How AI Can Help You Learn English Faster and Smarter

Posted on April 22, 2025 by mhardy3222

Since starting this blog in 2013, I’ve been passionate about helping learners of English around the world—especially those learning it as a second or third language. One of my favourite methods is using songs to teach grammar, and many of you have told me how fun and effective that approach is.

Another approach which I believe could enhance your English learning is AI (Artificial Intelligence).

Let’s explore how AI can help you become more confident and fluent in English!

1. Practise Conversations Anytime, Anywhere

With AI chat tools (like ChatGPT), you can practise English conversation whenever you want. These tools never get tired, and you can chat about any topic—music, travel, your day, or even grammar questions.

You can say:

    • “Can you recommend any good accommodation in Bali? Which airline should I book with?”
    • “We’d like to go to the movies this weekend. Any suggestions?”
    • “Let’s compare our daily work routines.”

It’s like having a personal English tutor on your phone or computer!

2. Instant Grammar and Vocabulary Help

AI can check your writing for grammar mistakes and explain what you did wrong—and why.

  • For example, if you write:
    “Peter like learning English.”

An AI tool can say:
❌ Incorrect: “Peter like”

✅ Correct: “Peter likes learning English.”

Why? Because with “he/she/it,” we add -s to the verb in the present simple tense.

To check vocabulary, you can ask:

  • “What is a better word than ‘interesting’ to describe a movie?”
  • “Could you give me typical words and expressions I would need to book holiday accommodation?”

3. Learn with Your Favourite Songs

Yes—AI can even help you learn grammar with your favourite English songs. You can ask an AI:

    • “Explain the meaning of the lyrics in ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles.”
    • “Which tense is used in ‘Memories’ by Maroon 5?”
    • “Could you give me a vocabulary list from ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran.”
    • “Do you know a song that features Relative Clauses?“

You can combine AI with music to create your own personalized grammar lessons!

4. Practise Listening and Pronunciation

Some AI tools can speak with you and help you improve your pronunciation. Others can provide listening exercises or even create custom quizzes based on your level.

Try asking:

    • “Can you quiz me on homonyms?”
    • “How do you pronounce ‘answer?’ ” 
    • “Could you read a short story at Intermediate level to me ?”

5. Stay Motivated with Personalized Learning

AI can suggest lessons based on what you like or what you struggle with. If you’re a beginner, it can keep things simple. If you’re more advanced, it can challenge you with more complex grammar or idioms.

AI is like a helpful study partner that’s always there when you need it, but remember—it doesn’t replace real-life communication or human connection. Use AI as a tool, along with music, real conversations, and good old-fashioned practice. 

A Final Point

Photo by Sanket Mishra on Pexels.com

I encourage you to have some fun with AI. It is not perfect and you may have to persevere with different types of questions. AI answers tend to sound impressive, but make sure that you are getting answers to the questions you ask, not questions you haven’t asked. For example, if you ask AI for a better word than ‘interesting’ to describe a movie, it might suggest ‘beguiling’. People can be described as ‘beguiling’; movies cannot! In this type of situation, I would ask AI to give some examples.

Have you tried using AI to learn English? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Elementary (Level 2), ESL Teachers, Grammar, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Writing | Tagged | 1 Comment

Easter 2025

Posted on April 17, 2025 by mhardy3222

Happy Easter English Learners! I hope you enjoy a well-earned break from your daily routine. However, there’s no need to have a break from English! Photo by cottonbro studio on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-color-eggs-on-tray-3972113/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

Have you ever wondered why bunnies, chickens, and eggs are everywhere at Easter time?

Well, wonder no more! I have found an informative, entertaining YouTube video that covers just about everything you need to know. See below.

I have also found some terrific, downloadable and printable  Easter Activities on the British Council website and the Bogglesworld website.

Click here for Reading, Gap-fills, and Vocabulary Activities from British Council. 

Click here for Crosswords, Rhymes, Word Searches, and lots more, from the Bogglesworld website which includes activities for children, Have you ever tried learning English with children? Either your own children, who might wish to learn English, or native speakers, can help you learn and have fun at the same time. 

Now, for the YouTube video: an ideal, fun lesson in less than five minutes! Enjoy!

🐣 🐣 🐣 🐣 🐣 🐣 🐣

Posted in Beginner (Level 1), Children, Easter Holidays, Elementary (Level 2), ESL Teachers, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Reading, Videos, Vocabulary | Leave a comment

Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing

Posted on March 6, 2025 by mhardy3222

English spelling is not easy for anyone learning English as a second language. It may surprise you to learn that many native English speakers are not good at spelling in their native language. They know that spelling is very important for writing a job application or an essay for university exams and bad spelling can make them seem to be uneducated or lacking basic English skills.

The following spelling mistakes are more serious because they also reveal poor grammar. However, don’t worry! The grammar is basic and easily learnt. Let’s have a look at the problem words:   

a) they’re,  there,  their

b) we’re,   where,

c) you’re,   your

d) it’s,   its

δδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδδ

a) they’re, there, their

All have the same pronunciation: UK ​ /ðeər/ US ​ /ðer/

♦ they’re – contraction of they are: they (pronoun) + are (verb) 

They’re friends.                                          
They’re very happy.
They’re smiling.

♦ there – adverb of place      

There are two women in the picture on the right.
There is no sign of rain.
They left their swimsuits over there.

♦ their – possessive adjective, always followed by a noun

What are their names?
What are their children’s names?
Their hair is dark and curly.

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

b) we’re,   where

There are two correct pronunciations of we’re (1): UK ​ /wɪər/ US ​ /wɪr/

The same pronunciation of where and we’re (2): UK ​ /weər/ US ​ /wer/

♦ we’re – contraction of we are: we (pronoun) + are (verb) 

We’re from Knoxville, USA.           
We’re having a laugh.
We’re friends.

♦ where – adverb, conjunction, question word

The two men in the photo met recently but I don’t know where.
Could you tell me where they  are from?
Where are they from? They’re from Knoxville, USA.

jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

c) you’re,   your

Both have the same pronunciation: UK ​ strong /jɔːr/ weak /jər/ US ​ /jʊr/ /jɚ/

♦ you’re – contraction of you are: you (pronoun) + are (verb) 

You’re an English student, aren’t you? Perhaps, you’re a writer?
If you’re studying English, you’re sure to find some helpful tips on this website.

♦ your – possessive adjective, always followed by a noun

Your time is valuable. I’m interested in your English progress, so you’re very welcome to write to me with any questions. Just click on Contact Me at the top of this page.

LA PEDRERA, Barcelona, Spain

You’re crazy!

Lily: You’re so lucky to live in Barcelona. Your city is magnificent!

Isabela: You’re still going to visit during the term break, aren’t you?

Lily: I’d love to but your apartment is tiny. I should book a hotel nearby. 

Isabela: You’re doing no such thing! You can sleep on the couch if that’s okay. There’s so much to do in Barcelona! We can rent red vespas and do cooking courses for starters. Then we can go skydiving.

Lily: Skydiving! You’re joking! I can’t ride a vespa and you know I can’t cook! You’re crazy Isabela but thanks for the couch though. 

Isabela: You’re welcome! 

””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

d) it’s,   its

Pronunciation: UK ​ /ɪts/ US ​ /ɪts/

♦ it’s– contraction of it is OR it has: it (pronoun) + is (verb) OR has (verb)

It’s is a contraction just like you’re and we’re and they’re (he’s, she’s, etc). Like them, it must have an apostrophe (’ ) to replace the missing letter/s.

The little monkey thinks it’s going to fall.
The little monkey thinks it is going to fall.

It’s been holding on for a long time.
It has been holding on for a long time.

  ♦ its – possessive adjective, always followed by a noun, never has an apostrophe 

Its is a possessive adjective just like your and their (her, his, etc). Like them, it does not have an apostrophe. There are no missing letters.

The monkey is riding on its mother’s back. The monkey is riding on her back.
Look at its funny ears!

It’s riding on its mother’s back.   It’s waiting for its dinner.

Click here for Spelling Mistakes that Ruin your Writing #2

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Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Writing | Tagged , | 3 Comments

A Song with Present Simple & Past Simple

Posted on January 22, 2025 by mhardy3222

Really!  More than 50% 

Did you know that the Present Simple is the most commonly used tense in spoken and written English? It accounts for between *50-60% of English communication.

The second most commonly used tense is the Past Simple with nearly *20% usage. 

The number one song in the USA right now is YMCA by The Village People. It provides ideal revision and practice for these two tenses. Click on the Official Music Video, with subtitles, below. I hope you enjoy the video. It’s part of our 70s’ music culture! If you  sing along, you will improve your listening, speaking & pronunciation, and reading skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary. All in less than five minutes! 

Then check out the lyrics below the video. I have colour-coded the tenses. 

(* These figures vary depending on which study you check.)

SONG LYRICS                                                                                                                                  Present Simple in Orange /Past Simple in Pink

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Young man, there’s no need to feel down. I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground. I said, young man, ’cause you’re in a new town, There’s no need to be unhappy. ……………………………………………………..……………………………………..  ………………………..   Young man, there’s a place you can go. I said, young man, when you’re short on your dough, You can stay there, and I’m sure you will find Many ways to have a good time. ………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chorus: It’s fun to stay at the YMCA It’s fun to stay at the YMCA They have everything For young men to enjoy. You can hang out with all the boys. It’s fun to stay at the YMCA It’s fun to stay at the YMCA You can get yourself clean. You can have a good meal. You can do whatever you feel.

Young man, Are you listening to me? I said, young man, what do you want to be? I said, young man, you can make real your dreams, but you’ve got to know this one thing. No man, does it all by himself; I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf And just go there, to the YMCA I’m sure they can help you today.

Chorus:

Young Man, I was once in your shoes. I said, I was down and out with the blues. I felt no man cared if I were alive; I felt the whole world was so tight. That’s when someone came up to me and said, Young man take a walk up the street. There’s a place there called the YMCA They can start you back on your way.

Chorus:

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Did you notice that some lines include the word can? Even though can is a modal verb, we often use it in the Present Simple sense. It is easier to think of can = be able to / be possible / be okay. We use can when we want to express:                                                                                                                                                                               

1) ability: The Village People can really sing!

2) possibility: You can get yourself clean. You can have a good meal.

3) to indicate that something is okay: You can hang out with all the boys. You can do whatever you feel.

The song focuses on the possibilities that the YMCA provides for the welfare of young men. 

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Click here for more songs which use Present Simple Tense:   Present Simple… Present Simple for Opinions and Beliefs… Present Simple & Present Perfect… Present Simple & Present Continuous… Present Simple, Present Continuous, & Present Perfect Continuous…

⛹️🚴🏌️🧗⛹️🚴🏌️🧗⛹️🚴🏌️🧗

Posted in Beginner (Level 1), Elementary (Level 2), Grammar, Intermediate (Level 4), Listening, Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Songs, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary | Tagged | 1 Comment

Difficult Pronunciation & How to Remember It #2

Posted on January 8, 2025 by mhardy3222

Today, I will continue to focus on common English words that many of you find difficult to pronounce. (See my previous post: Difficult Pronunciation & How to Remember It)

Here is a quick reminder:

My students can usually pronounce these difficult words if I give them an easy keyword containing the same sound. For example, how would you pronounce the word ache? (Headache,  earache, toothache) It’s not easy, is it? However, I’m sure you can say make. Take off the m and you have the same sound: ..ake = ache. Easy! 

Check-out the new list of difficult words in the table below. The same sounds are in orange. Practise saying the words and examples and your speaking and confidence will certainly improve! 

Difficult Words Key Words Practice Sentences & Pictures
physics,
physical,
physician		 fizzy I miss fizzy drinks!  
cough  off   I’m off work for a week! I have a  terrible cough. 🤒

 
island  I,
eye		 I want to buy my  own island. The ‘s’ is silent.

 
though,
although 		 go  Oh no! Although I know Joe, I must go, go, go!

 
bear,
pear,
scare		 hair 🐻 The hairy bear eats pears 🍐🍐and scares mares. 🐎 🐎 🐎

 
 might tonight   I might go out for a light bite tonight.

 
talked,
walked		 talk to
walk to		 * talk to the … talk_t
* walk to the … walk_t

(*The aim here is to link to the ‘t’ sound at the start of the second word but no further: ‘talked’ should sound like talkt; ‘walked’ should sound like  walkt. One syllable only.)

I talked to the fork to the cork to New York too.
asked  ask Ty  * ask Ty… ask_ T
I asked Ty about the Masked Ball.(* See note above.)
 whole hole  I dug the whole hole all by myself!

 
 soup soon  Would you like some soup soon?  🥣

 
 soap hope  a. I hope there’s soap in Jo’s boat.
b. Nope. Just a slow goat, a coat and  a rope.
 doubt out  I doubt we are out of sauerkraut, but could you find out?

 
 one won,

 

 My mum wonders why I only won one race at the Swimming Carnival.  🏊
kind find  

A kind heart can be hard to find.

 

* If you can read the example dialogues and manage the correct pronunciation, clap yourself on the back! You have conquered some really weird English pronunciation! Well done!

Did you know that native English speakers often find spelling difficult? However, they have the advantage of learning pronunciation of common words before they learn spelling. This is one reason why listening is so important for you and this is why I recommend listening to and singing along to songs.

That’s all for now. Soon, I will be looking at problems that Spanish speaking learners have when speaking English. Make sure you click ‘Follow’ if you would like to receive future Posts to help you on your English journey.

 

Posted in Elementary (Level 2), IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Speaking & Pronunciation, Upper Intermediate (Level 5), Vocabulary | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Christmas 2024

Posted on December 21, 2024 by mhardy3222

Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, the Magi presenting their gifts (mosaic detail), late 6th century, wearing Persian dress, and Phrygian cap. Under Licence: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_(1).jpg

Greetings Dear Students!

It’s the Festive Season now for many of you: end-of-year party time; the beginning of summer holidays for the southern hemisphere; and Christmas celebrations and festivities.  

As requested last Christmas, this year I am including some Christmas stories and Christmas-related activities and recommendations. Hopefully, the Christmas stories will be informative, and the quizzes and charades will be fun for everyone.

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄

Christmas stories

🎄 Let’s start with some Christmas stories: One of my favourites is The Legend of the Poinsettia.* Click here to visit a site which has this story and several others, as well as Christmas trivia and anecdotes.
* If you are interested in another version of The Legend of the Poinsettia as retold by Tomie dePaola (my favourite children’s author!) click on the picture on the left. Tomie dePaola has several other wonderful children’s books, beautifully illustrated by him. I  used to read them to my children when they were little. I enjoyed them as much as my children! 

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Christmas Games

There are lots of ways to have fun with family and friends, whatever their age, at Christmas!

I have found some great websites for you. Instructions are included. Click here for 150 Christmas Icebreaker Questions & Games. 

Click here for Christmas Charades Instructions and Ideas. I love Charades anytime and I find that the best way to play it is to have two teams: Boys v Girls OR Children v Adults (Or Whatever). For example, the Girls think of a charade for one of the Boys. He acts it out and the Boys try to guess. Meanwhile, all the Girls know the answer and enjoy watching the drama, dithering, and weirdness. Playing this way means that everyone is involved for each charade. People who really don’t want to get up and make a spectacle of themselves can help with charade suggestions. This way, they feel included. I can guarantee lots of laughs! 

Click here for Christmas Taboo Cards, another fabulous game where everyone has a chance to participate and shine. 

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄

Christmas Music

This Christmas, I’m recommending a song which is an oldie, but a goodie: Last Christmas by Wham, with subtitles. Click on the picture below.

Now for some traditional Christmas Carols, starting with El Divo. Just click on the picture below.

I really hope you enjoy my Christmas suggestions. Thank you for your support and feedback this year. Subscribing to my website really helps me. If you haven’t clicked on Subscribe, please do so now. It’s free and you can unsubscribe any time.

I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful, and Rewarding New Year.

Mary Hardy 

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Beginner (Level 1), Elementary (Level 2), ESL Teachers, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MUST – The Most Misunderstood Modal!

Posted on September 1, 2024 by mhardy3222

Greetings English Learners! 

Do you remember when you first learned the meaning of ‘must’?

Must = Rules and Obligation.

You must obey the road rules!

You must not be late!

Doctor: You must take two pills with food daily for a week!

How often have you heard people speak like this? Not sure? Can’t recall? Well, guess what? This is not how native English speakers usually speak!  It’s frustrating that some English language text books only teach ‘must’ as rules and obligations. Urrrg!!

Of course, ‘must’ is used for Rules and Obligation, but almost always in written academic form, rarely in conversation.

(Click here if you are interested in reading examples from written academic texts: law, philosophy, health, politics, sociology etc. Please be patient. It takes a few seconds for the Concordancer to load. It’s worth the wait.)

We sometimes use ‘must’ when we are speaking aloud to ourselves, reminding ourselves of obligations, rules, duties, or things that are important to remember:

I really must stop speeding. 

I mustn’t be late for the meeting tomorrow.

I must remember to take these pills with meals.

Meanwhile, ‘must’ is rarely used when giving instructions or making requests. Why do we speak to ourselves in this way? Well, most likely, someone has said something, or we have read a notice like:

Notice: Speed limit 60kph
Passenger: Please slow down! You’re making me nervous!

Notice: Staff Meeting 8:30am this Wednesday 
Boss: Don’t be late!

Doctor: Take these pills once a day for a week. Remember to take them with meals.

** Check out the WATER PARK RULES notice in the photo above. This is a typical type of sign which spells out the rules and clearly states what is prohibited. Can you see the word ‘must’? … No? We don’t even use ‘must’ in signs! 

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So, how then is this word usually used?

Must is used in speaking to indicate the belief of the speaker, the deduction and the conclusion that something is true. Consider the following examples of ‘must’ for deduction and belief:

(Lunchtime at the office and I can’t find my lunch):
Conversation #1
Oh no! Where is my lunch? I packed it this morning before I left home. I distinctly remember toasting the bread.

I must have left it at home! 

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Conversation #2
John: So, you finally tried Acupuncture. How do you feel?

Rosa: Well, there must be something in it because I feel so relaxed!

John: Do you think you’ll go back for more?

Rosa: Definitely! The Acupuncturist suggested two treatments a week for four        weeks. I mustn’t forget to book the appointments.

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Conversation #3. Paul Maina has just won the Marathon. He must be exhausted! He must feel so excited! He must have done years of training!

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Conversation #4.
Anthony: I’m so sorry to hear that your dog was hit and killed by a car.

Rebecca: Thank you. He was my best friend!

Anthony: You must miss him terribly.

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Can you hear the people in the above conversations? Can you hear them saying what they believe to be true? It doesn’t matter if they are wrong. They are simply stating what they are almost 100% sure is true.

In Conversation #1, perhaps the lunch is in the car or it has fallen under the desk?
Compare:

Deduction/Belief: I must have left it at home! 

Fact? – Yes. It’s at home on the kitchen bench. 

OR

Fact? – It’s in the car.

In Conversation #2, perhaps Rosa desperately wanted to believe that Acupuncture would work because friends had highly recommended it and she was in constant pain.
Compare:

Deduction/Belief: there must be something in it because I feel so relaxed!

Fact? – Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine which has a high success rate. 

In Conversation #3, the spectator thinks he understands how the athlete feels.
Compare:

Deduction/Belief: He must be exhausted! He must feel so excited! He must have done years of training!

Facts? – He is exhausted. He is not excited, just relieved that it’s all over. He trained for just six months for this marathon.

OR

Facts? – He is a supreme athlete and is not exhausted.  He is excited that he won. He trained for just six months for this marathon.

In Conversation #4, Anthony tries to be sympathetic.
Compare:

Deduction/Belief: Anthony believes that Rebecca misses her pet: You must miss him terribly.

Fact? – Rebecca misses him terribly.

OR

Fact? – Rebecca still misses her dead dog but she has a new puppy which occupies all her time and emotions.

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We also have set expressions (collocations) in English using ‘must’ for added emphasis:

I must admit that I was surprised you got the job after turning up late for the interview!

I must say that our daughter’s new teacher is rather peculiar.

You must be joking if  you expect me to do the cooking as well as all the cleaning!

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Did you know that ‘must’ can also be a noun? Have you ever heard of something being ‘a must’? Well, in English, ‘a must’ is a necessity. However, ‘a must’ is so much stronger than ‘a necessity’:

  • Gardening advice: Spring is upon us and it’s time to get planting. Herbs are a must for the health-conscious.
  • Home Decor: Is your home in need of a freshen-up? Start in the bedrooms. Fresh new sheets and pillowslips are an absolute must. Next, the bathroom: a thorough clean and new towels are a must.

  • Travel guide:
    If you are heading to Italy, don’t miss Sicily. Taormina is a must, especially if you want to see Mount Etna. The town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theatre still used today. Another must is the Duomo di Taormina a     Medieval cathedral with Roman-Gothic architecture, featuring a Latin cross layout, pink marble nave, revered Byzantine Madonna, and historic manger. Quiet ambiance with free entry.

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This brings me to more uses of ‘must’ as a noun: a must-see, a must-have, a must-do, a must + …

  • Cruise advertisement: Book in the next 48 hours and you’ll save over 65% on must-haves like Wi-Fi and drinks.
  • Travel advice: While in Sicily, don’t forget to book a day trip to Mount Etna. It’s a once in a lifetime must-see.
  • Travel advice: Even though kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland is a must-do for tourists, I wouldn’t recommend it.

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Modal Must Structure:
As always, modals are followed by a Base Infinitive (i.e. Infinitive without ‘to’).

To express the Present, use ‘must’ + Base Infinitive: You must be tired. (now)

To express the Past use ‘must’ + have + Past Participle: You must have been tired. (past)

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Here are three fabulous songs featuring the use of ‘must’ for deduction and belief. Enjoy!

Song #1: It must be Love by Madness.
Click here for the official video. Click here for the lyrics video.

Song #2: It must have been Love by Roxette. (from the movie Pretty Woman)
Click here for the official video. Click here for the lyrics video.

Song #3: The Day Before You Came by Abba.
Click here for the official video. Click here for the lyrics video.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Posted in Grammar, IELTS, Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Improve Fluency with Understatement

Posted on May 25, 2024 by mhardy3222

Greetings English learners!

Today, I am looking at how you can improve your fluency with a simple technique and you can start today. Yes, today! Ready? Let’s start.

Have a look at the painting below. What do you think? Do you like it?

You might reply, It’s good.

Perhaps, you would say, Yes, I really like it. It’s really good.

Then again, maybe you don’t like it. I don’t like it.

You may think that he’s a terrible artist.  He’s a terrible artist.

These are all perfectly normal, correct, but dull comments. Let’s see if we can add some interest to the responses; spice them up a little:

It’s good. ⇒ It’s not bad.
I really like it.

It’s really good.

 ⇒ It’s not bad at all!
I don’t like it.

 

 ⇒ It’s not my cup of tea.

I’m not keen on abstract art.
He’s a terrible artist. ⇒ He’s no Picasso, is he?

🎨 🎨 🎨 🎨 🎨 🎨🎨

Now look at the photo below. Two business associates are happily working together.

They’re clearly feeling positive about some work agreement or success. What do you think they are saying? Which caption (a or b) better suits their mood:

a) He: You will be pleased!  She: You’re right.
or
b) He: You won’t be sorry!  She: You’re not wrong.

Did you choose b)? I’m hoping that you can see that by choosing comments and responses that have ironic understatement rather than always just stating the obvious, you will elevate your English. Instantly. It will give your speech a nuance, a subtle tone. Can you hear him saying, You won’t be sorry! Remember that negative contractions carry more stress than positive ones. Compare: I’ll do it later. / I’m not doing it now. 

Imagine how your tone can vary just using the expression ‘not bad’: It’s not bad, but … (it’s pretty boring, ordinary). It’s not bad, not bad at all! (It’s great!)

This type of understatement is called litotes and it is common in everyday English. The fact that it is indirect focuses attention on it. 

Litotes is very easy to use. Instead of stating something directly, state that the opposite is not true. 

Ordinary Using litotes
You will be pleased! ⇒ You won’t be sorry!
You’re right. ⇒ You’re not wrong.

Here are some more examples. Think about how you would say these expressions with litotes. Try reading them aloud:

Ordinary Using litotes
I’m upset. Not happy!
It’s easy. It’s not rocket science.
He’s stupid. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
He’s like his dad. He’s not unlike his dad.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Her suggestions are okay. Her suggestions are not without merit.
This wine is ordinary. This wine is not delicious.
Ireland is an interesting country. Ireland is no ordinary country.
This is a special burger. This is no ordinary burger.
He’s a nice entertainer. He’s okay but he’s no Michael Jackson.
She’s old. She’s no spring chicken.
It’s very cold and raining heavily. We’re not having the best weather.
It’s not good. It’s not the best.
The show was ordinary. The show was not the best.
It was very expensive. It wasn’t cheap.
They have a strange relationship. They don’t exactly have an ordinary relationship.

 

They don’t exactly have an ordinary relationship. Photo by JJ Jordan

Now that I’ve brought litotes to your attention, I’m sure you will hear many of the above-type figures of speech.

Unlike idioms, they are not fixed sayings; although some, like ‘It’s not rocket science’, are very common. Just think of what you want to say and then state that the opposite is not true. 

Don’t be shy! It’s not rocket science! Start today!

 

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Cambridge, Speaking & Pronunciation, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , | 2 Comments

When not to use ‘s’ after nouns when it looks/sounds like we should! 

Posted on February 11, 2024 by mhardy3222
When not to use ‘s’ after nouns when it looks/sounds like we should! 😫
Posted in Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Leave a comment

Christmas 2023

Posted on December 24, 2023 by mhardy3222

  Happy Christmas!  

It’s that time of year again when many of us prepare to celebrate Christmas. Traditionally, for Christians, it is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ approximately 2,000 years ago. However, Christmas has become an important time for celebrating with family and friends for both Christians and non-Christians. Let’s have a look at some of the ways we observe Christmas:

Figurines: The Infant Jesus with Mary, Joseph, and an Angel

  For over 2,000 years, Christians have celebrated the arrival on earth of a very remarkable person: Jesus of Nazareth.  We know a lot about Jesus because of  widespread writings, not just from his followers, but also from well-known scribes of the time. Jesus was a historically real person. His teachings of love, compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance appealed to all kinds of people as well as his message of hope for a new life after we pass on from this one. He practised what he preached, being kind and non-judgmental. You could say that he was, and is, the perfect role model.

Christians attend Church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. They listen to readings about the special night when Jesus was born, pray together and sing Christmas Hymns. (My favourite is ‘O! Holy Night.’) It’s a very happy occasion!  

 Giving presents, decorating Christmas trees and homes is also traditional for many. Children in particular love all this Christmas activity and get very excited at the thought of a visit from Santa.

Photo by Ann Danilina on Unsplash.com

Presents are opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or at a party beforehand. Many workplaces have parties and some, organize a ‘Secret Santa’. We pick the name of a colleague out of a hat and buy a gift for that person. No-one knows who has provided their present. It’s lots of fun! Not everyone is a Christian but that doesn’t matter. It’s the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ that is important: a feeling of goodwill towards everyone.

  In Australia, as in many western and European countries, this is an occasion for being with family, especially family whom we don’t see regularly. We get together and tend to eat and drink too much! It’s a busy time, when we acknowledge the importance of family.

Cristo Redentor, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

⛪If you would like to join in the Christmas festivities and you don’t have a family or friends to celebrate Christmas with, I strongly recommend that you contact a Christian church nearby; for example, The Catholic Church, The Anglican Church, The Pentecostal Church, The Presbyterian Church, The Methodist Church, or The Salvation Army. They welcome everyone,  provide a lovely Christmas dinner and a jolly experience and expect nothing from you. You don’t need to be a Christian. You don’t have to attend a church service and you just might make some friends! Alternatively, church services can be viewed online. Just open You Tube and search: ‘Christmas Mass’. It is streamed live on Christmas Day and on Christmas Eve.

Pavlova – a traditional Australian dessert

 Australian Christmas is different to Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere where it is cold in December. Here, it is summer and while some households still enjoy roast turkey, hot vegetables, and hot Christmas pudding, many of us prefer cold meat, seafood and salads and cold or fruit-based desserts. Pavlova, cheesecake, and ice cream pudding are favourites.

Because it is very hot here, barbecues are very popular which means that cooking indoors is unnecessary. After lunch, the beach is popular for those fortunate enough to live near one or holiday at one. Summer in Australia is holiday season, especially for school children and their families, and Christmas lunch or dinner is often casual: delicious and special, but simple. The beach is calling! 

https://unsplash.com/photos/6acAfzG7dfw

                                                              The beach is calling!                                                                                                    Many thanks to Britt Gaiser from unsplash.com for this photo.

If you would like to listen to some delightful Christmas Carols sung by Michael Bublé, click here. To hear a magnificent version I’ve recently discovered of a traditional Hymn , click here.

  

I hope you have a

Very Merry Christmas & a

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2024!!

      

Posted in Advanced (Level 6+), Elementary (Level 2), Intermediate (Level 4), Pre-Intermediate (Level 3), Songs, Upper Intermediate (Level 5) | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments