7 Commonly Misused Words
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 5 lutego 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka, Porady językowe
Accept & Except
accept = to agree to take something
We accept credit cards.
except = not including
We accept credit cards, except American Express.
Compliment & Complement
compliment = a remark that expresses approval, admiration, or respect
I take it as a compliment when people say I look like my mother.
complement = to make something else seem better or more attractive when combining with it
Strawberries and cream complement each other perfectly.
Fewer & Less
fewer = nouns that can be counted
We got fewer complaints this week.
less = nouns that cannot be counted
We must try to spent less money.
Flammable & Inflammable
flammable = something that ...
British Slang Words You Should Know
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 2 lutego 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
Mate
An informal way of saying friend.
e.g. She's my best mate.
Taking the mickey
Making fun of something.
e.g. Are you taking the mickey out of my new shoes?
A brew
A cup of tea.
e.g. I will make you a brew.
Cheers
Thanks, but you can also use it when you make a toast.
e.g. I've bought you a drink. Cheers, mate.
Gobsmacked
To be really shocked.
e.g. He was gobsmacked when he heard of the redundancies.
Barmy
Crazy or mad.
e.g. Not another one of his barmy ideas!
Gutted ...
Personality & Character Idioms
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 28 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
couch potato
a lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting down, watching TV or playing video games
e.g. Stop being a couch potato – turn off the TV and do some exercise!
worrywart
a person who worries constantly and excessively
e.g. My mother's such a worrywart that I have to call her everyday.
social butterfly
an extroverted person who loves to socialize
e.g. I'm more reserved, but my brother is a social butterfly.
stickler for the rules
a person who strongly insists on that quality or behavior, and wants or expects other people to ...
Interview with the Irish polyglot - Benny Lewis
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 22 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Porady językowe, Porady ogólne
Let's check our interview with Benny Lewis, "a fun-loving Irish guy, a full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author".
He become a fluent speaker of six foreign languages and is able to have conversations in many others.
Benny helps people to be confident in speaking foreign languages and his mission is "giving people permission to make mistakes", because "the more mistakes you make, the faster you become a confident language learner".
Benny is available on his language blog, Twitter and Facebook.
How many languages do you speak fluently?
If fluently means B2-C2 level on the CEFRL scale, then it ...
When Should We Use 'Shall'?
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 20 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
The modal verb Shall is not used so much. You can still find it in formal speech or some legal documents.
Usually you use Shall in questions thah suggest or offer.
Shall we...?
Shall I...?
Uses:
Suggestions -> Shall I get a sushi for dinner tonight? (can be replaced by should)
Instructions -> What shall I do with your parcel when it arrives? (can be replaced by should)
Offers/Volunteering -> Shall I carry that bag for you? (can be replaced by can/could)
Confirmation -> I shall meet him at 3 p.m. (can be replaced by will)
Promises -> You shall be the ...
Might or May?
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 16 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
Might & May can usually be interchanged without a significant difference in meaning.
However, might implies a smaller chance of happening, when you express the possibility.
It may rain -> ca. 70% chance
It might rain -> ca. 40% chance
Remember, when you express wishes or give permission - use only may.
Uses:
Possibility -> It might rain in the afternoon, so take an umbrella.
Give permission -> You may have another beer if you like.
Ask for permission -> May I borrow your book?
Express wishes -> May the Christmas bring you happiness?
Mustn't vs. Don't have to
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 13 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
Mustn't
Meaning:
It is prohibited, it is not allowed. It is important that you do not do something.
Examples:
You mustn't drink that = It is forbidden to drink that
You mustn't tell him = Do not tell him, you are not allowed to tell him
Don't have to
Meaning:
There is no obligation, you are not required to do something (if you don't want it).
Examples:
You don't have to drink that = You can drink that if you want, but it' not obligatory
You don't have to tell him = You can tell him, but ...