2023-08-03 Blend Words: Portmanteaus
What do the words “tween,” “Barbenheimer” and “brunch” have in common? These words are portmanteaus — words that are formed by combining parts of two separate words. But unlike compound…
2023-07-27 Grammar and Libraries
Imagine you are at a library – a place where books, movies, and other publications are available to borrow. What kinds of terms and structures would you need to know…
2023-07-20 A Close Reading of ‘Looking for America,’ Part 2
In today’s Everyday Grammar, we finish our discussion of the 2019 song, Looking for America, by singer Lana Del Rey. By making a close reading of the song’s words, we…
2023-07-13 Recommendations, Part Two
Imagine you want to ask for information. Perhaps you are looking for a good restaurant, a nice hotel, or a fun activity. How should you ask your question? In this…
2023-07-06 A Close Reading of ‘Looking for America’
In today’s Everyday Grammar we do a close reading of Lana Del Rey’s 2019 song, Looking for America. The song explores different places in the United States, American culture and…
2023-06-29 Grammar and Recommendations
Imagine you want to give or ask for a recommendation. This recommendation could be for a restaurant, a clothing store, a hotel, or an activity. How would you do it?…
2023-06-22 Grammar and the Economy: Negotiations
Imagine you are shopping at a market. Perhaps you are in a situation in which you need to negotiate a price. How do you do so? In today’s Everyday Grammar,…
2023-06-15 Reviewing Your Message about Guests, Part 2
A few weeks ago, we asked our readers and listeners to write about having guests over. Many of you wrote us using the words you learned. One reader, Gerardo, wrote…
2023-06-08 Reviewing Your Message about Guests
A few weeks ago, we asked our readers and listeners to write about having guests over. Many of you wrote in using the words you learned. One reader, Gerardo, wrote…
2023-06-01 Grammar and the Economy: Prices
Consider a time that you discussed prices. Perhaps it was at a market, at a store, or with friends. How did you discuss the issue? In today’s Everyday Grammar, we…
2023-05-25 Grammar for Guests
Do you like to have guests? Who would you invite over to a party? Would you have a guest stay overnight? In this week’s Everyday Grammar, we will learn the…
2023-05-18 Grammar and the Economy: Inflation
Inflation worries people around the world – Argentina, Egypt, the United States, and many other places. But how do English speakers discuss inflation in everyday situations? In today’s Everyday Grammar,…
2023-05-11 Memories, Mother’s Day and Grammar
Think back to one of your favorite memories. What do you remember? Is it a time that you think about often? In this week’s Everyday Grammar, we will share ways…
2023-05-04 Grammar and Trees
Comparisons are a useful tool for learning new information. They help us make connections and increase our enjoyment of learning. In this week’s Everyday Grammar, we will use a comparison…
2023-04-27 Grammar for Describing When We Are Not Feeling Well
Imagine you are feeling sick, and you need to go to the doctor. Your throat might hurt or you might have a high temperature. What do you say? How do…