One of the fun things about language is that it's always changing and evolving. New words emerge (pop up, are new) all the time – especially in English with the influence of non-native speakers on English. These new words allow us to say more, or say things more specifically, in an efficient way. In every case, new words change the way in which we communicate with each other. Some of the most fun new words are called blended words. Blended words in English may also be called portmanteaus.   Blended words are essentially just two words mixed together to give us one, [...]

It's time to learn some English! Telling time is very important. Knowing what time it is helps us every day. If we know what time it is, we can be at work on time (punctual, at the right time, not late), meet friends, and make plans. So how can you talk about telling time in English?   Learning how to tell time in English is a useful skill (talent, thing) to know. If this is something you need to know (or need to review (learn again)), then this is the blog for you!   A.M./P.M.   In the United States, [...]

English has so many great phrases in it. They help to color our language and make it more fun to speak! But where do these phrases come from? Knowing the origins of common English phrases can make learning both more interesting and more fun, so keep reading!   Here are the origins of some of our favorite, common English phrases.   Run of the Mill   If something is run of the mill, it's an ordinary, everyday-type thing. If you've had a week where nothing out of the ordinary happened and it was lackluster (quite normal), you've had a [...]

Last week we covered (wrote about) some English medical vocabulary that you can use when you visit a doctor. But what words should you use for when you're sick? Having the right vocabulary to describe what you're feeling can go a long way when you pay a visit to a hospital, so we figured we would give you some more health English phrases to help you describe your symptoms.   So when you're feeling under the weather (sick, ill), here is some health English to help you describe what you're feeling and help you feel better faster.   Running a Temperature   [...]

No one really likes going to the doctor, but it's unfortunately a fact of life. Going to the doctor is something we all have to do at one point or another, so it's important to know what you're talking about when you arrive at the office. With this in mind (thinking about this), we're covering English medical vocabulary this week.   We hope you don't have to use any of this vocabulary or these phrases anytime soon, but just in case you do, it's good to be prepared with some of this English medical vocabulary!   Allergy   Allergies can [...]