Recent Posts
How to sound polite in English
Do you ever worry about being polite when you're speaking English? Do you worry about making a good first impression? Today I’ve got a video and a free PDF download with 5 essential tips for sounding polite when you speak English. These tips will help you navigate any professional or social setting with confidence and ease.
Learn common English phrasal verbs with run
When learning English, mastering phrasal verbs can significantly boost your confidence and effectiveness in communication. Let's explore the following everyday phrasal verbs with run: to run over, to run after, to run out of, to run through, to run away, to run into, and to run up. We'll define each one and provide examples to help you use them effortlessly in your English conversations.
Common English idioms with tea.
Have you ever heard of the English idiom ‘a storm in a teacup?’ Today, we're looking at some commonly used English idioms that feature a popular British beverage: tea. We’re going to start with a modern idiom ‘spilling the tea’ and finish with one of my favourites, ‘as useful as a chocolate teapot.’
Negative adjectives to describe people in English
Think of a dreadful character in a TV show or book. How would you describe them in English? Arrogant? Aggressive? Vindictive? Bigoted?
Describing people in English is a common part of communication, whether you're talking about someone you've met or discussing fictional characters. Today, we'll look at some negative English adjectives and explore their meanings with example sentences.
9 English phrases I use every day
This week’s YouTube English lesson is about 9 easy English phrases that I use on a daily basis. I use these expressions with my kids, with friends, at work and with complete strangers. Try including one or two of them in your next English conversation.
English listening practice- Living with chronic illness
If want to practice your English listening skills then why not subscribe to my midweekly English vlog on YouTube.
In this week's vlog I'm talking about stepping out of my comfort zone (again!) and living with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
You can download a free pdf including a full transcript of the vlog with featured vocabulary including definitions and examples sentences.
English phrasal verbs with ‘hold’
Learn these English phrasal verbs with ‘hold’ including meanings and example sentences, plus scroll down to test your knowledge with a phrasal verb quiz.
Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but they are an essential part of mastering the English language. By understanding these phrases and seeing them in context, you'll be able to practice using them when communicating in English .
Learn English idioms for talking about secrets.
Today we’re looking at English idioms for talking about secrecy and discretion. You can use these expressions to talk about keeping secrets, accidentally revealing secrets and to describe secretive behaviours. I’ve included definitions and example sentences. Scroll down for a free pdf with a short quiz to test your knowledge of these English idioms.
English listening practice- My first ever vlog!
If want to practice your English listening skills then why not subscribe to my midweekly English vlog on YouTube.
This week I'm talking about working with English learners on italki, mental health, developing English language skills through conversation, and being a lifelong learner.
You can also download a free pdf including a full transcript of the vlog with vocabulary including definitions and examples sentences.
20 essential English collocations with ‘give’
Today we’re going to look at 20 English collocations with the word ‘give’ From giving someone a hand to giving evidence, learning these common collocations will help you to communicate clearly and confidently in English.
Learn English vocabulary for talking about exams and tests
Exams and tests: they're inevitable milestones in our academic and professional journeys, often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions ranging from nervousness to a massive sense of relief. Whether you're preparing for standardised tests like the IELTS, gearing up for university entrance exams, or even facing practical tests like a driving exam, having a grasp of the English language surrounding these assessments is crucial.
Learn English phrasal verbs with fall with meanings and examples
Today, we’re going to look at phrasal verbs centred around the word ‘fall’ that will enrich your English vocabulary and help you navigate everyday English conversations with ease. Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English language, making up a significant portion of colloquial speech and informal writing. By incorporating them into your active daily English you will be using language that reflects how native speakers communicate in real-life situations.
Learn English idioms for talking about problems
Recently we’ve been exploring the English language that we can use to speak about problems; collocations, phrasal verbs, vocabulary and so on. Today, continuing on this theme, we’re going to take a look at some of the idioms that frequently get used when talking about problems in English. As always, I’ve included definitions, plus example sentences so that you can try to introduce this idiomatic language into your conversations.
Ways to ask for help at work in English
Imagine this scenario: You're faced with a challenging task at work, and despite your best efforts, you're stuck. What do you do? How do you overcome the language barrier to seek assistance confidently?
Let's explore some useful English expressions to ask for help.
Learn English vocabulary for talking about rest and relaxation.
Are you always ‘rushed off your feet?’ (very busy)
Life can be hectic and sometimes, it’s necessary to slow down, recharge your batteries and get some rest. Today we’re looking at some English vocabulary you can use for talking about relaxation, including meanings and example sentences.
Learn 10 ways to say something is boring in English
Despite our attempts to live our best lives, sometimes life is dull, monotonous and a bit boring. Today we look at the difference between the adjectives ‘bored’ and ‘boring’ and explore some useful ways to say something is ‘boring’ in English. Read on for the synonyms, expressions and vocabulary to help you talk about boredom in English with meanings and example sentences.
Learn English phrasal verbs for talking about home organisation.
When talking about home organisation in English there are lots of useful phrasal verbs that can be used to describe the process. Whether you're decluttering a wardrobe or revamping your entire home, these essential English phrasal verbs will come in useful.
Learn English collocations with keep.
Today we’re going to try out some essential English collocations with the word ‘keep,’ exploring their definitions and looking at example sentences. Think about how you could use these collocations in your own life.
Learn English for talking about persuasion.
This week in one of my English conversation classes a student was talking about a book they had recently read called Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B Cialdini. During the class we explored some of the language that can be used for talking about talking about persuasion in English, including vocabulary, idioms and phrases.
Learn English idioms with colour - meanings and examples.
Familiarising yourself with idiomatic language when learning a second language is important because it enhances communication, deepens cultural understanding, improves comprehension and adds expressiveness to language use.
Today I’ve got a selection of English idioms with colour including their meanings and example sentences.