English Language Blog

The Hobbit as English Literature Posted by gary on Sep 21, 2017

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. The Hobbit On September 21, 1937, a book was published which would have a profound and lasting effect on popular culture. It spawned other books by the same author, books about those books by scholars and fans, and an astonishing series of films. More importantly,…

Back to School in the USA Posted by sasha on Sep 20, 2017

Summer is officially over, as we move into fall. For students all across the US, September is the month they go back to school. This is an exciting time of the year. They start a new grade, meet new teachers, get new books, and get to know new classmates. There are also quite a few…

English Expressions of Sympathy Posted by gary on Sep 15, 2017

We’ve all been there. Someone you know is having a tough time. They are sad, or distressed, or even depressed. You want to say something to make them know that you care, but it can be awkward. What are the right words? Here are some expressions of sympathy and empathy for those moments when words…

Writing About Time in English Posted by gary on Sep 7, 2017

I’m sure that you know how to tell time, but do you know all the ways that time can be written out on a page? What’s the preferred method? And what does GMT, and a.m. and p.m. mean, anyway? Many years ago, I was a radio announcer. At least twice every hour that I was…

What is Syntax? Posted by gary on Aug 31, 2017

“When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not.” The way you order your words when you speak or write is important. You want everyone to understand you. When Yoda, of Star Wars fame, speaks it isn’t always easy to instantly comprehend his meaning because his syntax is a bit odd.…