The English Link

English Idioms and Expressions: Part 1

It is difficult to uses idiomatic expressions (idioms) correctly. So…we’ve decided help! Watch this space over the next three Mondays and we’ll take some of the confusion out of this tricky part of learning English!

What exactly is an idiom? It is a phrase where the individual words mean 1 thing, but together they mean something different. For those of you who speak the international language of math, it means the sum of the parts equals a different amount than each individual part/word. Below are a few popular idiomatic expressions, and what they mean.

A good online resource

Because Englishlink is an online learning tool, we are always looking for good sites that will help you develop your skills. Adult Learning Activities is really impressive!  The self-study content is free and suits intermediate or higher learners. You can use it for extra practice while you are learning form your Englishlink teachers. See what you think!

The 10 Most Commonly Misspelled Words

There are some words in the English language that are more difficult to spell than others. For whatever reason, they are always spelled incorrectly, and seem to stump even the most seasoned of spellers. We’ve compiled a list of the ten most commonly misspelled words to be used as a reference guide. Never again will you be fooled by that silent vowel or that seemingly misplaced consonant!

Some Differences between British and American English

When learning English as an ESL student, it is important to understand and familiarise yourself with the type of English you are learning. The difference between British English and American English spelling is hard enough! Is it colour or color, centre or center, analyze or analyse, favourite of favorite??? It can be confusing, but the key to speaking and writing English well is to be consistent in your usage.

The Dictionary: Every ESL student’s must have tool

While learning English, your dictionary is the most important tool at your disposal. The first order of business is selecting a dictionary that is right for you.  Before you buy one, make sure it meets all of the 4 key criteria below. 

Internet English

While MSN chatting with a colleague in Manila, I noticed all the slang and short form words we were using during our conversation. We are both educated people, but find it tedious (or are too lazy) to type out full words when chatting.

Why first language literacy programs?

At Englishlink, we are regularly asked if we can teach refugees English.  We can, as long as they are literate in their first language.

Why is this so important? While learning a first language, one gains an understanding of pattern and grammatical structure. These are crucial when trying to acquire a second language. It is well documented that once language skills are learned, they transfer globally from one language to another.

“Common Usage” - Distorting the English Language?

I was listening to the radio on my way into work the other day. The hosts of the morning show were discussing the concept of “Common Usage” in comic detail. This conversation started me thinking about how language changes over time, and not necessarily for the better.

A tough one for Canada…

I was shaking my head while reading Keeping immigrant kids in school in the Toronto Star.

While I like the vision of supporting those who are struggling, the main comment that caught my attention was: “…hundreds of studies show that crystal-clear lessons delivered in smaller chunks, almost minute-to-minute checks to see if children understand – and immediately re-teaching the lesson if they do not – help all children at risk.”

Swearing – to teach or not to teach?

We all do it, so should we teach it? I say yes. When we are young we cry in response to pain or anger. That doesn’t fly when you are 25 and just had mud splashed on you as a bus drove by. As adults we swear for emphasis, to show anger or shock, to feel part of a group, to add humor, or to hide nerves. The colorfulness of the chosen swear word depends on the circumstance.