This entry is part 14 of 13 in the series Improving EnglishThe days of the week aren’t the only difference between English and Portuguese capitalization. You also capitalize the word “I” which means eu. Interestingly, you do not capitalize me, my or mine, only “I.” Other pronouns are not capitalized either, This means the following […]
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Each and Every
This entry is part 13 of 13 in the series Improving EnglishTwo words which often confuse English students are “Each” and “Every.” Both of these words are modifiers, and they work in a similar way, but not in an identical fashion. Each means all of the parts individually. Every means all of the parts together. […]
Capital Letters pt. I
This entry is part 12 of 13 in the series Improving EnglishDid you know that capital letters (letras maiúsculas) work a little bit different in English and Portuguese. There are several words that you capitalize in English, which you often don’t in other languages. The days of the week demonstrate this. In English, all seven […]
English Online Articles
A few days ago I said that reading was the key to improving vocabulary. Many people assume that means you have to read literature or technical manuals. While those are both good options, if you find them boring, you will not continue reading. If you have a shorter attention span, improve your English vocabulary through […]
Much and Many
This entry is part 10 of 13 in the series Improving EnglishMuch and many are two words with identical meanings, but different uses. Do you know when to use much and when to use many? Why can we say “many people” but we can’t say “much people”? The difference is regarding countable and uncountable. If […]
How can I improve my English vocabulary?
Students off ask me specifically how to improve English vocabulary. There is one simple answer to this – read! Reading in a class, alone, on the subway or on business flights is the best way to expand your English vocabulary. English blogs like this one and others also help. Read books, magazines, articles, reports, newspapers, […]
Internet English
This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series Internet EnglishA lot of the terms used in Internet English are abbreviations (the first letters of each word in an expression). One abbreviation that I have seen a lot, but only recently discovered the meaning is SMH. Every time I saw this term, it […]
Common Phrases – Whatever
This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Common PhrasesNot all expressions are phrases. Sometimes a simple word can be used in different ways. The word “whatever” generally means “anything,” but it is often used in a sarcastic tone to show disbelief or to finish an unpleasant conversation. 1. Disbelief Frank said that […]
The advantages of Skype classes
While having English classes face to face is typically the best option, there are some advantages to Skype English classes. Having a class through Skype gives the student flexibility in location and time. Skype classes also allow the teacher to use a variety of Internet resources. English classes through Skype additionally allow a student to […]
Common Phrases – Apologizing Pt. II
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Common PhrasesOn Monday we looked at some of the most common ways to apologize. There are a few more advanced ways to apologize as well. Some of these use longer phrases or more complicated words. Beginner speakers should start with these phrases. More advanced users […]
