Resources: Notes on Life and Language in the United States

If you have been living in the United States and learning English, you probably know that the concept of time is important in our culture because we have so many expressions in English that are related to time. In a previous article, we talked about the link between language and American culture that can be seen through phrases like "time is money". Today we have a few new expressions that are frequently used in American English. These expressions tell us that in the United States, especially in big cities like Boston or New York, time is definitely on our minds.

This has been a summer of crazy weather! In July, we had a heat wave and just last week we felt an earthquake! Today, as hurricane season gets started, we are dealing with Hurricane Irene, a rare storm which is passing up the east coast and hitting New York City as well as Boston. As you know, Americans love to talk about the weather. We have many English idioms that are related to weather and it is a common small talk subject. So, today I would like to give you some English vocabulary words that you can use to talk about this hurricane.

 In today's English communication vocabulary workshop, you will learn how to describe people.

In Boston and New York, we are in the middle of a heat wave! The temperature today should reach almost 100 degrees fahrenheit. As you know from our previous lessons and articles, Americans love to make "small talk" about the weather. That is especially true during a heat wave. So, how is your English vocabulary when it comes to talking about hot weather? If you aren't quite sure how to talk about hot weather in English, take a look at today's lesson and then get out (preferably to a place with air conditioning) and practice your new vocabulary words with native English speakers. Good luck and stay cool!

"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!

Do verbs in English drive you crazy??? They are one of the biggest challenges for many of our English students in Boston and New York. Why are they so challenging? A unique aspect of the English language is phrasal verbs. A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition such as get through, get over or get around. Anyone who is trying to learn English will probably struggle with these. Do you feel confident about your verbs in English? If not, don't worry! In this post, you can learn some new verbs that you can use in casual, everyday conversation when you talk about feelings and emotions. We have a video lesson with 4 questions to test your knowledge. After you watch the video, try the comprehension quiz. Leave a comment below to let us know how you did!

Learning corporate English is crucial for your success in your career the United States.