Holidays & Festivals
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EN: Use 'love to' followed by a base verb to talk about things you enjoy doing very much.
I love to travel with my family.
EN: The phrase 'around the world' emphasizes that celebrating is a universal human activity, regardless of different cultures.
EN: Use 'Every' with a singular noun (country) and a singular verb (has) to talk about all members of a group.
Every student has a book.
EN: In many cultures, holidays are the primary time for family reunions, similar to how 'special days' are defined here as being 'for families'.
EN: Use 'some' as a pronoun to refer to a part of a group without repeating the noun (holidays).
Some students like math, and some like art.
EN: In English, repeating the same noun in a short sentence is often avoided. Using 'some' alone in the second half is a natural way to refer back to 'holidays'.
EN: The verb 'bring' followed by 'together' means to cause people to join or meet in one place.
Music brings people together.
EN: In many cultures, holidays are not just about time off work, but are essential social glues that strengthen community and family bonds.
EN: Use 'is' to connect a subject (Christmas) with a description (a popular holiday). This is the basic 'A is B' pattern.
Soccer is a popular sport in Brazil.
EN: While Christmas is a religious holiday for Christians, it has become a global cultural and commercial event celebrated by people of many different backgrounds.
EN: Use the preposition 'on' before specific dates (month + day).
My birthday is on July 10th.
EN: December 25th is the fixed date for Christmas in Western Christianity, though some Orthodox traditions celebrate it in early January.
EN: Use 'each other' when two or more people do the same thing to one another.
We help each other with our homework.
EN: In many Western cultures, giving gifts is a central part of Christmas, symbolizing love and the spirit of sharing.
EN: Use 'be + excited + to + verb' to describe how someone feels about doing a specific action.
I am excited to see my friends tomorrow.
EN: In many Western cultures, children wake up very early on Christmas morning to open gifts that were placed under the Christmas tree.
EN: Use 'and' to connect two actions (verbs) done by the same person or group.
We watch movies and eat popcorn together.
EN: In many cultures, sharing a meal and singing are universal ways to build community and celebrate shared values during holidays.
EN: Use 'is' to connect a singular subject (Chinese New Year) with a description or identity (an important tradition).
Breakfast is an important meal in the morning.
EN: While called 'Chinese New Year' in English, many Asian countries like Vietnam and Korea celebrate similar lunar festivals, often referred to collectively as the Lunar New Year.
EN: Use the preposition 'in' before months of the year.
My birthday is in August.
EN: The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, which is why its date in the Gregorian calendar changes every year, typically falling between late January and mid-February.
EN: Use the word 'and' to connect two actions (verbs) done by the same person or group.
They eat cake and sing songs.
EN: In Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck, joy, and prosperity. Red envelopes (hongbao) containing money are traditionally given during Lunar New Year to pass on blessings and good fortune.
EN: Use the preposition 'on' before specific days or dates, such as holidays or special evenings.
We exchange gifts on Christmas Day.
EN: In Chinese culture, the New Year's Eve dinner (Reunion Dinner) is the most important meal of the year, symbolizing family unity and prosperity.
EN: Use 'There are' to say that more than one person or thing exists. It is followed by a plural noun.
There are many books on the table.
EN: Lion dances are a traditional form of dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries, where performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to bring good luck and fortune.
EN: Use 'is' to connect a subject (Diwali) with a description or definition (the festival of lights). This is the 'A is B' pattern.
The moon is a natural satellite of the Earth.
EN: Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
EN: Use the preposition 'in' before months of the year.
My birthday is in August.
EN: Diwali is a major Hindu festival known as the 'Festival of Lights'. Its date changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, usually falling between mid-October and mid-November.
EN: Use 'around' to describe things located in different parts of a place or surrounding an area.
She put flowers around the garden.
EN: In the context of Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights), lighting small oil lamps called 'diyas' and candles symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
EN: Use 'and' to connect two actions (verbs) done by the same person or group.
We play games and watch movies.
EN: In many cultures, especially during festivals like Diwali, sharing sweets with neighbors is a symbol of spreading joy and maintaining good community relationships.
EN: Use 'more' before long adjectives (words with 2 or more syllables) and add 'than' to compare two things.
This book is more interesting than that movie.
EN: Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important holidays in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, which is why 'brighter' is a key description.
EN: Use 'be verb' (am/is/are) to describe what something is or how it feels. In this sentence, 'are' connects the subject 'Holidays' to the description 'a wonderful time'.
Apples are a healthy snack.
EN: In many cultures, holidays are not just days off work, but essential times for community bonding and preserving traditions.
EN: The verb 'help' can be followed by an object and then a base verb (without 'to') to show who is being helped to do something.
Music helps me relax after school.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, holidays are seen as essential links to the past, helping younger generations understand their heritage through food, stories, and rituals.
EN: Use 'will' to talk about things that are certain to happen in the future or to express a strong belief.
I will always help my friends.
EN: In many cultures, holidays are not just about the event itself, but about strengthening social bonds and showing appreciation for loved ones.
EN: Use 'next time' as a connector to talk about what should happen when a future event occurs. The verb after 'next time' uses the present tense even though it refers to the future.
Next time you visit me, we will go to the park.
EN: In many cultures, holidays are seen as a time to pause work and focus on emotional well-being and social connections. The sentence reflects a common positive sentiment shared during festive seasons.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To cause people to gather or unite in one place or for one purpose.
Used to refer to two or more people being the object of the same action.
The last day of the year, the day before New Year's Day.
To give or distribute candies and desserts to others.
Small red packets containing money given as gifts during Chinese New Year to symbolize good luck.
A traditional performance in Asian cultures where performers mimic a lion's movements in a costume to bring good luck.
The common English name for Diwali, a major Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
In the context of Indian festivals, this refers to 'Mithai', a category of traditional Indian confectionery made with milk, sugar, and nuts.