USING GO AS A PHRASAL VERB

Try to use Phrasal Verbs such as GO as much as possible. Native English speakers typically use plenty of Phrasal Verbs. This is especially true in speaking and conversation. This is just a short list of Phrasal Verbs with GO – there are many more. to go on  Meaning 1 – to continue. Example: He never seems to get to … Read More

USING LOOK AS A PHRASAL VERB

to look after someone or something – to take care of / to be responsible for.  I’m looking after my sister’s children while she’s on holiday. to look up to someone – to admire / to respect.  She thinks the world of her older brother.  She really looks up to him. to look around – to try to find something … Read More

TO GET SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING

Form = Get + Object + Infinitive Meaning = Persuade or Make somebody do something.  This structure is often used when there is a sense of difficulty. Examples: I’ll have to get John to do this report.   I won’t be able to finish it in time. I can’t get the children to sleep at bed-time.  They never seem to be … Read More

USING TAKE AS A PHRASAL VERB

Use Phrasal Verbs such as TAKE as much as possible. Native English speakers typically use plenty of Phrasal Verbs in everyday conversational English.  This is just a short list of Phrasal Verbs with TAKE – there are many more. PHRASAL VERB TAKE to take up – to start learning or doing something new.  She took up dancing when she was just 3 … Read More

MAKE – WORD COLLOCATION

EXPRESSIONS WITH MAKE make a promise make a suggestion make a mistake / an error make amends make love make friends / enemies make peace / war make an effort make an excuse Word Collocation with Food make breakfast / lunch / dinner make some coffee / tea / pasta make a sandwich make a bite to eat Make – … Read More

GO / DO / PLAY (for sports)

GO + verb+ING go swimming go running / jogging go riding / cycling PLAY a game play tennis / squash play football play rugby We can use play for other games that aren’t sport like computer games, card games, ball games, party games. DO + activity do gymnastics do yoga do karate / tai chi / judo do ballet do … Read More

SIMILE: As Free as a Bird

As Free as a bird Simile Meaning: carefree, without problems, with no worries or cares or plans. Examples: What are you doing tomorrow? Nothing. I’m as free as a bird. He’s as free as bird.  He never worries about a thing.   Synonyms (other similes with the same meaning) As free as the wind As free as the smell of … Read More

CONFUSING WORDS: ROAD vs. STREET

Streets are found in towns, villages or cities.  As long as there are houses on the side of the road, you can refer to it as a street. The word road can be used for villages, towns and cities but also for roads in the countryside.  So, you can have a road in a village and a road in the … Read More

USING COME AS A PHRASAL VERB

come up with – to have an idea. He came up with a solution to the problem immediately. come around – to return to consciousness. He took a couple of minutes to come around after he fainted and knocked his head. come down with – to get sick. I think I’m coming down with a cold. come out – to … Read More

DISCOVER, FIND OUT, UNCOVER – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The difference between to discover and to find out is a fine one. DISCOVER Use the verb to discover to talk about information and things that are completely new.  You can also use discover if you are the first person to learn some new information. Examples: Captain Cook discovered Antarctica. Sir Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin when he forgot to clean … Read More