How to Use the Present Continuous and the Simple Present with a Future Meaning for Arrangements and Schedules

Podcast #3 How to Use the Present Continuous and Simple Present with a Future Meaning for Arrangements and Schedules

As I mentioned in my last podcast, English does not have a future tense. You learned how to use “to be going to” and “will” to talk about decisions and predictions. In today’s podcast, you’ll find out how to use the present continuous and the simple present with a future meaning. We use the present continuous for plans or arrangements that we do not expect to change or that are unlikely to change in order … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Introducing Yourself to New People and Making Small Talk

There are lots of possible situations where you’ll meet new people: at a party, in the student lounge, at a conference, on the train, while traveling, just to name a few. What do you usually say when you meet someone new? How do you introduce yourself? Do you find it difficult to continue the conversation with them after exchanging names? Even though the language we use to make small talk with new people may appear … Read the article and watch the video lesson

How to Use the Future Forms “to be going to” and “will” for Decisions and Predictions

Podcast #2 How to Use the Future Forms To Be Going To and Will for Decisions and Predictions

Unlike other languages, English does not have a future tense. Instead, we have future forms: the modal verb “will,” the construction “to be going to,” the simple present, and the present continuous can all be used to express future meaning! In this podcast, you’ll learn how to use “to be going to” and “will” to talk about decisions and predictions. You’ll understand how “to be going to” is used to talk about decisions made before … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Making Appointments and Plans

Have you had to make an appointment recently? What about arranging plans with your friends or family? You probably make appointments and plans on a regular basis, but you’re probably wondering if you’re using the right language and expressions to schedule these meetings. If so, don’t worry – we’re going to talk all about it! Making Appointments and Plans There are many reasons that we need to make appointments. Some of the most common appointments … Read the article and watch the video lesson

How to Use the Present Perfect Continuous Like a Native Speaker

Podcast #1 How to Use the Present Perfect Continuous

Are you confused about how to use the present perfect continuous? In this podcast, you’ll learn: what we mean when we say “perfect” tenses and “continuous” tenses the two main uses of the present perfect continuous, and how the present perfect continuous is often used with “recently,” “how long,” “for,” and “since.” How to Use the Present Perfect and the Present Perfect Continuous Many non-native speakers struggle when they’re learning the present perfect because there are … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Getting to Know “Meet” and “Know”!

Have you ever had trouble deciding when exactly to use the verbs “meet” and “know”? If so, you’re not alone. Non-native English speakers commonly confuse these two verbs and also have trouble using all of the phrasal verbs we use to fill in the meanings in between. Mastering the verbs “meet” and “know” will help you speak more confidently about your plans and experiences. How to Use Meet and Know This vocabulary will help you … Read the article and watch the video lesson