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Speak Better English: The Power of “Context Practice” Daily!
Improve your English fluency by practicing new words and phrases in context. Tips, tools, and fun facts to enhance your language skills.
Hello, English explorers!
Today's newsletter is packed with new ways to strengthen your English skills. We'll start with a practical tip to build vocabulary and fluency, followed by a common mistake to avoid.
There's also a new word for you to learn, a quick grammar hack, and more to help you become a confident speaker. Let’s dive in!
Learn vocabulary in context, not in isolation.
When you learn a new word, don't just memorize it on its own—practice it in a sentence or a situation.
For example, if you learn the word “persuade,” make a sentence like,
“He persuaded me to try a new restaurant.”
Learning in context helps you remember how to use the word naturally in real conversations.
“According to me”
vs.
“In my opinion”
In English, we don’t say “According to me” to express our personal views. Use “In my opinion” or “I think” instead.
Incorrect: “According to me, this book is great.”
Correct: “In my opinion, this book is great.”
Use “according to” only to refer to someone else’s opinion or a source, like, “According to the news, it will rain tomorrow.”
“Resonate”
Word | Meaning | In sentence |
---|---|---|
Resonate (Verb) | To have a strong emotional impact or appeal; to connect deeply with someone’s feelings or thoughts. | Her story really resonated with me because it was so similar to my own experience. |
“Resonate” is a great word to use when something makes you feel understood or when an idea strongly connects with your thoughts and emotions.
“either” vs. “neither”
Use “either” when referring to one of two choices that are possible.
Example: “You can have either tea or coffee.”
Use “neither” when none of the choices are possible or desired.
Example: “Neither option works for me.”
So, remember: “either” = one of two options; “neither” = none of the two options.
Do you prefer pizza ______ pasta for dinner?
A) or
B) nor
The answer is at the bottom of the page.
There are no rhyming words for “orange.”
Did you know that “orange” is one of the very few words in English that doesn’t have a perfect rhyme?
It’s so unique that it’s often used as a challenge word in poetry. Try to think of a word that rhymes with “orange”—it’s not easy!
“LangCorrect”
Try LangCorrect, an online platform where you can write in English and get your writing corrected by native speakers. You can post journal entries, essays, or even short sentences, and other learners and native speakers will provide helpful feedback. It’s a great way to improve your writing, learn from your mistakes, and interact with a community of learners.
Watch “Chef” on Amazon
“Chef” is a light-hearted, feel-good movie about a chef who starts a food truck business to reclaim his passion for cooking.
The language in the film is natural and full of everyday conversations, making it great for improving listening skills and learning practical phrases.
The storyline is easy to follow, and you can pick up new vocabulary related to food, travel, and relationships.
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
– John F. Kennedy
This quote is a powerful reminder that taking the first step is the key to learning English (or anything new). Don’t wait until you’re perfect—start practicing today, and you’ll be surprised by your progress!
Fluency is only about speaking fast. ❌
Not true! Fluency is about speaking clearly and comfortably, not quickly. Some of the most effective English speakers take their time, use pauses, and focus on clarity.
Don’t rush; speaking too quickly can make it harder to be understood. Focus on speaking naturally and confidently.
Quiz answer
A) or
Explanation: Use “or” when giving a choice between two options. “Nor” is used in negative sentences, often with “neither.”
I'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to check out the ESL Advice Website for new learning materials!
We’re constantly striving to improve our ESL resources to help you more effectively. We’d appreciate it if you filled out this feedback form. You can also request topics you'd like me to cover in the future.
That's a wrap for today’s newsletter! Keep practicing, stay curious, and remember: every effort you make today builds your confidence and skill tomorrow.
Until tomorrrow, happy learning!
Warm regards,
ESL Expert, ESLA
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