Recent Posts
English listening practice- Living with chronic illness
If want to practice your English listening skills then why not subscribe to my midweekly English vlog on YouTube.
In this week's vlog I'm talking about stepping out of my comfort zone (again!) and living with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
You can download a free pdf including a full transcript of the vlog with featured vocabulary including definitions and examples sentences.
English phrasal verbs with ‘hold’
Learn these English phrasal verbs with ‘hold’ including meanings and example sentences, plus scroll down to test your knowledge with a phrasal verb quiz.
Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but they are an essential part of mastering the English language. By understanding these phrases and seeing them in context, you'll be able to practice using them when communicating in English .
Learn English idioms for talking about secrets.
Today we’re looking at English idioms for talking about secrecy and discretion. You can use these expressions to talk about keeping secrets, accidentally revealing secrets and to describe secretive behaviours. I’ve included definitions and example sentences. Scroll down for a free pdf with a short quiz to test your knowledge of these English idioms.
English listening practice- My first ever vlog!
If want to practice your English listening skills then why not subscribe to my midweekly English vlog on YouTube.
This week I'm talking about working with English learners on italki, mental health, developing English language skills through conversation, and being a lifelong learner.
You can also download a free pdf including a full transcript of the vlog with vocabulary including definitions and examples sentences.
20 essential English collocations with ‘give’
Today we’re going to look at 20 English collocations with the word ‘give’ From giving someone a hand to giving evidence, learning these common collocations will help you to communicate clearly and confidently in English.
Learn English vocabulary for talking about exams and tests
Exams and tests: they're inevitable milestones in our academic and professional journeys, often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions ranging from nervousness to a massive sense of relief. Whether you're preparing for standardised tests like the IELTS, gearing up for university entrance exams, or even facing practical tests like a driving exam, having a grasp of the English language surrounding these assessments is crucial.
Learn English phrasal verbs with fall with meanings and examples
Today, we’re going to look at phrasal verbs centred around the word ‘fall’ that will enrich your English vocabulary and help you navigate everyday English conversations with ease. Phrasal verbs are common in everyday English language, making up a significant portion of colloquial speech and informal writing. By incorporating them into your active daily English you will be using language that reflects how native speakers communicate in real-life situations.
Learn English idioms for talking about problems
Recently we’ve been exploring the English language that we can use to speak about problems; collocations, phrasal verbs, vocabulary and so on. Today, continuing on this theme, we’re going to take a look at some of the idioms that frequently get used when talking about problems in English. As always, I’ve included definitions, plus example sentences so that you can try to introduce this idiomatic language into your conversations.
Ways to ask for help at work in English
Imagine this scenario: You're faced with a challenging task at work, and despite your best efforts, you're stuck. What do you do? How do you overcome the language barrier to seek assistance confidently?
Let's explore some useful English expressions to ask for help.
Learn English vocabulary for talking about rest and relaxation.
Are you always ‘rushed off your feet?’ (very busy)
Life can be hectic and sometimes, it’s necessary to slow down, recharge your batteries and get some rest. Today we’re looking at some English vocabulary you can use for talking about relaxation, including meanings and example sentences.
Learn 10 ways to say something is boring in English
Despite our attempts to live our best lives, sometimes life is dull, monotonous and a bit boring. Today we look at the difference between the adjectives ‘bored’ and ‘boring’ and explore some useful ways to say something is ‘boring’ in English. Read on for the synonyms, expressions and vocabulary to help you talk about boredom in English with meanings and example sentences.
Learn English phrasal verbs for talking about home organisation.
When talking about home organisation in English there are lots of useful phrasal verbs that can be used to describe the process. Whether you're decluttering a wardrobe or revamping your entire home, these essential English phrasal verbs will come in useful.
Learn English collocations with keep.
Today we’re going to try out some essential English collocations with the word ‘keep,’ exploring their definitions and looking at example sentences. Think about how you could use these collocations in your own life.
Learn English for talking about persuasion.
This week in one of my English conversation classes a student was talking about a book they had recently read called Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B Cialdini. During the class we explored some of the language that can be used for talking about talking about persuasion in English, including vocabulary, idioms and phrases.
Learn English idioms with colour - meanings and examples.
Familiarising yourself with idiomatic language when learning a second language is important because it enhances communication, deepens cultural understanding, improves comprehension and adds expressiveness to language use.
Today I’ve got a selection of English idioms with colour including their meanings and example sentences.
Learn English phrasal verbs with put.
Today we’re going to look at a list of phrasal verbs with ‘put,’ uncovering their meanings and providing examples and pictures.
While memorising them might seem daunting at first, regular practice and exposure to real-life contexts and conversations will gradually solidify your understanding.
English vocabulary and phrases for talking about friendship.
What do your friends mean to you? -Exploring the language we can use to talk about friendship in English
In one of my English conversation classes this week, a student spoke about the importance of her friendships explaining that for her, friendship is not just about sharing laughs and good times; it's about having someone to lean on when things get tough.
Learn English idioms related to the mind.
In my English conversation classes this week a student and I were talking about the importance of mindset and we explored some of the language that is used to talk about the mind more generally in English, including idioms. Have you ever been in two minds about something? Have you got anything on your mind at the moment? Read on, for more English idioms about the mind.
12 English idioms for talking about family.
English, like many other languages, is rich with idiomatic expressions that beautifully (and not so beautifully) capture the nuances of family relationships. In this blog post, we delve into some popular idioms used to talk about your nearest and dearest. See if any of them are relevant or could be used to talk about your own family. Surely every family has a few skeletons in the cupboard!
Learn English slang - late to the party.
Are you feeling like you're ‘late to the party’ when it comes to understanding English slang? Don't worry; you're not alone! Slang terms often pop up in conversations, movies, and social media, leaving many English learners feeling a bit lost. But fear not! Today, we're going to shed some light on one such phrase: ‘late to the party.’