Talking About Unreal Situations in the Present or Future Goals: Talk about things that are untrue or not possible in the present/future Functions: Used to talk about imagined things (including advice and things we would like) and unlikely or impossible future events Form: If-clause (condition) + result clause –> (Simple […]
t/d/ɪd There are 3 different ways to pronounce the final -ed sound. The /t/ sound (unvoiced) as in watched, worked, washed, hoped, relaxed, liked The /d/ sound (voiced) as in called, amused, played, planned, named, loved The /ɪd/ sound (extra syllable) as in started, wanted, needed, wasted, decided, illustrated Voiced Voiced means that when you make […]
To Love or Not to Love Everyone said we would love Thailand. When we arrived to sweltering winter temperatures and blood-hungry mosquitoes, we were not amused. Also…we’re not beach people. We burn. And sand in places it shouldn’t be is no fun. We’re also not people who like touristy places, […]
Relaxed Speech Relaxed speech is simply the way that native speakers usually speak. James calls it “lazy” in the video below, but I don’t agree. A better word is “efficient.” It’s faster and easier to speak this way in your native language. Everyone speaks this way in their native language. […]
My Place in the World? I could tell you…but it’s a secret. That’s part of why it’s my place in the world. Later…I’ll tell you later. I fell in love with this isolated small town in New Zealand on my first visit there in 2014. This summer, I will be […]
Here is another list of videos available on YouTube that you can watch to hear natural spoken English. On the Lighter Side 35 Accents in the English Language – He can do a pretty impressive range of accents, can’t he? Rock Paper Scissors, Your Logik Is Not Right – This is by […]
The Unforgettable David It is a moment I will never forget – a moment that lasted more than an hour because I found it difficult to tear myself away. I could have stayed all day just drinking in the details. To think of the artistry and craftsmanship it took to carve […]
Watching TV shows is an excellent way to improve your English. What are the benefits of watching TV? You can: hear real English and learn how people actually use it hear and see grammar structures in use learn new vocabulary, expressions, and idioms in context improve listening and pronunciation skills […]
What are some American and British TV shows I can watch to improve my English listening skills? This question came from one of my students recently. Our conversation went something like this: Student: What are some American and British TV shows I can watch to improve my English and […]