learning english

For the bants: 12 British slang words

Alright? Don’t worry, you’re not actually expected to respond to that question. Just like any other language, English has many quirks and a whole range of idioms that can cause confusion when you’re learning the language. But when it comes to British English even native speakers can find themselves scratching… Read More

What’s the difference between industrious and industrial?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: industrious and industrial. industrious function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } An industrious person works very hard. She was industrious and always trying to improve herself. Michael was an intelligent, industrious man. industrial… Read More

What’s the difference between lucky and happy?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: lucky and happy. lucky function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } You say that someone is lucky when something nice happens to them, or when they always seem to… Read More

What’s the difference between high and tall?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: high and tall. high function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } You use high to describe things which measure a larger distance than usual from the bottom to the… Read More

What’s the difference between pair and couple?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: pair and couple. pair function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } You use a pair of to talk about two things of the same size and shape… Read More

What’s the difference between lay and lie?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: lay and lie. lay function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } Lay is a transitive verb, and it is also a past tense of another verb, ‘lie’. To lay something somewhere… Read More

What’s the difference between floor and ground?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: floor and ground. floor function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } The floor of a room is the flat part you walk on. The book fell to the floor. They… Read More

What’s the difference between habit and custom?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: habit and custom. habit function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } A habit is something that a person does often or regularly. He had a nervous habit of biting his nails. Read More

What’s the difference between discussion and argument?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: discussion and argument . discussion function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } If you have a discussion with someone, you have a serious conversation with them. After the lecture… Read More