Everyday Grammar: Making Guesses. I Bet

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5463336.html

Learning Strategies #40 - 3 Tips to Learn English as Efficiently as Possible

discover effective strategies and tips for learning english

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/learning-strategies-40-3-tips-to-learn-english-as-efficiently-as-possible

Blended working

A mix of home and office working has led to a new English expression.

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08jc5sw

News #282 - How to Perfect Your English: Tips for Beginners (Audio Inside)

learn how one powerful study tool can help you learn

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/news-282-how-to-perfect-your-english-tips-for-beginners-audio-inside

Everyday Grammar: MAKING GUESSES: I BET

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5463336.html

Feel your oats

New Entry: 'Feel your oats' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/feel+your+oats.html

Video News #39 - Free English Gifts of the Month - July 2020

get your learning gifts for the month of July 2020

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/video-news-39-free-english-gifts-of-the-month-july-2020

Corona party

New Entry: 'Corona party' has just been added to the Slang area of UsingEnglish.com. This entry is only available in our members' area.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/members/idioms/view.php?entry_id=27428

Life Events Vocabulary- Speaking

New Entry: 'Life Events Vocabulary- Speaking' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-life-events-vocabulary-speaking/

How Questions- Practice Roleplays

New Entry: 'How Questions- Practice Roleplays' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-how-questions-practice-roleplays/

Learning Strategies #39 - How to Practice English with Native Speakers at Home and Abroad

discover effective strategies and tips for learning english

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/learning-strategies-39-how-to-practice-english-with-native-speakers-at-home-and-abroad

Comedy Can Teach You About Grammar, Speaking

  Jokes can not only challenge your ideas and make you laugh. They can also teach you about grammar. Today on Everyday Grammar, we will show you how humor can help you with speaking, word stress, content words and function words. Dick Gregory had a long career as a comedian. Gaining fame in the 1960s, he was involved in comedy and civil rights issues in the United States. Gregory continued performing late into his life. In the late 2000s, he recorded a special performance that dealt with politics, race and even the questions of journalists, such as reporters from The Associated Press and CNN. Let us listen to part of it. “I came back in from Europe last month…” CNN: “Mister Gregory, do you think we’ll ever catch Bin Laden?” “I say’ ‘We?’ I ain’t looking for him. I’m still trying to find out who my daddy is.” Now, let’s think about each of these lines. I came back in from Europe last month. Note that Gregory stresses, or says more forcefully, the words Europe and last month. The reason he does this is because Americans usually stress content words – words that carry the most meaning. Content words are usually nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs. In addition, Americans often stress content words toward the end of the sentence. Let’s listen to the next line from the recording: CNN: Mr. Gregory, do you think we’ll ever catch Bin Laden? In this question, Gregory tells what the journalist asked him. Note how he stressed the content words. He seemed to call attention to the nouns Bin Laden, Mr. Gregory, and CNN. He also stressed the verbs think and catch and the adverb ever. Note that he did not stress the pronouns you or we. He also didn’t stress the auxiliary verbs. That is because these words are function words. Pronouns and prepositions are two examples of function words. So are auxiliary verbs such as BE or DO. Americans generally do not stress function words when speaking -- unless there is a good reason... which leads us to our next line: I say ‘We?’ In this question, Dick Gregory stresses the pronoun we. Although function words are usually not stressed, Gregory stresses it because he is noting its importance. He wants to make clear that he is not part of the “we” that the journalist is talking about. He then says the following: I ain’t looking for him. Note that he does not stress the pronoun him. But he does stress the word ain’t. This is a casual kind of negation. It is short for the words am not. Although Americans generally do not stress auxiliary verbs, in cases of negation, Americans sometimes stress them - especially if they want to show that they have a different opinion. In the next line, Gregory makes the surprising claim that he still does not know who his father is. Ask yourself: Which words does he stress? I’m still trying to find out who my daddy is. Closing thoughts In our report today, we examined two kinds of words in English: content words and function words. The idea is that function words show relationships between content words. Content words – nouns, verbs, adjectives – generally get stress because they are the most important words in the sentence. Function words – prepositions, auxiliary verbs, pronouns – often do not get stress because they are less important. But, as you have learned, in some cases, Americans stress function words. And when they do, it is likely for a good reason. The next time you are watching the news or a comedy special on the Internet, listen to how the speaker stresses certain words. Over time, you will begin to note regular, repeated ways that English speakers stress words. And if they do something different from what you expect, then ask yourself why. And, hopefully, try to laugh and smile in the process. I’m John Russell.   John Russell wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________   Words in This Story   challenge – v. to test; to compete against grammar – n. the whole system and structure of a language stress – n. the act of noting the importance of something comedy – n. a play, movie, television program, or performance that is meant to make people laugh journalist – n. a person who collects, writes, and edits news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio casual – adj. unofficial, informal or unceremonious negation – n. grammar to make (a word or phrase) negative certain - adj. fixed or established; known for sure We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/comedy-can-teach-you-about-grammar-speaking/5476273.html

Comedy Can Teach You About Grammar, Speaking

source https://av.voanews.com/clips/VLE/2020/06/24/c7cbdef0-0c69-4c7d-950c-20a19cec92e8_hq.mp3

Millennials and business

Rob and Sam discuss the new generation's desire to make the world a better place.

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08hvj31

English Grammar Made Easy S1 #118 - Talking to Kids: Giving Directions and Explanations

learn how to give directions and explanations to kids

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/english-grammar-made-easy-118-talking-to-kids-giving-directions-and-explanations

Reporting Verbs- the Same or Different

New Entry: 'Reporting Verbs- the Same or Different' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-reporting-verbs-the-same-or-different/

Prepositions with Reporting Verbs Activities

New Entry: 'Prepositions with Reporting Verbs Activities' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-prepositions-with-reporting-verbs-activities/

Learning Strategies #38 - 3 Practical Ways to Improve Your English Listening Skills

discover effective strategies and tips for learning english

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/learning-strategies-38-3-practical-ways-to-improve-your-english-listening-skills

JOMO

Have you ever felt like turning off your phone and not doing something social?

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08hpq31

English Vocab Builder S1 #191 - Common School Supplies

learn essential vocabulary about common school supplies

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/english-vocab-builder-191-common-school-supplies

Everyday Grammar: Recognizing Collocations

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5463338.html

Everyday Grammar: RECOGNIZING COLLOCATIONS

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5463338.html

Ball of chalk

New Entry: 'Ball of chalk' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/ball+of+chalk.html

Inversion Presentation and Practice

New Entry: 'Inversion Presentation and Practice' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-inversion-presentation-and-practice/

Language Learning Materials Reviews

New Entry: 'Language Learning Materials Reviews' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-language-learning-materials-reviews/

Learning Strategies #37 - 5 Practical Ways You Can Use English Every Day

discover effective strategies and tips for learning english

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/learning-strategies-37-5-practical-ways-you-can-use-english-every-day

Throwback Thursday S1 #1 - English October Review - 4 Ways to Stay Motivated When Learning

Discover your new learning strategies and free resources of the month.

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/monthly-review-video-1-english-october-review-4-ways-to-stay-motivated-when-learning

Part 2: Comparing Equal Amounts with As…As

  If you read or listened to Part 1 of our program on comparisons of equality, you know that we can compare equal qualities and actions by using the word “as.” We can also compare equal quantities, or amounts, and we will talk about that on today’s Everyday Grammar program. Because of how we form equal comparisons, I will call them “as…as comparisons.” Comparing equal quantities Suppose you are playing a card game with two friends. The goal is to have no cards remaining. You look and see that the other players each have the same number of cards. In English, there are a few ways to express an equal number or quantity between two things. One way is to make an as…as comparison. Here is what someone might say or write: Ayami has as many cards as Zora. Let's examine this sentence. There is a subject and verb. Notice also that the word “as” is used two times and note where it is placed: before and after the thing being compared.  The structure for comparisons of quantity goes like this:  as + many (or) much + noun + as In the example, “many” is the quantity word and “cards” is the noun. You may recall that, for countable nouns, like “cards,” we use the word “many.” For uncountable nouns, like “money,” we use the word “much.” Now, suppose you all are getting hungry. You want to order food to be delivered and want your friends to share in the cost. So, you ask them how much money they each can spend, and they both can spend an equal amount. To express it with an as…as comparison, you could say this: Ayami can spend as much money as Zora.  Notice that the word “much” is used with the noun “money” because “money” is an uncountable noun.  Sometimes, in these kinds of comparisons, native English speakers may replace the noun with a pronoun. So, instead of saying “much money,” they might use “much” as a pronoun. Here is what that sounds like: Ayami can spend as much as Zora. Use of the pronoun suggests the listener already knows that money is being discussed. So far, we have put people in the examples. But we can also make quantity comparisons between two things. Suppose you are looking for a table with a lot of style. You visit a furniture store and see two tables that seem equally stylish. Here is one way to express it: This table has as much style as that table. Here, you are comparing amounts of style, and “style” is an uncountable noun. Unequal quantities We have talked about expressing equal quantities or amounts. But what happens when the quantities are not equal? In as…as comparisons, we use the negative form. Let’s return to the card game example. Suppose your friends do not have the same number of cards. How could you express the unequal quantity? Ayami does not have as many cards as Zora. Now, let’s hear the example about the friends’ food budgets: Ayami cannot spend as much money as Zora. Most likely, a native English speaker would use the shortened version, “can’t.” Here is how that would sound: Ayami can’t spend as much money as Zora. Again, a native speaker might also replace “ money” with just the pronoun “much,” like this: Ayami can’t spend as much as Zora. Now, what about the tables? How could you say their style is not equal? Like this: This table does not have as much style as that table. Why as…as comparisons? By now, you might be thinking, “But there are other ways to say things are equal or unequal.” You are right! For example, you could use the word “both,” as in, “Ayami and Zora can both spend $20.” Or, to show an unequal amount, you could say, “Zora can spend more than Ayami.” So why, then, do we use as…as comparisons? The answer is for emphasis. These comparisons bring emphasis to the fact that the first thing (which is the subject) is equal to or the same in some way to the second thing. Look and listen for these comparisons wherever English is being used.  Ask yourself who or what is being compared. Then think about whether it is a comparison of qualities, actions, or amounts. I’m Alice Bryant.   Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________   Words in This Story   card - n. a small piece of stiff paper that is marked with symbols or pictures and is used for playing games deliver - v. to take something to a person or place pronoun - n. a word that is used instead of a noun style - n.  a particular form or design of something furniture - n. chairs, tables, beds, etc., that are used to make a room ready for use negative - adj. expressing dislike or refusal emphasis - n. special importance or attention given to something  

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/part-2-comparing-equal-amounts-with-as-as/5466442.html

Is being thrifty a virtue?

Neil and Sam talk about being a saver in a consumer culture and teach you vocabulary.

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08h6cv0

Part 2: Comparing Equal Amounts with As…As

source https://av.voanews.com/clips/VLE/2020/06/17/a0808b6c-e7fe-4860-bbf6-693241c27be5_hq.mp3

Must-Know American English Social Media Phrases S1 #25 - Happy Anniversary!

learn how to post comments about Anniversary greetings

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/mustknow-american-english-social-media-phrases-25-happy-anniversary

Learning Strategies #36 - 5 Ways to Profit from Your Mistakes While Learning English

discover effective strategies and tips for learning english

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/learning-strategies-36-5-ways-to-profit-from-your-mistakes-while-learning-english

Bottle of beer

New Entry: 'Bottle of beer' has just been added to the Cockney Rhyming Slang area of UsingEnglish.com. This entry is only available in our members' area.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/members/idioms/view.php?entry_id=27426

Extensive Reading in English for Absolute Beginners #22 - The Forest

learn about the forest and improve your reading skills

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/extensive-reading-in-english-for-absolute-beginners-22-the-forest

Furlough

Not a new word, but it’s more commonly used recently due to the coronavirus crisis.

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08h0r47

News #281 - Are you using our App to learn English? New Update Inside!

find out how our new app updates will help you learn

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/news-281-are-you-using-our-app-to-learn-english-new-update-inside

Everyday Grammar: Adjectives + Gerunds

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5410005.html

How to teach question formation

New Entry: 'How to teach question formation' has just been added to the Articles area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/articles/how-to-teach-question-formation.html

Learning Strategies #35 - What to do When Learning English Feels Overwhelming (5 Special Tips)

discover effective strategies and tips for learning english

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/learning-strategies-35-what-to-do-when-learning-english-feels-overwhelming-5-special-tips

Phrasal Verbs, Phrasal Nouns, and Speaking

  F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a classic American story. It tells the sad tale of a mysterious rich man, Jay Gatsby, who loves Daisy Buchanan, a married woman. The Great Gatsby can teach you many lessons about the English language. Its many film versions can, too. Let's listen to a few words from the 2013 version of the Great Gatsby. “All the bright, precious things fade so fast – and they don’t come back.”   The last two words you heard are a phrasal verb, and that is what will be the subject of today’s report. We will explain a little more about phrasal verbs, phrasal nouns, and speaking. Let’s explore a few definitions and examples. Phrasal verbs and “phrasal nouns” Phrasal verbs have two or more words. These words are usually a verb along with one or more short words such as in, on, out or back. Phrasal verbs have an idiomatic meaning – in other words, they have a meaning that is different from what the individual words might suggest. In The Great Gatsby, the phrasal verb come back means to return to a former good condition. Phrasal verbs can have a noun form, too. Let's call these “phrasal nouns.” Here is an example. Imagine you hear a person describe what they did yesterday. They might say: I worked out yesterday. Work out is a phrasal verb. It means to exercise. How would the statement change if the speaker used a phrasal noun instead? I had a good workout yesterday. Let’s listen to the two examples again. I worked out yesterday. I had a good workout yesterday. Did you notice a difference? In the statement with the phrasal verb, the speaker stressed the second word of the phrasal verb – the word out. In the phrasal noun example, the speaker stressed the first part of the word - work. Listen again: worked out workout Word stress in the Great Gatsby Think back to the beautiful words from The Great Gatsby. “All the bright, precious things fade so fast – and they don’t come back.” Did you hear how the speaker said the phrasal verb come back? She put stress on the word back. Imagine how the sentence might change if the speaker used a phrasal noun instead. “All the bright, precious things fade so fast – and they don’t make a comeback.” While this line is not as strong as the line that was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it does give you an idea of how different phrasal verbs and phrasal nouns sound. Closing thoughts The next time you are watching films or speaking with an American, try to listen for how they say phrasal verbs and phrasal nouns. Then try to stress the words in the way that they do. With time, and with practice, your speaking will become clearer to native speakers. We hope that you will come back to us for future Everyday Grammar stories. Or perhaps we should say that that Everyday Grammar will make a comeback? I’m John Russell. And I’m Ashley Thompson.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ________________________________________________________________   Words in This Story   tale –n. a story that could either be about imaginary events, false events or someone’s own experience bright -- adj. having a very light and strong color; happy and lively; showing intelligence; providing a reason for hope precious -- adj. very valuable or important : too valuable or important to be wasted or used carelessly fade – v. to become less bright : to lose color; to disappear gradually stress – v. greater loudness or force given to a syllable of a word in speech or to a beat in music practice – n. the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it  

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/phrasal-verbs-phrasal-nouns-and-speaking/5457671.html

Phrasal Verbs, Phrasal Nouns, and Speaking

source https://av.voanews.com/clips/VLE/2020/06/10/02d2f8cb-c322-4a35-969f-413a585b9db0_hq.mp3

The food delivery revolution

Takeaway apps are changing food culture. We talk about it and teach you vocabulary.

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08gkk79

Conversational Phrases #9 - Conversation About Family Well-being in English - Review

learn how to talk about your family well-being

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/conversational-phrases-9-conversation-about-family-wellbeing-in-english-review

Conversational Phrases #8 - Conversation About Family Well-being in English - Practice

learn how to talk about your family well-being

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/conversational-phrases-8-conversation-about-family-wellbeing-in-english-practice

Conversational Phrases #7 - Conversation About Family Well-being in English - Vocabulary

learn how to talk about your family well-being

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/conversational-phrases-7-conversation-about-family-wellbeing-in-english-vocabulary

Conversational Phrases #6 - Conversation About Family Well-being in English - Dialogue

learn how to talk about your family well-being

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/conversational-phrases-6-conversation-about-family-wellbeing-in-english-dialogue

English Grammar Made Easy S1 #116 - Despite vs. In Spite of vs Although

learn the difference between: despite, in Spite of, although

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/english-grammar-made-easy-116-despite-vs-in-spite-of-vs-although

English Vocab Builder S1 #190 - Music: Common Musical Instruments

learn essential vocabulary about musical instruments

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/english-vocab-builder-190-music-common-musical-instruments

Everyday Grammar: Adjectives + Infinitives

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5409995.html

How to teach verb plus gerund and infinitive

New Entry: 'How to teach verb plus gerund and infinitive' has just been added to the Articles area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/articles/how-to-teach-verb-plus-gerund-infinitive.html

Spill the tea

Are you a gossip? You'll love this expression.

source http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08gcw70

Part 1: Making Comparisons with As...As

Suppose an animal shelter in your city had invited people to meet some animals to see if they wanted to make an adoption.  You and a friend both love dogs, so you visit the shelter and go straight to the dog area. You hold and play with some of the dogs. You soon realize you like two of them equally: Benji and Cody. Your friend asks what you think of the two animals. You say this: I like them both. Benji is as playful as Cody. When the things we are comparing are equal in some way, we can use the word “as.” Notice that “as” appears twice in the comparison. On today’s Everyday Grammar, we will talk about using “as” to compare qualities and to compare how something is done. Qualities: as + adjective + as Let’s start with qualities.  When we compare equal qualities of two people, places or things, we use the comparative structure as + adjective + as. Listen to the dog example again:  I like them both. Benji is as playful as Cody. The speaker uses the adjective “playful” to express the equal quality of the two animals. The sentence structure goes like this: subject + BE verb + as + adjective + as…followed by a noun or noun phrase.    In the example sentence, the subject is “Benji.” The verb BE becomes the singular present form “is.” Then there is the comparison part: “as playful as.” Finally, there is the noun “Cody.” Now, suppose you are at a restaurant. You are trying several different dishes. You think two dishes are equally tasty. Listen for the same structure in this sentence comparing foods:  The pasta dish is as tasty as the rice dish. Here, the subject is “the pasta dish,” followed by the BE verb “is.” Then comes the comparison “as tasty as” and then the noun phrase “the rice dish.” Unequal qualities But what if the two dogs you met were not equally playful? Or what if you did not think the two dishes were equally tasty? How could you express these ideas using “as”?  In unequal “as” comparisons about the qualities of people, places or things, we use the word “not.” Listen to the negative form and take note of where “not” appears:  Benji is not as playful as Cody. Notice that “not” comes immediately after the BE verb. Listen for the same structure in this next example: The pasta dish is not as tasty as the rice dish. Again, the word “not” comes right after the BE verb. How it’s done: as + adverb + as Next, let’s talk about comparing how things are done. We can use “as” to compare actions. When we do this, we use an adverb -- not an adjective. The structure as + adverb + as shows a comparison between actions that are equal in some way. Listen for the comparison in this next example: Benji runs as fast as Cody. Here, two actions are being compared: Benji’s running and Cody’s running. In the example, the word “fast” acts as an adverb.  Take note of the sentence structure: subject + verb, then as + adverb + as, then a noun or noun phrase. Listen for the same structure in this next example: We enjoyed the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. Unequal actions But, what if one of the dogs runs faster than the other dog? Or, what if you did not enjoy the two dishes equally? How could you use express these ideas using the “as” structure?  To express unequal comparisons between actions, the auxiliary verb “do” is needed. The negative form would be “do not” “does not” or the past tense “did not.” Take note of where these words appear in this example: We did not enjoy the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. Notice that the negative “did not” appears immediately after the subject “We.”  In the real world, a native English speaker would likely use a contraction, such as “didn’t,” rather than “did not,” like this: We did not enjoy the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. Now, let’s hear the negative form about the dogs. Benji does not run as fast as Cody. Notice the negative “does not” comes after the subject “Benji.” Again, a native speaker would be likely to use the contraction "doesn't" in this example. What can you do? Today, you have heard a lot about comparisons of equality with “as.” Try to look and listen for such comparisons in English-language songs, movies or television shows. You can also look for them in VOA Learning English materials.  In time, the sentence structure will begin to feel more natural, and you can practice using it your own speaking and writing. Join us again soon when we will look at other kinds of comparisons using “as.” I’m Alice Bryant.    Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Common Mistakes Before you practice, it is a good idea to be aware of common mistakes.  Some English learners mix “as” comparisons with other kinds of comparisons. For example, they might say, “The pasta is as tastier as the rice.” We do not use -er adjectives like “tastier” in “as” comparisons.  Another common mistake is using the word “less” “more” or “than.” For instance, these are incorrect: “The pasta is less tasty as the rice” or “The pasta is not as tasty than the rice.”  If you make these mistakes, do not worry. Most people will still understand your meaning. And, with time and practice, as...as comparisons will get easier! ___________________________________________ Words in This Story   adoption - n. to take an animal legally as your own twice - adv. two times phrase - n. a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence dish - n. Food that is prepared in a particular way negative - adj. expressing dislike or refusal contraction - n. a short form of a word or word group that is made by leaving out a sound or letter

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/part-1-making-comparison-with-as-as/5447902.html

Shake in your boots

New Entry: 'Shake in your boots' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/shake+in+your+boots.html

Fill your boots

New Entry: 'Fill your boots' has just been added to the Idioms area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/fill+your+boots.html

Meeting People and Small Talk Yes/No Questions Games

New Entry: 'Meeting People and Small Talk Yes/No Questions Games' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-meeting-people-and-small-talk-yesno-questions-games/

Names of Jobs- Subject Questions Quiz

New Entry: 'Names of Jobs- Subject Questions Quiz' has just been added to the Lesson Plans area of UsingEnglish.com.

source https://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/view-names-of-jobs-subject-questions-quiz/

Everyday Grammar - adjectives + infinitives

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5409995.html

Monthly Review Video #21 - English June 2020 Review - 10 Habits of Highly Effective Language Learners

discover your new learning strategies and free resources of the month.

source https://www.englishclass101.com/lesson/monthly-review-video-21-english-june-2020-review-10-habits-of-highly-effective-language-learners

Everyday Grammar: Forget

source https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/5410000.html

Part 1: Making Comparisons with As...As

Suppose an animal shelter in your city had invited people to meet some animals to see if they wanted to make an adoption.  You and a friend both love dogs, so you visit the shelter and go straight to the dog area. You hold and play with some of the dogs. You soon realize you like two of them equally: Benji and Cody. Your friend asks what you think of the two animals. You say this: I like both. Benji is as playful as Cody. When making comparisons of equality between two things, we can use the word “as.” Notice that “as” appears twice in the comparison. On today’s Everyday Grammar, we will talk about using “as” to compare qualities and to compare how something is done. Qualities: as + adjective + as Let’s start with qualities.  When we compare equal qualities of two people, places or things, we use the comparative structure as + adjective + as. Listen to the dog example again:  I like both. Benji is as playful as Cody. The speaker uses the adjective “playful” to express the equal quality of the two animals. The sentence structure goes like this: subject + BE verb + as + adjective + as…followed by a noun or noun phrase.    In the example sentence, the subject is “Benji.” The verb BE becomes the singular form “is.” Then there is the comparison part: “as playful as.” Finally, there is the noun “Cody.” Now, suppose you are at a restaurant. You are trying several different dishes. You think both dishes are equally tasty. Listen for the same structure in this sentence comparing foods:  The pasta dish is as tasty as the rice dish. Here, the subject is “the pasta dish,” followed by the BE verb “is.” Then comes the comparison “as tasty as” and then the noun phrase “the rice dish.” Unequal qualities But what if the two dogs you met were not equally playful? Or what if you did not think the two dishes were equally tasty? How could you express these ideas using “as”?  In unequal “as” comparisons about the qualities of people, places or things, we use the word “not.” Listen to the negative form and take note of where “not” appears:  Benji is not as playful as Cody. Notice that “not” comes immediately after the BE verb. Listen for the same structure in this next example: The pasta dish is not as tasty as the rice dish. Again, the word “not” comes right after the BE verb. How it’s done: as + adverb + as Next, let’s talk about comparing how things are done. We can use “as” to compare actions. When we do this, we use an adverb -- not an adjective. The structure “as + adverb + as” shows a comparison between actions that are equal in some way. Listen for the comparison of actions in this next example: Benji runs as fast as Cody. Here, two actions are being compared: Benji’s running and Cody’s running. In the example, the word “fast” acts as an adverb.  Take note of the sentence structure: subject + verb, then as + adverb + as, then a noun or noun phrase. Listen for the same structure in this next example: We enjoyed the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. Unequal actions But, what if one of the dogs runs faster than the other dog? Or, what if you did not enjoy the two dishes equally? How could you use express these ideas using the “as” structure?  To express unequal comparisons between actions, the auxiliary verb “do” is needed. The negative form would be “do not” “does not” or the past tense “did not.” Take note of where these words appear in this example: We did not enjoy the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. Notice that the negative “did not” appears immediately after the subject “We.”  In the real world, a native English speaker would likely use a contraction, such as “didn’t,” rather than “did not,” like this: We did not enjoy the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. Now, let’s hear the negative form about the dogs. Benji does not run as fast as Cody. Notice that the negative “does not” comes after the subject “Benji.” Again, a native speaker would likely use a contraction, such as “didn't," rather than "did not." Like this: We didn’t enjoy the pasta dish as much as the rice dish. What can you do? Today, you have heard a lot about comparisons of equality with “as.” Try to look and listen for these comparisons in English-language songs, movies or television shows. You can also look for them in VOA Learning English materials.  In time, the sentence structure will begin to feel more natural, and you can practice using them your own speaking and writing. Join us again soon when we will look at other kinds of comparisons using “as.” I’m Alice Bryant.    Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Common Mistakes Before you practice, it is a good idea to be aware of common mistakes.  Some English learners mix “as” comparisons with other kinds of comparisons. For example, they might say, “The pasta is as tastier as the rice.” We do not use -er adjectives like “tastier” in “as” comparisons.  Another common mistake is using the word “less” “more” or “than.” For instance, these are incorrect: “The pasta is less tasty as the rice” or “The pasta is not as tasty than the rice.”  If you make these mistakes, do not worry. Most people will still understand your meaning. And, with time and practice, as...as comparisons will get easier! ___________________________________________ Words in This Story   adoption - n. to take an animal legally as your own twice - adv. two times phrase - n. a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence dish - n. Food that is prepared in a particular way negative - adj. expressing dislike or refusal contraction - n. a short form of a word or word group that is made by leaving out a sound or letter

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Part 1: Making Comparisons with As...As

source https://av.voanews.com/clips/VLE/2020/06/04/492e6700-d3d7-4ede-950b-97a502c74264_hq.mp3

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