2020-06-06 Not and No
This week we received a question from Candy in China. Candy writes, Question: I wonder what is the difference between “not” and “no”? Today when I do my homework, I…
2020-05-30 How Can I Sound American?
Today on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Igor in Russia. He writes, Question: I’d like to speak with an American accent. Could you give me advice on…
2020-05-23 When Was Last Tuesday?
This week received a question about time expressions from Dara in Cambodia. He asks, Question: Do you use the phrase “last Tuesday?” If so, what does it mean? Does it…
2020-05-16 Pandemic and Epidemic
This week received the same question from two VOA fans. Here is the first question. Question: “What is the difference between “pandemic” and “epidemic?” They appear a lot in recent…
2020-05-09 Just and Only
This week we answer a question we received from Nurfidhea in Indonesia. Question: “What is the difference between “just” and “only?” How and when should I use them? Thank you”…
2020-05-02 How to Talk About Staying Safe
This week we answer a question from Terrence in Vietnam. He writes: Question: Which of the following forms is more correct in English usage? “Yes, we can go out but…
2020-04-25 Buy and Purchase
This week we answer a question from Julio in Peru. He writes: Question: I would like to know the difference between BUY and PURCHASE and when to use each of…
2020-04-18 Ask and Demand
This week we answer a question from Nangatoum, from Chad. Question: I would like to know the difference between “ask” and “demand” and when to use each of them. –…
2020-04-11 Very and Too
This week we answer a question from Rafael. He asks, Question: What’s the difference between too and very? Answer: Dear Rafael, Thanks for asking this question. These words often cause…
2020-04-04 Ever or Never?
This week we answer a question from Viola in China, who writes: Question:Ask a Teacher: Ever or Never? I’m following your program all the time and I love it so…
2020-03-28 Affect or Effect?
This week we answer a question from Young-Ho in Korea. He writes, Question: I really want to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.” Answer: Dear Young-Ho, These are commonly…
2020-03-21 Electric, Electrical, or Electronic?
This week we answer a question from Angus in China. Question: “I’m Angus, a big fan of VOA English from China. Could you please tell me the difference among electric,…
2020-03-14 What Are the Best Ways to Study at Home?
Today we answer a question we get from many readers. Question: “What are the best ways to study at home?” Answer: Here are some of the best ideas for healthy…
2020-03-07 Sport or Sports?
This week, we answer a question from a listener in China, who asks: Question: What is the difference between sports and sport? VOA Fan, China Answer: Dear VOA Fan: That…
2020-02-29 Many Ways to Say You’re Welcome
Today we answer a question from Melsom in Iran. Question: “How many ways can we say ‘you’re welcome?’… How can we reply to them in both formal and informal ways?”…