Colons: introduce lists and explanations
Put a colon after a complete sentence when the next words give a list, explanation, example, or result. Do not put a colon directly after a verb or preposition when the words before it are unfinished.
Find your next lesson
Search for a phrase or choose a level. The time filter describes the sample recording, not the whole lesson.
Sign in to save phrases and report a problem
Colour idioms in English: tone, meaning, and context
Treat a colour idiom as a whole expression. Out of the blue means unexpectedly, green with envy means very jealous, red tape means unnecessary official procedures, and black and white means clear and definite. Check the relationship between the speaker, listener, and situation before choosing one.
Colour idioms: understand common figurative English
Learn a colour idiom as one complete phrase. Out of the blue means unexpectedly, green with envy means very jealous, red tape means slow or excessive official procedures, and once in a blue moon means very rarely.
Coma or comma: spelling, meaning, and pronunciation
Coma, with one m, describes deep unconsciousness, often after illness or injury. Comma, with two ms, names the punctuation symbol that separates items or parts of a written sentence.
Come phrasal verbs: meanings and examples
Common phrasal verbs with come include come across (find by chance), come back (return), come from (have an origin), come up (arise or be mentioned), come up with (think of an idea), and come over (visit someone's home).
Commas in English: separate ideas without overusing them
Use commas to separate items in a list, after an opening phrase when it helps the reader, and before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two complete sentences. Do not put a comma between a subject and its verb.
Commas: separate ideas without overusing them
Use a comma when it helps readers see the parts of a sentence. Common places are between list items, before a coordinating conjunction that joins two complete ideas, after an introductory part, around extra information, and with a person's name when you speak directly to that person.
Common English idioms: meaning and safe use
An idiom is a fixed phrase with a meaning that you cannot always work out by translating each word separately.
Common abbreviations: meanings, pronunciation, and use
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used in writing and speech. Some you spell out as letters, while others you say as one word.
Comparative and superlative adverbs
Use a comparative adverb for two actions: Maya answered more politely than I did. Use a superlative adverb for three or more: Maya answered the most politely in the group. Choose -er and -est for some short forms, and more or most for many -ly adverbs.
Complex sentences: clauses and logical links
Start with a complete main clause, then add a subordinate clause when you need to show how two ideas connect. Use because for a reason, when for a time, if for a condition, and although for a contrast. If the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma before the main clause.
Compound adjectives: build clear English descriptions
A compound adjective combines two or more words to describe a noun, often with a hyphen before the noun. In a well-written report, well-written works together as one adjective for report.