This post is based on a comment I made on a post on Google+. ‘Each’ and ‘every’ can be difficult to use as determiners. Here is a quick guide to help you. Each has to be used with the singular form of a verb or ‘(one) of’ with plurals. It can be used with two … [Read more…]
Today’s podcast is about hedging. Sometimes you want to make your opinion sound weaker than it really is. Listen for some examples of how to do it. 20140416 Hedging The podcast is also available in the iTunes Store by searching for Get Great English or clicking here.
Modal verbs cause students a lot of problems. In this post, I hope to make them a lot clearer for you. There are other modal verbs not included in today’s post. I’ll write about them next week. Shall and Should ‘Shall’ is used to talk about the future. It is used to talk about yourself … [Read more…]
When you are shopping for clothes you need to see if they fit properly. To do this say, “Can I try this/these on?” to the shop assistant. Whether you use ‘this’ or ‘these’ depends on if there is more than one. If there is more than one, say ‘these’. Remember that trousers/pants/jeans/etc. are talked about … [Read more…]
I love running and maybe some of you do to. Here are some links to some websites about running in English. Competitor Is about running and covers training, nutrition and shoes and equipment. Running Times is the website of a popular running magazine. There are stories about running as well as tips.
There are other things in life. You may have a job, several interesting hobbies, a social life. Many of these things are more interesting than studying English most of the time. Do you want to be great? It doesn’t just happen to you. How much your English improves depends on how much time you put … [Read more…]
In section VI or VII of the TOEIC test there is often a reading passage which is an advertisement or a piece of business communication to the public. One problem that students in non-English speaking countries have is not being able to find these resources easily. Today, Get Great English comes to the rescue with … [Read more…]
Today’s podcast is about changing the subject. This will help you carry on talking but avoid subjects that you don’t want to talk about. 20140409 Changing The Subject The podcast is also available in the iTunes Store by searching for Get Great English or clicking here.
There are so many verbs of speech and so many ways to make mistakes with them. Here, I’ll look at some different examples. Say This should be easy. Say is often used as said. In direct speech it is PERSON/PEOPLE + said(and comma) + “whatever they said.” Example: He said, “It will rain tomorrow.” It … [Read more…]
Have you ever wondered what characters are talking about when you are watching TV shows or films, when they say things that don’t seem to match the rest of the script. There’s a high chance that it’s a cultural reference. Here are some examples: “Here’s looking at you kid!” Casablanca “Use the force, Luke.” Star … [Read more…]