Do you need to say Good at or Good with in your sentence? Which is correct? Read this post and learn how to use these natural English expressions. (Watch the …
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Nouns with Prepositions – Lists with examples (Intermediate)
Learning how to use nouns with prepositions is important in English grammar. We often see prepositions used with verbs to explain relations in TIME and PLACE. Let’s meet IN twenty …
Autumn Or Fall? Names Of The 4 Seasons (English Study)
English vocabulary – Autumn or Fall? 4 seasons name origins Now it’s Fall in the Northern half of the world. (Late September until Dec.) Sorry, I mean it’s Autumn now. …
Verbs with the prepositions TO and AT (Video + PDF)
Learn how to use verbs with prepositions in this post. The prepositions TO and AT are used with some common English verbs. Read lots of natural examples and download a …
Prepositions TO, INTO or IN TO? (Intermediate English)
Use the prepositions TO and INTO like a native speaker, plus learn how to correctly use INTO and IN TO with your English writing. The preposition to can mean – …
The Preposition BY – Learn Quickly with Video (2021)
The preposition BY is often used in English conversation. One of the most common ways to use BY is to show how something is done. Learn different ways to use …
How to use Adjectives with the preposition OF (English grammar)
I love to teach prepositions! In this post I want to teach you some common examples of adjectives with the preposition OF. I wrote lots of natural examples using this …
See, Watch, and Look at – What’s the difference? (PDF +video)
The English verbs SEE, WATCH, and LOOK at can be confusing. I made this post with PDF to clearly explain this English grammar. These verbs have a similar meaning but …
So and Such – English Grammar (video + free PDF)
So and Such – English Grammar To learn this English Grammar let’s look at the meaning of So and Such. At the bottom of this post, you can download a …
How to use Over and Under as prefixes + Video (2021 update)
I’m sure you have heard the words OVER and UNDER before. In this blog post, I’ll show you how they can be used as prefixes to change the meaning of …
How I spent QUARANTINE – English practice (10 helpful resources)
How I spent QUARANTINE – English practice I wrote this last year (2020) – and now some places (Tokyo included) have extended the state of emergency. How about where you …
25 common English idioms with Body Parts
This post is a collection of 25 commonly used English idioms with body parts. With fun images and examples to help you remember them and use them later. 🦵💪👦 English …
Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? (English practice)
When a Friday falls on the 13th day of the month some people believe that this day will bring bad luck. They believe that this day has some special or …
English expression – Just in case
Recently I was asked about the English expression just in case by a private English student. I thought it would make a good blog post. Today we will look at …
Transitive and Intransitive verbs with PDF download (2021)
A Transitive verb is a verb used with a direct object “Raise your hand if you know the answer.” – your hand is the object of the transitive verb RAISE. …
Dessert vs Desert – English pronunciation guide (2021)
Dessert vs Desert Has the pronunciation of dessert and desert ever been difficult for you? dessert – dih-ZURRT (ZURRT is a stronger sound) AUDIO link “After dinner can we have …
How to use adjectives as nouns (A helpful guide + video)
How to use adjectives as nouns (A helpful guide) We often hear adjectives we recognize used as nouns in natural speech, and in the news. I thought it would be …
Quickly Learn vocabulary – Root words with prefixes and suffixes (Video+PDF)
Increase your English vocabulary with this simple technique. I use this technique with my private students here in Japan. Increase English vocabulary with Prefixes and Suffixes In this post you …
Use Olympic vocabulary correctly – Qualify/Qualified
The 2020 Tokyo summer Olympics began on July 23rd, 2021. The Olympics are one year behind schedule due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. They are still called the 2020 …
How to use English Adjectives – Fact or Opinion? (PDF + video)
English Adjectives Fact or Opinion In English, we use adjectives to describe nouns. The adjective we use can be a FACT (red) or an OPINION (beautiful). A fact is – …
Each or Every – Choose correctly every time (2021)
My students often wonder – Should I use Each or Every? It’s a great question! I did some research and made this lesson to answer that question. Learn the grammar …
Advanced news story – Improve your vocabulary
Improve your vocabulary with an advanced news story This is a blog post that I wrote in 2014 with vocabulary for advanced English students. The story is old but the …
Quickly Learn 6 Phrasal Verbs with CUT (17 easy to understand examples)
English Phrasal verbs with CUT be cut out (for) – to have the qualities and abilities needed for something cut out – if a motor or an engine cuts out, …
BREAK IN and BREAK UP (Video + QUIZ) English Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal Verbs with BREAK break in = force entry to a building or car etc.“The window is cracked! It looks like a robber tried to break in.” break in = …
How to Improve your English QUICKLY – 4 Keys (Video)
4 Simple Tips to Improve your English fast In this post I will teach you 4 keys to help you Improve your English quickly. You can apply these tips to …
English idiom – Go Cold Turkey (2021)
Did you ever have a bad habit? Did you ever smoke cigarettes? (Did you smoke in the past but not anymore?) How about drink too much alcohol? Do you still …
Solstice – English vocabulary (ESL)
English vocabulary – Solstice June 21st is the solstice.In the northern part of the world, June 21st is the Summer solstice.In the southern part of the world, June 21st is …
ON time or IN time? – Learn FAST (2021)
Prepositions are difficult to learn in your second language, but they are important. More than one of my students has asked the question: “How do you use in and on …
How to use the English preposition FOR (with Video)
wait for something Carl’s waiting for his friend, he should be here soon. look for something I can’t find my earring! Can you help me look for it? for can …
Learn English from TV – A complete guide (3 Tips)
Learn English from TV shows 3 Tips for Learning English from TV Tip #1 – Choose a small piece of video. Tip #2 – Watch a show in order. Watch …
How to use the verbs PLAY, DO, and GO (2021)
play – We use the verb play for games (like chess or PS3) and for sports that use a ball. “I play baseball every Sunday afternoon.” do – We use …
Improve your English listening skills FAST – Real AUDIO
We all want to improve our English listening. Improving your English listening skills is very important for ESL students, it can also be fun. In today’s blog, you will get …
How to use the adverb EVEN (Sound like a native)
In this post, you will learn how to use the adverb EVEN in natural English conversation. Learn 2 ways to use this adverb with 12 real examples and 2 helpful …
Pronunciation – 13 or 30? Sound like a Native (Video)
English Pronunciation Practice 13 or 30? This post will help with your English pronunciation of numbers like 13 and 30. There is a video at the end to help your …
My 2 favorite English study tools (2021)
Let me share two favorite English study tools that I use when teaching English. I have been teaching English as a second language since 2006. My students have been young …
English preposition practice – WITH or AT
Stay WITH or Stay AT? One of my students was telling about a trip her daughter will take to America this summer. I asked her where she will stay and …
How to use the Present Perfect Tense (English Grammar)
The PRESENT PERFECT tense is have/has + the past participle form of a verb. I have just eaten lunch so I’m not hungry. We use it to describe new information …
Adjectives ending in ED and ING – Test your grammar (Quiz)
Adjectives with ed and ing + simple QUIZ In today’s post, you will learn how to use English adjectives that end with ed and ing. You will also find a …
Present Continuous Tense (Learn verb Grammar Quickly)
English grammar – Present continuous tense verbs The present continuous tense uses a form of the verb to be + (verb) -ing. I’m (am) doing he/she/it is waiting you/we/they are …
English Verbs – Future tense (A helpful guide)
Verbs future tense – Simple English grammar I’ll play tennis tomorrow.I’m playing tennis tomorrow. These two sentences are saying the same thing, but there is a small nuance that determines …
English Verbs – Past tense (Learn 18 irregular verbs)
Simple Present Tense ENGLISH Verbs Using different verb tenses correctly can be difficult. Especially past tense English verbs. I made an English Verb Course to explain the basics. This post …
English Verbs – Present Tense (Learn fast)
Simple Present Tense ENGLISH Verbs Some of my students and business clients in Japan have trouble using English verbs in the simple present tense. Using different verb tenses can be …
Which is correct – Suppose to OR Supposed to? (2021)
One of my private students here in Japan asked me: “Which is correct – suppose to or supposed to?” What a great question! (I love my students☺) Here is the …
Use these 10 Expressions With TIME +video (2021)
English Expressions with TIME In this post, you will learn 10 common English expressions with TIME. Use them in your own natural conversation after you learn with 30 real natural sentence …
What’s The Difference Between Ache, Pain, And Sore? (2021)
Words like ache, pain, sore, and hurt all describe an unpleasant feeling in our bodies. They can be easy to confuse. Read this post and learn how to use these …
5 English Idioms with EYE (2021)
English Idioms with EYE In the blink of an eye Catch one’s eye Eyes in the back of one’s head Bird’s-eye view Keep one’s eyes open She appeared in the …
Learn the difference between OTHER and ANOTHER (Free PDF)
Other and Another I was teaching a private lesson in a cafe last week. My student works in a hotel, and she was telling me about something that happened at …
Make a suggestion / Share your opinion in English (2021)
The word should is commonly used when you want to give your opinion or make a suggestion. We’re saying that something is good or the right thing to do. Giving …
Master English Articles – A, An and The (Infographics + video)
In this blog post you will learn how to correctly use the English articles A, An and The. Lots of example sentences and 4 custom infographics to help you remember …
English Spring vocabulary (2021)
Spring has arrived! (This is a natural way to say “It’s now Spring!”) Now is the perfect time to learn some English Spring vocabulary/ In today’s blog post let’s practice …
Most or Almost? How to use this grammar (Video and Quiz)
most [determiner, pronoun] – the largest in number or amount “7-11 has the most convenience stores in Tokyo.” most [adverb] – used to form the superlative of adjectives and adverbs …
10 Idioms with PIG (Learn FAST with pictures and examples)
1. Pig out(on something) – to eat too much of something at one time. 2. Eat like a pig – to eat a lot; to have a big appetite. 3. …
Learn English the FUN way – Famous Quotes (10 Quotes explained)
Learn English with famous quotes Learn English with these 10 famous quotes! Meaning, vocabulary and grammar explained. “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” ~ Paulo …
Confusing English words – Famous or Popular? (Video and Quiz)
famous adjective – known about by many people Vincent Van Gogh is a famous artist from Holland. (Many people know who Vincent Van Gogh is.) popular adjective – liked or enjoyed …
English adjectives – Thick and Thin (8 ways to use them!)
Thick – adjective Thin – adjective thick – having a larger distance between opposite sides or surfaces than other similar objects or than normal thin – having a smaller distance …
10 Phrasal verbs with OFF (Learn fast!) examples + video
In this post you will learn 10 Phrasal verbs with the preposition OFF. Audio and video for listening practice, and real examples in natural English. 10 Phrasal verbs with OFF …
Quickly learn 20 English expressions with LUCK
In this post you will learn some English expressions with LUCK and more than 20 different ways to use them in natural conversation. If you want to learn English, you’re …
Learn the Passive Voice easily – REAL examples+video (2021)
What is the passive voice in English grammar? Passive voice uses the verb to be (am, is, are, was, were) plus the past participle form of the verb in the …
How to Increase your English vocabulary with the suffix ~PROOF
Let’s learn how to use the English suffix PROOF today, we can use it to make new words and grow our vocabulary. When proof is used as a suffix with …
How to use English Prepositions + verbs with ~ing (2021 w/Video)
English Grammar – Learn to use English prepositions In this post you will learn to use English prepositions, listen to natural English that uses this grammar, and improve your own …
NOW THAT English Grammar (video update)
Now that In today’s post you will learn NOW THAT English grammar with easy to understand examples. This English grammar point came from a real lesson I had with a …
How to use the English prepositions IN, AT, ON
In this post you will learn how to correctly use the English prepositions IN, AT, and ON for time and place. 8 custom infographics and LOTS of real examples! Dave …
Have To or Must? Easy Grammar + Quiz and Infographic
Several of my English students have asked me “Should I use HAVE TO or MUST?” Learn how with this Easy Grammar guide. This post has a practice QUIZ, an easy …
Apply TO or Apply FOR? – Learn with a QUIZ (2021)
One of my students asked me the difference between Apply TO and Apply FOR. It’s a good question so I thought I would write a post for my blog readers. …
Tired OF or Tired FROM? (Easy English Grammar + Video)
Do you know the difference between Tired OF and Tired FROM? Tired of (something) had too much of something, or done something too much ~ to be bored with an activity, a thing …
How to use – English grammar Superlatives (Most, best, biggest)
One-Syllable Adjectives Add ~est to the end of the adjective cheap – cheapest“There are 3 watches that I like. I will buy the cheapest one.” hot – hotter “August is the …
February – Where does the name come from?
February is the shortest month of the year, but if you live in the North, February feels long. It’s very cold! At the start of the year we learned where …
Feb. 02 Groundhog Day (GREAT English listening practice)
What is Groundhog Day? In today’s post, I will explain this North American tradition, give you some history and tell you about a movie (that I love!) named for this …
Learn the suffix ~OUS and Increase your vocabulary (2021)
The English suffix -OUS Increase your vocabulary by learning the English suffix ~OUS. Turn nouns that you already know into adjectives by adding the suffix OUS to the end of …
FEW Or A FEW? Learn FAST (with Audio and Video)
It is easy to confuse these words. Should I use few or a few? When you add a little “a,” it makes a BIG difference. I’ll explain using some natural …
How to use the suffix -ISH *Increase vocabulary +video (2021)
Increase your vocabulary Learn the English suffix -ISH The SUFFIX -ish can mean = it’s like, or has the quality of:foolish – like a fool / stylish – has good …
How to use Reflexive pronouns (Learn this grammar w/VIDEO)
In English grammar a reflexive pronoun is: – a pronoun that is preceded or followed by the noun, adjective, adverb or pronoun to which it refers (it’s antecedent) within the …
Learn How to use Either and Neither (video and QUIZ)
EITHER – adverb – Comes after negative phrases to say that a feeling or situation is similar to one already talked about Mike can’t go and Spencer can’t either. EITHER …
English Weather Vocabulary For Winter (and MORE!)
English Weather Vocabulary For Winter (And more!) – Learn 10 new words and phrases. Not just a list of words to memorize (that doesn’t work) but new vocabulary that’s part …
What’s The Difference Between An ATHLETE And PLAYER? (learn Here)
Difference between an ATHLETE and a PLAYER During the Olympic games, we here the word athlete used a lot. The news talked about people competing from countries all …
Easily Pronounce long English words (1 Simple trick + Video)
Do you have difficulty pronouncing LONG English words? Read my blog post and watch the video at the bottom of this page. Learn a simple way to help your pronunciation. …
“Going to the Dentist” story (Great English listening practice)
Going to the Dentist Listen to the simple story about James’ trip to the dentist. Learn new words and answer some questions to improve your English listening skills. Share your …
How to use Modal Verbs – Can Could May Might (Quiz)
English modal verbs Learn all about English modal verbs in my post. Use the verbs Can, Could, May, Might and Must like a native speaker. CAN – We use the …
Notify VS Notice – Easily confused English
NOTIFY vs NOTICE? Have you ever confused these verbs? Here is a simple breakdown to explain the basic difference. notify – verb – to formally or officially tell somebody about …
Learn the difference between WEAR and PUT ON (Video)
Here is an easy way to think of the difference between WEAR and PUT ON. Wear is a condition, or it is something you do often. (to have something on …
How to use HOW vs. WHAT (real examples + video)
English Grammar HOW vs. WHAT Learn the English Grammar HOW vs. WHAT in this post. Listen to English audio, watch the video, and use these words like a native speaker. …
No and None English Grammar (No-one – Nothing – Nowhere)
No and None – What’s the difference? The determiner NO means ~ not one; not any; not a – NO is used with a noun “The sign says no dogs …
Walked Or Took A Walk? Answer w/VIDEO (2021)
I took a walk VS. I walked Noun vs. Verb WALK noun a journey on foot, usually for pleasure or exercise “My wife and I always go for a walk …
Rats and Mice idioms (2020 The year of the Rat)
2020 is the year of the mouse / rat. In today’s post you will learn 10 rats and mice idioms. Poor as a church mouse As quiet as a mouse …
Verb and Noun Pairs – Easy Pronunciation guide (audio+PDF)
In this post you will find 36 English verb and noun pairs with example audio. Listen to natural examples with real audio! Learn to make the correct sound for verb …
Today Tomorrow The Day After Tomorrow (w/Video)
Learn how to use the words today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, yesterday and the day before yesterday like a native speaker. Also, increase your range of conversation topics with …
Use CHOICE and CHOOSE correctly (Learn fast with Audio)
choice noun an act of choosing between two or more possibilities; something that you can choose Our agency helps people make more informed career choices.I wonder if I made the …
Learn and use 50 Common Phrasal Verbs – video+PDF (2021)
You will learn 50 English phrasal verbs in this post. Each phrasal verb has an example sentence to help you understand the meaning. The example sentences will give you the …
What’s the difference between GET and TAKE (a complete guide)
GET and TAKE – What’s the difference? Version 1.0 get verb – receive/obtain – I got a call from Gary this morning. (I received a call from Gary this morning. …
How to use Affect and Effect – English vocabulary (Video)
Affect VS. Effect The English words Affect and Effect are easy to confuse. Their spelling is similar and their meanings both relate to change. It’s easy for me to see …
How to use Hasn’t / Doesn’t Have – PDF/video (2021)
He doesn’t have or has? I have seen people asking similar questions online. Questions like “Should I use “He doesn’t have or has?” Using auxiliary (helper) verbs in their negative …
How to use Present Perfect Continuous grammar *PDF (2021)
The present perfect continuous (also known as the present perfect progressive) is have/has + been + the continuous tense of a verb. (Continuous tense is verb ~ing.) This verb tense …
Much or Many? Easy English grammar w/Video (2021)
Much Much is used with uncountable nouns like smoke, water, money “There is too much smoke in this restaurant.” Many Many is used with plural countable nouns like cars, sunglasses, …
RAISE or RISE? Transitive/Intransitive verb examples (video)
Read the post, learn the grammar, and watch the video at the bottom of this page to improve your English listening skills. *NEW quiz – also at the end of …
A slap on the wrist – English Idiom (w/ Video)
English idiom – A Slap on the Wrist In today’s English blog post I’ll explain the common English idiom A slap on the wrist. I’ll use some natural examples and …
How to use the suffix EN Increase vocabulary + video (2021)
How to use the suffix ENA quick guide suffix EN – nouns to verbs If you suffer from lower back pain you should do exercises that strengthen your core muscles. …
To BE Contractions – Quickly Improve Pronunciation w/Video (2021)
TO BE English contractions – present tense A contraction is the process of becoming smaller. In English, a contraction is when two or more words combine into one smaller word. …
What is Third-Person Singular English grammar? (A complete Guide)
Third-person singular English grammarThe pronouns – he, she, it + any name, position or relation that describes one single person or thing is a third-person singular subject. Examples of third-person …
You can’t miss it – English expression (w/images & video)
You can’t miss it! REMEMEBER to watch the short video at the bottom of this post to improve your listening and pronunciation. It’s a great way to review the lesson …
How to use During and While – Confusing English (Video)
Use this English grammar correctly in natural conversation.
How to use Double negatives (English grammar +PDF)
English grammar – Double negatives In this post you will learn the English grammar for Double negatives, and how to use them in natural English conversation. Keep reading and don’t …
How to use THERE and IT (Learn the grammar w/video)
English grammar THERE and IT Here is a simple breakdown of the English grammar for THERE and IT. We use the adverb THERE with the verb to be to say …
Correctly use UNLESS – AS LONG AS (learn quickly w/Audio)
In today’s blog post learn how to use the conjunction unless and the expression as long as in natural conversation. Use this English grammar like a pro! Unless In today’s …
There IS or There ARE – Which do I need? (PDF download)
The chart below is a quick guide to help you decide if you need to use There IS or There ARE. Keep reading the post for more details and lots …
Past and Past Participle of READ – Audio/Quiz/PDF (2021)
READ (verb) Infinitive to read [pronunciation] TO REED“I like to read crime novels.” Present tense read [pronunciation] REED“We read history books at school.” Present tense third-person singular reads [pronunciation] REEDS“He …
Master 3 English Adverbs – Yet Still Already (+video)
A basic guide YET – if something hasn’t happened but you expect it to happen The new cafe on Front Street is very popular. I haven’t been there yet. STILL …
Learn How to use LEND and BORROW (with Video)
Learn to use the English verbs “Lend” and “Borrow” correctly in natural conversation. This post also contains a video. Watch it to review the lesson and improve your English listening …
Make Suggestions Easily in English Conversation (with Video)
Learn to easily make suggestions in English conversations. Use these natural expressions to sound like a native speaker. Common examples of phrases you can use to make suggestions How about/What …
Improve English Listening “Diet Advice” Video/PDF (2021)
ESL Listening + Vocabulary PDFDieting: Old Advice, New Again What is the best way to improve your English quickly? Hard work + great study tools. The hard work is up …
How to use Might – Should – Would Have (Easy Grammar)
For some of my private and company students in Japan, might have/should have English grammar can be confusing. Let me share a lesson I made to help explain these phrases, …
Talk using real English (Easy AUDIO Pt. 3)
Let’s talk using real English! In this blog post we will answer the following questions: What is a tourist attraction? What does the phrasal verb “light up” mean? How are …
Learn English easily with a story (Canada trip Pt.2)
In today’s post, we will learn more English with part 2 of my Canada trip story. We’ll start by learning some vocabulary to describe the place we live or a …
Learn English with a story with great AUDIO (Pt.1)
Audio Intro In August 2017 I visited my family in Canada for 3 weeks. (I live in Tokyo now) I wrote 3 stories about my trip as a way to …
Learn the difference between HOPE and WISH (Improve vocabulary)
The difference between HOPE and WISH Do you know the difference between HOPE and WISH? These two words can be easy to confuse for non-native speakers, but don’t worry, I’m …
How to use Although-Though-Even Though – Video+PDF (2021)
Review this lesson and improve your English listening skills by watching the video that supports this lesson. You find the video link at the end of this post. Download a …
Have or Have got? Easy English Grammar (50+ examples!)
HAVE and HAVE GOT mean the same thing when you are talking about owning something, holding something or relationships. He has $20 in his wallet. He has got $20 in …
Learn REAL English (custom PDFs, coupons + more)
More English.Better English. New and updated English blog posts, VIDEOs, custom PDFs, and more… And it’s FREE Get 9 awesome English PDFs to get you started.One each week for 9 …
Reported speech English grammar (Learn quickly with Video)
Reported speech English grammar Direct quote Kyle said, “I will be busy tonight.” Sharing information Kyle said he will be busy tonight. We use reported speech to share information that …
Improve English listening today (Native audio – QUARANTINE)
This post contains audio to Improve English listening. It talks about my quarantine here in Japan with lots of new vocabulary to learn. Below you will find an audio player …
