English Solutions Blog
Some tips and resources on how to improve your conversational English.
Conversation of the day: What to ask your travel agent
It’s holiday time! One of the best times to practice your English speaking skills is while talking to a travel agent. Whether you are going somewhere exotic, Europe or an English speaking country, chances are, your travel agent will be able to speak English. Here are...
Conversation of the day: A restaurant
One of the best ways to practice your English in a real-life situation is eating out at a restaurant. Whether you eat at a formal restaurant where bookings are essential, or go to a fast-food restaurant, the following dialogue can give you a good idea of the vocabulary used and the etiquette expected of a patron at an English restaurant.
Phrase of the day: Win-win situation
If a problem is solved or a compromise made that benefits both parties involved, we say it is a win-win situation because no-one loses anything, but both parties gain something. We use this expression in business when a problem is solved or a compromised is made.
How speaking English improves written English
Learning a new language depends on three parts: listening, writing and speaking. Of these three, speaking is by far the most important. Speaking allows you to take part in conversations, and it improves your writing skills. Here’s how: Accessing subconscious...
Phrase of the day: Don’t beat around the bush
Don’t beat around the bush Meaning: To speak in a roundabout, indirect or misleading way. When do we use it? Use this expression when someone is trying to avoid answering a question you have asked. How do we use it? We use this phrase in the following ways: You will...
Phrase of the day: Ring a bell
Use this expression when you are reminded of a vague memory. Someone might say a name that you think you remember, or you hear a song that you heard before; those things “ring a bell”.
Phrase of the day: Back to square one
Back to square one "We are back at square one." Meaning: When a solution doesn’t fix a problem, you need to start thinking of a new solution. You are back at square one. When do we use it? If you tried fixing a problem but your attempt failed, then you end up back...
Phrase of the day: Be up to…
When someone always does something naughty, they are “up to no good”. This phrase can either be used as a joke or seriously. For example, when a child goes quiet, the parents might wonder if the child is being naughty. Or when you can’t see someone, you wonder what they are busy doing.
Phrase of the day: To break the ice
In a new situation people can be tense and cold like ice. Therefore, we say we need to “break the ice” when we encounter such new situations. By breaking the ice, you are making the situation more comfortable for everyone.