Do you know how to talk about the future in English? In this video we compare Do you know how to talk about the future in English? We look at how we talk about facts and predictions, plans and making decisions and you’ll see lots of examples future forms in action. Click here to learn some phrases we use to talk about the future. Click here to learn about some verbs we often use to
Are you ready to test your British English slang? Learn 10 British slang words and colloquial expressions including: – skive and bunk off – tosh – go spare – jammy – fancy someone – snog – kerfuffle – miffed – be snookered – have a butcher’s Watch Vicki quiz Jay on the meanings and play along. Click here to see another video on British English slang Click here to see other videos on British and
This is the second quiz in a series about mistakes English learners often make. You can watch the first video here: https://youtu.be/1A4gs79Z_KI In this video we’ll ask you to identify 6 common English mistakes and choose your answer before the clock stops ticking. We’ll then explain what’s wrong and show you examples of the correct English in action. We’ll also direct you to other videos if you want more examples and help with grammar and
Is the word literally overused? And how many syllables does the word literally have? In this video we compare three different meanings of literally: 1. in a literal way, so with the exact meaning of the words you’re using 2. literally meaning ‘really’ or in ‘truth’ 3. literally meaning virtually, when it’s used to exaggerate for effect Meaning 3 is an example of hyperbole, and it contradicts meaning 1. So literally has opposite meanings. Many
This video English quiz is about mistakes English learners often make. We look at: – interested and interesting – the mistake how long time – the different meanings of the verbs take and last – control vs. check – high vs. tall – prepositions we use with the verb pay We’ll ask you to identify 8 common English mistakes and choose your answer before the clock stops ticking. We’ll then explain what’s wrong and show
The third conditional (or conditional 3) is probably the trickiest grammar structure in English. If you’re taking an exam like IELTS, CAE or CPE, this is a really useful conditional to know. You’ll really impress your examiners if you use it correctly. In this video you’ll: – see third conditional examples in action in a story. (e.g. If it hadn’t been for you…) – learn how to form the third conditional and when to use
Do you think the word like is used too much by young people? Learn some different ways we use the word like in English conversation and informal spoken English and see the word like in action in a conversation with Super Agent Awesome. One use that’s common with young speakers is the quotative like. That’s when they use ‘like’ instead of says or thinks to report someone’s words or thoughts. Some people complain that the
This lesson’s about how to make English emergency calls such as a 911 or 112 call. You’ll learn how to report an emergency in English and how to report your location to get help fast. We give examples of different emergencies you might need to report like: – Someone’s choked on some food – I think someone’s trying to break into my home – There’s been a car accident – Someone’s walked into a glass
Disagreeing is tricky in any language. It means you’re saying someone else is wrong or different and linguists have found it’s a dispreferred response. In this lesson we look at some steps English native speakers often follow when they disagree: Hesitating Asking challenging questions Saying ‘yes but…’ and adding their objections We note how the phrases I agree and I don’t agree are explicit and formal and hence have limited uses in everyday conversations, namely
Vicki and Jay are very proud to welcome you to the 2019 SEVY (Simple English Videos, Yay!) Award Ceremony, where you’ll meet students from many different countries who are learning English. Speaking in English is a challenge. You’re bound to think, ‘Am I making mistakes?’ or ‘Am I saying this right?’ Now imagine you’re not just talking to one or two people, but you’re talking to the world! A few weeks ago we set our
