Recent Posts
Ways to give advice in English- 5 useful phrases
Struggling to find the right words to give advice in English ?
Here are five easy and natural expressions you can use to give advice in English—gently and effectively. Plus, I'll share tips for when to use them and how to make your advice sound even more supportive.
Talking about Christmas Traditions in British English
Christmas is a magical time of year in the UK, filled with traditions, festive gatherings, and a generous sprinkling of British charm. It’s a time for families and friends to come together, eat good food, exchange gifts, play board games, watch movies and have a few days off work.
Whether you're celebrating the holiday season in the UK or just want to expand your festive vocabulary, this guide will help you brush up on some common British Christmas traditions.
Learn 20 English Collocations With The Noun ‘Lie’
This week here on the blog, we’ve been looking at English language for talking about deceit, dishonesty and lies.
Enhancing your English fluency involves more than just vocabulary and grammar; it includes understanding how words naturally combine, known as collocations.
Today we’re going to explore 20 common collocations with the noun ‘lie'‘ and how to use them in everyday English.
Talking About Lies and Deceit in English: Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Lies and deceit are universal concepts, but English has a rich vocabulary to describe the shades of dishonesty, from small ‘white lies’ to outright deception. In this post, we’ll explore idioms, collocations, and phrases that you can use to discuss lies and deceit effectively in English.
Talking About Fear in English: 8 Essential Phrasal Verbs
Fear is a universal emotion, and in the English language, there are many ways to express it, especially using phrasal verbs.
These phrasal verbs are invaluable for communicating those nerve-wracking moments in everyday language, giving you the precise words to convey what you're feeling. Below, we’ll explore eight useful phrasal verbs for talking about fear, complete with definitions and examples to help you put them to use confidently.
Learn Idioms to Talk About Fear in English
Ever felt so scared you ‘jumped out of your skin’? Or maybe someone ‘made your blood run cold’? English is full of idioms that capture the feeling of fear, shock, and those spine-tingling moments that really get to us. Whether you’re sharing a real experience, telling a story, or simply adding a bit more depth to your conversation, these expressions are a great way to capture and convey moments of fear. Let’s go through 7 idioms that are perfect for talking about fear in English
8 Ways to Embrace Imperfection in Your English Journey
Learning English is a journey, not a destination. For many speakers of English as a second language, the pressure to be ‘perfect’ can create unnecessary stress, especially when it comes to speaking. But here’s the thing: it’s okay not to speak perfectly! In fact, embracing imperfection can lead to greater progress and confidence. Here are eight ways to embrace imperfection in your English journey.
Mastering the Art of the Apology in English: 13 Collocations You Need to Know
In English, apologies come in all shapes and sizes—there’s no one-size-fits-all way to say ‘sorry.’ Whether you’ve made a mistake, someone expects an apology from you, or you’re navigating a public mishap, knowing the right language for each situation makes all the difference.
Let’s look at some key collocations with ‘apology’ to help you communicate more confidently and naturally in English.
How to Use ‘Sorry’ in British English
Did you know that the average Brit uses the word ‘sorry’ around 8 times a day?
In English, particularly in British English, we use the word ‘sorry’ in many ways that go beyond a simple apology. Whether we’re late, in someone’s way, or simply trying to ask for help, ‘sorry’ slips into our sentences almost automatically.
But why do we say it so much, and what are the different ways we use this little word in everyday life?
How to Complain Effectively and Politely in English
In this blog post, I’ll give you some useful phrases and tips for complaining politely and effectively in English. I'll also share a few British cultural insights about how to handle complaints like a pro.
Mastering English Collocations: Talking About Boundaries
Boundaries are essential in life and relationships. They define limits, ensure mutual respect, and help us communicate clearly. Whether you're navigating personal relationships or discussing professional limits, knowing how to talk about boundaries in English is a valuable skill. In this post, we’ll explore some common collocations with the word “boundary” to help you express yourself more naturally and confidently.
How to Politely Set Boundaries in English
As a speaker of English as a second+ language, setting boundaries politely can sometimes feel challenging. Expressing your needs clearly is an essential communication skill, whether in personal or professional situations. Here are some helpful tips and examples to guide you in setting boundaries with kindness and confidence, all while practicing your English communication skills.
How to Talk About Self-Care in English: 10 Phrasal Verbs
Self-care is more than a buzzword—it’s a vital practice for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In English, there are many ways to talk about self-care, and phrasal verbs are a great tool to express this.
Whether you're discussing your relaxation techniques or sharing how you prioritise mental health, this post will equip you with the phrasal verbs needed to talk about self-care confidently and effectively in English .
English Listening Practice- Goodbye Summer
Today's video is a bit different from my usual Sunday English lesson, as I thought I'd catch up with you after being away for a few weeks. Plus there's a little peek at some video from my recent family holiday in St. Ives, Cornwall. Plus there's a free PDF for you to download.
Master English Conversation Skills With A Short Story
Meet Sophia and Gabriela as they navigate the art of small talk—a skill that’s essential for building connections and feeling at ease in any English-speaking environment. This story is designed to help you practice English listening, pick up natural conversational phrases, and learn how to effortlessly speak English in everyday conversations.
14 English Phrasal Verbs for Productivity
Today, we’re exploring 14 essential English phrasal verbs that can help you speak fluently about productivity in both your professional and personal life.
From sorting out to following up and breaking things down, I've got all the phrasal verbs you need to learn plus there's a free PDF.
10 ways to give encouragement in English
Do you stand on the sidelines, cheering on your family and friends with words of encouragement just when they need it most? If so, today's English lesson is perfect for you. We ‘re learning some positive phrases and words of encouragement to support, motivate, and uplift the people around you. These phrases are ideal for making meaningful connections in your everyday English conversations.
Talking about Positivity and Optimism in English
Welcome to another English lesson! Today, we're looking at talking about the subject of positivity and optimism in English —how to discuss it, express it, and even a bit about the concept of toxic positivity. You’ll find all the English vocabulary, collocations, expressions and phrasal verbs that you need to start having English conversations about positivity.
Mastering Phrasal Verbs for Making Phone Calls in English
In today's English lesson, we're going to explore phrasal verbs related to making phone calls. We'll define each verb and provide examples of their usage. Plus there’s a little story at the end which incorporates all the English language that we’re looking at in this lesson. Mastering these phrasal verbs will hopefully help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English.
Ways to Talk About Summer Holidays in English ☀️
Discover essential English vocabulary for discussing Summer holidays! Whether you're planning a staycation, looking to unwind, or eager to catch some rays, this blog post provides ESL students with useful expressions and example sentences to enhance your conversational skills. Learn how to describe your Summer plans effectively and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. This guide is your go-to resource for mastering summer holiday vocabulary in English