Learn English with famous quotes Learn English with these 10 famous quotes! Meaning, vocabulary and grammar explained. Best English quotes 1 -“The world is […]
Learn English the FUN way – Famous Quotes (10 Quotes explained) Read More »
Want to make your English sound more natural? Let’s talk about the suffix ‘-y’! It’s a handy way to turn words into adjectives, like ‘sunny’ or ‘funny.’ We’ll show you how, with lots of easy examples. Plus, grab our free PDF for extra practice! Let’s make learning fun!
Y Suffix Words (Learn with 60 examples, Video, Free PDF) Read More »
Using common English Idioms is one of the best ways to sound like a native speaker. In this post, I’m going to take a
Learn Common English Idioms with Stop (30 example sentences) Read More »
Prefixes are an important part of the English language. They are added to the beginning of words to change their meaning, create new words,
34 Example Words with the Prefix Inter- (Free PDF Download) Read More »
GET and TAKE – What’s the difference? Some of my English students in Japan have had trouble with the verbs GET and TAKE. These
Learn the difference between GET and TAKE fast! (80 examples + Video) Read More »
Phrasal verbs are very common in English conversation. Learning phrasal verbs is a great way to make your English sound more natural. Some phrasal
Learn 50 Phrasal Verbs (List, Examples, Video, 42-page PDF) Read More »
The preposition BY is often used in English conversation. One of the most common ways to use BY is to show how something is
5 Ways the preposition BY can make you a better speaker (PDF) Read More »
My students love to learn English idioms. (Almost) Everyone also loves dogs. This post will teach you some common English idioms with dog. I
21 Common Dog Idioms That Native Speakers Use (Video+PDF) Read More »
I was teaching a private English student recently and I introduced the verb BEFRIEND. This started a closer look at how we use the
Prefix BE- 21 Examples (Free PDF Download) Read More »
Phrasal verbs are very common in English conversation. Learning phrasal verbs is a great way to make your English sound more natural. Some phrasal verbs are literal, which
42 Advanced Phrasal Verbs (That You Need to Know) *Free PDF Read More »
Adjectives with Prepositions are challenging to use correctly in your second language. This post will help you by showing 8 prepositions that are used
Master Adjectives with Prepositions (95 Combinations!) Read More »
My students in Tokyo often ask me which is correct – He Doesn’t Have or Has? Learn this English grammar at my post. Get your PDF study guide too, it’s FREE!
He Doesn’t Have or Has? 30 Examples (Free PDF – Video) Read More »
Are you curious about how the prefix DIS- can improve your English vocabulary? In this blog post, we’ll explore how the prefix DIS- is
50 Prefix DIS- Words and Example Sentences (Free PDF) Read More »
Using different verb tenses correctly can be difficult. Especially past tense English verbs. This post will explain the basic rules of this verb grammar and teach
Master Past Tense verbs (Learn 50 irregular verbs + PDF and QUIZ) Read More »
Master the past tense of READ with 30 real examples, audio, and a quiz! I use this proven study tip with my private students in live classes. Learn the common mistakes and how to use ‘read’ correctly for real-world English fluency today.
Understanding the Past Tense of READ (30 Real Examples, Audio, Quiz) Read More »
Learn the January etymology in my blog post.
Why is the First Month Called January? (+ More Fun Facts) Read More »
I have put together another great list of useful English idioms. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse so today’s theme is Horse
Horse Idioms: 21 Common English Expressions (2026 Year of the Fire Horse) Read More »
Stop confusing Lend vs Borrow! This is your best guide, featuring 25 real examples, a free PDF, and a video lesson. I use this specific study tip with my real students in Japan and it has proven highly effective in my live classes. Learn the simple secret to using these two tricky verbs with perfect confidence today!
Lend vs Borrow – Your best guide (25 examples, PDF, Video) Read More »
good at or good in? Learn the difference with clear examples that you can use right away. This explanation comes from the same techniques I use with my private students in live lessons. Understand good at or good in easily—includes a free PDF and video.
Good At or Good In (or Good With?) Free 6 page PDF – Video Read More »
Master RE Prefix Words with 60 examples, definitions, a free PDF, and video. I use this study tip with my private students in live classes because I know it works. Learn the ‘RE-‘ secrets for real vocabulary improvement today!
RE Prefix Words – 60 examples (Definitions, Free PDF, Video) Read More »
Prefixes and suffixes are like puzzle pieces. They can be used to greatly increase your English vocabulary. I have written this guide to help
110 Prefix DE Words (Real Examples, Free PDF + Video) Read More »
Learn how to use can, could, may, might, and must with clear examples and practical guidance. These explanations come from techniques I use with my real private students, refined through years of live teaching. Understand may might must easily—includes a free PDF, quiz, and video.
How to Use Can Could May Might Must (Free PDF-Quiz-Video) Read More »
Native speakers can use correct grammar naturally, if a grammar rule is broken it will sound strange. BUT! Most of us forget the rules.
Third-Person Singular – Your best Guide (Free 24-page eBook) Read More »
I’m always searching for ways to help my private students improve their communication skills. Learning the OUS suffix meaning and some common words with
Learn the OUS Suffix Meaning (50 Words, Video, Free PDF) Read More »
Finally, master the proper use of English Articles (A, An, and The)! This guide features 4 clear infographics and a video lesson. This isn’t just theory—I’ve perfected and used this exact teaching method with my private students in Japan, seeing immediate results in their confidence. Stop guessing and start using articles correctly today!
English Articles: Use A, An, The with Confidence! (4 Infographics + video) Read More »
Athlete is a more general word that can be used to describe a person involved in sports or physical activities. Player is more specific,
Athlete vs Player – What’s the Difference? (Real Examples + Video) Read More »
Learn how the suffix “-ness” changes adjectives to nouns with real examples, a short video, and a free PDF worksheet. Start mastering “-ness” today!
Suffix -NESS Explained – Real Examples + Free PDF Worksheet Read More »
The words MUCH, MANY, and A LOT (LOTS) show there is a large amount of something. Much is used with uncountable nouns. (smoke, water,
Much, Many, and A lot – Easy English grammar (Video-Quiz-PDF) Read More »
Knowing idioms can help you understand the meaning of text and speech more easily. As a Canadian native speaker, I love researching idioms to
31 English Idioms with EYE (Free PDF – Real Examples) Read More »
Are you curious about the many ways the prefix off- can be used in English words? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Explore the Power of the Prefix Off- A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
SAY vs. TELL What’s the difference between SAY and TELL? My 4 favorite words to hear from a student are: “I have a question.”
What’s the difference between SAY and TELL? (I’ll TELL you the answer) Read More »
Learn English from TV shows 3 Tips for Learning English from Netflix and YouTube Tip #1 – Choose a small piece of video. Watch
The 3-Step Guide to Learning English with Netflix and YouTube Read More »
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 some words we use when Spring arrives.
English Spring vocabulary (10 New words + PDF download) Read More »
If you’re interested in learning more about idioms with the word house or home, you’ve come to the right place! Our blog post is
Make Yourself at Home: 27 Common Home Idioms (Free PDF) Read More »
Learning suffixes and prefixes is an awesome way to increase your English vocabulary. The prefix trans- is used in some common English verbs, adjectives,
Trans Prefix meaning (Definitions, 52 Examples, Video, PDF) Read More »
1. Pig out (on something) – to eat too much of something at one time. 2. Eat like a pig – to eat a
10 Idioms with PIG (Learn FAST with pictures and examples) Read More »
The English verbs LIE and LAY are easily confused. This is true for native and non-native speakers alike! Here is the main reason why
LIE or LAY? -Easy to remember tips, Video, PDF! Read More »
Collections of common phrasal verbs and collocations are helpful for English students and teachers. This list of GET and TAKE Phrasal Verbs and Collocations
GET and TAKE Phrasal Verbs and Collocations (More than 50) Read More »
This post idea came from a question asked by one of my private students. She asked me if I ever met anyone famous when
The difference between HOW and WHAT (20 examples + Video) Read More »
Sub prefix meaning This post educates readers on the prefix “sub-“, detailing its meanings: below/less than, under, and a smaller part of something. It provides examples in various contexts including adjectives, nouns, and verbs, demonstrating common usage.
SUB Prefix Meaning (32 Examples・Free 9-page PDF・Video) Read More »
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to freshen up your English skills along with your home! This post is your ultimate guide to mastering
Spring Clean Your English & Boost Vocabulary & Listening Skills! Read More »
Understanding prefixes and suffixes is a great way to quickly increase your English vocabulary. I have been teaching prefixes for a long time and
List of Common Negative Prefixes (200+ examples, Free PDF) Read More »
I love to teach prepositions for two reasons. -Number one is they are small words that are very easy to confuse. -The second reason
IN the Shade or UNDER the Shade? (English Prepositions) Read More »
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but have different meanings. These words can cause confusion when used in written or
Mastering Homonyms: The Key to Clear Communication Read More »
I love teaching suffixes! They are a great way to increase your English vocabulary. The English suffix ~ish is one of my favorites because
Your complete guide to the Suffix -ISH (Quiz/worksheet) Read More »
I was teaching a lesson to a private student last month and we talked about e-cigarettes. Some people prefer these electronic cigarettes because they
Adjectives with the Suffix -less (79 Examples, PDF, Video) Read More »
One of my students was reading an English advertisement for fruit juice. She was having difficulty pronouncing the word ARTIFICIAL. Pronouncing long words can
Improve English Pronunciation- 1 Simple Tip (Free PDF+Video) Read More »
Learning suffixes is a great way to expand your vocabulary. This post will help you understand how to use the suffix -dom with real
The Suffix -DOM (21 Real Example sentences, PDF, Video) Read More »
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
What is Groundhog Day? (Meaning plus Audio) Read More »
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
February – Where does the name come from? Read More »
Using English idioms naturally is a great way to sound like a native speaker. In this post, you will learn some common idioms with
31 Bird Idioms (Real Example Sentences + Free 7-page PDF) Read More »
Writing blog posts that are the most helpful for English learners is a combination of experience and research. This post will answer any questions
The Suffix -ANCE (52 Real Examples, Video, Free PDF) Read More »
The chart below is a quick guide to help you decide if you need to use There IS or There ARE. Keep reading the
There IS or There ARE? Correct this Grammar (FREE PDF) Read More »
Have you ever heard someone say they have “more than one way to skin a cat” or that someone “let the cat out of
Feline Phrases: Understanding Cat Idioms (Free PDF Download) Read More »
The suffix -ISM can be found in many words describing political, philosophical, and religious systems. This suffix is also used in words relating to
55 Common Suffix -ISM Examples (Video + PDF Download) Read More »
This is a collection of words we commonly know and use as nouns in English. Many people don’t know that these nouns also have
20 NOUNS that you didn’t know have a VERB form Read More »
Did you ever have a bad habit? Did you ever smoke cigarettes? (Did you smoke in the past but not anymore?) How about drinking
What does “Go Cold Turkey” mean? (Learn this English idiom!) Read More »
What is an Adverbial Phrase? An adverbial phrase is simply two or more words that work together to modify a verb. It’s a phrase
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The confusion between Log in and Login comes from their similar spelling and pronunciation. Many people use them interchangeably, but there are important differences
Log in vs. Login: Which to Use? (Your Best Guide) Read More »
When a Friday falls on the 13th day of the month some people believe that this day will bring bad luck. They believe that
Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? (English practice) Read More »
Relative clauses are great for making longer and more natural English sentences. Learning and using this grammar will help you sound like a native
Your Complete Guide to Relative Clauses (Video + Worksheets) Read More »
Learn 10 new Winter words and phrases. Not just a list of words to memorize (that doesn’t work) but new vocabulary that’s part of
English Weather Vocabulary For Winter (With AUDIO) Read More »
Do you know the difference between Tired OF and Tired FROM? Many of my blog post topics come from real student questions. This post is no different.
Tired OF something or Tired FROM something? (Quiz, PDF, Video) Read More »
My job as an English teacher is to answer my students’ questions. “What is the difference between WEAR and PUT ON?” is a great
WEAR or PUT ON? (Examples, Video, QUIZ worksheet, FAQ) Read More »
The words good and well are often heard in natural English conversation, but they can be easy to confuse. My private English students often
Good Vs Well (Examples-Audio/Video-Quiz-PDF-Infographic) Read More »
Native speakers use idioms, a lot! Learning idioms can help you sound more natural in conversation. I collected 18 common idioms with the word
Idioms with the word Sweet (Real Examples + Video) Read More »
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
How to use the Present Perfect Tense (25 Real Examples + PDF) Read More »
THICK and THIN are very useful adjectives to have in your English vocabulary. This post will teach you how to use these adjectives in
Thick and Thin: A Comparative and Superlative Guide (Free PDF) Read More »
English grammar THERE and IT I put together a simple breakdown of the English grammar for THERE and IT after several of the high
Confident English: Use THERE and IT Correctly (PDF & Video) Read More »
My student asked me if I “played Karate.” I knew what my student meant, but this is not a natural way to ask this
PLAY DO and GO – Your Best Guide (with Video) Read More »
Learning suffixes is an easy way to quickly increase your English vocabulary. This post will explain how to use the suffix LY with lots
67 Examples of the Suffix -ly (Sentences, Video, and PDF) Read More »
The suffix -ment is a common ending in English words that is used to form nouns from verbs. This suffix can be traced back
Mastering the Suffix -MENT (78 examples, Free PDF download) Read More »
I was looking through some previous English lessons that I’ve taught and I noticed the prefix mis- is used a lot in English. I
The Prefix MIS- 60 examples (Video + Free 6-page PDF) Read More »
In this post, you’ll learn about the prefix “co-” and its meaning, with examples of words and their usage. Discover non-hyphenated words, fun facts, and its origin from Latin. Expand your vocabulary with common co-prefix words and improve your English conversations today. Download the free PDF for a comprehensive guide.
CO Prefix (23 Real Examples – Video – Free PDF) Read More »
How to use adjectives as nouns (A helpful guide) We often hear adjectives used as nouns in natural speech, and in the news. I thought it would be good
How to use Adjectives as Nouns (20 examples, PDF + video) Read More »
I put together a list of 50 of the most common English prepositions with definitions and natural example sentences. Prepositions can be difficult to
50 of the Most Common English Prepositions (Real Examples + PDF) Read More »
I have been teaching English as a second language since 2006 and I get asked great questions. Questions like: What’s the difference between transitive
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs (Free 21-page PDF + Video) Read More »
This blog post explains how to use the simple present tense in English. It covers regular activities, general truths, and permanent situations. The guide includes examples, rules for verb conjugation, and how to form questions and negative statements. A quiz and a free PDF worksheet are also provided for practice.
Master the Simple Present Tense: #1 Guide to English Verbs *Free PDF Read More »
Being able to make suggestions in English is an important skill for good communication. Whether you’re having a friendly chat, working together on a
English Conversation – Making Suggestions (30 Examples + Video) Read More »
We use adjectives to modify the nouns in our story. I’ll show you how to use Fact and Opinion Adjectives correctly in this post
How to Use Fact and Opinion Adjectives (Free 20-page PDF) Read More »
The suffix -al turns nouns and verbs into adjectives that describe qualities or characteristics. For example, ‘accident’ becomes ‘accidental,’ meaning related to an accident. Learning how to use -al correctly can improve your vocabulary and make your English more precise and expressive. Let’s explore some common examples!
How do you use the suffix -al? (Examples, Free PDF, Video) Read More »
The prefix semi is commonly used in the English language to indicate partiality or incompleteness. It is derived from the Latin word “semi,” which
The Prefix Semi: A Complete Guide (Real Examples + PDF) Read More »
Sometimes, it’s hard to know if you should say “ache,” “pain,” “sore,” or “hurt.” They all talk about feeling bad! This post makes it easy. “Ache” is a small, lasting bad feeling. “Pain” is a strong, changing bad feeling. “Sore” is for tired muscles. “Hurt” is for injuries. Learn how to use these words right with our simple examples.
Difference Between Ache, Pain, Sore, And Hurt (PDF+Video) Read More »
Many English words have a verb form and a noun form. This can be confusing. The verb form and the noun form are sometimes
Verb and Noun Pairs 200 examples (Pronunciation Guide+PDF) Read More »
The Suffix -FUL is used in many words and has a meaning that’s easy to understand. In adjectives, it means “full of something” or
Suffix -ful – 58 Examples (Free PDF, Video, Real Sentences) Read More »
Have you ever confused these words? The meanings are similar but the word types and the word uses are different. These words are used
Notice vs Notification vs Notify (Your best guide) Read More »
Zombies have a special place in my heart. I played 5 zombies in two different movies during my work as a stuntman in Toronto.
22 Dead/Zombie Idioms (Examples, free PDF, Real Photos!) Read More »
Learning idioms can help you become more confident in English. Idioms can make your communication more natural, and, more interesting. This post will give
24 English Idioms with COLD (Video and Free PDF Download) Read More »
Learning the prefix post is a great way to quickly and easily increase your English vocabulary. I have collected some common words that use
The Prefix Post (Definitions with 31 Real Examples, video) Read More »
What are the English names for the Four Seasons? Spring Summer Autumn/Fall Winter. The words 🌸Spring and 🌞Summer come from Old English. ⛄Winter comes
Autumn Or Fall? 4 Season Names (Learn their origins HERE) Read More »
Increase your English vocabulary with the Root Word technique using prefixes and suffixes. I use this technique with my private students here in Japan.
Prefixes and Suffixes (Your Complete Guide with PDF) Read More »
I’ve been teaching prefixes for many years to help my students increase their English vocabulary. I used my experience and some extra research to
Over and Under as Prefixes (30 Examples – Video – Free PDF) Read More »
The English language is full of interesting prefixes that change the meaning of words. In this blog post, we will explore the meanings and
The Prefixes EN- and EM- (31 Examples – PDF guide – VIDEO!) Read More »
All you need to know about using the prefix SELF in compound words is here. I collected these words from different sources and listed
Prefix SELF- (40 Words, Examples, VIDEO) Read More »
Learn the -able suffix meaning with 32 clear, real examples taken from lessons I’ve taught to my private students. These explanations come directly from techniques I use in live classes. Understand the able suffix meaning easily—includes a PDF wordlist and video.
Able Suffix meaning – 32 Real Examples (PDF wordlist + Video) Read More »
A suffix is an addition to the end of a word, that gives the word a new meaning. They are an easy way to
44 EN Suffix Words (Real Example Sentences – PDF – Video) Read More »
The verbs HOPE and WISH both mean to want something BUT how we use them is a little different. Even for non-native speakers, these
HOPE vs WISH What’s the difference? (An EASY Guide + Video) Read More »
Native speakers love to use idioms, and I love to teach them to my English students. In this post, you will learn some common
Dragon Idioms – 8 Common uses (Real example sentences) Read More »
As the weather gets hotter, we get hotter too! This post will teach you some common English idioms about HEAT that you can use
Beat the Heat meaning (Plus more Heat Idioms just for you) Read More »
Do you know how to use the words no and none correctly in English conversation? How about the prefix non~? Read this post, watch
No None and Non – Learn the difference (50 examples + PDF) Read More »
・SOME is used with positive sentences: “I bought SOME apples.” “I’ve got SOME time.”・ANY is used with negative sentences: “I didn’t buy ANY apples.”
How to use SOME and ANY – Quiz + Audio (25 real examples) Read More »
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
Use these 10 Expressions With TIME (Learn FAST with video) Read More »
120 Money Idioms Native speakers love to use idioms in conversation. Using idioms will help you sound more like a native speaker too. In
120 Idioms About MONEY (Common Financial Idioms) Read More »
Some of my students ask me to explain the difference between across and through. The meanings are similar and they can even sometimes be
Stop Confusing “Across” and “Through” – 14 Clear examples (free PDF) Read More »
Using suffixes correctly is a great way to increase your English vocabulary. This post will teach you how to use the suffix -wise with
The Suffix -wise (Real Examples – PDF Download – Video) Read More »
Do you want to speak English like native speakers do? Learning common English idioms is a great way to do that. Native speakers (like
English Idioms about LOVE (23 Examples, Free PDF, Video) Read More »
The expression “Just in case” is very common in English. That means it’s very useful too! Follow along with my blog post and start
JUST IN CASE – Meaning, Real Examples, Video, Free PDF Read More »
Suffixes are an important part of the English language. They are added to the ends of words to change their meaning, create new words,
The Suffix -ARY (57 Real examples + Free PDF) Read More »
I put together a list of some common idioms with monkey so you can learn them quickly and use them in your own conversations.
16 Common Monkey Idioms (REAL Examples and Video) Read More »
One of my private English students asked me the difference between the suffixes -ize and -ify. Both are used to change existing words into
Confusing Suffixes -ize and -ify (How and When to Use Them) Read More »
The suffix -or is commonly used in English, it is added to the end of many words to change their meaning. It is a
From Actor to Warrior: Learn the SUFFIX -OR (Free PDF) Read More »
The continuous tense, also known as the progressive tense, is used when we want to talk about actions happening right now or ongoing situations.
Understanding Continuous Tense: Your Guide to English Verbs (PDF) Read More »
I love to share my future plans and goals with my friends, family, and coworkers. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at
Future Tense Verbs – Your #1 Guide (Free PDF worksheet) Read More »
Metaphors are an important part of our everyday language. They are used to make complex ideas and emotions simple. From literature and poetry to
Metaphors Made Easy: Enhance Your Communication Skills Read More »
Ear idioms are a fascinating aspect of the English language, with many expressions using the ear as a metaphor for a variety of meanings.
Listen Up! Understanding the Meaning of EAR IDIOMS Read More »
Have you ever noticed that many words in the English language end in the letters -ant? My English students have. The suffix -ant is
Master The Suffix -ANT (Real Examples + Free PDF download) Read More »
We often hear the prefix ultra- used to describe products and services with an extreme quality. It’s also used in a few nouns that
The Prefix ULTRA- (17 examples – Free PDF Download) Read More »
I love to teach new English vocabulary with clear examples. For example, The prefix pre- is part of the word prefix. A prefix is
Prefix pre- 55 examples (Video + Free PDF Wordlist) Read More »
The English language has many idioms that are often used in conversation. In this blog post, I want to teach you some common idioms
14 Common Apple Idioms (Example sentences, Free PDF, Video) Read More »
“Confused about when to use choice and when to use choose? This guide clearly explains the difference between the two, with examples you can use right away. Learn everything you need to know about Choice or Choose—plus get a free PDF and video.
Choice or Choose? Learn the Difference (Free PDF + Video) Read More »
Idioms are expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words used. This post will explain some common Idioms
17 Idioms With Hold, Grasp, and Grab (Real Examples + Video) Read More »
Do you know how to use possessive nouns and pronouns in natural English conversation? This grammar can be confusing for my ESL students here
What Are Possessive Nouns? (43 Examples, Video, PDF Guide) Read More »
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
The Difference Between Affect And Effect (Examples -Free PDF) Read More »
Using English idioms naturally is a great way to sound like a native speaker. In this post, you will learn some common idioms with
Goat and Sheep Idioms (Definitions, Real Examples, Video) Read More »
I never get tired of putting together lists of useful English idioms. Today’s list is idioms with roosters. I’m trying to get to idioms
Idioms with Rooster (Definitions, REAL Examples, Video) Read More »
I’m always on the lookout for new prefixes to help English students increase their vocabulary quickly. This post will help you use the prefix
The Prefix OUT- (62 Common examples – Video – free PDF) Read More »
Idioms are an important part of casual English conversation. This post will be a great resource as you try to increase your knowledge of
24 Common English Idioms (Sound Like a Native) Read More »
English Grammar – Learn to use English prepositions In this post, you will learn to use English prepositions, listen to natural English that uses
English Prepositions with Verbs ending in -ING (+ Video) Read More »
A student of mine once asked me:What’s the difference between “I took a walk in the park.” and “I walked in the park?”These sentences
I Walked Or I Took A Walk? (Video and Free PDF) Read More »
Idioms are fun and they’re also a great way to sound like a native speaker. This collection of cow idioms will give you everything
16 Common Cow Idioms (REAL Examples and Video) Read More »
Have you ever heard a native speaker say I gotcha? In this blog post, I’ll teach you 4 different ways we can use gotcha
I Gotcha – Meaning And Uses (Learn with Real Examples) Read More »
Going to the Dentist Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our
Going to the Dentist story (Great English listening practice) Read More »
Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website (at no extra
Improve English Listening – Unhealthy Breakfast (A fun story) Read More »
I wanted to write a helpful post to explain how to use singular and plural nouns in English. I did some research, used my own teaching experience, and put together this helpful resource for you.
Singular and Plural nouns – 50 examples (worksheet PDF) Read More »
This post will teach you Present Perfect Continuous grammar step by step. Learn with charts, images, and lots of natural examples. You will also
Present Perfect Continuous Grammar Guide (w/ Audio and PDF) Read More »
Understanding common English prefixes is a great way to quickly increase your vocabulary. In this post, you will learn some common extra prefix words
Learn over 10 EXTRA prefix words + their meaning (Real examples + Video) Read More »
Phrasal verbs are commonly used by native speakers in English conversation. I put together this collection of phrasal verbs with stop to help ESL
Phrasal Verbs With Stop (Compound Nouns and Adjectives too) Read More »
Phrasal verbs are very common in English conversation. They often have a meaning that is different from what the verb means by itself. This
How to Learn Phrasal Verbs – Tips from an ESL Teacher (PDF) Read More »
Prefixes and suffixes are like puzzle pieces that you can add to existing words to create new words. Confidently using the suffix -most it’s
The Suffix -most (14 real examples PLUS Video) Read More »
I love to teach suffixes that are also stand-alone words. The suffix -ship is a great example because most of my students know this
The Suffix -ship (31 Example Sentences PLUS Video) Read More »
I was prepping a lesson for a student who will travel to England for a business trip. During my research, I noticed that verbs
What’s the Difference Between the Suffixes -IZE and -ISE? Read More »
I often research prefixes and suffixes to help my students easily increase their vocabulary. Every time I do this, I’m surprised by how much
What Is The Origin of The Suffix -ize? (History and Development) Read More »
Knowing what the suffix -ize means is very helpful when using and understanding new English words. But it’s not enough. Knowing how to use
How To Use The Suffix -ize (Definitions, 48 Examples, Video) Read More »
This post is another great chance to easily improve your English vocabulary by understanding the meaning of the suffix -hood. Learn 17 words, what
How Do You Use the Suffix -hood? (17 Examples + Video) Read More »
Idioms are great to use if you want to sound more like a native English speaker. Learn 14 common idioms with the word egg
Idioms with EGG (14 Real Example Sentences + Video) Read More »
I love idioms, you love idioms, we all love idioms! I collected 21 idioms that use the word JUMP and put together this fun
Idioms with JUMP (21 Common Examples, Definitions, Video) Read More »
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
Nouns + Prepositions – 75 Examples + Video (Intermediate) Read More »
I love idioms, you love idioms, we all love idioms! I collected 21 idioms that talk about Health and Wellness and put together this
Idioms with HEALTH and WELLNESS (21 Real Examples + Video) Read More »
Animal idioms are fun to learn and use. The Chinese animal zodiac is used in many Asian countries, including where I live, Japan. I
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I love learning idioms in Japanese (my second language), when I use them in conversation I feel like a native Japanese speaker. In this
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These preposition QUIZZES were made just for you! You will find a warm-up video quiz and a general quiz with two different formats. The
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I love to teach prepositions to my students here in Japan. Prepositions are very important parts of speech that help us to be understood
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Words and phrases in English that are similar but have different meanings can be easily confused. I used an occasion in Japan called “Girl’s
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How to Improve your English FAST – 4 Quick Study Tips In this post, I will teach you 4 keys to help you improve your
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I have been teaching English as a second language since 2006. I have also been a language student for most of my life. Connecting
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I wrote this post just after I returned to Japan after a three-week trip to Ontario, Canada. I traveled to Canada to visit my
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Prepositions are difficult to learn in your second language, but they are important. More than one of my students has asked the question: “How
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The verb To HAVE is a common but often confused English word. My private students here in Japan often have questions about this verb,
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A student once asked me What’s the difference between the questions – Do you believe and Can you believe? She heard one of these
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Dessert vs Desert Has the pronunciation of dessert and desert ever been difficult for you? I have been teaching English to non-native speakers since
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This is a common question I get asked by my ESL students. Should I say ask “any plan or any plans?” It’s a good
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The verbs raise and rise are very similar in meaning which makes them easy to confuse. I often hear non-native speakers use these two
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Using superlatives correctly will make your English conversations more natural. When we describe a thing or a group of things we will often compare
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Do you want to sound more like a native speaker? Using common Idioms will help you do that. I made this list of 30
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Using Idioms is a great way to sound like a native speaker. I put together a list of common weather idioms that I use
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One of my private students here in Japan asked me: “Which is correct – suppose to or supposed to?” What a great question. (I
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Conjunctions can seem difficult to understand at first. This blog post will help you understand how to use the words Although, Though, and Even
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Some English is easy to confuse, even for native speakers. I have heard the question: “Should I use apply to or apply for?” more
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I’ve been teaching English as a second language since 2006. During that time I noticed some common mistakes that English students make. Reflexive pronouns
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Several of my English students have asked me “Should I use HAVE TO or MUST?” Learn how with this Easy Grammar guide. This post
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2020 was the year of the mouse/rat. In today’s post, you will learn 10 idioms with rats and mice. Phrasal verbs with rat For
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Most means the largest amount:“YouTube was the most searched keyword on Google in 2021.”Almost means nearly but not quite:“I almost missed my train this
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HAVE and HAVE GOT mean the same thing when you are talking about owning something, holding something, or relationships. *Remember the verb HAVE changes
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The English verb slap means to hit somebody/something with the flat part of your handOxford Learner’s Dictionaries SLAP Like all English verbs, slap has
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ESL Listening + Vocabulary PDFDieting: Old Advice, New Again What is the best way to improve your English quickly? Hard work + great study
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I was sitting in a coffee shop and wondering about the month of April. How did April get its name? Like most English words
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In an active voice sentence, the subject does something.A mosquito bit Paul. (ACTIVE voice) Subject–Verb–Object In a passive voice sentence, something happens to the subject.Paul
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My English students often wonder… Should I use each or every in my sentence? It’s a great question! I did some research and made
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Phrasal verb – Break down Break Down – Stop working (for a machine) My scooter breaks down every month. I think it’s time to
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Over the last 15 years, I have been asked many great questions by my private and group lessons students. Here is a common one.
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In this post, you will learn some English expressions with LUCK and more than 20 different ways to use them in natural conversation. If
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ENOUGH – As much or as many of something as is necessary
“We’ve waited long enough.” (We don’t have to wait any longer. No more waiting is necessary.)
TOO – Shows that there is more of something than is necessary
“We’ve waited too long.” (We have waited for more time than is necessary.)
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What’s the difference between TO and FOR? We use the words TO and FOR to show a reason for our actions. It’s WHY we
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What does the Idiom “A Walk In The Park” mean? A walk in the park is used to show that something is not hard
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We use the grammar “have something done” if somebody else does something for us. We don’t do it ourselves. “I’m having my house painted
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What’s the difference between BY and UNTIL?By is used with a time to mean – Not later than“We should probably leave BY 8:00.” Not
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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
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LIKE and AS can both be used to say that things are similar.LIKE is a preposition: similar to somebody/something. LIKE will be used before
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Idioms with TIGER 2022 is the Year of the Tiger In the Chinese zodiac, 2022 is the year of the tiger. Do you know
7 Idioms with TIGER (Infographic, videos) Read More »
Do you want to improve your English communication and confidence? Learn the IF conditional. Add this to your conversation skills and open up the
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Reported speech English grammar Direct quote Kyle said, “I will be busy tonight.” Sharing information Kyle said he will be busy tonight. We use
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Than or Then In 2006 I moved to Japan to study martial arts and I have been teaching English as a second language ever
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A basic guide YET – if something hasn’t happened but you expect it to happen The new cafe on Front Street is very popular.
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In this post you will learn how to use Double negatives in natural English conversation. Get your free NEGATIVE PREFIX and Quiz printable worksheet
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You can’t miss it! The English expression You Can’t Miss It. There are lots of common English expressions. Today let me show you one
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a slap on the wrist = punishment that is weak, not strong enough“My brother stole my parent’s car when he was 16 but all he
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The words for, during, and while can all be used to talk about time. Their meanings can be similar and easy to confuse. In
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Learn how to use the words today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, yesterday, and the day before yesterday like a native speaker. Also, increase
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I have been teaching English as a second language since 2006. During that time I have been asked lots of great questions by real
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HEAR vs. LISTEN I have been teaching English as a second language since 2006. I’ve been asked many great questions by my students in
Hear Vs. Listen – What’s the difference? (21 REAL examples) Read More »
TO BE English contractions – present tense Contractions TO BE (Present, Past, Future)“I’m studying English.” Learn about the contractions of the English verb TO BE with audio and a free
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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
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Learn how to use verbs with prepositions in this post. The prepositions TO and AT are used with some common English verbs. Read lots
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Use the prepositions TO and INTO like a native speaker, plus learn how to correctly use INTO and IN TO with your English writing.
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I love to teach prepositions! In this post, I want to teach you some common examples of adjectives with the preposition OF. I wrote
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SEE WATCH LOOK AT to become aware of somebody/something by using your eyes to look at somebody or something for a time, paying attention
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So and Such – English Grammar To learn this English Grammar let’s look at the meaning of So and Such. At the bottom of
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How I spent QUARANTINE – English practice I wrote this last year (2020) – and now some places (Tokyo included) have extended the state
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This post is a collection of 25 commonly used English idioms with body parts. With fun images and examples to help you remember them
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The 2020 Tokyo summer Olympics began on July 23rd, 2021. The Olympics are one year behind schedule due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
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Improve your vocabulary with an advanced news story This is a blog post that I wrote in 2014 with vocabulary for advanced English students.
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English Phrasal verbs with CUT be cut out (for) – to have the qualities and abilities needed for something cut out – if a
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Phrasal Verbs with BREAK break in = force entry to a building or car etc.“The window is cracked! It looks like a robber tried
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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
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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
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We all want to improve our English listening. Improving your English listening skills is very important for ESL students, it can also be fun.
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In this post, you will learn how to use the adverb EVEN in natural English conversation. Learn 2 ways to use this adverb with
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English Pronunciation Practice 13 or 30? This post will help with your English pronunciation of numbers like 13 and 30. There is a video
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Let me share two favorite English study tools that I use when teaching English. I have been teaching English as a second language since
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Stay WITH or Stay AT? One of my students was telling me about a trip her daughter will take to America this summer. I
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Adjectives with ed and ing + simple QUIZ In today’s post, you will learn how to use English adjectives that end with ed and
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Other and Another I was teaching a private lesson in a cafe last week. My student works in a hotel, and she was telling
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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
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famous adjective – known about by many people Vincent Van Gogh is a famous artist from Holland. (Many people know who Vincent Van Gogh is.)
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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
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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
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It is easy to confuse these words. Should I use few or a few? When you add a little “a,” it makes a BIG
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EITHER – adverb – Comes after negative phrases to say that a feeling or situation is similar to one already talked about Mike can’t
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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
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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
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Audio Intro In August 2017 I visited my family in Canada for 3 weeks. (I live in Tokyo now) I wrote 3 stories about
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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
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This post contains audio to Improve English listening. It talks about my quarantine here in Japan with lots of new vocabulary to learn. Below
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