Tag Archives: ESL
What Did You Say? Posted by Gary Locke on Feb 17, 2022
You’ve been learning English for a while, and you feel pretty good about your progress. Then, one day, you’re talking with a native speaker, and you didn’t quite understand something you heard. This happens frequently. Don’t worry about it. But, how do you respond? One of the great, and annoying, things about English is that…
The Rules of Capitalization Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 23, 2021
We’re living in a time when it sometimes seems that the standard rules in English no longer apply. Whether it’s in texts, social media posts, or emails, English basics are being ignored. This is especially true for how and when to use capital letters, also known as the upper case of a letter. I know…
Ways to Say You Don’t Understand Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 10, 2020
In English, when you are presented with something that you don’t understand the most normal thing to do is tell someone, “I don’t understand.” Or, “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.” However, we have lots of ways to express that same feeling. And, depending on the situation, another expression may be more suitable. Whenever a…
Top 10 English Blogs of 2017 Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 28, 2017
2017 was a busy year for us at the English Language Blog. We covered a wide range of topics from studies of literary figures like Agatha Christie and Henry David Thoreau to the vocabulary of spies and how to properly write about time. Still, what we always like to know is what you wanted…
This is JEOPARDY!® Posted by Gary Locke on May 18, 2017
In the history of American television there has never been anything quite like the continuing phenomenon that is Jeopardy®. This brainy, yet seemingly simple game show is a cultural institution in the United States. It is also a marvelous way for students of English to test themselves. The show began as the brainchild of entertainer…
Texas State Capitol Tour Posted by sasha on Mar 6, 2017
The great American city of Austin is the capital of Texas. Famous for its live music, BBQ, and being weird, it’s also home to the state’s government. Visitors can take a free tour of the Texas State Capitol to learn more about the state’s history and government. See what the State Capitol looks like in…
When Should You Use a Hyphen? Posted by Gary Locke on Oct 21, 2016
Let’s now discuss one of the most problematic issues in English grammar: When is the right time to hyphenate a word? This is problematic because most of the rules surrounding the use of hyphens aren’t absolute. Many grammarians use the words, usually and typically when describing situations which call for the use of hyphens. A…