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vocabulary

Word of the Day: Spot

Average: 3.4 (156 votes)

spot

This joke is based on the double meaning of spotted.

Dalmatians are white dogs with black spots. The Dalmatian dog in the cartoon has black spots on his body. When something has spots on it, we can say it is spotted: he is a spotted dog.

When I can use who and whom?

Usually i'm not sure when to use "whom"? Because whenever i replace it with "who" the sentence still sounds correct.

In case or In case of?

Average: 4.1 (45 votes)

These two expressions are very similar, they both basically mean if something happens. The main difference in use is grammatical.

The meaning of these two sentences is the same.

She took an umbrella, just in case it rains.
She took an umbrella in case of rain.

In both cases, she took an umbrella because it may rain later.

Adverbs of manner

Average: 3.6 (297 votes)

Adverbs of manner are used to tell us the way or how something is done.

An adverb can be added to a verb to modify its meaning.

"She plays piano." - An adverb of manner can be added to the verb (play) to modify its meaning and give us more information on how she plays piano.

"She plays piano beautifully."

"She plays piano softly."

What is the difference between "a lot of", "lots of" and "tons of"?

What is the difference between "a lot of", "lots of" and "tons of"?

Space Idioms

Average: 3.3 (48 votes)

Once in a blue moon

When something happens once in a blue moon, it very rarely happens.

"Since my daughter was born, I only go out with my friends once in a blue moon."

"My brother is so good at chess I only beat him once in a blue moon."

(Living) on another planet

When you say that someone is living on another planet, you are saying either they do not notice what is happening around them or they are not realistic.

Glastonbury Festival

Average: 3.9 (22 votes)

Read this article about an event that happens most years in England. Pay particular attention to the words in orange.

Students studying at our Bristol English school have something very special to do this June that's happening less than one hour away.

Shopping English

Average: 4.1 (23 votes)

Some people go abroad because they love shopping and want to do it in a new place. From haggling in local markets to maxing out your credit card in designer boutiques, there are plenty of options.

Take a look at this conversation between a customer and a shop assistant. Can you guess which words are needed to complete the conversation?

Conversation: In the shop

Shop Assistant: Can I _1_ you?

Rose Idioms

Average: 2 (210 votes)

Roses are plants that have large beautiful flowers. They are popular with gardeners and are traditionally given by romantics on Valentine's Day!

Here are three common idioms that use this plant.

No bed of roses

When a situation is no bed of roses, it is difficult or unpleasant.

"Having to share a bedroom with his younger brother was no bed of roses."

"She soon found out that working as a flight attendant was not always a bed of roses."

David Beckham Preposition Quiz

Average: 4.4 (34 votes)

You don't have to be a football fan to try today's lesson. Read this short David Beckham biography and decide which words have been taken out. Most of the missing words are prepositions.

David Beckham is _1_ English footballer who currently plays in France _2_ Paris Saint-Germain.