Confusing Words: Work vs. Job

WORK:

  • Definition: “Work” is an activity that involves effort, usually to achieve a result or accomplish a task.
  • Examples:
    • “I have a lot of work to do today.” (tasks or duties)
    • “She works at a bank.” (the action of performing a job)
  • Key Point: “Work” can be a verb (action) or a noun (things you do).

JOB:

  • Definition: “Job” is a specific position of employment where a person works.
  • Examples:
    • “He got a new job as a teacher.” (specific position)
    • “What is your job?” (asking about someone’s employment)
  • Key Point: “Job” is always a noun (the specific role or position).

Comparing Them:

  • Work is the activity (what you do), while a job is the position (where you do it).
  • Work can be general tasks, while a job is a specific role.

Example to Illustrate:

  • “I work (verb) at a hospital. My job (noun) is a nurse.”

More Examples:

  1. Work as a Verb:

    • “She works every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.”
    • “They are working on a new project.”
  2. Work as a Noun:

    • “I have a lot of work to finish before the deadline.”
    • “His work is very creative.”
  3. Job as a Noun:

    • “He applied for a job at the local library.”
    • “My dream job is to be a doctor.”

Job vs. Work

Test your understanding of the difference between "work" and "job"

1 / 12

Which sentence uses "job" correctly?

2 / 12

Which sentence uses "work" correctly?

3 / 12

Which sentence is incorrect?

4 / 12

Fill in the blank: "Her ___ involves meeting clients every day."

5 / 12

Fill in the blank: "They are ___ on a big project this month."

6 / 12

Choose the correct word: "I love my ___. I get to help people every day."

7 / 12

Which sentence uses "work" as a noun?

8 / 12

Which sentence is correct?

9 / 12

Fill in the blank: "He got a new ___ at the company."

10 / 12

Which sentence uses "work" incorrectly?

11 / 12

Choose the correct word: "My ___ involves a lot of travel."

12 / 12

Fill in the blank: "They are looking for someone to ___ on the new project."

Your score is

The average score is 86%

0%

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GRAMMAR – Verbs + Prepositions

Verbs & Prepositions

Some verbs are usually followed by prepositions before the object of the verb. These are called dependent prepositions and they are followed by a noun or a gerund (‘ing’ form).

  • He’s waiting for a bus.

For is the dependent preposition for ‘wait

We can use other prepositions with ‘wait’ – e.g. He waited at the bus stop – but ‘for’ is the dependent preposition.

Here are some other verbs with their dependent prepositions.

Verbs with ‘for’

  • He apologised for being late. You can also ‘apologise to someone’
  • I applied for the job but I didn’t get it.
  • How do you ask for a coffee in Polish?
  • She spent many years caring for her aged parents.
  • I can’t go out tonight because I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.

Verbs with ‘from’

  • This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
  • Has he recovered from his illness yet?
  • He won an award because he saved someone from drowning.
  • I suffer from hay fever.

Verbs with ‘in’

  • She believes in ghosts.
  • Our company specializes in computer software.
  • You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.

Verbs with ‘of’

  • I don’t approve of your language, young man.
  • Our dog died of old age.
  • This shampoo smells of bananas.

Verbs with ‘on’

  • The film is based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
  • If you make so much noise I can’t concentrate on my work.
  • Come on! We’re relying on you!
  • We don’t agree on anything but we’re good friends.

Verbs with ‘to’

  • Can I introduce you to my wife?
  • Please refer to the notes at the end for more information.
  • Nobody responded to my complaint.

Verbs with ‘with’

  • I agree with everything you’ve said.
  • My secretary will provide you with more information if you need it.

There are many more verb + dependent preposition combinations – can you think of any?

If you have any questions or doubts, please ask in the comments or send me a private message.

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Prepositions

1 / 17

The Canaries are a group of islands _______ the coast of Africa.

2 / 17

There is a wooden fence _______ the garden, which looks quite nice.

3 / 17

The book was written _______ John Grisham. He's a famous writer.

4 / 17

The students in the last row never pay attention _______ what the teacher says.

5 / 17

The wind was coming _______ all directions, so it was impossible to continue with the event.

6 / 17

After an hour, the firefighters had the incident _______ control.

7 / 17

My sister owns a beautiful house ___ the sea.

8 / 17

We walked _______ the room and saw documents and folders scattered over the floor.

9 / 17

 _______ first, I thought it was an earthquake, but then I saw the damaged bus.

10 / 17

The man fell _______ a coma _______ which he never recovered.

11 / 17

The older boys always make fun _______ me.

12 / 17

A large part _______ the Netherlands lies _______ sea level.

13 / 17

My mom suffers _______ from migraine.

14 / 17

The painter's works are _______ display _______ the National Gallery.

15 / 17

I like to read books _______ photography.

16 / 17

I am familiar _______ the rules, so you don't have to explain them to me.

17 / 17

That car belongs _______ a friend _______ mine.

Your score is

The average score is 91%

0%

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VOCABULARY – Informal (spoken) Contractions

VOCABULARY – Informal (spoken) Contractions

In English, as in most other languages, there are ways to shorten groups of words that commonly go together. We don’t do this in writing, just when we speak. They are called informal or spoken contractions.

Here are some examples:

  • I’ve got to go soon – I’ve gotta go soon.
  • I’m going to play tennis – I’m gonna play tennis.
  • I need to talk to you – I needa talk to you.
  • I want to say something – I wanna say something.
  • I have to leave early – I hafta leave early.
  • He has to leave early, too – He hasta leave early, too.
  • I had to do it – I hadda do it.
  • Can you give me a ride? – Can you gimme a ride?
  • Let me in, I forgot my key – Lemme in, I forgot my key.
  • The movie was kind of sad – The movie was kinda sad.
  • Let’s get out of here – Let’s get outta here.
  • I’d love a cup of coffee I’d love a cuppa coffee.
  • Tell them what you told me – Tellem what you told me.
  • I don’t know – I Dunno
  • I sort of wish I hadn’t gone -I sorta wish I hadn’t gone.
  • What are you going to do? – Whadaya gonna do?

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/informal-english-contractions/

VOCABULARY – Units for counting UNCOUNTABLE nouns

Some nouns are UNCOUNTABLE. That means that they don’t have a plural form and cannot be used with an indefinite article. The most common uncountable nouns are liquids, but there are others too.
So, how do we quantify an uncountable noun? We give it a unit!

  • MILK – a glass or milk, a bottle of milk, a carton of milk, but never a milk*.
  • WATER – a glass of water, a pitcher of water, but never a water*.
  • TEA – a packet ot tea, a cup of tea, a pot of tea, but never a tea*.
  • BREAD – a slice of bread, a loaf of bread, but never a bread.

*NOTE:  There are time when you can order something in a restaurant without a unit, but in those cases the unit is understood without being spoken. Look at this example:

“We’d like a tea and a coffee please.”

It would be understood that you are ordering a cup of tea and a cup of coffee.

Counting the Uncountable

1 / 12

How do we quantify uncountable nouns?

2 / 12

Which of the following is an example of an uncountable noun?

3 / 12

Which of the following is correct for quantifying milk?

4 / 12

Which unit is correct for water?

5 / 12

What unit is used for tea?

6 / 12

Which of these is a correct unit for bread?

7 / 12

In a restaurant, how would you order tea without mentioning the unit?
(Select all that apply)

8 / 12

Which of these is NOT an uncountable noun?

9 / 12

Which of the following sentences is correct?
(Select all that apply)

10 / 12

Which of the following is used to quantify bread?

11 / 12

Which phrase is correct for ordering in a restaurant?
(Select all that apply)

12 / 12

What is the correct way to quantify rice?

Your score is

The average score is 73%

0%

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GRAMMAR – Adjectives that quantify.

GRAMMAR – Adjectives that quantify.

The words in this image can be adjectives, pronouns, or determiners.

  • FEW vs. A FEW
    Few is a quantifier used with plural countable nouns. Without the article “a,” few emphasizes a small number of something. Adding the article removes the emphasis—a few means some.
  • FEWER
    Fewer is a comparative adjective. It is only used with countable nouns and means a smaller quantity (number).
  • LITTLE vs. LITTLE
    The same rule applies to little, which is used with singular uncountable nouns. Without the article “a,” little emphasizes a small quantity of something. Adding the article removes the emphasis—a little means some.
  • EACH vs. EVERY
    Each and every are commonly confused.
    Each is a way to emphasize the individual people or things in a pair or group. We can use each in affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and questions. Each can only be used with countable nouns. When it precedes a subject noun, the noun is singular and it takes a singular verb.
    Every is a way to emphasize all the members of a group. We can use every in affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and questions. Every can only be used with count nouns. When it precedes a subject noun, the noun is singular and it takes a singular verb. This is very confusing to students because the meaning is always plural (every always means more than one).
  • FARTHER
    Farther is only used for distance. It’s a comparative adjective so it’s used to compare the distance remaining to the distance already traveled, or when comparing the distances of to different places from one point.

If you have any questions or doubts, please ask in the comments or send me a private message.

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GRAMMAR – How Much vs. How Many

When we want to know the quantity or amount of something, we use HOW MUCH or HOW MANY.

  • HOW MANY is used with countable nouns, which are objects or entities that can be counted individually.
    How many animals are there?
    How many cars can you see?
    How many slices of pizza did they order?
  • HOW MUCH is used with uncountable nouns, which are substances, concepts, or things that we cannot count individually.
    How much cheese is there?
    How much water should we drink every day?
    How much coffee is in the pot?

Key Differences:

  • Nature of Nouns:
    • Uncountable Nouns: Use “how much” (e.g., water, time, money).
    • Countable Nouns: Use “how many” (e.g., apples, people, books).
  • Determining Plurality:
    • Use “how much” for things that are measured in quantity or volume (water, time).
    • Use “how many” for things that are counted in numbers (apples, people).

Remembering this distinction will help you use “how much” and “how many” correctly in questions and statements based on whether the noun is countable or uncountable.

How much or How many

1 / 12

________ water is in the bottle?

2 / 12

________ books do you read in a month?

3 / 12

________ chairs are there in the classroom?

4 / 12

________ sugar do you need for the recipe?

5 / 12

________ apples are in the basket?

6 / 12

________ time do we have left before the movie starts?

7 / 12

________ students are in your class?

8 / 12

________ milk is in the fridge?

9 / 12

________ times do you exercise each week?

10 / 12

________ money do you have in your wallet?

11 / 12

________ cars are parked outside?

12 / 12

________ bread should I buy for the party?

Your score is

The average score is 84%

0%

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VOCABULARY – Nationalities

We all come from a country – and the name of the country is a porper noun.
Our nationality it the adjective form of the noun (and because it’s derived from a proper noun should always begin with a capital letter.

  • He’s from Spain – he’s Spanish.
  • She’s from the USA – she’s American.
  • He’s from the Republic of Ireland – he’s Irish.
  • She’s from Greece – she’s Greek.
  • He’s from England (or Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland) – he’s British.
  • She’s Polish so she’s from Poland.
  • He’s German so he’s from Germany.
  • She’s French so she’s from France
  • He’s Canadian so he’s from Canada.
  • She’s Brazilian so she’s from Brazil.
  • He’s Portuguese so he’s from Portugal.
  • She’s Dutch so she’s from Holland.
  • He’s Japanese so he’s from Japan.
  • She’s Ukranian so she’s from the Ukrane.
  • He’s Israeli so he’s from Israel.
  • She’s Australian so she’s from Australia.
  • He’s Swedish so he’s from Sweden.
  • She’s Mexican so she’s from Mexico.
  • He’s Italian so he’s from Italy.
  • She’s Cuban so she’s from Cuba.
  • He’s Egyptian so he’s from Egypt.
  • She’s Chinese so she’s from China.
  • He’s Hungarian so he’s from Hungary.
  • She’s Belgian so she’s from Belguim.
  • He’s Russian so he’s from Russia.

If you have any questions or doubts, please ask in the comments or send me a private message.

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VOCABULARY – Living Room Furniture

The living room is one of the most important spaces in a home. It’s where families gather, guests are entertained, and relaxation happens. Knowing the vocabulary for common living-room furniture can help you describe your space accurately, whether you’re decorating, moving, or simply talking about your home. This post will introduce you to essential living-room furniture vocabulary with clear definitions and examples.

Common Living-Room Furniture

1. Sofa / Couch

  • Definition: A long, upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
  • Example: “We bought a new sofa that seats three people comfortably.”

2. Armchair

  • Definition: A comfortable chair with side supports for a person’s arms.
  • Example: “He likes to read in his favorite armchair by the window.”

3. Coffee Table

  • Definition: A low table typically placed in front of a sofa for holding drinks, magazines, and decorative items.
  • Example: “I placed a vase of flowers on the coffee table.”

4. TV Stand / Entertainment Center

  • Definition: A piece of furniture designed to hold a television and other media equipment.
  • Example: “The TV stand has shelves for the DVD player and gaming console.”

5. Bookshelf

  • Definition: A piece of furniture with shelves for storing books and decorative items.
  • Example: “The bookshelf is filled with novels and family photos.”

6. Side Table / End Table

  • Definition: A small table placed beside a sofa or armchair, used for holding small items like lamps or drinks.
  • Example: “I keep a lamp and some magazines on the side table.”

7. Rug / Carpet

  • Definition: A thick, woven material used to cover floors for warmth and decoration.
  • Example: “The rug in the living room adds a pop of color to the space.”

8. Recliner

  • Definition: An armchair that can be tilted backward for reclining and often has a footrest.
  • Example: “He loves to watch TV in his recliner.”

9. Ottoman

  • Definition: A padded, upholstered seat without a back or arms, often used as a footrest or extra seating.
  • Example: “She uses the ottoman as a footrest while reading.”

10. Console Table

  • Definition: A long, narrow table typically placed against a wall, used for display and storage.
  • Example: “The console table in the hallway holds our keys and mail.”

Decorative and Functional Items

1. Lamp

  • Definition: A device for giving light, especially one with a bulb or flame.
  • Example: “I bought a new lamp for the living room to brighten the corner.”

2. Cushion / Pillow

  • Definition: A soft bag filled with feathers, foam, or other material, used for comfort or support.
  • Example: “The cushions on the sofa make it more comfortable.”

3. Blanket / Throw

  • Definition: A piece of soft material used to cover oneself for warmth or decoration.
  • Example: “There’s a cozy blanket draped over the back of the sofa.”

4. Curtain / Drapes

  • Definition: Pieces of fabric hung to cover windows for privacy and light control.
  • Example: “The curtains in the living room match the color scheme perfectly.”

5. Wall Art / Decor

  • Definition: Decorative items such as paintings, photographs, and sculptures hung on walls.
  • Example: “She decorated the living room with wall art she bought on vacation.”

Conclusion

Knowing the names and purposes of common living-room furniture can help you better describe your space and make informed decisions when decorating or purchasing new items. Whether you’re arranging your living room or discussing home decor, these vocabulary words will be invaluable.


Here is come interesting vocabulary for Living Room Furniture.

In this image you can see:

  • A bench
  • A side table
  • A coffee table
  • A rug
  • A loveseat (big enough for too people)
  • An rmchair
  • A floor lamp
  • Some art work

Can you think of any more things that you might find in a living room?

If you have any questions or doubts, please ask in the comments or send me a private message.

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Possessive Adjectives vs. Possessive Pronouns

It’s easy to confuse these two sets of words because they are very similar but perform different functions.

Possessive Adjectives

Definition: Possessive adjectives are words that modify nouns to show possession or ownership.

List of Possessive Adjectives:

  • my
  • your
  • his
  • her
  • its
  • our
  • their

Examples:

  1. This is my book.
  2. Is this your car?
  3. She likes his new apartment.
  4. Her dog is very friendly.
  5. The company increased its profits.
  6. We enjoy our time together.
  7. Their children go to the same school.

Usage:

  • Possessive adjectives are always followed by a noun (e.g., my book, your car).
  • They indicate to whom or to what something belongs.

Possessive Pronouns

Definition: Possessive pronouns are words that replace nouns to indicate ownership or possession directly.

List of Possessive Pronouns:

  • mine
  • yours
  • his
  • hers
  • its
  • ours
  • theirs

Examples:

  1. The book is mine.
  2. Is this car yours?
  3. That coat is his.
  4. The cat is hers.
  5. The decision is its. (We generally avoid using its alone as a possessive pronoun)
  6. The house is ours.
  7. The toys are theirs.

Usage:

  • Possessive pronouns stand alone and do not require a noun (e.g., mine, yours).
  • They directly show who owns or possesses something.

Key Differences

  • Function: Possessive adjectives modify nouns, while possessive pronouns stand alone as replacements for nouns.
  • Placement: Possessive adjectives come before nouns, whereas possessive pronouns replace nouns entirely.
  • Examples: “This is my house” (possessive adjective) vs. “The house is mine” (possessive pronoun).

Usage Tips

  • Use possessive adjectives before nouns to specify ownership.
  • Use possessive pronouns when you want to replace a noun to indicate ownership clearly.
  • Remember that possessive pronouns do not require a following noun.

Possessive Adjectives vs. Possessive Pronouns

Possessive Adjectives are used before nouns to show possession and Possessive Pronouns stand alone and replace nouns to show possession.

1 / 12

Please give me back ____ book.

2 / 12

Whose bag is this? Is it ____?

3 / 12

This is ____ dog, not ____.

4 / 12

____ cat always hides under the bed.

5 / 12

I can't find ____ keys. Have you seen ____?

6 / 12

Is that ____ jacket or ____?

7 / 12

The blue car is ____.

8 / 12

She said the decision is ____.

9 / 12

Whose shoes are these? Are they ____?

10 / 12

Is this pencil ____?

11 / 12

That house is ____.

12 / 12

The problem is ____ not ____.

Your score is

The average score is 90%

0%

If you have any questions or doubts, please ask in the comments or send me a private message.

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CONFUSING WORDS – Accept vs. Except

“Accept” and “except” are two commonly confused words in English due to their similar pronunciation, but they have different meanings and uses.

Accept

Definition: To receive or agree to something willingly.

Part of Speech: Verb

Examples:

  • “I accept your apology.”
  • “She accepted the job offer.”
  • “They accepted the terms and conditions.”

Usage: Use “accept” when talking about agreeing to take something that is offered or recognizing something as true.

Except

Definition: Not including; other than.

Part of Speech: Preposition or conjunction

Examples:

  • “Everyone is invited except John.”
  • “She did all her chores except the laundry.”
  • “Except for the rain, it was a perfect day.”

Usage: Use “except” when indicating that something or someone is excluded from a statement or condition.

Quick Tips to Remember:

  • Accept starts with “A” and means to Agree to take or receive.
  • Except starts with “E” and means Exclude.

Understanding these differences can help you use these words correctly in your writing and speaking.

If you have any questions or doubts, please ask in the comments or send me a private message.

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