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Tips, insights, and updates about English learning
see, look, watch, hear, listen: Are you using these 'eye' and 'ear' English words correctly?
In Chinese, a single word for 'looking' or 'hearing' does it all, but English distinguishes between 'accidental' and 'intentional.' Group these five words into two rows and compare them with the sentences Taiwanese learners make mistakes on most often to memorize them once and for all. Easily master these high-frequency A2 basic words.
Master say, tell, speak, and talk once and for all: Choose the right word with just three questions
A single Chinese word for 'to speak' corresponds to four different English words, which learners often mix up. In fact, by asking yourself just three simple questions, you can choose the right one among say, tell, speak, and talk instantly. This article uses a '✗ Chinglish → ✓ Authentic English' comparison to help you learn the key differences between these four verbs once and for all.
price, cost, fee, or fare? Stop mixing up these four English words for 'how much'
In Chinese, a single phrase 'how much' can get you anywhere, but English divides it into four words: use price for price tags, cost for expenses, fee for service charges, and fare for transit fares. Mixing them up won't lead to misunderstandings, but it immediately sounds like Chinglish. This article uses common mistakes made by Taiwanese learners to help you tell them apart once and for all.
boring or bored? Tell the Difference Between -ed and -ing Adjectives in Seconds—Stop Saying I'm boring
Many Chinese-speaking learners want to say 'I'm bored,' but end up saying I'm boring (which actually means 'I am a boring person'). In fact, one simple rule lets you tell them apart in seconds: -ing describes the thing itself, while -ed describes a person's feelings. After reading this article, you'll learn a simple trick to never make this mistake again, and easily master other pairs like interesting / interested and tiring / tired.