Comparatives and superlatives: bigger, biggest, and more useful
For two things, use a comparative such as bigger or more useful. For a group, use a superlative such as the biggest or the most useful.
Everyday listening
Start with short recordings, then work through longer phrases. Listen once for the situation and again for the words.
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Conjunctions exercise 1: join ideas clearly
Choose the conjunction that matches the meaning between the ideas. Use and to add, but for contrast, or for a choice, so for a result, and because for a reason.
Conjunctions: connect ideas with and, but, and because
Use and to add, but to contrast, because for a reason, and so for a result. Use or for choices and when for time.
Countable and uncountable nouns: a practical guide
Use a or an with one singular countable noun, such as a chair or an egg. Use some with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns when the amount is not exact. Use a container or measure word when you need to count an uncountable noun.
Dairy or diary: check the order of the letters
Use dairy for milk products and diary for notes, dates, or appointments. The middle letters are ai and ia.
Dates and times: say and write them clearly
Use ordinal numbers for spoken dates, such as the ninth of July. For times, say the hour and minutes, or use past and to. In writing, spell out the month and add a.m., p.m., morning, or evening when that detail matters.
Determiners: choose the words before a noun
Say my bag, not the my bag; all my books also works. Plurals can stand alone for a whole type, as in Cats sleep.
Didn't and don't: use present and past negatives correctly
Use don't when the negative is about the present. Use didn't when it is about the past. After don't or didn't, use the base verb, such as go, call, or eat.
Do and make: choose the right verb
Use do for an activity, task, or duty, and use make for something you create, prepare, cause, or arrange. Learn common phrases such as do homework, do the washing up, make a plan, and make a mistake.
Dynamic and stative verbs: actions or states?
Use the present continuous for an action in progress. Use the present simple for a state, feeling, opinion, possession, or knowledge.
Eat, ate, and eaten: use the verb eat correctly
Use eat for the base form and present habits, ate for the simple past, and eaten as the past participle with have, has, or had.
English and careers: communicate with confidence
For career English, use honest, simple sentences. Name the work you have done, ask polite questions when you need help, and make times or next steps clear. Practise a few useful phrases until they feel natural.