EnglishClass101.com Blog

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9i41X5HGXbk If you could take three days off work or school starting right now, how would you spend your time?  We all need a break sometimes. Whether we relax at home, enjoy the outdoors, pursue our creative interests, or spend time with friends, taking time away from our everyday life can work wonders.  Each year, most Americans get this break in the form of Labor Day weekend. In this article, EnglishClass101.com will teach you about the origins of Labor Day in the United States, how it’s celebrated today, and some relevant vocabulary.  Let’s get started! 1. What is Labor Day All About? You’re probably familiar with the concept of Labor Day already, and I’m betting... Show more

What is a verb, and why is it important to focus on learning them?  As for the most basic verb definition, verbs are commonly referred to as "action words," because they’re words that name an action (though they sometimes refer to a state of being). Without verbs, people wouldn't be able to talk about anything worthwhile or exciting. We use verbs all the time: While talking about our day, explaining directions or instructions, telling friends a story...and they're used in both speech and writing. So, what are the most common English verbs? In this article, I'll be going over the 100+ most common verbs in the English language. These are verbs that you can start using and practicing today, and that you'll find yourself coming back... Show more

Cathy bought Ben & Jerry’s ice cream because Cathy couldn’t find Dreyer's.  Cathy’s name is used two times in this sentence, causing it to drone on. If I were to use a pronoun instead of her name the second time, it would sound much better: Cathy bought Ben & Jerry’s ice cream because she couldn’t find Dreyer's. So, what is a pronoun? Here’s a pretty simple definition: Pronouns allow you to mention the same noun in a sentence multiple times, without repeating the same word (which will begin to sound dull and redundant).  There are several types of pronouns in English, which I’ll explain in this article with pronoun examples. These words will make your speech and writing seem more fluent and natural, so trust me when I... Show more

Do you remember the moment you fell in love with languages? Do you desire to learn or advance in English quickly and effectively? Then you need a English tutor. A common question that first-time language-learners ask is "Where do I begin?" The answer? Guidance. For native English-speakers who want to learn Asian languages, for example, timelines provided by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute can appear discouraging. However, defeating these odds is not unheard of. If you want to beat the odds yourself, one of the best learning options is a subscription to Premium PLUS from Innovative Language. As an active Premium PLUS member of JapanesePod101.com and KoreanClass101.com myself, I have an enjoyable experience learning at an accelerated... Show more

Word order and sentence structure are essential for any language-learner. They can determine the meaning of a sentence, help you emphasize certain aspects of the sentence, and allow your speech and writing to sound more natural.  In this article, I’ll guide you through the following two topics: Correct sentence structure in EnglishEnglish word order rules I’ll also provide you with several English word order examples along the way, so you can see how it all works together.  Once you understand the most basic English sentence structures, you’ll be a much more effective communicator. Before we continue, you may find it helpful to take a look at our English grammar page and familiarize yourself with some of the topics I’ll cover. ... Show more

https://youtu.be/nNoI-UFwb04?si=fjzxddxZt1l6_-TM Wherever you find yourself in the world, much of your life will be governed by time: What time you wake up, when you need to leave for work, how long your lunch break is, what time the museum opens, making sure you arrive on time for your date. In short, unless you plan on moving to this Norwegian town, you really do need to know how to tell time. ;) Telling time and making appointments may be easy in your own language and country, but what about when you visit or relocate to the United States? The United States tends to do things differently than the rest of the world, probably just because we can...and in some ways, this applies to telling time. The good news is that as long as... Show more

Knowing how to get from point A to B, especially in a new environment, is paramount. Having things to do and places to go in a new location is meaningless if you have no idea how to get there. Asking for directions (and giving them) in their own language is one of the most important skills a person can have—making it even more vital when visiting a country that speaks a different language. Learn how to ask and give directions in English with EnglishClass101’s complete guide to directions in English! Table of Contents Cardinal Directions in English: Using North, South, East & West Giving Road Directions in English Describing Directions in English with Landmarks Must-know Phrases for Asking Directions Must-know Phrases for... Show more

Nouns refer to objects or concepts—usually a person, place, or thing. Virtually any conversation you'll have in English will involve you or the other party talking about nouns: "The zoo was busy yesterday." "Henry left the meeting early." "This article is all about nouns." Thus, learning the most common nouns in English is necessary if you hope to hold a conversation for very long! In this article, I'll go over the most vital 100 nouns in English you need to know. These are words you'll hear or read often, and that you'll find yourself needing to use on a regular basis. But before I start the list of 100 nouns in English, it's important that you know about the types of nouns in English and how to use them. Below you'll find... Show more

A flag can say a lot about its country, and each one is steeped in years of history. The United States Flag, adopted in 1777, has undergone many changes over the years as circumstances change and states are added to our nation.  So, why is Flag Day observed in the U.S.? In this article, you’ll learn all about Flag Day’s meaning to U.S. citizens, some facts about the U.S. Flag, and some important vocabulary.  Let’s get started. 1. U.S. Flag Day History and Meaning What is Flag Day in the U.S.? Flag Day in the United States is a day of commemoration for the country’s freedom and—even more so—its flag, which was adopted in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. The adoption of the U.S. Flag signified... Show more

When you compliment someone, you’re doing so much more than offering them kind words. You’re also boosting their confidence, showing them that you’re on their side, and extending a hand of friendship (or strengthening the one you have). A meaningful, well-placed compliment can even change a person’s entire day for the better! Just about everyone loves compliments, and learning how to offer compliments in someone’s native language will make both of you feel great! Lucky for you, EnglishClass101.com has prepared a simple guide on the best compliment phrases in English for a variety of situations and people. Once you have these down, you can build off of them and create your own unique compliments for the people in your life! Let’s... Show more