Archive for 'English Vocabulary'
Do you want a shot? Posted by carol on Apr 30, 2021
What’s up, guys? If there’s one thing we can’t stop talking about since the beginning of the year, it’s the vaccines. A lot of people must be wondering when they might be getting their first shot and long they should wait in between shots. But since mass vaccination might still be a while, let’s change…
The Vocabulary of Mysteries Posted by Gary Locke on Apr 29, 2021
There is nothing quite so satisfying as a good mystery. Peel back all the layers of the story, from the crime to the suspects, to the motive, to the various clues, and you have the answers that you’ve been seeking since page one. Add to this the fascinating characters who solve the crimes, whether they…
English Words and Phrases for the Library Posted by Gary Locke on Apr 8, 2021
Surround me with books! Fill my head with knowledge, enrich my life with imagination, improve me with wisdom! Take me to the Library! As a child, I was extremely fortunate to live just up the street from a small library. It only had a few rooms, but it was always an adventure to walk there…
English Phrases from Baseball Posted by Gary Locke on Mar 31, 2021
I probably spend too much time referencing baseball in this blog. After all, this is a page devoted to helping you learn and understand the English language. However, American English is filled with words and phrases which come directly from baseball. It has been called the national pastime for a reason. Even if you know…
English Idioms for the Spring Posted by Gary Locke on Mar 25, 2021
Spring has sprung, as we say in English. We have been saying for weeks that spring is just around the corner. And now the astronomical spring, also known as the Vernal equinox, when the sun crossed the celestial equator going north. For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, this was the Autumnal equinox, and…
Talking About Death in English Posted by Gary Locke on Mar 11, 2021
People don’t want to talk about death. It’s a difficult thing to discuss, but there are times when we must. It’s especially hard for those who find themselves in a conversation that is not in their native language. No one wants to say the wrong thing in even the simplest situation. There is nothing simple…
Have a perfect future with the future perfect Posted by carol on Jan 29, 2021
Good morning, dear readers! January is drawing to an end and many of the questions and uncertainties from the previous year still haven’t been answered. My favorite discussion topic for this month, New Year’s Resolutions, ended up falling flat, as none of my friends or students were really eager to make any plans for the…