often implies keeping an eye on potential dangers or being alert to opportunities.
Example: We were warned to look out for pickpockets on the subway.
English idioms about failure.
Failure is an inevitable part of life, a universal experience that transcends cultures and languages. While it might not be the most pleasant topic to discuss, acknowledging and understanding failure is essential for personal growth and development. So, in this blog post, we'll delve into a set of idioms related to failure.
English phrasal verbs to talk about shopping.
In this blog post, we'll delve into some useful phrasal verbs related to shopping that will help you navigate the world of retail with confidence and fluency.
When you're out and about, "to pick up" doesn't mean to physically lift something. In the context of shopping, it means to buy or collect something, often casually and without extensive planning.
English idioms about knowledge.
The idiom "know the score" is a phrase that captures the idea of being well-informed about a situation or topic. When someone "knows the score," it means they understand the details and nuances involved.
Ways to talk about work-life balance in English
Work-life balance is a subject my students and I often talk about in their English conversation classes and while we may not have come up with a magic answer for achieving it in our lives , we have come up with some good ways to talk about the topic in English. The following expressions, idioms and vocabulary will equip you with some of the language needed to discuss work-life balance.
English phrasal verbs to talk about food and eating
Imagine you're starving after a long day of studying. What do you do? You "wolf down" your meal! This phrasal verb means to eat something quickly and greedily. So, the next time you're in a hurry or simply can't resist your favorite dish, you can use "wolf down" to describe how you ate.
Ways to talk about anger and frustration in English
In this blog post, we'll explore various ways to talk about getting angry and losing your temper in English, providing you with the tools to navigate emotional conversations with confidence.
English idioms about enthusiasm
Are you ready to add some zest and zeal to your English language skills? Today, we're diving into the world of English idioms that capture the essence of enthusiasm. There are example sentences included so you can see each idiom in use. Let’s get started.
Talking about the great British Summer in English.
Today, I want to look at a topic that holds a special place in the hearts of many Britons: the notorious British Summer weather! While England is known for its picturesque landscapes and historic charm, the weather can often be quite unpredictable and, well, a tad miserable. So, let's explore some key vocabulary and expressions related to the less-than-ideal weather you might encounter during your time in the United Kingdom.
8 Ways to say ‘No problem’ in English
Today I’ve got eight alternative expressions to say "no problem" in English. With these phrases you can communicate your willingness to help or assure others that their concerns are unnecessary.
Ways to talk about fear in English
In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of ways to talk about all sorts of fears in English. Whether you are afraid of speaking English in an interview or you have a phobia of spiders, there are a whole variety of terms that you can use to express your fear.
English Idioms for talking about money.
If you’re learning English, idioms are a fantastic way to sound more natural and fluent, plus understanding these idioms is key to truly grasping the nuances of the English language.
Today, we’re looking at some common money-related idioms that will not only expand your vocabulary but also help you understand how native speakers talk about finances. Whether you’re chatting about budgeting, splurging, or the cost of living, these idioms are incredibly useful. Let’s take a closer look at their meanings and how to use them in real life.