Resources: Notes on Life and Language in the United States

If you are taking a private English course in a large city like Boston or New York, you probably don't have much time or many opportunities outside of class to practice the new vocabulary words, expressions or grammar points that you learn in class every week. One of my students here in Boston is a busy researcher and while she uses some English at work, she mostly speaks in her native language at home.

Moving to a new country is an exciting and scary experience! If you have recently moved to New York or Boston and you want to connect with the international community in your city, we have some great expatriate resources for you today! Meeting other newcomers and international professionals who are also getting used to life in the United States will help you to adjust to the culture and will give you a chance to practice your English and expand your social or professional network. A lot of my students in New York and Boston tell me that they can't find any opportunities to practice their English outside of class and meet new people. In this post, you have 5 ways to connect with the people around you. Success is about connections! So get out there, practice your English and enjoy your new city!!

Practice your English listening while you learn from two New Yorkers about the 7 best places to dine in New York! New York is a city of variety! You can find pretty much any kind of food from anywhere in the world. The only problem is, sometimes that food can be very expensive. So what should you do? Should you just eat fast food and sandwiches to save money? Of course not! Listen to today's recording and get our secrets about some great places to dine and learn about how to take advantage of Restaurant Week this summer! Take notes and start enjoying all of the culinary adventures that are available to you in New York. Please listen carefully to the conversation and then answer the questions to check your understanding.

Do you have a few minutes? Try today's English quiz! The best way to learn how to speak with native English speakers is to expand your vocabulary and become familiar with words and expressions that are used in everyday conversations in the United States. In today's quiz, test your knowledge of seven common expressions that you will need to know if you want to carry on a conversation with any native speaker in the U.S.  Give it a try and leave a comment below if you have something to add or if you have a question! Good luck!

Do you make a lot of the same mistakes again and again in English?

In my experience as an English tutor and an ESL classroom teacher, I have seen English language learners ask a lot of questions.

Almost all of my students have asked me how they can improve their English outside of class and speak English more often in their daily lives.

They also have common questions about confusing grammar points such as the difference between "will" and "going to" or how to pronounce confusing words like "quit", "quiet" and "quite". 

Sometimes students ask what they should know when they do business with American people and how culture affects business interactions.

These are all great questions so today we have the 10 most common questions about English grammar, pronunciation and how to learn English.

 If you are an international professional, working and living in the United States, English and Culture are the tools you need to succeed. Anyone from another country who has ever tried to complete a business deal, apply for a job or even strike up a conversation with an American will tell you that just being able to speak English is not enough to be successful in the United States. However, a lot of international professionals come to the US and reach a high level of English but then realize that they are still not succeeding at work. What's missing? It might be culture!  In this post, I will offer 4 reasons culture is more important than you think. 

What is the difference between "used to do" and "to be used to doing" ? This is a question that a lot of our English students in New York and Boston ask. In today's ESL English grammar lesson, we will find out how to use both expressions to describe habits and activities in the past and in the present. Do you have a free minute? If so, watch the video lesson below and take the quiz to test your learning.

"I will learn English" or "I'm going to learn English". Which phrase is correct? This is a common question for English students. The future tense is another part of the English language that you need to learn through English immersion- speaking English as much as possible with native speakers. However, there are a few rules that you can remember to make it easier to know which phrase to choose. Do you have one minute? Watch this video lesson and learn when to use "will" and when to use "going to".  Good luck and enjoy the video! Please leave a comment below or contact us if you have any questions!

In my ESL tutoring lessons in New York and Boston, a lot of students ask me when they should use "to make" and when they should use "to do". This is a common question for English students! In today's article, I will give you a few important tips to remember when you are learning about these two verbs. Check out the tips below then try the video lesson with a quiz at the end.  Please contact me if you have any questions!

Do you think you have the English skills you need to communicate with your colleagues and neighbors in New York? In New York, English tutoring can help you reach the level of English that you need for success in the United States. Today, you can test your knowledge of real English that is used every day, not textbook English. Do you have 3 minutes? Grab a coffee and try this 3 minute quiz on phrasal verbs and expressions. Remember to change the verbs to the past, present or future tense depending on the sentence. After you finish the quiz, you can check your answers below, good luck!