2022-06-02 But: a Small, Common, and Important Word
The simple, three-letter word “but” might not sound or look special, interesting or beautiful. But this little word can be a powerful force in writing and in speaking. It can…
2022-05-26 Language Variation in the US
Today on Everyday Grammar, we will explore some differences in American English spoken in different regions, or parts of the country. The United States is a large country, and there…
2022-05-19 Hobbies and Studies
In a recent report, we asked readers and listeners from around the world to write us about their hobbies and studies. In this week’s Everyday Grammar, we will share part…
2021-12-23 Grammar and Christmas
Everyday Grammar: Grammar and Christmas Many Americans experience surprise (or disappointment) when they wake up on Christmas Day. They might be surprised or disappointed by a family member’s actions. They…
2020-10-02 What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?
The Sixth Sense is a famous American movie. The 1999 film tells the story of a young boy who has an unusual issue. He claims that he can see dead…
2020-09-25 The Present Participle
Today, let me start with a question: What do the following three statements have in common? You are learning about grammar.The president’s words were shocking.I smelled food burning in the…
2020-09-18 What Are Intensive Pronouns?
Imagine you are watching an American film or television show – a mystery, for example. You hear one of the actors say the following words: “I myself am going to…
2020-09-11 Understanding the Past Participle
Every language has its own way of saying something happened in the past, is happening now or will happen in the future. As you know, English does this through verb…
2020-09-04 Three Useful Phrasal Expressions
In a recent Everyday Grammar report, we explored phrasal expressions. Phrasal expressions are groups of words that take on a special meaning. This meaning is different from what the individual…
2020-08-28 Three Phrases for Expressing Regret in English
Can you think of something recent that you wish you had done differently? I can. Last weekend, I decided to paint my living room walls a new color. But the…
2020-08-21 What Are Phrasal Expressions?
When you learn a new language, you must learn the meaning of individual words. But, there is another area that you should pay attention to: expressions, or groups of words.…
2020-08-14 When Not to Use the Word ‘To’
This is Everyday Grammar. On many of our programs, we talk about the dos of the English language – how and when to use grammatical forms. But on today’s program,…
2020-08-07 TED Talks Teach You About Phrasal Verbs
TED Talk videos are popular in the United States and other countries. These videos explore issues in science, technology, education and other subjects. They can also be a useful tool…
2020-07-31 How Many Meanings of ‘Run’ Do You Know?
Here is the truth about the English language: Some words take up so much space in the dictionary that they could be their own book. And the word “run” would…
2020-07-24 Question Words
A few years ago, On the American television show Saturday Night Live, actor Jerry Seinfeld answered questions from the audience. However, the people who asked them were not ordinary showgoers,…