May 22

CONFUSING WORDS: Wait vs. Await

  • 22 de May de 2024

Today, let’s learn the difference between “wait” and “await”. Both words are about staying in a place until something happens, but they are used differently. Here’s a simple guide:

Wait

  • Common Use: “Wait” is used in everyday English.
  • Structure: You often use “wait” with the word “for” and sometimes with “to”.
  • Example Sentences:
    • I wait for the bus every morning.
    • She waited for her friend to arrive.
    • Please wait to be seated.

Await

  • Formal Use: “Await” is more formal and less common in casual conversation.
  • Structure: “Await” does not use the word “for”.
  • Example Sentences:
    • We await your response.
    • The students await their results.
    • He is awaiting trial.

Key Points to Remember:

  1. Formality:
    • Use “wait” for everyday situations.
    • Use “await” in formal writing or situations.
  2. Grammar:
    • “Wait” is often followed by “for” (wait for something/someone).
    • “Await” is not followed by “for” (await something/someone).

Practice

Try these sentences:

  1. I can’t wait ___ the weekend.
  2. The team awaits ___ the coach’s instructions.
  3. Please wait ___ your turn.
  4. We are awaiting ___ the final decision.

Answers:

  1. for
  2. (no word needed)
  3. for
  4. (no word needed)

I hope this helps you understand the difference between “wait” and “await”. Keep practicing, and you’ll get better every day!

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/confusing-words-await-vs-wait/

May 22

VOCABULARY: The Most Commonish Words

  • 22 de May de 2024

most-common-wordsThe 300 Most Commonly Used English Words

According to studies, the first 25 most commonly used words make up about 30% of all printed material in English. The first 100 make up about 50% of all written material, and the first 300 make up about 65% of all written material in English. Here’s a list of the 300 most commonly used words in English.

1 – 100

 

  1. the
  2. of
  3. and
  4. a
  5. to
  6. in
  7. is
  8. you
  9. that
  10. it
  11. he
  12. was
  13. for
  14. on
  15. are
  16. as
  17. with
  18. his
  19. they
  20. I
  1. at
  2. be
  3. this
  4. have
  5. from
  6. or
  7. one
  8. had
  9. by
  10. word
  11. but
  12. not
  13. what
  14. all
  15. were
  16. we
  17. when
  18. your
  19. can
  20. said
  1. there
  2. use
  3. an
  4. each
  5. which
  6. she
  7. do
  8. how
  9. their
  10. if
  11. will
  12. up
  13. other
  14. about
  15. out
  16. many
  17. then
  18. them
  19. these
  20. so
  1. some
  2. her
  3. would
  4. make
  5. like
  6. him
  7. into
  8. time
  9. has
  10. look
  11. two
  12. more
  13. write
  14. go
  15. see
  16. number
  17. no
  18. way
  19. could
  20. people
  1. my
  2. than
  3. first
  4. water
  5. been
  6. call
  7. who
  8. oil
  9. its
  10. now
  11. find
  12. long
  13. down
  14. day
  15. did
  16. get
  17. come
  18. made
  19. may
  20. part

101 – 200

 

  1. over
  2. new
  3. sound
  4. take
  5. only
  6. little
  7. work
  8. know
  9. place
  10. year
  11. live
  12. me
  13. back
  14. give
  15. most
  16. very
  17. after
  18. thing
  19. our
  20. just
  1. name
  2. good
  3. sentence
  4. man
  5. think
  6. say
  7. great
  8. where
  9. help
  10. through
  11. much
  12. before
  13. line
  14. right
  15. too
  16. mean
  17. old
  18. any
  19. same
  20. tell
  1. boy
  2. follow
  3. came
  4. want
  5. show
  6. also
  7. around
  8. form
  9. three
  10. small
  11. set
  12. put
  13. end
  14. does
  15. another
  16. well
  17. large
  18. must
  19. big
  20. even
  1. such
  2. because
  3. turn
  4. here
  5. why
  6. ask
  7. went
  8. men
  9. read
  10. need
  11. land
  12. different
  13. home
  14. us
  15. move
  16. try
  17. kind
  18. hand
  19. picture
  20. again
  1. change
  2. off
  3. play
  4. spell
  5. air
  6. away
  7. animal
  8. house
  9. point
  10. page
  11. letter
  12. mother
  13. answer
  14. found
  15. study
  16. still
  17. learn
  18. should
  19. America
  20. world

201 – 300

 

  1. high
  2. every
  3. near
  4. add
  5. food
  6. between
  7. own
  8. below
  9. country
  10. plant
  11. last
  12. school
  13. father
  14. keep
  15. tree
  16. never
  17. start
  18. city
  19. earth
  20. eye
  1. light
  2. thought
  3. head
  4. under
  5. story
  6. saw
  7. left
  8. don’t
  9. few
  10. while
  11. along
  12. might
  13. close
  14. something
  15. seem
  16. next
  17. hard
  18. open
  19. example
  20. begin
  1. life
  2. always
  3. those
  4. both
  5. paper
  6. together
  7. got
  8. group
  9. often
  10. run
  11. important
  12. until
  13. children
  14. side
  15. feet
  16. car
  17. mile
  18. night
  19. walk
  20. white
  1. sea
  2. began
  3. grow
  4. took
  5. river
  6. four
  7. carry
  8. state
  9. once
  10. book
  11. hear
  12. stop
  13. without
  14. second
  15. later
  16. miss
  17. idea
  18. enough
  19. eat
  20. face
  1. watch
  2. far
  3. Indian
  4. really
  5. almost
  6. let
  7. above
  8. girl
  9. sometimes
  10. mountain
  11. cut
  12. young
  13. talk
  14. soon
  15. list
  16. song
  17. being
  18. leave
  19. family
  20. it’s

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/vocabulary-the-300-most-commonly-used-english-words/

May 21

GRAMMAR: Capitalization Rules

  • 21 de May de 2024

The English language has some strange rules about when to use capital letters. Here are some important guidelines:

  1. Capitalize the pronoun I.
    Example: Jennifer and I went to the movies yesterday.
  2. Capitalize the first letter of the first word of each sentence.
    Example: Learning to capitalize correctly will improve your writing.
  3. Capitalize the first letter of names of people, organizations, and places.
    Example: Juan went on a trip to Tokyo, Japan for his company, General Motors Corporation.
  4. Capitalize the first letter of adjectives that are made from the names of people and places.
    Example: I like Mexican food.
  5. Capitalize initials
    Example: My brother’s favorite author is H.G. Wells.
  6. Capitalize the first letter of directions only when they are used to designate actual places, not when they point in a direction.
    Example: When we visited the Southwest, we actually had to drive north.
  7. Capitalize the first letter of the names of months and the days of the week.
    Example: My birthday will be on a Friday next June.
  8. Capitalize the official title of a person (including abbreviations), but only when you use it with the person’s name.
    Example: Did Clarissa recommend Dr. Montoya to you?
  9. Capitalize words used as names or parts of names.
    Example: Did Uncle George call my mom to tell her our grandmother is with Dad?
  10. Capitalize the first letter of important words in a title of a book, magazine, story, essay, etc.
    Example: I enjoyed Mark’s essay, “The Truth About Being a Good Student.”
  11. Capitalize historical events and documents.
    Example: The Emancipation Proclamation was issued during the Civil War.
  12. Capitalize the name of languages, races, nationalities, and religions.
    Example: I learned in Spanish class that several Hispanics are Catholic.
  13.  Capitalize acronyms. (An acronym is a word formed by the first, or first few, letters of words in a long name of an organization.)
    Example: CARE is the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere.
  14. Capitalize initialisms. (An initialism is similar to acronym, but a word is not formed from the letters.)
    Example: The Central Intelligence Agency is simply known as the CIA.

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/grammar-capitlaization-rules-quando-usar-a-letra-maiuscula/

May 21

The Alphabet – Phonetically

  • 21 de May de 2024

Today, we’re going to learn how to pronounce each letter phonetically. This will help you read, write, and speak English more confidently. Let’s start by going through the alphabet together. For example, the letter ‘A’ is pronounced ‘ei,’ ‘B’ is pronounced ‘bi,’ and ‘C’ is pronounced ‘si.’

Alphabet and Numbers

A (ei), B (bi), C (si), D (di),

E (i), F (ef), G (dji), 

H (heitch), I (ai), J (djei), K (kei), 

L (el), M (em), N (en), O (ou), P (pi), 

Q (kiu), R (ar), S (ess), 

T (ti), U (iu), V (vi),  W (doubl-iu), X (eks), Y (uai), Z (zi)

By learning the phonetic pronunciation of each letter, you’ll be able to spell out words clearly and understand spoken English better. Practice this a few times until you feel comfortable with each sound. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing these sounds to master them!

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/the-alphabet-phonetically/

May 20

In spite of vs. Despite

  • 20 de May de 2024

“In spite of” and “despite” are very similar in meaning and usage, and both are used to show contrast or opposition to what is expected.

Basic Meaning

Both “in spite of” and “despite” mean that something happens even though there is something that might prevent it. They are used to express a contrast between two ideas.

Structure

  1. Despite
    • “Despite” is always followed directly by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (the -ing form of a verb).
    • Example:
      • Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
      • Despite her illness, she completed the marathon.
      • Despite studying hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
  2. In Spite Of
    • “In spite of” is also followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund, but it is a phrase with three words.
    • Example:
      • In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.
      • In spite of her illness, she completed the marathon.
      • In spite of studying hard, he didn’t pass the exam.

Key Points to Remember

  • Length: “Despite” is shorter (one word) compared to “in spite of” (three words).
  • Formality: Both can be used in formal and informal contexts, but “despite” may sound slightly more formal or concise in some cases.
  • No ‘of’ after Despite: Never use “of” after “despite.” It’s always just “despite.”
    • Correct: Despite the cold weather.
    • Incorrect: Despite of the cold weather.
  • Same meaning: Both expressions convey the same meaning and are interchangeable in most contexts.

Examples with Explanations

  1. Despite
    • Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
      • (We arrived on time even though there was heavy traffic.)
    • Despite being tired, she finished her homework.
      • (She finished her homework even though she was tired.)
  2. In Spite Of
    • In spite of the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
      • (We arrived on time even though there was heavy traffic.)
    • In spite of being tired, she finished her homework.
      • (She finished her homework even though she was tired.)

Visual Aid

ExpressionExampleStructure
DespiteDespite the rain, we went outside.Despite + noun/gerund
In Spite OfIn spite of the rain, we went out.In spite of + noun/gerund

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/in-spite-of-vs-despite/

May 15

ADVERBS

  • 15 de May de 2024

ADVERBS
An adverb describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb. Look at this table to see all the things an adverb can tell us.

Adverbs are essential parts of speech that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, giving us more information about how, where, when, how much, or how often something happens. Let’s explore the different types of adverbs and see how they work with examples.

1. Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. They often end in “-ly.”

  • Examples: quickly, slowly, carefully, badly
    • She sings beautifully.
    • He drove slowly in the rain.

2. Adverbs of Location

Adverbs of location (or place) indicate where an action takes place.

  • Examples: here, there, everywhere, outside, upstairs
    • The kids are playing outside.
    • She looked everywhere for her keys.

3. Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time tell us when an action occurs.

  • Examples: now, later, soon, yesterday, tomorrow
    • We will start the meeting now.
    • He will arrive tomorrow.

4. Adverbs of Intensity

Adverbs of intensity (or degree) describe how much or to what extent something happens.

  • Examples: very, quite, almost, too, extremely
    • She was very happy with the results.
    • The coffee is too hot to drink.

5. Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency explain how often an action occurs.

  • Examples: always, often, sometimes, rarely, never
    • He always wakes up early.
    • They rarely go out for dinner.

Summary Chart

Adverb TypeDescribesExamples
MannerHowquickly, carefully, badly
LocationWherehere, outside, upstairs
TimeWhennow, yesterday, tomorrow
IntensityHow much/to what extentvery, too, extremely
FrequencyHow oftenalways, sometimes, never

Adverbs

An adverb is a word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb, providing more information about how, when, where, to what extent, or how often something happens.

1 / 12

Which adverb tells you where an action takes place?

2 / 12

Which of the following adverbs describes how an action is performed?

3 / 12

Which adverb indicates when an action happens?

4 / 12

Which of these adverbs expresses intensity?

5 / 12

Which adverb tells you how often an action occurs?

6 / 12

Choose the adverb of manner in the sentence: "She speaks French fluently."

7 / 12

Identify the adverb of location in this sentence: "He looked everywhere for his keys."

8 / 12

Select the adverb of time: "We will start the meeting now."

9 / 12

Which of these is an adverb of intensity?

10 / 12

In the sentence "They often visit their grandparents," which word is the adverb of frequency?

11 / 12

Find the adverb of manner in this sentence: "The dog barked loudly at the stranger."

12 / 12

Which word is an adverb of location in the sentence: "She is sitting upstairs"?

Your score is

The average score is 89%

0%

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/adverbs/

May 15

VERBS: To do

  • 15 de May de 2024

The Verb “To Do”

The verb to do is another common verb in English. It can be used as an auxiliary and a main verb. It is often used in questions.

Affirmative Negative Interrogative Short answers Short answers
I do I don’t .. Do I .. ? Yes, I do. No, I don’t.
You do You don’t .. Do you ..? Yes, you do. No, you don’t.
He does He doesn’t .. Does he .. ? Yes, he does. No, he doesn’t.
She does She doesn’t .. Does she .. ? Yes, she does. No, she doesn’t.
It does It doesn’t .. Does it .. ? Yes, it does. No, it doesn’t.
We do We don’t .. Do we .. ? Yes, we do. No, we don’t.
You do You don’t .. Do you .. ? Yes, you do. No, you don’t.
They do They don’t .. Do they .. ? Yes, they do. No, they don’t.

 

The verb “do” is a very important verb. We use it to make the present tense, the present tense negative, and for asking questions.

Examples:

  • I do many things on the weekend. (present tense, “do” is the main verb)
  • He doesn’t like to study. (present tense negative, “like” is the main verb)
  • Do you want a coffee? (present tense question, “want” is the main verb)

 

“Do” is often used as a main verb, but only for particular activities, such as housework, cleaning, studying, research, and shopping.

Examples:

  • I do the dishes every night. (do = wash)
  • She does her grocery shopping at the corner store.
  • They do their homework at home.

 

The past tense form of “do” is “did.”

Examples:

  • I did the dishes last night.
  • She did her grocery shopping at Cub.

 

“Do” is also used for creating emphasis:

Example:

  • John said, “You don’t like this very much.”
    Mary answered, “No. I do like it!”

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/verbs-to-do/

May 15

VERBS: To be (or not to be)

  • 15 de May de 2024

The Verb “to be”

 

Affirmative Contracted Question  Negative I   Negative II                Short answers
I am .. I’m .. Am I …? I’m not …. I’m not… Yes, I am. No, I’m not.
You are .. You’re.. Are you..? You’re not .. You aren’t .. Yes, you are. No, you aren’t.
He is .. He’s .. Is he ..? He’s not …. He isn’t…. Yes, he is. No, he isn’t.
She is .. She’s .. Is she …? She’s not … She isn’t …. Yes, she is. No, she isn’t.
It is … It’s .. Is it  …? It’s not … It isn’t …. Yes, it is. No, it isn’t.
We are .. We’re .. Are we.. …? We’re not…. We aren’t… Yes, we are. No, we aren’t.
You are .. You’re .. Are you …? You’re not .. You aren’t… Yes, you are. No, you aren’t.
They are .. They’re .. Are they…? They’re not.. They aren’t.. Yes, they are No, they aren’t.

TO BE (positive, negative, and questions)

Form sentences using the words given. Remember to include punctuation!

1 / 20

where / be / David?

2 / 20

they / be / from Italy

3 / 20

you / be / a nurse?

4 / 20

we / not / be / singers

5 / 20

he / not / be / a journalist

6 / 20

we / be / German

7 / 20

where / be / John?

8 / 20

he / be / a football player?

9 / 20

we / not / be / cold

10 / 20

he / be / French

11 / 20

he / be / handsome

12 / 20

how often / be / you in town?

13 / 20

how long / be / the movie?

14 / 20

we / be / thirsty

15 / 20

how / be / your mother?

16 / 20

you / not / be / Egyptian

17 / 20

he / be / my brother

18 / 20

she / not / be / Italian

19 / 20

you / not / be / a doctor

20 / 20

I / not / be / English

Your score is

The average score is 66%

0%

SEE ALSO:
The Present Simple of ‘BE’

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/verbs-to-be-or-not-to-be/

May 14

CONFUSING WORDS: Say vs. Tell

  • 14 de May de 2024

SAY and TELL have similar meanings. They both mean to communicate verbally with someone. But we often use them differently.

The best way to remember say and tell is:

  • You say something to someone
  • You tell someone something

SAY is immediately followed by a noun clause (He said (that) he was right) or, if it is followed by a personal object, we include the preposition to (He said to his father that he was right).

TELL is followed by an object noun or pronoun (Can you tell me who is right?)

SAY

We sometimes use “to someone” after we use say, for example:

  • He said to me that he was tired.
  • Janet said to John that he had done very well.

We use say with direct speech, for example:

Paul said, “Hi Julia! How are you?”
Julia said, “Well, I’m having a birthday party tomorrow, would you like to come?”
Paul said, “I’m working tomorrow”
Julia said, “Oh, well you can come later if you want to”

More examples with say:

  • Susan said (that) she was tired.
  • Anthony says you found a new job. Congratulations!
  • James said he loved her.

TELL

We follow tell with a personal object, for example:

  • I told everyone it was time to go home.

We use tell for orders and advice using the structure:
tell + object + infinitive, for example:

  • She told him to sit down.

There are some fixed phrases we always use tell with, not say.

  • tell (someone) a story
  • tell (someone) a lie
  • tell (someone) the truth
  • tell the future
  • tell the time
  • tell a joke

More examples with tell:

  • Tania told Charlie, “Turn off the TV now, I have to study”
  • David told me that he found a new flat.
  • Could you please tell me what time it is?

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/confusing-words-say-vs-tell/

May 06

Prepositions of Location (with a dog)

  • 6 de May de 2024

Prepositions of location tell us where one thing is in relation to another thing. REMEMBER: The book is ON the table. In this sentence, the preposition ON tells us the relationship between the book and the table. If we change the preposition, we change the relationship.

Let’s review some common prepositions of location:

  • On: Indicates that something is positioned directly above and in contact with a surface.
  • In: Suggests that something is contained within the boundaries of an area or space.
  • Under: Describes something positioned beneath or below another object.
  • Beside: Indicates that something is positioned next to or alongside another object.
  • At: Refers to a specific point or place.
  • Between: Describes the position of something in the middle of two objects or places.
  • Above: Indicates that something is positioned higher than another object.
  • Below: Describes the position of something lower than another object.
  • Next to: Indicates that something is positioned immediately adjacent to another object.

Prepositions of Location

Prepositions of location tell us where one thing is in relation to another thing.

1 / 12

The cat is ______ the sofa.

2 / 12

The book is ______ the table.

3 / 12

The keys are ______ the table.

4 / 12

The restaurant is ______ the corner.

5 / 12

The picture is ______ the wall.

6 / 12

The car is ______ the garage.

7 / 12

The dog is ______ the bed.

8 / 12

The school is ______ the park.

9 / 12

The cup is ______ the shelf.

10 / 12

The keys are ______ the door.

11 / 12

The flowers are ______ the vase.

12 / 12

The pencil is ______ the notebook and the lamp.

Your score is

The average score is 75%

0%

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/prepositions-of-location-with-a-dog/

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