Vocabulary: ‘among’ or ‘between’
Intermediate to advanced level (B1-A2)
Many learners wonder how to use these words correctly. Some people give the simple rule that you should use ‘between’ with two things/people and ‘among’ when you have more than two. However, in practice, it is a little different. Continue reading
Speaking: Expressions to check you have understood something correctly
Lower intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)
Even native speakers need to check that they have understood what they heard or read. To do this, you can use a range of expressions. Continue reading
Vocabulary: approximate numbers
Intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)
When we communicate, we often want to use words or expressions that are approximate. This is common when we have to talk about numbers. This might be because we don’t know the exact numbers or amounts or because we don’t want to give them. Here are some of these words and expressions: Continue reading
Vocabulary: adjective, verb and noun collocations and website
Intermediate to advanced level (B1-C2)
Many English words are commonly used with certain other words and these become like mini-expressions. For example, if someone has a serious problem or is in serious difficulty, you can say ‘He is in deep trouble‘. However you can’t say ‘he is in heavy trouble‘. Only some combinations are used. Your language probably has similar combinations or collocations. Continue reading
Vocabulary: expressions that rhyme
Advanced level English (C1-C2)
There are an interesting group of words and expressions that usually have two elements that rhyme. I recommend you listen out for them and try to develop a feel for how they are used. Here are a few:
Wishy-washy (adj) Continue reading
Speaking: conversation
Intermediate to higher level English (B1-C2)
Having a conversation is unpredictable. Many things can happen that stop your saying what you want to say. Here are a few ways to help you return to your subject or story. Continue reading