Alternate Endings The pronunciation of words ending in -ed in English can be really confusing. For every -ed word, there are three alternative ending sounds to choose from: Add an extra syllable /-ed/ Make a stopped sound /t/ Make a stopped sound /d/ Alternate endings might be great for TV series, but alternate pronunciation in … Continue reading Target Pronunciation: How To Pronounce -ED Words in English
Tag: TOEFL
Let's face it. If our ESL students aren't reading now, what's going to change that? ESL teachers know that reading is essential to language acquisition, and the science backs it up. So how can we encourage students to find fluency through fiction?
When talking about travel, it's easy to confuse the phrasal verbs go back and come back. They both mean to return. So what's the difference? It's actually very simple. It all depends on where you are at the time of speaking. For example, if you are from Italy, but you are in California right now, you would say: I'm going … Continue reading Go Back or Come Back: What’s the Difference?
Use GO with another -ING verb when you talk about activities and sports. Do you want to go surfing in California?There are some beautiful places to go sightseeing here, too!Have you ever gone wine tasting in Italy? Team sports (soccer, basketball) typically use the verb to play. Sports that are done individually usually use to go. For more information about the verbs go, play, and … Continue reading Expressions with the Verb TO GO
The verb TO DO is very useful when talking about general actions. We use it to ask about activities, as in: What do you want to do tonight? (However, a different verb is used to answer the question.) I want to watch the sunset. I want to spend time with my friends. I want to walk on the beach. Do is also … Continue reading Expressions with the Verb TO DO
The verb TO MAKE has several different uses. The literal meaning is to create something. Here are some expressions, or collocations that use make, organized by category. Make = To Cook or Prepare make breakfast, lunch or dinnermake a sandwich, pasta, or other meal If you don't feel like cooking, you can make a reservation at a restaurant! Make = … Continue reading Expressions with the Verb TO MAKE
SAY and TELL are similar - they are used to communicate information. So what's the difference? The major difference is TELL can include the listener. SAY typically does not include the listener, only what is being said. (Incorrect) She said me to call her. (Correct) She told me to call her. TELL TELL is … Continue reading Say vs. Tell: What’s the Difference?
Take a few minutes to think about the verb TO TAKE. To Take literally means "to bring something with you." Take an umbrella, or take a book to read, for example. However, many other activities use this verb, even though you are not really "taking" anything. Here are some of the more commons expressions that are formed with take. Take … Continue reading Visual Vocabulary – Common English Expressions with TAKE
Robot: What are you going to do today? Astronaut: I'm going to visit the sun. R: But it's too hot! You'll burn up! A: I'll be fine. I'm going to go at night.
What are your favorite sports and activities? I love yoga, surfing, and volleyball. But if I want to talk about these activities, I need THREE different verbs! How to choose? Read on to find out.