Hi guys! What have you been up to? Learning a foreign language requires constant practice and study. Keeping in touch with the language in some way is essential for developing listening, speaking, writing and reading skills. Whatever method you use, from being enrolled in a class to self-study, communication in a foreign language only works if you are willing to take risks! Having studies and learning in mind, we gathered here some terms and idioms related to this process in various contexts. After all, talking about our experiences always helps. Let’s go over them?

TO LOOK UP  – to check a dictionary or search for information

• The teacher recommended downloading a dictionary app to look up new words.
• It was a lot easier to understand the article I was reading once I looked up the meaning of words I didn’t know.

TO PICK UP – to learn without effort

Let’s talk about learning! (Image by StockSnap from Pixabay)

• I personally think that watching films and TV shows is best way to pick up new vocabulary.
• Since Jenny was living in Paris, it was easy for her to pick up French.

TO MAKE OUT – to understand and identify certain terms

• Whenever I speak to my Australian friend, I find it difficult to make out what he is saying.
• It is not easy to make out what native speakers say sometimes if they talk too fast.

TO FALL BEHIND – not to make any progress 

• Unless you stop missing classes like this you will end up falling behind.
• I try to go over my notes every night so I won’t fall behind on my studies.

• TO KEEP UP (WITH) – to be on the same level

• If you are struggling to keep up with your classmates, maybe you should consider switching groups.
• It is challenging to keep up with this new teacher, he talks too much.

TO CATCH UP WITH  – to make up for lost content

• I couldn’t come to class last week, so I borrowed Lucy’s notes to catch up on what I missed.
• Tony hasn’t studied English for two years, so now he is trying to catch up.

TO GO OVER – to discuss a certain topic, to review 

• Do you mind going over my essay to check for any mistakes?
• Make sure to go over your assignments for any grammar or spelling mistakes before you hand it in to me.
• Last class, we went over the past tense in Spanish, now we are moving on to the future tense.

TO BRUSH UP (ON) – to practice, to improve

• Marcela wants to go on an exchange program to brush up on her English.
  
• I feel like I am good at writing and reading, but it’s time to brush up on my speaking skills.

TO HAND IN/ TURN IN –  to return to your teacher 

• The students are supposed to hand in their assignments before class is over.
• Okay, class. Time is up, turn in your exams.
• Oh no! I forgot to hand in my essay. Do you think the teacher will take it by e-mail?

TO WRITE DOWN – to write or record

• It is important to write down any new words so you can look them up later.
• These terms are very useful, so make sure to write them down!

Keep up the good work, everyone!