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 Locke 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 Locke 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 Locke 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…
Midwest Road Trip Video Posted by sasha on Aug 30, 2017
The American Midwest is a great place to travel. You can admire the architecture in Chicago, sample the beer in Milwaukee, explore the new look of downtown Detroit, and learn all about rock and roll in Cleveland. Join us on a Midwest road trip video tour to see it all. See these four cities and…
The English Village (and Other Places) Posted by Gary Locke on Aug 23, 2017
Do you live in a town, a township, a village, or a city? In English, we have different names for our communities, but what distinguishes one from another? And what is so special about those English villages, anyway? The Community Let’s start by defining a community. To live in a community is to live within…
Midwest Road Trip Posted by sasha on Aug 14, 2017
There are some things that are distinctly American – apple pie, baseball games, and road trips. There’s just something about getting in your car and cruising the land of the brave and free that Americans love. We’ve already taken a few road trips here – one on the west coast, another on the east, and…