From cut out, work out, pick up, check up on, etc. Phrasal verbs can be very confusing. But unfortunately, they are so commonly used in everyday English, so it is essential to learn and practice phrasal verbs to advance your English.

Learn these phrasal verbs:

Come down with– When you get sick with something, a mild illness.

Example: “I’m coming down with a cold.” or “You don’t look well. I think you’re coming down with something.”

Check up on– To investigate or to see if someone is okay

Example to investigate: “My boss came in to check up on us”.

Example to see if someone is okay: “She didn’t answer her phone all day, so her friends came to check up on her.”

Show up- Be present at a place where you are expected to be.

With show up, some common structures are normally used:

• Show up + for → He showed up late for the date.
• Show up + to → He showed up late to the party.
• Show up + in → You can’t show up in a white dress at a wedding.

Go/come over– Go over means to go to someone’s house. Come over means for someone to go to your house.

Examples:
“Come over after work! We can have a wine night.”
“I’ll go over to his place after the party.”
“How about you come over this weekend?”

End up– Means to arrive somewhere that wasn’t planned. It could be after a series of events.

• Examples:
  “I never thought I’d end up in Peru.”
• “If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a broken heart.”
• “We ended up going to the bar instead of the party.”

Figure out– Means to find a solution for something.

Examples:
“I can’t figure out this question.” (Meaning you can’t find a solution for the question)
“Did you figure out how to add this picture to Instagram?”
“We need to figure out a way to make more money.”
“I can’t figure out what’s wrong with my phone.”

The only way to learn phrasal verbs

The only way you going to retain phrasal verbs is through practice. The best way to practice them is by creating your own sentences, doing worksheets, using them as you are speaking, and other forms of full context practice. Don’t try just to use them individually. See other phrasal verbs here. Want to make sure you are using them properly? Write your examples in the comments! Then I can confirm or correct them for you.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always the first person in my home to go to sleep. Some might say the hour I go to sleep is embarrassing (is 8 pm in bed too much to ask for?) Anyways, whether you’re the same as me or not, here are a few fun idioms you can use to say you are going to sleep:

Go to bed This is probably the most common one that basic learners use. Native speakers normally say it when they are physically going to their bed and not necessarily going to sleep.

Example: I plan to go to bed early so that I can get a few chapters of my book in.

Hit the sack This is a very casual and common expression used to say you’re going to bed. A “sack” in English is like a bag, or in this context, a bed.

Example: After dinner, I’m going to hit the sack.

Hit the hay This idiom was started in the 1800s when people used to stuff their bedding with burlap and hay (from the field) so make their beds more comfortable.

Example: Lucy, you’re up to late tonight; it’s time for you to hit the hay.

Retire for the night When we say “retire”, we are normally using it in a formal setting. And so, this expression is used more commonly in both casual and formal settings.

Example: It’s been a long day, I think I’ll retire for the night.

Turn in A more casual way to say that you’re going to sleep.

Example: I’m exhausted, time to turn in for the night.

Here are some expressions to use when you talk about sleep:

Sleep in When you sleep longer in the morning than usual.

Example: On the weekends, I love to sleep in.

Sleep like a log This expression is used when you have such a deep sleep that you don’t move at all and nobody can wake you up. A log is referring to a fallen down tree.

Example: You were sleeping like a log last night.

Fast asleep “Fast asleep” is an adjective. It is a state. It means to be sleeping very well, very similarly to “sleep like a log”.

Example: The baby was fast asleep when I checked on her a few minutes ago.

Fall asleep The process going to sleep.

Example: You were falling asleep in your food!

Oversleep It means to sleep until a later time than usual, so it is very similar to “sleep in”. However, if you oversleep, it is NOT by choice.

Example: Oh shoot! I overslept! I’m going to be late for work!

Have you ever been given unsolicited advice (that is advice you did not ask for) and it did not sit well with you? Maybe you took their advice negatively because of the way they said it to you? I know I have! Normally, that person has the best intentions but they just didn’t think about how their approach could come across as rude or condensing.

Well, I know you don’t want to be that person. Giving advice or feedback in a polite and still correct way all starts with how you approach the conversation.

Use these openers to give advice:

How about…? This is a great opener because it’s a question form so that the other person will have room to reflect and respond.

Example: How about you start to try walking every day for 30 minutes if weight loss is your goal?

Why don’t you…? Another great question to allow the other person to reflect positively.

Example: Why don’t you finish the emails every morning so that you don’t have to worry about them later?

You could try… Having the word “could” is great because it removes a condescending scenario.

Example: You could try studying for a couple of hours for the first week and see how you progress from there.

You probably… This one is a little stronger and so be careful with it!

Example: You probably have a bad reputation because you’re not careful with what you post on social media.

I think you need to… Letting the other person know that you “think” means that they are aware it is only your opinion.

Example: I think you need to start letting go of your emotions because its making you very stressed out.

It’s a good idea to… This opener is very “safe” and non-aggressive at all.

Example: It’s a good idea to start planning ahead so that you don’t get too busy at once.

You really should… This one can sound more aggressive, so be careful with it! Try to offer positive feedback afterwards.

Example: You really should go to this Supermarket instead! I know you like great deals and they have the best ones!

More tips for giving positive advice in English:

Make sure to keep the conversation light by offering positive feedback on what you like about the situation first.

If they don’t take your advice, simply change the subject of the conversation.

Time to practice!

Give these openers a try and practice them for a real-life situation!

If you are trying to improve your English, knowing these idioms will help you sound more native and will also help you understand conversations better, too!

Check out these idioms:

All fired up – Highly enthusiastic

Example– I was all fired up last night because my favorite team won the match.

An eye-opener -Something that makes you see or think about something differently from then on

Example– I was so shocked about the lack of commitment in the office, it was a real eye-opener.

At the top of your lungs – In an extremely loud voice

Example– I lost my voice from the concert because I was singing at the top of my lungs.

At your fingertips – Directly accessible

Example– You don’t need a new car, your parent’s car is at your fingertips. Can’t you just borrow it?

A ballpark figure -A rough estimate within acceptable bounds

Example– The show is coming soon so let’s come up with a ballpark figure on what we can budget for it.

Bang for your buck – Best return on investment

Example– When I was buying my house, the realtor was able to get me a $40,000 saving! It was a real bang for my buck!

Barking up the wrong tree – Doing something that won’t give you the results you want

Example– You’re barking up the wrong tree, I can’t help you with your homework.

Be a catch – Be someone worth marrying/having

Example– His parents are going to love you, you’re such a catch!

Saying no or rejecting an idea can be really uncomfortable, especially when you are actively trying no to offend the other person. Also, it can be quite boring if you don’t know how to express “no” in different forms. Take a look at the list below to give you plenty of great ideas that will make rejecting much easier:

How to say ‘no’ neutral ways

These examples are great for when you are with your friends or with your boss! They are polite and easy to remember.

I’m sorry, it’s not for me
Thanks for that, but I think it’s a no this time
You know what, not this time
Thanks for thinking of me, but that’s not necessary
I really appreciate that, but I’m good
Next time, promise!

Formal ways

These formal ways are excellent to use to be extremely polite and friendly while still rejecting an idea. Make sure to practice these ones the most!

My apologies, I won’t be able to

I’d love to, but I can’t

I have another commitment

I’m afraid I can’t

Maybe another time

Sadly, I have something else

It’s not a good time

I wish I could make it work

Casual ways

The following list would be best used in front of good friends or any other person you know well.

Nah

Nope

No way

Sorry

I think I’ll pass

If only I could!

Can’t fit it in

Won’t be able to

I’m slammed (being ‘slammed’ means that you are extremely busy)

Now what?

Time to practice! A great way to practice this is to do it with a friend or colleague. If you don’t have anyone around, then practice in front of a mirror, but make sure you are practicing out loud! Find a few that you like the most and then when you have the chance, use them!

Good luck!

Teacher Dawn

All of these ways to introduce yourself are extremely friendly and show lots of personality. Showing personality the first time you meet someone encourages a great first-impression, which can be essential when you are applying for a job, networking, or meeting new people. Practice these in the mirror until you feel confident to use them in real life!

The list:

Hey! I’m ______

Hello, my name is ______

How’s it going? I’m _________

What’s going on? I’m ___________

It’s so nice to meet you, I’m _________

Let me introduce myself, I’m ___________

It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m _______

It’s so nice to finally meet you! I’m ________

I’m _________, It’s lovely to meet you

Hey there, I’m _____________, I’ve heard so much about you!

It’s great to meet you! I’m___________

It’s time…

Now it’s time to practice your new introductions! Be sure to practice in the mirror a few times and choose the few that are your favorites! Also make sure you add a smile in there, too!

Good luck!

Teacher Dawn

Let’s start by looking at how we talk about time and location. English speakers use IN to refer to a general, longer period, such as weeks, months, years, decades, or centuries as well as with countries and cities. For example, we say “in 2 weeks”, “in April,” “in 2015”, “in 90’s”, or “in the 21st century”, “in Peru”, and “in Lima.”

Take a look at this image:

As you can see in the image above, using IN is meant for more general time and place to AT which is much more specific.

We use IN:

• with parts of the day:

I’ll come and see you in the forenoon for a cup of coffee, fine?

• with months:

We normally go camping in March.

• with years:

This building was built in 1835.

• with seasons:

The garden is astonishing in the spring when all the flowers bloom.

• with long periods:

The population of China increased rapidly in the nineteenth century.

• with the country name:

I lived in Peru. I love my country.

• with city name:

I lived in Lima. Lima is a beautiful city.

We use ON:

Moving to shorter, more specific periods and addresses, we use “ON” to talk about particular days, dates, holidays, and Addresses. 

• to refer to a position on any surface:

I know I left my tea on the table.

• to specify a position along a road, river or by the sea or by a lake:

Dublin is on the east coast of Ireland.

• to talk about a level in a building:

They live on the 15th floor!

• to talk about being physically on public transport:

I was on the subway when she out of mind. 

For the most specific times and locations, and holidays without the word “day,” we use “AT”. 

We use AT:

• to refer to a location which we see as a point:

I was sitting at my desk.

• To talk about locations at companies or workplace areas?

How many people are working at Microsoft?

• to refer to enterprises that involve a group of people:

Were you at Jackson’s party? 

• with school/college/university:

She always did well at school.

• to refer to an address:

They once lived at number 12 North Street.

• to talk about public places where we get services 

I can’t meet at four. I’ll be at the hospital until five.

• to refer to most shops:

Look what I bought at the butcher’s today.

So what now?

Now it’s time to practice, of course! Pretend to make plans with someone and the two of you are trying to figure out when and where. Make sure to try to use as many as you can for full practice.

Take a look at these examples:

Hey! Let’s get together this week, I think I’m free ON Wednesday. I think the Italian restaurant ON dos de mayo opens AT 8 pm. Meet me ON 145th Street AT 7:30 pm and we can go there together. I’m so excited! I haven’t been to that restaurant IN years!

I would love to get together this week! I’ll be busy ON Easter with my family, but I’ll have time the next day! Let’s say we can meet AT 10 am IN Miraflores?

I’ll be IN New York ON the weekend! I would love to meet up with you! I haven’t seen you IN six weeks!

Alright…

So are you feeling more confident in using these prepositions? Let me know! The best and only way to get good at them is to practice them.

Good luck!

Teacher Dawn

Presume yourself in a room ample of people, where a serious discussion is going on.

Abruptly, someone calls you by name, stating, “So, what’s your opinion about this issue?”

Everyone is quiet and turns to gaze at you.

Being helpless to reveal oneself is general anxiety among language learners.

But don’t worry! In this post, I’m going to explain to you how to defeat this anxiety with tips and tricks for expressing your opinion.

What Is an Opinion?

An opinion is just how you feel or think about a special issue. It’s normally a personal perspective based on your skills.

Let’s take a glance at some of the things we say in our everyday communications.

• I love the weather. It’s windy and cloudy.
• I like beverages more than tea, thanks.

Express Your Personal Opinion with These Phrases

Now let’s concentrate on getting our primary accounts more powerful and clearer.

• In my estimation, the management hasn’t done a great job of supervising the healthcare emergency.
• I think we need to run faster to pass the test.
• I feel like we aren’t doing enough to support him.
• I believe that we should depend more concisely on technology.
• In my experience, men manage to be more juvenile than women of the same age.
• What I mean is that he isn’t a good representative, and we should vote for someone else.
• If you ask me, he’s a fine artist, and I appreciated and watched all his plays.

Express a General Opinion with These Phrases

Sometimes, we experience an opinion with someone else. In these situations, it’s common to use third-person pronouns.

• It seems like the new system did more abuse than good.
• Everyone agrees that she was the best principal in this institution.
• Some think that the documentary was brilliant while others find it tedious.
• Everybody knows that show isn’t going to do well.
• In today’s world, it’s generally accepted that the Earth isn’t smooth.

Explain Your Opinion with These Phrases

In certain conditions, such as in conferences and group meetings, we’re requested to express our opinions. 

• Moreover, I wasn’t there when they come to end, so it’s none of my business.
• In addition to not liking the taste of fast food, I’m also allergic to it.
• Most importantly, I think my dad is a good gentleman.
• Another example of Sheila’s ability is her job at origami.

Conclude Your Opinion with These Phrases

Ultimately, you have to sum up your ideas in the conclusion.

You can replicate the opinion or even ask your listener to share their opinions on the matter, too.

• So, from these reasons, we can conclude that the new policy was a crash.
• To sum up, I think we need proper research.
• In conclusion, she was a very nice person.
• This proves that water is wet.
• Can you suggest a way to correct this?
• And that’s is why I favor being a night owl.

So, now what?

Now it’s time to practice! You can do this either alone or with a partner. With a partner could be more effective as you will be able to have a fluid conversation and more practice that way. Either way, try to memorize which one you think will be strong phrases for yourself. Try to memorize a few of them so that when it comes time to practice them, you will be able to sound clear, communicative, and most importantly, non-repetitive.

Good luck!

Teacher Dawn

Don’t mention it…

No worries…

My pleasure…

I’m happy to help…

You got it…

There’s a well-known phrase in English that says, “diversity is the spice of life.”

It means for something to be exciting; they need to be innovative, diverse, and regularly changing.

Duplicating the same phrases and expressions, again and again, can look boring. It looks like a robot!

So, when someone thanks you for assisting them, what do you habitually say?

Is it “you’re welcome?” 

I’m sure that more often you use the same reply. It’s sometimes an automated acknowledgment. At the same time, there’s nothing awkward with that.

In this post, we’re going to talk all about how to say “you’re welcome” suitably, as well as many expressions you can use to spice up your English dictionary!

As you know, English is a very pleasant language with manners and customs. 

This is a type of polite behavior known as “etiquette.” It’s essential to use when communicating with other speakers.

So when precisely do people say you’re welcome?

Replying to “Thank You”

In its most naive form, “you’re welcome.” 

For example:

David: “Hey, can I use your laptop?”

Jack: “Of course!”

David: “thank you.”

Jack: “You’re welcome!”

Invite Someone to Do Something

“You’re welcome” can also be practiced as a polite request. It’s a great way to invite somebody without a sense of social influence.

It’s also a very common sentence to hear when you’re at a friend’s house, and you weren’t planning for dinner, they’d like to invite you to stay for a meal.

For example:

“You’re welcome to wait for the feast if you’d like!”

Bragging About Something You Did

Sometimes it’s not unusual to hear people use “you’re welcome” when they’re bragging about an accomplishment.

Take a look at another example below:

John: “Wow, this dinner looks amazing!”

Susan: “You’re welcome!”

It’s also important to mix things up based on the condition, as you might be required to change your tone and word choice.

For example:

The level of formality in the situation (are you with friends and family, strangers, or at the job?)

The size of the assignment or service that you performed

Your association with the individual

The country that you’re in

Here we’re looking at different ways to say you’re welcome both in formal and informal ways.

How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Formal Situations

My pleasure

I’m happy to help

I’m glad to help

I’m happy to be of assistance

Happy to be of service

I’m sure you’d do the same for me

How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Informal Situations

It was nothing

No problem

It’s no trouble

Anytime

Sure

Sure thing

No worries

Don’t worry about it

Don’t mention it

No big deal

You might notice that these are very short and possibly more generally used in everyday communications such as assisting somebody on the street, lending something to a friend, and other daily intercommunications.

Are you feeling sure about how to say “you’re welcome” properly now?

If you imagine any other means to say you’re welcome, then make a list and add it to your daily conversation.

So, now what should you do?

So what are you waiting for? Test yourself to practice some of these phrases more than “you’re welcome” to add variety to your English! You’ll be saying more native in no time.

You’re welcome!

Teacher Dawn