Knitting Vocabulary
Crystal Fisher2020-02-13T09:58:26+00:00When I first learned to knit, all the different knitting vocabulary took a while to understand. But once I had it down pat (understood it fully) and started knitting, I felt like a pro! Some may feel that knitting is an activity for grandmas, but people of all different ages get enjoyment out of knitting. I, for one, find it very meditative (relaxing, centering), and it's a great activity to do in the winter. It's really fun to be able to create something! Because winter is still upon us in the northern hemisphere, it's the perfect time of year to start a new hobby. [...]
Vocabulary for Spring – Easy English
Crystal Fisher2020-02-06T10:02:22+00:00In the U.S., February 2nd is Groundhog Day. On this day, we say that a groundhog (in the squirrel family) comes out of his home. The groundhog is supposed to predict (say something before it happens) an early spring. If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, spring will come early. Whether or not (it doesn't matter if) the groundhog saw his shadow, spring is coming! This week, we decided to look at some vocabulary for spring. Spring is a beautiful time of year. The weather can still be rainy and cold, but sometimes it's warm [...]
English Skiing Vocabulary
Crystal Fisher2020-01-30T09:43:12+00:00For a lot of people, winter means skiing time! Many people take vacations each winter to get out on the slopes and enjoy the snow. Are you planning on going skiing this year? Then this list of skiing vocabulary might come in handy (be useful). Learn all the ins and outs (details) of skiing vocabulary so that you can enjoy your winter vacation! Powder There are a few different ways that avid (serious, regular) skiers talk about the snow that's already on the ground. Because the quality of the snow can have an impact on skiing conditions, it's important to know what the snow is like [...]
Arabic Loan Words in English
Crystal Fisher2020-01-23T14:14:20+00:00One of my favorite things about English is how it's a wonderful hodge-podge (a big mix) of many different languages. The words we use every day have all different origins: some from Latin, some from Yiddish, some from French, and some from Spanish. One language that may not come to mind immediately when thinking about the origins of English words is Arabic, but many of our most common words come from this language. With this in mind, we decided to look at Arabic loan words in English. If you're as interested in loan words as we are, check out [...]
Job Titles in English
Crystal Fisher2020-01-16T10:34:35+00:00When you're addressing (talking to) someone, particularly in the workplace, job titles are important. Being respectful is very helpful at work, and can take you far (bring you success). When talking to someone, it's helpful to know whether they're a CEO or an intern. But what do all of these different job titles mean? You may have heard of different job titles before, but what exactly do they mean? If you aren't sure what the difference between a CEO and CFO are, then this blog may just be for you. CEO - Chief Executive Officer The CEO, [...]
5 Endings of Common Idioms
Crystal Fisher2020-01-09T09:22:47+00:00We really love a good idiom. But sometimes the idioms we use every day have endings that we're not aware of (don't know). These endings of common idioms can add to the phrase or may change the meaning completely. We've compiled (put together) some of our favorite endings of common idioms for you to peruse (look through). Do you know these endings? Or are they new to you? Read on to find out what they are! Curiosity killed the cat Original idiom: Curiosity killed the cat. Complete idiom: Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. The original idiom, curiosity killed the cat, warns against being [...]
Travel Phrases for Beginners – Easy English
Crystal Fisher2020-01-02T06:56:08+00:00Being able to travel is a great thing. When you travel, you can see new places. You can experience (do, see) new things and meet (know someone for the first time) new people. But how do you get around (travel, talk to people) if you don't speak English well? You can use some travel phrases for beginners! Knowing some travel phrases for beginners is great. They'll help you find your way if you don't know where to go. They'll help you find what you need. If you want to travel this year, use some of these travel phrases for beginners! "I don't speak English very well." [...]
Happy Holidays in Different Languages
Crystal Fisher2019-12-26T06:00:19+00:00The holidays are upon us (here)! I love this time of year, because I get to see my family, eat lots of Christmas cookies, and enjoy different holiday traditions throughout the month of December. To help spread the holiday cheer this year, we thought we would teach you how to say happy holidays in different languages. Consider it a holiday treat from us at Bespeaking! Learning how to say happy holidays in different languages is a great way to help spread Christmas traditions around the world, and if you're traveling over the holidays, knowing how to wish people well in a different language may [...]
5 Words That are Actually Acronyms
Crystal Fisher2019-12-19T10:44:10+00:00Did you know that there are some words that are actually acronyms? Some extremely common words that we use every day are acronyms, or words that take the first letter of several words to form a type of abbreviation (a shorter form of a word). Acronyms are typically written in all uppercase (big) letters to indicate that they are an acronym, rather than a typical word. However, these words that are actually acronyms are commonly written in lowercase (small) letters like a normal word. This is why many people don't know that they are acronyms. If you want to expand your knowledge base, even as a native [...]
Vocabulary for the Hairdresser
Crystal Fisher2019-12-12T09:24:35+00:00There's something so satisfying about getting your hair cut. Going to visit the hairdresser (someone who cuts hair) can give you a completely new look if you decide to try a new cut, or can help make you feel like yourself again. But what vocabulary for the hairdresser do you need? I remember when I first moved to Germany, I didn't get a haircut for a long time. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to talk about what I wanted or needed and would end up with a bad haircut. I would have loved to have had some vocabulary for [...]
Transportation Collocations in English
Crystal Fisher2019-12-05T09:32:07+00:00Everyone has to get around somehow. Some people drive, some walk, and some take the bus. This is why it's good to know some transportation collocations in English. If you've ever wondered how to talk about transportation, this is the blog for you. Learn some of these transportation collocations and try them out (use them) in your everyday life! Take a bus/train When you travel by bus or train, you don't "ride with" or "drive" it. You take the bus and you take the train. I take the bus everyday to work, and I take the train to visit friends in Berlin. When do you take [...]