"My house is my castle" simply means that you can do whatever you want to at your own home. Also,
You home is your domain. you are the ultimate ruler, have ultimate responsibility and should be able to do whatever you want in it. you also have the right and responsibility to defend it and protect anyone and anything in it.
Imagine:blog.fortumo.com
*Bonus: "Many a little makes a mickle", it is a fun phrase to say. It has that perfect rhyme for a short phrases and enough letters that require hitting the tongue against the teeth or top of the mouth. This is actually a proverb which means that many small amounts accumulate to make a large amount. It has the same meaning with the phrase "each little penny adds up".
First, it means " Don't give up!" to encourage you to continue doing something hard.
Eg: Mary: I'm fed up with this homework. It's driving me nuts. I think I can't finish it in time.
Jane: Come on, Mary. Never say die!
Sencond, it shows something that you say which means that you should not accept that you have failed while there is still a chance that you may succeed.
Eg: You still have enough time to handle this problem. Never say die!
Third, it means to refuse to stop trying to do something.
Eg: What I like the most about him is that whatever difficulty he never say die.
Some people assume that "Love me, love my dog" means that if you don't like their dog, you aren't going to be their friend. That person does not/cannot like people who don't like that pet, too. It doesn't mean you should "love" the dog, , but you should at least "like" the dog, or pretend to. So, this is a good clue, and if you dislike the dog, the dog is going to be chosen over you. (Katy C)
Or, It means that i come as a package. If you want me, you must also acccept my dog. (Plym)
But," Love me, love my dog" is a proverb which simply means that if you do love someone, you must accept everything about them, even their weak points, their faults,..
How many common American phrases in daily contexts do you know? Let's upgrade them every day right on this blog! Letter C (2) 13. Come again Please come back again sometime. 14. Come and get it! Dinner's ready. Come eat! (Folsky and familiar) 15. Come in and make yourself at home. Please come into my home and make yourself comfortable.
Imagine:static.someecards.com
16. Come off it! Don't act so haughty! Stop acting that way! 17. Come on. * Stop it!; Stop doing that! * Please oblige me, Eg: Mom: Sorry, you can't go! Son: Come on, let me go to the picnic!
18. Come right in. Come in, please, you're very welcome here. 19. Coming through (, please) Please let me pass through. 20. Cut it out! Stop doing that! Stop saying that!
It knocked out many other hits surprisingly and took over many other music charts. With " Royal", Lorde was recognized as the new queen of Alternative and compared to big singer Adele. She possesses such an unique voice and impressive style. Let's hear the song again and learn some interesting phrases from its lyric!
Vocabulary:
"in the flesh" means that something/someone is physically in front of you
"to cut one's teeth" means tohave new teeth emerging through the gums.
"to catch up" means to involve, often unwillingly.
" Queen bee" means a woman who is in a favored or preeminent position.
How many common American phrases in daily contexts do you know? Let's upgrade them every day right on this blog! Letter C (1) 1. Call again. Please visit this shop again sometime. (said by shopkeepers and clerks) 2. Can it! Be quiet! Stop talking! Drop the subject!
Imagine: shoestring.com.au
3. Can you handle it? * Are you able to deal with this problem? * Could you handle this problem? 4. Capeesh? Do you understand? 5. Cash or Credit? Do you wish to pay for your purchases with cash or a credit card?
Imagine:eposguide.com
6. Catch me later and Catch me some other time. Please try to talk to me later. 7. Certainly! Definitely! 8. Check. That is correct; that is accounted for, 9. Check, please and Could I have the bill?; Could I have the check? Could I please have the bill for this food or drink? 10. Cheerio Goodbye (Chiefly British) 11. Cheer up! Don't worry! Try to be happy!
12. Clear the way! Please get out of the way because someone or something is comming through and needs room. Letter A Letter B (1) Letter B (2)
In term of grammar, there are 12 tenses in English, but native speakers tend to use 4 most common tenses in everyday conversation. Let's find out what they are!
Imagine:ego4u.com
1. Present Simple Tense
This tense is used for the following purposes:
To describe an action in the present time as routine, world truth, thoughts or feelings at present.
To tell stories or jokes
To refer an action in the future but according to a timetable or schedule.
* Positive sentence:
S + V-s/es
I/you/we/they + study Math.
He/She/It + runs well.
*Negative sentence:
(-) S + do/does not+ V
I/You/We/They + don’t study Math.
He/She/It + doesn’t run well.
*Interrogative sentence:
(?) Do/Does + S + V?
Do you/I/we/they + study Math? Yes, I/We/They do hoặc No.I …don’t
Does he/she/ it + run well? Yes,He/she/it + does hoặc No. He …doesn’t
2. Past Simple Sentence This is principally used to desbribe events occured and ended in the past. It has some other uses.
* Positive sentence:
- Regular verbs
V infinitive + "ed"
work + "-ed" = worked
live + "-d" = lived
- Irregular verbs
I/you/he/she/it/we/they saw
Irregular verbs List
Click to zoom out
* Negative sentence:
I
you + DID + NOT + learn
he/she/it /DIDNT/
we
they
* Interrogative sentence:
I
you
DID + he/she/it + learn?
we
they
3. Future simple tense It describes actions that will happen in the future. Some adverbs are usually used in future simple tense sentences such as tomorrow, today, later today, in five minutes, in two hours, on Monday, on Saturday afternoon, next week / month, this year ....
* Positve sentence:
- I / we + shall / will + go to school tomorrow
- You
he/she/it + will + go to school tomorrow
they * Negative sentence:
I SHALL + NOT
we /SHAN’T/ + go to school
I WON’T
you WILL + NOT
he/she/it
we /WON’T/ + go to school
they
* Interrogative sentence:
WILL + I / we + run?
you
WILL + he/she/it + run?
They
4. Perfect present tense The present perfect in English is used chiefly for completed past actions or events, when no particular past time frame is specified or implied for them (it is understood that it is the present result of the events that is significant, rather than their actual occurrence). When a past time frame (a point of time in the past, or period of time which ended in the past) is specified for the event, explicitly or implicitly, the simple past is used rather than the present perfect. (wikipedia)
Voice of America (VOA) is the official external broadcast institution of the United States federal government. It is one of five civilian U.S. international broadcasters working under the umbrella of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). VOA provides a wide range of programming for broadcast on radio, TV and the internet outside of the U.S., in 43 languages. (wikipedia) How come does it help your learn American english effectively?
First, VOA Learning English just uses a vocabulary of about 1500 words which are most commonly used . The questions on VOA Learning English are also pretty short, simple and do not contain idioms, which cause a lot of trouble for people learning English.
Second, on VOA Learning English, news is read with a slow speed so that you can read the subtitles and hear every single word simultaneously. Most people usually know how to write words, but while listening they can not realize them because of the pronunciation. So, slow reading is very good beacause it helps you get familiar with the American pronunciation.
Third, VOA Learning English's videos and audio are all attached scripts, subtitiles. If you can not hear any word, review the subtitles.
By this way, you also obtain knowledge of culture and society.
According to Wikipedia, a gift or a present is an object given without the expectation of payment. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness. In many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the recipient's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck.
Gift Giving Occasions
The occasion may be:
Expression of love or friendship.
Expression of gratitude for a gift received.
Expression of piety, in the form of charity.
Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid.
To share wealth.
To offset misfortune.
Offering travel souvenirs.
Custom, on occasions (often celebrations) such as birthday, wedding day, christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day,...
Vocabulary:
reciprocity
to elaborate:
to package:
to connote:
recipient:
piety:
Questions:
1. What kind of gifts do you look forward to receiving?
2. Do you often give presents to your parents, relatives or friends? What are those presents?
3. Who often give you presents on some special occasions? is there any present you don't want to receive?
4. What would you do if your gift was refused by your friend/ girlfriend/boyfriend?
5. What problems do you have to face when choosing a gift?
6. Do you think that the meaning or the purpose of giving presents today may has changed in some situations? How and Why?
1. Improving your listening and communication skills in the natural way. While watching movie, you can learn how the native speakes use their language in various situations. 2. Upgrading your english vocabulary with a lot of new words, phrases, idioms, slangs... 3. Improving your pronunciation. 4. Learning culture, tradition and customs of that country.
Some know-how to learn English through movies:
Step 1: Prepare a notebook and Choose a movies in line with your english level. Step 2: You watch that movie with mother language subtitles for the sake of understanding its content. (Optional) Step 3: Watch it again with English subtitles, note down some new words, idioms,... And pay attention to the pronunciation. You can repeat it. Step 4: Enjoy the movie without subtitles. Now, pay attention to the expressions and emotions of the characters.
Some good movies for Learning American English ( with English subtitles)
How many common American phrases in daily contexts do you know? Let's upgrade them every day right on this blog!
Letter B (2) 14. Boy and oh boy.
A sentence opener expressing surprise or emphasis.
eg: Bob: Hi, Bill. Bill: Boy, am I glad to see you!
15. Boy howdy!
An exclamation of excited surprise (colloquial and folksy).
Eg: Mary: Well, I finally got here. Bob: Boy howdy! Am I glad to see you!
16. Bravo!
Imagine: unomaha.edu
A cheer of phrase for someone who has done something very well.
Eg: "Keep it up! Bravo!" cheered the audience.
17. Break a leg!
A parting word of encouragement given to performer before a performance.
Eg: Mary: The big show is tonight. I hope I dont forget my lines. Bob: Break a leg, Mary!!
18. Break it up!
Stop fighting!; stop arguing!
19. Bully for you!
* An expression that praises someone or someone's courage. (Dated, but still heard)
Eg: The audience shouted, " Bravo! Bully for you!"
20. Butt out!
Go away and mind your own business (Rude. Said to someone who has "butt in")
Eg: Jane and Mary were talking when Bill came over and interupted. "Butt out" said Jane.
21. By the skin of someone's teeth.
Just barely.
22. By the way and Incidentally.
* A phrase indicating that the speaker is adding information.
* A phrase indicating that the speaker is casually opening a new subject.
Eg: Bob: Oh, by the way, Bill, do you still have that hammer you borrowed from me?
Reading english newspapers is not useful but interesting for us to learn english.
Imagine: accessenglish.org
Here are some its advantages:
A natural way of learning english helps you revise vocabulary and put words in your long-term memory.
You can learn the structures of standard english.
It helps you become familiar with the English style of writing and improve your writing skills.
It speeds your reading and translation (in many international tests such as TOEFL, IELTS Reading passages are the extracts of the famous English newspapers).
It provides a lot of useful information for you!
How to read?
Many english learners say that reading english newspapers is beyond their ability because of the difficult titles, idioms, structures or writing styles used in newspapers.
At first you should choose a favourite newspaper and read it with low frequency, for example once a week in order to get familiar with its writing style. When your english is better you can read more. Keep it as your daily or weekly habit!
Plus, you should practice some basic reading skills such as scanning, skimming, reading comprehension...and take note of new words, idioms, structures,.. while reading.
Here are top 10 English newspapers and their website for reading:
The Sun, Britain ( www.thesun.co.uk ): Information about showbiz, actors, celebrities, sport and racing, national and world news .
USA Today, U.S. ( www.usatoday.com ): updating news related to U.S. and international weather forecasts, entertainment, finance, and other content.
The Daily Mail, UK ( www.dailymail.co.uk ): The latest news, sport, showbiz, science and health .
The Mirror, UK ( www.mirror.co.uk ): News, commentary, stories around sports and celebrities .
Times of India, India ( timesofindia.indiatimes.com ): Political News, Indian diplomats and world, sports , business, news about Bollywood .
Wall Street Journal , U.S. ( online.wsj.com ): Hot news about the U.S. and the world, the story highlights and analysis .
New York Times, USA ( www.nytimes.com ): News, commentary, opinion of Washington, business , sports, movies, travel, career, education, cars ...
The Daily Telegraph, UK ( www.telegraph.co.uk ): News, commentary on business, sports, culture and lifestyle .
Daily Express, England ( www.express.co.uk ): Hot news, sports, photos, showbiz ...
Los Angeles Times, USA ( www.latimes.com ): Information on Southern California, entertainment, movies, television, music, politics, business, health, technology, travel ...
If you think that games are only for kids, you may be wrong! These following games are not only interesting to relax but also helpful to learn English! Let's give them a try!
This Hangooroo game is like the game "Hang man" which is very popular for many people. But, there are a cute Kangooro (not a man), a phrase, an idiom, a sentence or even a song in this game. Let's give it a try!And try to rescue the cute Kangooro!
2. Crosswords
This classic game is devided into many levels from easy to difficult. You can also play with your friends and let's see who can solve it faster!
3. Dear FutureMe
This is not really an English game but it's a very interesting site. In ".futureme.org" website, you will compose a letter to yourself in the future. You can choose the time to receive your mail and the public or private mode (only you can see or other members can read). In the Read Public Letters section you can read the interesting letters by the other members.
How many common American phrases in daily contexts do you know? Let's upgrade them every day right on this blog! Letter A Letter B 1. Bag it and Bag your face! Shut up and go away! ( Rude and youthful slang) 2. Beat it! Go away! Get out! (slang) 3. Be careful. - An instruction to take care in particular situation. - A way of saying Good bye while cautioning someone to take care.
4. Be good. A departure response meaning Good-bye and behave yourself. eg: Jane: Well, we'll off. Be back in a week. Mary: Okay, have fun. Be good. 5. Behind you! Look behind you! There's danger behind you! 6. Believe you me! You really should believe me! You'd better take my word for it!
7. Be my guest. Help yourself; After you. 8. Be quiet! Stop talking or making noise. 9.Be that as it may. Even though that may be true. 10. Better late than never. A catch phrase said when someone arrives late or when something happens or is done late. eg: Mary: Hi, Tom. Sorry, I'm late. Tom: Fret not! Better late than never.
11. Better luck next time. An expression that comforts someone for a minor failure.
12. Bingo! That's it, just what I've been waiting for! Eg; Mary: I've found it! Bingo! 13. Bite your tongue! An expression said to someone who has just started an unpleasant supposition that unfortunately may be true. Eg: Mary: Marry him? but you're older than he is! Jane: Bite your tongue!
The United States of America is comprised by 50 states with diverse human races, but separated by two oceans; therefore, the American are somewhat isolated. Now, let's see some famous characteristic traits of the American:
1. Individualism
The American are very individualistic, self-reliant and independent. Children are taught as adults at schools. The idiom "go dutch" which indicates that each person participating in a group activity pays for themselves, rather than any person paying for anyone else, particularly in a restaurant bill, is often used when describing friendship of Americans. Women also want to share the bill men. While the old people desire to live with their children in many countries especially in Asia, they prefer to live in retirement homes in America just because they don't want to bother their children. 2. Privacy
People need time alone and private thoughts they never share with anyone. Children usually have their own bedroom. Most of Americans need " elbow room" which means the space allowing you to move around and the freedom to do what you want to do. It's also somewhat rude and impolite if you ask about religion, age, weight, dress size,.. when meeting some one for the first time. 3. Equality
In some way all people are of equal of value and infomal in behavior and relationship. Both men and women join hands to do housework and take care of children, even after they get divorced. 4. Openness
Americans are open to share their ideas and discuss frankly. Also, they're not severe when talking about the gay world, abortion and single parenting. Separation, divorce, premarital relationship in long term, sex role and friendship are most common topics of the young. 5. Being on time
Americans place a high value on punctuality. In American culture, the commitment to spend time with some one is more important than anything else that might happen. Americans go to great lengths to keep their commitments. Even if their mother called them on the phone, they would say: " Oh, mom, I can only talk a few minutes, because i'm meeting a friend for lunch. Can you call me back when I get home?". Their mother woould not take offense at this, because their pre-existing plans take precedence over all others.
How many common American phrases in daily contexts do you know? Let's upgrade them every day right on this blog! 1. Absolutely! A strong affirmation. Eg: John: Will you join with us this evening? Peter: Absolutely! ---> Absolutely not! : A strong denial or refusal 2. Act your age! Behave more maturely! 3. Adios Good-bye (from spanish. Used in casual or familiar conversation) 4. After while (, crocodile) Goodbye till later; see you later. (the word "crocodile is used only for the sake of the rhyme. It's the respone to "see you late, alligator") Eg: Mary: See you later. John: After while, crocodile. 5. All in all and All thing considered; on balance A transition indicating a summary, a generalization, or the annoucement of conclusion. Eg: All in all, this was a fine evening. 6. All right. An indication of agreement or acquiescence. 7. All systems are go An indication that everything is ready or that things are going along as planned. Eg: - Can we leave now? is the car gassed up and ready? - All systems are go. let's start! 8. Anything new down your way? Has any interesting event happened where you live? (rural and familiar) 9. Anything you say. Yes; I agree 10. (Are) things getting you down? Are things bothering you? 11. (Are you) doing okay? and You doing okay? How are you?
Currently, learning english online has been a popular way and prefered because of its convenience and efficiency. You just need a computer connected with the internet and then access any websites teaching english without any fee. There are a great number of learning english websites, but the following 10 websites deserve to have your attention and to be chosen to learn english. 1. Ello
ELLO specializes in listening skills. You can listen to the speech of many speakers in the world on various topics such as sports, travel, entertainment, ...Also, each video has its subtitle so it is very convenient for learning English. There are also a lot of interesting songs, video clips. 2. Fun Easy English
This site provides basic English knowledge and know-how to teach English. Website includes many skills, from pronunciation, grammar, and idioms, slang, writing skills, etc. ... Most are taught through the clip with subtitles and images. 3. Go4English.com
Go4English.com is the British Council's website which belongs to the Cultural Committee for International Relations. The site offers information about teaching and learning for students, teachers and young children. Here, you can do the test, listen to music, play games in English. 4. Lang-8
This site helps you improve your writing skills. Your texts will be checked and edited by native speakers. You can also help foreigners learn your mother language by reading their texts and editing them as well. 5. Busuu
You can choose any language you want to learn, Busuu offers writing skill courses, improve your vocabulary, comprehension skills, ... Besides you can learn English by ioining Busuu forum and then talk, communicate with members from many countries around the world. 6. Livemocha
It primarily specializes in teaching communication courses by chatting online with members coming from English-speaking countries. 7. VocabSushi
This helps you learn daily vocabulary. To learn a word, we must understand its meaning, then read a statement including that word, listen to the native speaker's sound, finally do the test and see if you learn effectively or not. It is the teaching method of VocabSushi. 8. BBC Learning English
It is a website about learning grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, teaching English tips ... In addition, you can also check your English level through online english tests. The most interesting part of this web is "6 Minute English" - you will hear a short passage with subtitles in English and you can download it to your computer as mp3 and pdf to learn offline. 9. Learn English Online Free
With 10 years of experience, Learn English Online Free is a rich resource for both students and teachers about: vocabulary, learning methods with pictures attached, the unique ways to learn English, many interesting test, etc. ... 10. Exam English
This site contains a lot of English tests such as TOEFL, CPE, PET, ... Almost the tests for English learners are on site. Moreover, you can also test your level in each specific skills such as reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, essay writing, ... Finally, don't forget to like this post if you think it helpful ;) Next time, we will see " TOP Best sites to Learn American English", Keep following!!
