2020-10-24 Silent Letters
Today we answer a question from Ahmad in Iraq. He writes: Question: Why do we have some silent letters in English? Like these words: write, know, half, hide. So, tell…
2020-10-17 Little and Small
Today we answer a question from Brigitte in France. She writes: Question: Could you tell me when to use little and when to use small? Thank you – Brigitte, France.…
2020-10-10 American Breakfast
Today we answer a question from Levgenii, who was born in Ukraine. He writes: Question: Good Day, I wonder how the usual American breakfasts go. What do Americans prefer to…
2021-05-21 City, District, County, Town: What Are the Differences?
Question: Aygün writes, Can you explain the words ‘province, city, district, county and town? What are the differences? Answer: Dear Aygün, Your question centers on how a country divides itself…
2020-10-03 Take and Get
This week, we received the same question from a fan in Italy and another in Brazil. But, we are sure the question is shared by even more English learners-so let’s…
2020-09-26 Let and Leave
Today we answer a question from Thu Huong. Thu Huong writes: Question: I am confused when using the words “let” and “leave.” Please tell me more about them.Thank you –Thu…
2020-09-19 Path and Way
Today we answer a question from Taro. Taro writes: Question: How are “way” and “path” different? Could you explain these more to me? – Taro. Answer: Dear Taro, Thank you…
2020-09-12 Glad and Happy
Today we answer a question from Morgan in China. Morgan writes: Question: I have a question about the words “glad” and “happy.” In which situations would I use them? I…
2020-09-05 Is ‘Heads Up’ Too Informal?
Each week we answer questions about American English from readers from outside the United States. But today we answer a question from the American state of Alabama. Khan writes: Question:…
2020-08-29 Beyond and Behind
Today we answer a question from Ahmed in Egypt. He writes: Question: I would like to know the exact meaning of beyond and its uses and the difference between it…
2020-08-22 Long Johns, Gremlins and Big Wheels
Question: This week, we answer a question from Evelio in Colombia. He writes: Why is a sort of men’s underwear called “long johns”? Thank you. — Evelio, Colombia Answer: Dear…
2020-08-15 Novel or New Coronavirus?
This week, we received a question from Thompson in China. Question: The following words always make me very confused. Could you please tell me, what is the difference between novel…
2020-08-08 Place, Location and Position
This week we answer a question from Pakistan. Shahid writes: Question: What is the difference between these terms: place, location, position, site and situation? — Shahid, Pakistan. Answer: Dear Shahid,…
2020-08-01 Using ‘Do’ in Positive Statements
This week, we answer several questions about how to use the verb “do.” Cem in Turkey wants to know what “do” means when used before a present tense verb, such…
2020-07-25 Problem, Issue or Matter?
This week, we answer a question from Noel from France. He writes, Question: “Can you explain the difference between matter, problem and issue? In English lessons these three words come…