Archive for 'English Language'
Animal Idioms Posted by Gabriele on Mar 8, 2012
Today we are going to take another look at a group of idioms that are all related around a theme. This time the theme is: animals. When you look at the phrases below you may ask yourself, “Who created these idioms anyway?” Well, idioms usually start out as simple metaphors that enter mainstream vocabulary after…
Opposites in English Posted by heather on Mar 7, 2012
Some Opposites by Richard Wilbur What is the opposite of riot? It is lots of people keeping quiet. The opposite of doughnut? Wait A minute while I meditate This isn’t easy. Ah! I’ve found it. It’s a cookie with a hole around it. What is the opposite of two? A lonely me,a lonely you. The…
Expressing Quantity with Count and Non-count Nouns Posted by Gabriele on Mar 6, 2012
In my last two previous posts I gave an introduction into the difference between count and non-count nouns and discussed some exceptions to the rules regarding these types of nouns. Today I am going to review what adjectives to use to express quantity based on whether a noun is count or non-count. Like articles (the…
Count and Non-Count Nouns: The Exception to the -s Posted by Gabriele on Mar 5, 2012
Yesterday, I began a discussion and presented an overview of count versus non-count nouns. Today I’m going to tell you about some exceptions to the rules I presented yesterday. There are almost always exceptions to the rules! Certain nouns in English can be both count and non-count nouns and when they are, they have both…
Crossing Paths with a Pigeon Posted by heather on Mar 3, 2012
This week I am in the United Kingdom for a small trip. Today I had a meeting in central London and took the opportunity after the meeting to do a bit of shopping and wandering around with a friend. When we were done, we headed back to the station to catch our train back home…
Bored vs. Boring Posted by Gabriele on Mar 1, 2012
A very common error I often hear ESL speakers commit is the misuse of the words “bored” and “boring.” These two words are homophones. Unfortunately, when you misuse or interchange one of these words for the other there is a big difference in meaning! When you say someone or something is “boring” you are saying…
Comprehension Practice: Being a Member of a Club Posted by heather on Feb 29, 2012
Yesterday evening I attended a meeting of a photography club that I am a member of. I thought it would be a good example to use for practising your English comprehension (the action or capability of understanding something), so I have included a mini-story about the evening with some questions at the end. I have…