The phrase used + infinitive is often confusing for learners of English. This article explains what it is and how we use it. Here are typical uses of the phrase: I used to live in Toronto. I have an idea he used to go out with Nicole Kidman. You can […]
Continue ReadingTitles in English
When we address people, we use certain conventions of style called Titles. These come before a person’s name when we are talking about them (or to them). They are usually used in formal situations or when we are being polite. General Titles These are general titles for men and women […]
Continue ReadingTill vs Until vs ‘Til
Till and Until are synonyms. They are both prepositions of time and refer to a period of time leading up to a specific time. I worked for the bank from 1989 until 1994. We were happily married till I discovered she was having an affair. In both these examples we […]
Continue ReadingThey’re vs Their vs There
These three are often confused by learners of English: they’re their there These words are homophones (that is, they sound the same) but with very different meanings. This article looks at the differences between these three and then how to teach them to your class. Differences they’re they’re = they […]
Continue ReadingSince… Ago…
Since and Ago are often confused and used wrongly by learners of English in the TEFL class. But there are some simple rules which show how they should be used. Since The usage is quite simple: since is followed by a specific time. since + specific time I’ve been waiting […]
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