Commonly mistaken with hyphens, dashes have their independent functions. Therefore, they have to be used according to their rules. Like any other punctuation marks, each punctuation has its own unique rule that it should not be mistaken to be interchanged with others – unless if they have the same rules. Hence, the best thing to do is to know to when you can use a particular punctuation.
Dashes add emphasis, an interruption or a change of thought in sentences. They look like hyphens, but dashes are longer and spaces are placed in the sentences. Here are some rules some overlook in using dashes.
Learning languages takes time and a lot of effort. There are a lot of things to study like grammar, sentence construction and most importantly vocabulary. Vocabulary is the first step to learn another language like English. It is difficult to express yourself to be understood by other people if you cannot choose the right word or expression. Hence, building vocabulary is a very important step in learning English.
Since there is a great emphasis placed on learning vocabulary, how can one build and improve their vocabulary? There are a number of ways and here is how:
English has been a second language that more and more nationalities have been using for the past years. The importance of speaking in English has grown more as international companies and universities overseas opened its doors to individuals who want to work and study with them, respectively. Through this initiative, many non-native English speakers find ways to learn English and take different English proficiency exams.
English proficiency exams are all designed to test your fluency in the English language. Some people take these exams for work, study or immigration. Others want to challenge themselves on how well they are in English. There are different English proficiency examinations offered in the world today. Here are some to choose from:
Punctuations are a vital ingredient in a sentence. They tell us when to stop, take a short pause and even raise emotions when reading. Effectively using them in sentences results to a good delivery of the sentence or the whole paragraph itself. One of the most confusing and commonly misused punctuation marks is the apostrophe.
As defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an apostrophe is a mark used to indicate an omission of letters or figures, to show possession or the plural of letters and figures. To have a clearer picture of this definition, here are ten things you have to know about apostrophes.
Data interpretation is a daunting task in the writing section of the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination. People reviewing for the said examination find a hard time looking for ways on how to describe data very well. Moreover, using the right words or collocations should be done carefully to correctly illustrate the given task.
Collocations for the IELTS writing test are commonly used in data interpretation. Collocations are a group of words that go together. These are common words used by English speakers, so as a non-native English speaker, it will be best to be familiar to such words for an effective and strong writing material.
Can you speak English? Do you think that your knowledge in the usage of English can help you get by when you work or study overseas?
Working and studying overseas have been every Filipino dreams of. There are a lot of opportunities given to professionals who are capable enough to work and be productive abroad. Moreover, students who can excel academically and be competitive in the academe are also given better chances offshore. With these great opportunities, it is just common for Filipinos to be encouraged to try their luck overseas.
Here are commonly misused adjectives in the English language. Learn to use them well to improve your proficiency when it comes to the English language. Best of luck!
Just like the article "the", "a" and "an" are limiting adjectives. These two are usually placed right before the noun they modify. It is important to know that only countable nouns are used with these articles.
Countable nouns are nouns that can be counted. They can have a plural form too. For example, we have table, horse, computer, and many more as countable nouns. Here are the rules in usage of the articles "a" and "an":
What do we know about Corporate English or Business English?
In a very competitive business market, there is a huge need for business professionals to be knowledgeable and experts in their fields. Moreover, what makes these professionals more cut-throat in the industry is the expertise in using the English language. Corporate English, also called as Business English, is an advantage to in a very competitive global market. Through this program, companies and industries will realize the importance of efficient language skills for their staff. Is knowledge on Corporate English really necessary?
The company’s success depends on the people working for it. One’s productivity has a big impact on the status of the company; hence, it is best for any employers to hire people good at English. Here are ten things why businesses need to study Corporate English:
1. Increased Productivity
People who can understand each other work well together. International companies have different staff from different countries worldwide. If these people speak English, they will be able to work together efficiently on team projects. In addition, there will be easier communication from the supervisors down to their staff members.
2. Media Relations
Businesses need advertising to promote their products. Communicating with Public Relations and Adverting companies will flow smoothly if both parties come to good agreement. Imagine a client demanding a specific kind of publicity for a product and this has not been met. As a result, there will be miscommunication on both parties. To improve media relations, having someone fluent in the English language is necessary.
3. Better Customer Satisfaction
As what they always say, “Customers are always right.” Hence, how will you be able to make them satisfied if you cannot understand them when providing services? This is the very reason why companies get people who can speak English well as front liners for customer service. To maintain good relationship with customers, a good communication relationship should be practiced.
4. Business Partner Relations
Finding the right partners and investors is important in any business. Thus, most companies seek foreign investors to help with their company. English is known to be spoken in many countries know; therefore, it is important to close deals with the help of the English language.
5. Employee Relations
The loyalty of employees to a company relies on how the company takes care of their hires. Maintaining this relationship through constant communication gives an impression that the company is concerned with their workers. Moreover, miscommunication in companies will be prevented if they speak a language spoken by many which is English.
6. Employee Collaboration
Though they might be seen as a single unit, employees work together for the company’s success. To have a good relationship and avoid any problems within employees, it is best to have people to be speaking English.
7. Global Market Advancement
A company who can market their products better because of the knowledge in English gains more profit. Indeed, clients will be more encouraged and persuaded to patronize a company’s products and services when they can understand the service they are giving.
8. Crisis Management
Whether it is employee to employee or customer to employee, resolving issues in English is easier. It will improve relations between these people and will help build a good reputation for the company as well.
9. Confidence in handling global matters
People are more confident in dealing with different kinds of situations – from giving presentations to taking bigger job responsibilities – when they are proficient in the English language.
10. World Recognition
As many customers and clients become familiar with a company, the more loyalty and investment they get. Ever wonder why some companies become very popular all over the world? It is because they deal with their clients and have global marketing in the English language.
Simply put it this way, the knowledge of hires in a company in the English language results to a high productivity in the company. Hence, it is an advantage for these industries to have people working for them who are good English speakers.
Are you currently enrolled in a review center for the International
English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) or the Test of English as Foreign Language
(TOEFL)?
Being part of review centers for both feels like being a student
again. You have one-on-one classes and group classes where discussion on
certain topics is encouraged among students. In these English proficiency
programs, candidates or students are taught skills, techniques and strategies
that are necessary during the actual examination. Aside from these, they will
also be given grammar classes. Why grammar?
Grammar is perhaps the most important element in learning the
English language. Sentences will not be created without putting the right words
together taking into consideration the function of each word if it is a noun,
verb, or adjective. Because of grammar, good responses in the speaking section
and strong essays for the writing section are possible. Indeed, grammar is
something that candidates should work on hard and must not be taken for
granted. However, due to the amount of time spent between reviewing and
working, it is recommended for candidates to take some online grammar quizzes
to hone their skills. Here are some websites online candidates should visit.
Englishpage.com is the best in
providing explanations most especially on verb tenses. Everybody commits a
mistake in writing a sentence with correct verb tense. We have 12 verb tenses
in the English language and each have specific function in conveying the
meaning of the sentence. In Englishpage.com, the concepts are thoroughly
explained with exercises following the lesson.
Here’s a sample from the said website:
November 12, 1997
Today (be) the second day of my
trek around Mount Annapurna. I am exhausted and my legs (shake) ;
I just hope I am able to complete the trek. My feet (kill, really) me
and my toes (bleed) , but I (want,
still) to continue.
Nepal is a fascinating country, but I have a great deal to learn. Everything
(be) so different, and I
(try) to adapt to the new way of
life here. I (learn) a little
bit of the language to make communication easier; unfortunately, I (learn,
not) foreign languages quickly.
Although I (understand, not) much
yet, I believe that I (improve, gradually) .
After filling the blanks, there is a
check button below that once you click it, it will show the percentage of the
right answers you have and will leave the wrong ones for you to correct.
This is a good website too that will
practice a candidate on the different parts of speech, verb tenses, voices of
verbs and even prepositions. The site is for free so candidates can use the
website as many times as they want. It also has a discussion on the topics
presented and followed by exercises. Here’s a sample:
This is another website that offers
free grammar exercises. The topics are so varied that they cover almost
everything in the English grammar. A good site to practice and it is all free
of charge. Here’s a sample:
Fill in all the gaps with the correct
forms of the adjectives.
Toggle example
1)- longer -
2)-- worst
3) modern --
4)- - nicest
5)-- nearest
In English proficiency programs, grammar is highly important and is
taught with tremendous and thorough explanation. To be good at grammar, all you
need is practice and more exposure on the different exercises found online.
Do you agree with the statement that Filipinos are good English speakers?
Being one o f the countries that use English as its second language, Filipinos are somehow expected to be good at speaking the English language. For starters, the English language has been used in kindergarten curriculum. With this, young children already get accustomed to using the language. Most subjects in school are taught in English and so are books that are written in English. With this exposure, Filipinos can fairly use the English language.
However, in taking any English competency examination, doing exercises in improving English speaking skills is essential. One must know certain strategies on how to effectively deliver and create strong responses. To be able to do this, here are some activities one can enjoy in learning and improving one's English speaking skills.
1. Watch English movies.
English movies are very helpful in improving one’s vocabulary. There are certain words that are particularly used in conversations. Not only will vocabulary be practiced but also sentence construction and even some slang. Also, individuals will be taught how to deliver conversations in different situations. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand spoken English, so do not hesitate to turn the subtitles on.
2. Watch American television series.
Following an American series is also best to improve one’s skill. Like movies, American TV series have good vocabulary and conversation expressions that can be used by its viewers. In addition, with the wide variety of American series available, individuals can choose from courtroom drams to medical science or to any genre which will keep them interested in watching.
3. Reading English books.
Boring and tedious, reading can improve one’s speaking skills with the acquired vocabulary. Do not overuse your vocabulary. Use new words that will best fit in your sentences and convey the meaning very well. Books that are best for reading are novels, magazines and newspapers.
4. Listen to English songs.
Some English songs do not use correct grammar; however, you will learn how to pronounce words properly by listening. Some foreigners, like Koreans and Japanese, listen to English songs and sing them to practice their tongues.
5. Practice with coaches.
There are a lot of English proficiency training centers nationwide with very experienced speaking coaches. Speaking coaches provide comments and suggestions on how to make responses better and smarter.
Speaking English well can be attained through constant practice which one can do very easily. Furthermore, practicing it daily will give results fast and accurately.
There are quite a number of words in English that are commonly misused. It is not that people do not know when to use it but it is more of the familiarity of when to use such words. The English vocabulary is so wide that memorizing the usage of one word is almost impossible; thus, for starters, what candidates can do is to be familiar with its usage and take a lot of practices with this usage. At this point, let us study two of the commonly misused, confused, and interchanged words in the English vocabulary – general and generally.
General
According to thefreedictionary.com, general is an adjective which means concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category; affective or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent.
Examples:
As a general rule, punctuation marks are used in a sentence to signify a pause or full stop in reading.
I think what he said were just general comments regarding the exhibit. I do not find anything wrong with that.
Generally
Thefreedictionary.com describes generally as an adjective which means popularly, widely, usually, and for the most part.
Examples:
It is generally recommended for candidates taking the IELTS to enrol in IELTS review classes.
Motorists are generally expected to be driving on the slow speed lane on the road.
What is the difference between the two?
For starters, "general" is followed by a noun that it describes since it functions as an adjective in the sentence. On the other hand, "generally" is an adverb which means it describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb. Here are some exercises to practice the usage of “general” and “generally.”
1. The wind was from a ____________ southerly direction to start with, shifting to south westerly later in the day.
2. These are only instances of a quite __________ law.
3. This article will consider only ___________ anesthesia: regional and local techniques will be described in a subsequent article.
4. I assume that these were just ___________ comments you were making and not directed at me.
5. Linear systems are much easier to understand than nonlinear ones and the solutions are ____________ well-behaved.
6. In Ireland Elizabeth miscarries again, and is ____________ maltreated by her mother-in-law.
7. ____________ rule is that literally whatever the idea, query, problem, or project the regional office can help.
8. ____________ public during an air raid, for example, guiding people to the shelters.
9. She also did some drawing when she woke up, and ____________ chortled.
10. They are ____________ crepuscular (most active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal.
Practice more with its usage online and be ready to use "general" and "generally" appropriately.
“Hey! How have you been?” “I have not been well for the past few days.”
Good and Well – these are two words in the English language that has caused confusion to its users. Is it important to study these? Of course, it is! These are only a couple of words that are commonly misused not only in speaking but also in writing. Let us discuss the differences between Good and Well.
Good
This is an adjective. As we all know, adjectives are used to describe a noun. Hence, the word "good" can be in different positions in a sentence.
1. It can be placed before the noun it modifies.
Examples:
Good people always find themselves lucky both in career and in their relationship.
I need to get good grades in my IELTS examination.
2. It can be placed after be verbs. Examples:
The driver is good.
The chicken that you prepared last night was good.
3. It can be placed after state verbs (look, smell, taste, feel) Examples:
Joel smells really good today.
The coffee tasted good.
Well
The word "well" is an adverb. As a review, adverbs are words that modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb or even the whole idea of the sentence.
Examples:
You did well today. (In this sentence, the word “well” is modifying the verb “did”.)
It was a well-explained essay. (It describes the word “explained” functioning as an adjective.)
One more thing that people should remember on the usage of WELL.
We use well when we refer to health.
Examples:
I do not feel well. I need to take some rest.
Richard did not look well yesterday. It seemed that he was down with flu.
Here is an exercise for you to practice on.
Which word, good or well, would be more appropriate in each of these sentences?
1. The orchestra performed _____ and sounded _____ for the entire three-hour concert.
2. Computer technicians with _____ skills are in high demand.
3. Samantha looked _____ in the blue dress and hat.
4. After Bob lost his ring, he asked all of us to look for it _____ under our desks and in the wastebaskets.
Correct grammar usage is very important for people taking English proficiency examinations. English competency tests include speaking and writing sections where an individual’s grammar skills are measured. Hence, the importance of getting knowledge on the grammar rules such as GOOD and WELL is a good start in getting familiar with the dozens of rules in the English language.
The usage of grammar is a given criteria when grading an essay. To many individuals, taking grammar lessons is very important to be familiar with the rules. There are a lot of rules; hence, it is best to practice as early as possible and know the basics of the English grammar. The importance of such is very evident when taking an English competency test.
The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination has been one of the most trusted English proficiency examinations. A number of companies and academic institutions overseas have been accepting an IELTS certificate to their applicants for work or education.
In taking this test, grammar will be tested in both speaking and writing. One particular grammar rule once must always take note of is the usage of auxiliary verbs.
Auxiliary verbs are also known as helping verbs. They determine the tense of the verb and is always paired with a main verb. The auxiliary verbs used in the English language are am, is, are, was, were, has, have and modals.
Here are some things individuals need to remember on the usage of auxiliary verbs.
1. Auxiliary verbs are used in the future, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive sentences.
Examples:
She will attend the conference in San Francisco next month.
My mother is currently cleaning the house, while I am working on my articles.
She has been to Paris twice, and her brothers have been to Germany once.
The mothers have been waiting for twenty months before the bell rings.
Joel had been painting the walls when the accident happened.
2. Modal auxiliaries are used to show different moods in a sentence.
Examples:
She can write essays very well. (shows ability)
She should write essays very well. (a suggestion)
She must write essays very well. (certainty)
She might write essays very well. (possibility)
3. Auxiliary verbs are used in the passive voice of the verb.
The passive voice of the verb signifies that the subject is the receiver of the action of the verb.
Examples:
She was bitten by a dog while she was cleaning the room.
This church has been renovated.
Jesus was born in a manger.
Understanding the rules on auxiliary verbs will help candidates choose the right one to express the tense of the verb. Nobody gets wrong in using the right verb tense. Expressing ideas and examples will be much better with the right usage of auxiliaries.
