Everybody seems to think that interrupting people is rude. Maybe this is something learned when we are children, with our parents telling us, “Don’t interrupt when I’m talking.” Interrupting when it is unnecessary is rude but sometimes you simply must interrupt. Here are the ways to do it. Try to get someone’s attention visually. Sometimes … [Read more…]
Even if you don’t own an e-book reader (or ebook reader), you can still download free samples to your smartphone or your computer. Download the app and go shopping in the Kindle store or the Kobo store (search for your local store) and download free samples of books. You’ll need to sign up but if … [Read more…]
This week’s podcast is about asking for and giving directions. Why not practice by using and English tourist map of your town? Podcast download: Directions Directions Sheet The podcast is also available in the iTunes Store by searching for Get Great English or clicking here.
Music is fantastic. It’s also a great way to study English but sometimes it can be difficult to talk about music. Instruments Most pop, rock, blues and country music is played on guitars, bass, drums and keyboards. The guitar may be an electric guitar plugged into an amplifier or an acoustic guitar. The keyboard may … [Read more…]
When you compare things there are three ways to do it: Use an Adjectival Comparative to Compare the Things ‘-er’ Comparatives Adjectival comparatives come in the ‘-er/est’ form for short adjectives, ‘more/most ____’ form for long adjectives and for negative comparisons ‘not as ___’ and for equal comparisons ‘as ____’. The one that causes the … [Read more…]
I’ve talked about having enough study time in a previous post. Sometimes it is easy to feel that you don’t have enough time to read. You have a family, a job, other studies, a social life, etc. All this stops you from having time to read. In this article, from the business blog Fast Company, … [Read more…]
A lot of students have difficulties using -ed and -ing adjectives. These can help you. -ed The Pointer Sisters – I’m So Excited The Kinks – So Tired -ing Amii Stewart – Knock On Wood (“The way you love me it’s frightening”) Pet Shop Boys – Being Boring
The prepositions of location ‘in’, ‘at’ and ‘to’ are quite difficult for beginners to use and even some advanced learners make mistakes with the words. Here are some examples to show how they are used when talking about locations. To Use with destinations. Let’s go to London. Come to my house. Don’t use with the … [Read more…]
This week’s podcast is about recommending. I think you should recommend it to your friends. Podcast download: 08 Recommending. The podcast is also available in the iTunes Store by searching for Get Great English or clicking here.
This is a suburban town on the outskirts of Tokyo. It is a residential area; there are a lot of houses and apartments. There aren’t many businesses here, but there are some. This is the urban centre of Tokyo. There are a lot of skyscrapers and other large buildings, and the buildings are densely packed … [Read more…]