Personality & Character Idioms
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 28 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
couch potato
a lazy person who spends a lot of time sitting down, watching TV or playing video games
e.g. Stop being a couch potato – turn off the TV and do some exercise!
worrywart
a person who worries constantly and excessively
e.g. My mother's such a worrywart that I have to call her everyday.
social butterfly
an extroverted person who loves to socialize
e.g. I'm more reserved, but my brother is a social butterfly.
stickler for the rules
a person who strongly insists on that quality or behavior, and wants or expects other people to ...
Interview with the Irish polyglot - Benny Lewis
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 22 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Porady językowe, Porady ogólne
Let's check our interview with Benny Lewis, "a fun-loving Irish guy, a full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author".
He become a fluent speaker of six foreign languages and is able to have conversations in many others.
Benny helps people to be confident in speaking foreign languages and his mission is "giving people permission to make mistakes", because "the more mistakes you make, the faster you become a confident language learner".
Benny is available on his language blog, Twitter and Facebook.
How many languages do you speak fluently?
If fluently means B2-C2 level on the CEFRL scale, then it ...
When Should We Use 'Shall'?
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 20 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
The modal verb Shall is not used so much. You can still find it in formal speech or some legal documents.
Usually you use Shall in questions thah suggest or offer.
Shall we...?
Shall I...?
Uses:
Suggestions -> Shall I get a sushi for dinner tonight? (can be replaced by should)
Instructions -> What shall I do with your parcel when it arrives? (can be replaced by should)
Offers/Volunteering -> Shall I carry that bag for you? (can be replaced by can/could)
Confirmation -> I shall meet him at 3 p.m. (can be replaced by will)
Promises -> You shall be the ...
Might or May?
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 16 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
Might & May can usually be interchanged without a significant difference in meaning.
However, might implies a smaller chance of happening, when you express the possibility.
It may rain -> ca. 70% chance
It might rain -> ca. 40% chance
Remember, when you express wishes or give permission - use only may.
Uses:
Possibility -> It might rain in the afternoon, so take an umbrella.
Give permission -> You may have another beer if you like.
Ask for permission -> May I borrow your book?
Express wishes -> May the Christmas bring you happiness?
Mustn't vs. Don't have to
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 13 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Leksyka
Mustn't
Meaning:
It is prohibited, it is not allowed. It is important that you do not do something.
Examples:
You mustn't drink that = It is forbidden to drink that
You mustn't tell him = Do not tell him, you are not allowed to tell him
Don't have to
Meaning:
There is no obligation, you are not required to do something (if you don't want it).
Examples:
You don't have to drink that = You can drink that if you want, but it' not obligatory
You don't have to tell him = You can tell him, but ...
Common Rules for Capital Letter Usage
Dodane przez Tomasz H. 8 stycznia 2015 w kategorii: Język angielski, Porady językowe
Days, Months and Holidays
Always capitalize holidays, events, months and days of the week.
DON'T capitalize seasons.
Quotes & Titles
The first letter of the quote should always be capitalized (when you form direct quotes placed inside formal quotations marks).
Proper Nouns
Capitalize: languages, countries, organizations, places, names, organizations.
Directions
Capitalize the directions to designate a geographic area.
DON'T capitalize cardinal directions (east, west, north, south)
Family Names & Titles
Capitalize title before name and name (e.g. Presidant Obama).
DON'T capitalize title after the name.
Abbreviations & Specific Names
Capitalize acronyms & abbreviations based on propoer nouns.
