English in the Real World


From Tomato Fights to Burning Man: Introducing Different Types of Festivals

No matter which country you live in, festivals are unavoidable. For as long as people have lived together in communities, it seems we have had a longing to celebrate together as a group. Festival celebrations take place in all cultures, all over the globe and for lots of differen


Englishes from different English speaking countries

There are many different English speaking countries. Although the language is essentially the same, there are some aspects of the language that are different in different places. It would be useful to know the following. The most common English comparison is between “British Engl


Speaking English in London

Thinking of taking a trip to London? Be careful. There’s a world of English that people speak in London that you may have never heard before. Prepare yourself with London’s most common lingo below! Blimey! This is a popular expression to use when you are surprised. For example,


How to Keep a Conversation Going in English

Are you often at a loss for words in English? You have the opportunity to practice, but you don’t know what to say? When it comes to conversing in English, keeping the conversation going can be tricky. Whether you’re at a party or in a business setting, put these tips to use and


When pigs fly: Six interesting idioms and their meanings in English

Even if you have an amazing English vocabulary, there are some English idioms and expressions [https://englishlive.ef.com/blog/language-lab/15-common-english-idioms-and-phrases/] that don’t make sense when you first see them. Idioms rely on context and cultural knowledge, and jus


How to read the news in English

Reading the news in English is a great way to build up your language skills. It’s an enjoyable way to practise, too. Although reading a newspaper in another language can seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite simple once you know what to expect. Here’s how to read a newspape


5 great vacation spots to learn English

Studying in an English-speaking country is a dream for many people. While most people don’t have the time or money to study overseas, going on vacation to an English-speaking country can be a great way to build your English skills and have a great time, too. In an English-speaki


5 ways to make a great first impression in English

First impressions count. Whether it’s meeting new business contacts, impressing a potential employer in an interview, or simply meeting new friends, the initial impression you give affects what people think of you for a long time. Making a great impression in English is easy, as


5 tips for telling the time properly in English

Telling the time in English is more complicated than just reading some numbers from the clock. We have lots of expressions and phrases related to telling the time that you need to know if you want to talk about time accurately in English. Make sure you can tell the time properly


Useful phrases to take a taxi in English

When you are overseas in an English-speaking country, chances are you won’t have your own car with you. Getting around on public transport is great but there are times when it’s more convenient just to take a taxi. Use these useful phrases to take a taxi in English right from ord