Helping English language learners
Politics is mainly used about activities relating to government (local, national or international) and to people and organisations that want to influence government. Some examples: He entered politics with the intention of improving people’s...
It can be helpful to think of English language consisting of a hierarchy: . . Sentences, clauses and phrases A sentence expresses a complete idea. A written sentence usually begins with a capital letter...
“Vision” and “eyesight” are both used to mean the ability to see. When I go to have my eyes tested, I can say that the optician is checking my eyesight or is checking my...
Conditionals are concerned with what happens when something else happens. They usually have two clauses: a main clause and a subordinate ‘if’ clause. There are four main types of conditionals. They are known as:...
A phrasal verb consists of a verb and a preposition and/or adverb. They are used together to create a new meaning which is often very different from that of the original verb. Some phrasal...
“To have a run-in” (with someone or something) is to have a disagreement, row, confrontation or argument with them. Examples: She had a run-in with her neighbour about the noise from her television. I’m...
“To splash out” is a phrasal verb. It means “to spend a lot of money”. Examples: • It’s his birthday tomorrow so I’ve decided to splash out on a nice meal. • She splashed...
“To carry the can” is an idiom meaning to be blamed or held responsible for something even if you might not be at fault. A person might: choose to carry the can, be forced...
“Incredible” and “incredulous” are similar words that have different meanings. They are often confused, even by native speakers of English. “Incredible” means that something is unbelievable. “Incredulous” means that someone doesn’t believe something. Examples:...
When you tell someone not to hold their breath, you’re advising them that what they expect or want to happen won’t happen soon, or ever. Examples: I know you want a new dress, but...