Best English

Holiday or vacation?

2012-03-01T02:40:00.000-08:00

I've been away on holiday...

Barcelona airport

I'm British, so I say 'holiday'. In the U.S.A. they say 'vacation'. But the word vacation has been adapted to make a new word: staycationing.
A staycation is time off spent at home, in your home town. It's becoming more common now people are so worried about money!
Watch out for me on the 'beach' at the South Bank this summer, as I'll mostly be staycationing in London.

Learn English in London FREE!!

2012-02-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

Free!! You can join a public library in London, and borrow grammar books, adapted books for learners, or do online courses .... absolutely free.

Yes, London's an expensive city but there are so many free events and facilities!

How was your weekend?

2012-02-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

We spent a lovely evening having dinner with friends in Ealing...

good company, delicious food, gorgeous surroundings... worth schlepping across town for...

Collectables

2012-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

What do you collect? Books? Boyfriends? Beer mats? Bottle tops?
I love beautiful glass objects. Here's a picture of some pieces in my collection...

Snow in London

2012-02-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Think of all the words you know in your language to describe different types of snow. Can you find the equivalent words in English?

How do you pronounce..... ?

2012-01-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

How do you say the underlined words below? Which syllable has the stress?

1. We usually take public transport. 2. They transport the goods by rail or road.

3. What's that strange looking object? Oh, I see...it's a garlic press!
4. I object to the smell of garlic on someone's breath.

Bad habits... typical mistakes in English no. 1

2012-01-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Here are some typical errors made by learners at intermediate level.
Can you see the problem?
Can you correct the 3 sentences?

1. "I don't know who is she". X
2. "He doesn't tell me where is the car". X
3. "We don't find what is the problem." X

English classes - top tips

2012-01-05T04:59:00.000-08:00

Use a notebook - paper or electronic format, it doesn't matter, but write down vocabulary, example sentences, and questions for your teacher.
Study between classes - do several 10 minute review or practice sessions every day.
Enjoy London - there are so many free or cheap attractions and services to help you learn or improve your English.
Supplement your English classes with informal, social learning opportunities - you may make new friends... ask me how.

Summer morning by the Thames