Using “want” is always direct and sometimes impolite (rude). You won’t (or shouldn’t) hear “want” in retail. For example, “Would you like cream in your coffee?” rather than “Do you want cream?” When using want in the negative, for example “I don’t want cream”, you can usually just say, “no thanks.” But, in the situation,… Continue reading Understanding nuance: Replace “want” with “would like”
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Solve or Resolve?
I was asked what the difference was between solve and resolve. Do you solve or resolve the question 34 x 65=? There is only one correct answer, so you solve it. In XYZ CO., Tim is always late for work for various reasons. There is more than one correct way to fix the problem, so… Continue reading Solve or Resolve?
Verb / Subject agreement, aaaugh!
One common error when trying to get your verb / subject agreement right is when using singular/plural and countable/uncountable nouns, such as in the following example. The Government (uncountable) doesn’t / don’t mind deficits. But, (always a “but”), a team is made up of many players (and has an S) so it is plural: The… Continue reading Verb / Subject agreement, aaaugh!
What words go together (idioms & phrasal verbs)?
Various multi-word verb formations (things to keep in mind when learning new vocabulary and to better understand what I am referring to when using these words): (idioms): to sink money into something = to waste money (you never actually sink money – that’s an idiom and hard to remember) (phrasal verbs) to throw away money… Continue reading What words go together (idioms & phrasal verbs)?
Know How, but Don’t Know What to Say?
Learning English teaches you how to express yourself and communicate, but don't forget to work on the what you want to say. There were a few IELTS candidates who were very good, but couldn't speak for even two minutes about a topic. Overconfidence is one problem that face native speakers in IELTS, but for non-native speakers,it is necessary to build… Continue reading Know How, but Don’t Know What to Say?
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