Archive for 'English Vocabulary'
Business E-mailing in English Posted by Gabriele on Jan 12, 2016
We live in an electronic world, in which we have to send a lot of electronic mail, or e-mail. So, let’s take a look at appropriate language for e-mailing in English for business purposes. Casual e-mails to friends do not need to be this formal, but putting your best foot forward* electronically in business situations…
English nicknames based on appearance and personality Posted by Gabriele on Dec 29, 2015
In English, like in other languages, we have some commonly used nicknames for people that are based on how people look or act. These aren’t unique nicknames, like those people acquire from their family or friends, based on their individual characteristics. Instead these are general nicknames that can be applied to anyone with similar physical…
Which is English: Just Deserts vs. Just Desserts Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 17, 2015
Native speakers make mistakes, too, and sometimes those mistakes are painfully obvious to learners of that language! Of course learners tend to know the grammar of the language better than natives, while natives tend to have the advantage in pronunciation. There are, however, times when the language itself seems to be doing its best to…
An intro to universities (English vocabulary) Posted by Gabriele on Dec 15, 2015
Many of you reading this blog are studying at universities or are hoping to attend a university in the future. So, today we are going to look at some important vocabulary related to the people you will see and meet at a university. Let’s start by looking at the words ‘university’ and ‘college.’ These two…
Know Your Wonga – British and American Slang Terms for Money Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 10, 2015
How many slang expressions for money do you know? It turns out there are dozens, and many of them have a fascinating back story. These illustrations, made from actual money by Go Compare and Art Money, capture the origins of these terms in vivid detail. Check out the images and learn how to use these phrases for yourself. 1. Brass Northern English slang…
Expressing your anger in English Posted by Gabriele on Dec 8, 2015
Nothing is worse than being really angry about something and not being able to express yourself and your anger; that is, not having the words to say what you want. Well, if that has ever happened to you while you were speaking English it shouldn’t happen again after you read this post. Today I am…
You’re fired! Posted by Gabriele on Nov 10, 2015
Before he started running for president of the United States, the billionaire Donald Trump had a television show called The Apprentice. In this show different professionals competed to be hired by and work for Donald Trump. Most of the people weren’t hired; in fact on a weekly basis someone was fired, on national television. The…