This week we’re going to unpack the meaning behind a dozen commonly-used business English expressions. As with all subcultures, the English-speaking business world has its own peculiar vocabulary, the meaning of which might not be obvious to non-native English speakers. What follows is just a small taste of expressions used in business correspondence. If you…

In our previous lesson, we introduced the concept of collocations: groups of two or more words that are commonly-used together. We also discussed how English collocations are largely idiomatic. A collocation is considered “correct” only because its use has been widely-accepted by native English speakers.   In this lesson, we’re going to examine the parts…

Collocations are groups of two or more words that are commonly-used together. These groups of words are largely idiomatic. The “right” and “wrong” words to use in a given collocation have evolved through custom and usage as the English language itself has evolved. Because of this, you should think of collocations as whole units of…

Nonreversible word pairs such as trial and error, thick and thin, and give and take are learned through custom and usage. If reversed, these word pairs would sound “wrong” to a native English speaker.

In this English lesson, we discuss formal, semi-formal, and informal closings in emails and letters. You will learn when to use Sincerely, Cheers, Respectfully, Warm regards, and more.

Knowing when to use was and were can be tricky even for native English speakers. In this lesson, we cover using both of these words when speaking or writing in the indicative or subjunctive mood.

Dear, To whom it may concern, Greetings, and Hello are all salutations. Read this English lesson to learn when to use each salutation.

In this English lesson, we teach you how words like “cool” and “awesome” are used in informal conversations (i.e. two friends texting each other).

Knowing which words to capitalize can be a confusing concept for native and non-native English speakers alike. Many exceptions exist, and style guides for certain academic and professional organizations can have their own peculiar capitalization rules. Nevertheless, you should attempt to follow the generally accepted conventions of English capitalization outlined below. DO capitalize the first…

In this English lesson, we’re going to offer three tips to help you increase your vocabulary. Building vocabulary can be a difficult experience for learners of any language, but English’s large number of irregular words and words borrowed from other languages can make the process particularly challenging. If you are struggling with vocabulary or any…