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Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Irish-Americans have contributed much to the United States, and St. Patrick’s Day, to a large extent, is about celebrating that. St. Patrick’s Day is also about celebrating the culture from which Irish-Americans come. While St. Patrick’s Day’s history may be a bit complex, it has affiliations with the Catholic Church and is also recognized as one of the biggest nights of the year to go out to the local pubs and taverns. In the U.S., you’ll find that Saint Patrick’s Day is just a big party.

Learn more about St. Patrick’s Day with EnglishClass101.com! We make it both fun and insightful. Let’s get started.

1. What is St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is an extremely popular United States holiday. It combines a celebration of Irish culture with a great excuse to get out, let loose, and have some fun. It has been celebrated since the eighteenth century, making it one of the most enduring holidays in the United States.

St. Patrick’s Day’s meaning in the United States is largely cultural, considering the significance of Irish Americans in U.S. history. St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of the Irish culture and just a day to enjoy oneself (while dressed in green, of course).

Continue reading to learn even more about Saint Patrick’s Day and its unique traditions.

2. When is St. Patrick’s Day?

What day is St. Patrick’s Day? Each year, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17. You can find a little more information on why this date is significant in the Additional Information section.

3. How is Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrated?

If you want to see a big St. Patrick’s Day parade, New York is the place to be. Every year since 1762, this parade has been put on, and it’s one of the country’s most vibrant, vivacious, and largest celebrations. There are parades held across the nation, and most of them date back to the nineteenth century or earlier. St. Patrick’s Day parades see a large attendance each year.

Green, the color most associated with Ireland, is a huge part of St. Patrick’s Day. Americans typically try to sport something green on St. Patrick’s Day to show their support for the Irish-American community and their acknowledgment of the importance of the day. One popular American tradition is to pinch anybody who fails to wear green on this holiday. In some cities, rivers and fountains are dyed green temporarily to celebrate this special day for Irish-Americans.

4. Additional Information

In 1780, George Washington gave March 17th to his troops as a day to celebrate the Irish fight for independence. He considered this an act of solidarity with the Irish people, of whom made up a large number in his army.

5. Must-know Vocab

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for St. Patrick’s Day!

• Guinness — A popular dry stout Irish alcoholic beverage.
• Irish Americans — People whose families came from Ireland to live in America.
• St. Patrick’s Day — A day observed by the Irish to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland.
• St. Patrick’s Day parade — A parade that takes place in America on St. Patrick’s Day.
• Pinch — To squeeze or compress between the finger and thumb.
• Leprechaun — Mythical, elf-like person from Ireland.

To hear these words pronounced, you can check out our St. Patrick’s Day vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation, as well as a video about the holiday.

Conclusion

Now you know all about Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States! What do you think of this holiday? Is there a similar holiday in your own country? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about the English language and culture in the United States, visit us at EnglishClass101.com. We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community where you can discuss lessons with fellow students. You can also upgrade your account to begin using our MyTeacher program, so that you can learn English one-on-one with your own personal English teacher.

Know that your hard work will prove worth it, and you’ll be speaking English like a native before you know it! For now, we’ll wish you a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in English could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your English partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At EnglishClass101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your English lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make English dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
4. English Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
5. English Quotes about Love
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn English Faster?

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your English love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the English word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these English date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

• Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in English is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

• Are you free this weekend?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

• Would you like to hang out with me?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

• What time shall we meet tomorrow?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

• Where shall we meet?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

• You look great.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

• You are so cute.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

• What do you think of this place?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your English language skills!

Can I see you again?

• Can I see you again?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

• Shall we go somewhere else?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

• I know a good place.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

• I will drive you home.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

• That was a great evening.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

• When can I see you again?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

• I’ll call you.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the English phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in English below!

museum

• museum

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

go to the aquarium

• go to the aquarium

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

• walk on the beach

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

• have a picnic

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

• cook a meal together

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

• have dinner and see a movie

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

candlelit dinner

• candlelit dinner

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

• go to the zoo

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

• go for a long walk

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

• go to the opera

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in English – think how impressed your date will be!

4. English Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in English yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in English? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your English love on this special day!

I love you.

• I love you.

Saying ‘I love you’ in English carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You mean so much to me.

• You mean so much to me.

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

Will you be my Valentine?

• Will you be my Valentine?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

You’re so beautiful.

• You’re so beautiful.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in English, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

I think of you as more than a friend.

• I think of you as more than a friend.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the English dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

• A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

• Love is just love. It can never be explained.

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You’re so handsome.

• You’re so handsome.

Ladies, this phrase lets your English love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

• I’ve got a crush on you.

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

• You make me want to be a better man.

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your English girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

• Let all that you do be done in love.

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

• You are my sunshine, my love.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

• Words can’t describe my love for you.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

• We were meant to be together.

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

• If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

5. English Quotes about Love

You’re a love champ! You and your English lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in English that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your English lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the English custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn English faster?

Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. EnglishClass101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the English language.

Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn English Faster!

1- Being in a love relationship with your English speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
EnglishClass101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you English, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn English even faster.

2- Having your English romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced English language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

3- A supportive English lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your English partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

Three Reasons Why EnglishClass101 helps you learn English Even Faster when you’re In Love

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1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking English is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at EnglishClass101 is translated into both English and English. So, while your partner can help you learn English faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with English Culture
At EnglishClass101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in English speaking country. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your English partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic English Phrases
You now have access to EnglishClass101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your English soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

Can You Really Learn English Alone?

Learning a language on your own or without traditional classroom instruction may seem quite daunting at first. What if you run into questions? How do you stay motivated and on track to achieving goals?

Don’t worry, not only is it possible to learn English or any language without traditional classroom instruction: EnglishClass101 has created the world’s most advanced and extensive online language learning system. Not only is EnglishClass101 specifically designed to help you with learning a language on your own, it’s actually faster, more convenient, and less expensive than traditional classroom options!

Let’s look at some of the benefits of learning English or any language alone.

Also, don’t forget to download your free cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Language Skills too!

3 Reasons to Learn a Language Alone

1. Learn at Your Own Pace and On Your Schedule

In today’s fast-paced world, there just isn’t time for traditional classroom instruction. Between getting to class and studying on some professor or teacher’s schedule, traditional classroom learning is simply impossible to fit in. But when you learn English alone, you can study in bed if you like and whenever suits your schedule best, making it far easier to actually reach your goal of learning and mastering the language.

2. Learning a Language on Your Own Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Speaking in front of a class, pop quizzes, and tests are just a few of the stressors you will encounter when you learn a language in a traditional classroom setting. Specifically, these are external stressors that often derail most people’s dream of learning a new language. But when you learn English alone, there are no external stressors. Without the external stress and anxiety, it becomes much easier and more exciting to study English and reach your very own goals—all on your own!

3. Learning English Alone Helps Improve Cognitive Function and Overall Success

Learning a language on your own is indeed more challenging in some ways than being taught in a traditional classroom setting. In fact, while classroom instruction requires more rote memorization and following instructions, studying a language on your own requires more problem-solving and higher cognitive function to self-teach lessons and hit goals. So while it’s more challenging and requires higher levels of cognition, teaching yourself a language pays dividends throughout life by better preparing you for social/work opportunities that arise.

How to Learn a Language on Your Own with EnglishClass101

1. Access to the World’s Largest Collection of English Audio & Video Lessons

The best way to learn a language on your own is to study from native speaking instructors. Ideally, you want audio and/or video lessons that teach vocabulary, grammar, and provide actual English conversations and dialogue to help you with pronunciation. EnglishClass101 has hundreds of hours of HD audio and video lessons created by real English instructors and every lesson is presented by professional English actors for perfect pronunciation. Plus, all lessons can be accessed 24/7 via any mobile device with Internet access. And, if you download the PDF versions of each lesson, you can even study without Internet access once the lesson is stored on your device!

2. “Learning Paths” with English Courses Based Upon Your Exact Needs & Goals

Although EnglishClass101 has more than thousands of video and audio lessons, you need not review each and every one to learn the language. In fact, EnglishClass101 has developed a feature called “Learning Paths”. You simply tell us your goals and we will identify the best courses and study plan to help you reach them in the shortest time possible. So even though you are technically learning a language on your own, our team is always here to help and make sure you reach your goals FAST!

3. Advanced Learning Tools Reduce Learning Time and Boost Retention

When you have the right tools and English learning resources, it’s actually easy to teach yourself a language! In the past 10+ years, EnglishClass101 has developed, tested, and refined more than 20 advanced learning tools to boost retention and reduce learning time, including:

• Spaced Repetition Flashcards
• Line-by-Line Dialogue Breakdown
• Review Quizzes
• Voice Recording Tools to Help Perfect Pronunciation
• Teacher Feedback and Comments for Each Lesson
• English Dictionary with Pronunciation
• Free PDF Cheat Sheets
• And Much More!

Armed with our growing collection of advanced learning tools, it’s truly a breeze to learn English alone and reach your goals!

Conclusion

Learning a language on your own is not only possible, it’s actually easier and more beneficial for you than traditional classroom instruction. In fact, when you learn English on your own you can study at your own pace, eliminate stress, and actually increase cognitive function.

EnglishClass101 is the world’s most advanced online language learning system and a great resource to help you teach yourself a new language. With the world’s largest collection of HD audio and video lessons, more than 20 advanced learning tools, and customized “Learning Paths”, EnglishClass101 makes learning a new language easier, more convenient, and less expensive than traditional classroom instruction.

And the best part is: With EnglishClass101, you can study in bed, your car, or wherever you have a few spare minutes of time. Create your Free Lifetime Account now and get a FREE ebook to help “kickstart” your dream of learning a language on your own below!

Yes, even beginners can quickly learn conversational English well enough to carry on real conversations with native speakers. Of course, beginners won’t be able to carry a conversation the same way they could in their native language. But, just knowing a few tips like which questions to ask to keep a conversation going are all you need to speak and interact with real native speakers! But before we get to specific suggestions, let’s first take a closer look at how having real English conversations is so vital to your mastery of the language.

Learning to Carry a Conversation is Vital to Mastery of Any Language

Communicating with other people is the very point of language and conversation is almost second nature in our native tongue. For beginners or anyone learning a new language, conversations aren’t easy at all and even simple English greetings can be intimidating and awkward.

However, there are 3 vital reasons why you should learn conversational English as quickly as possible:

• Avoid Awkward Silences: Nothing kills a conversation faster than long periods of awkward silence, so you need practice and specific strategies to avoid them.
• Improve the Flow of Conversation to Make a Better Impression: When you know what to say to keep a conversation going, communication becomes much easier and you make a better impression on your listener.
• Master the Language Faster: Nothing will help you learn to speak English faster and truly master the language than having real conversations with native speakers. Conversations quickly expose you to slang, cultural expressions, and vocabulary that force you to absorb and assimilate information faster than any educational setting—and that’s a great thing!

But how can you possibly have real conversations with real English people if you are just starting out?

3 Conversation Strategies for Beginners

1. Ask Questions to Keep a Conversation Going

For beginners and even more advanced speakers, the key is to learn to ask questions to keep a conversation going. Of course, they can’t be just random questions or else you may confuse the listener. But, by memorizing a few key questions and the appropriate time to use them, you can easily carry a conversation with minimal vocabulary or experience. And remember, the more English conversations you have, the quicker you will learn and master the language!

2. Learn Core Vocabulary Terms as Quickly as Possible

You don’t need to memorize 10,000’s of words to learn conversational English. In fact, with just a couple hundred English words you could have a very basic English conversation. And by learning maybe 1,000-2,000 words, you could carry a conversation with a native speaker about current events, ordering in restaurants, and even getting directions.

3. Study Videos or Audio Lessons that You Can Play and Replay Again and Again

If you want to know how to carry a conversation in English, then you need exposure to native speakers—and the more the better. Ideally, studying video or audio lessons is ideal because they provide contextualized learning in your native language and you can play them again and again until mastery.

EnglishClass101 Makes it Easier and More Convenient Than Ever to Learn Conversational English

For more than 10 years, EnglishClass101 has been helping students learn to speak English by creating the world’s most advanced online language learning system. Here are just a few of the specific features that will help you learn conversational English fast using our proven system:

• The Largest Collection of HD Video & Audio Lessons from Real English Instructors: EnglishClass101 instructors have created hundreds of video and audio lessons that you can play again and again. And the best part is: They don’t just teach you English vocabulary and grammar, they are designed to help you learn to speak English and teach you practical everyday topics like shopping, ordering, etc!
• Pronunciation Tools: Use this feature to record and compare yourself with native speakers to quickly improve your pronunciation and fluency!
• 2000 Common English Words: Also known as our Core List, these 2,000 words are all you need to learn to speak fluently and carry a conversation with a native speaker!

In all, more than 20 advanced learning tools help you quickly build vocabulary and learn how to carry a conversation with native speakers—starting with your very first lesson.

Conclusion

Although it may seem intimidating for a beginner, the truth is that it is very easy to learn conversational English. By learning a few core vocabulary terms and which questions to ask to keep a conversation going, just a little practice and exposure to real English conversations or lessons is all it really takes. EnglishClass101 has created the world’s largest online collection of video and audio lessons by real instructors plus loads of advanced tools to help you learn to speak English and carry a conversation quickly.

Act now and we’ll also include a list of the most commonly used questions to keep a conversation going so you can literally get started immediately!

Today, classrooms are no longer the only or even best place to learn a new language like English. More and more people are finding that they can easily learn a language just about anywhere they have a few minutes of spare time, including their daily commute to work. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends over 50 minutes a day commuting to and from work, or over 300 hours a year.

Rethinking Your Daily Commute to Work

But rather than simply sitting in traffic and wasting the time, you can instead use your daily commute to literally learn English in just a few short months! EnglishClass101 has developed specialized learning tools that you can use on your commute to work (and home again) to master the language in your spare time. Keep reading to learn how to get your free audiobook to use on your next commute so you can see for yourself how easy it is to transform “dead time” into realizing your dream of learning a new language!

But before we look at how to transform your commute home into a mini-classroom, let’s take a closer look at 4 reasons why traditional classroom settings just aren’t the best option for most people in today’s fast-paced world.

• Difficulty Getting to and From Class
• Learning on Someone Else’s Schedule
• Very Expensive and May Cost $1,000’s to Complete
• Can Take Years to Finally Complete Classes and Learn the Language

The simple truth is that traditional classroom instruction is simply not a viable option for most people in today’s very fast-paced, time-starved world. Now let’s examine how you can learn a language faster, more easily, and at far less expense than traditional classes—all during your commute to work and back home again!

3 Reasons Your Daily Commute Can Help You Master a Language

1. The Average Commute Time is More than 300 Hours Per Year

Between the commute to work and getting back home again, over 6 hours a week is completely wasted and not helping you reach any goals or objectives. But thanks to online language learning platforms with audiobooks and other resources that you can access during your commute, you can easily transform wasted time into tangible progress towards learning a new language. With over 300 hours available annually, your daily commute could provide you with enough time to literally master a new language each and every year!

2. Increase Your Earning Potential While Commuting to Work

How would you like to transform all those spare commuting hours each week into more money for a new car, house, or even a dream vacation? According to research, someone making $30,000 per year can boost their annual income by $600 or more per year by learning a second language. Added up over the course of a lifetime, you can boost your total earnings by $70,000 or more while achieving your dream of learning a new language during your daily commute!

How? From work-at-home translation jobs to working overseas, there are many ways to leverage your second language into more money in your bank account! So instead of wasting your precious time, you can make your commute more productive and profitable and the more languages you learn, the higher your income potential.

3. Repetition is Key to Mastering a New Language

Not sure if it’s practical to learn another language while commuting to and from work each day? Well not only is it possible—learning in your car on the way to and from work each day can actually help you learn and master English or any language much faster! The simple truth is that repetition is absolutely vital to truly internalizing and mastering any language. So, if you listen to audiobooks or even audio lessons on your commute to work and then repeat the same lesson on your commute home, the information is more likely to be “locked-in” to your long-term memory!

5 Ways EnglishClass101 Makes It Easy to Learn a Language On Your Commute

EnglishClass101 has been helping people just like yourself learn and master English in the comfort of their home, during their daily commute, or any place they have a few minutes of spare time. Here are five features provided by EnglishClass101 that make it easy to learn a new language while commuting to and from work:

1. The Largest Collection of Audio Lessons on Planet by Native Speaking Instructors
Every single week, EnglishClass101 creates new audio lessons by native speaking instructors. All lessons are short, to the point, and guaranteed to improve your mastery of English.

2. Word of the Day
Simply exposing yourself to new information and vocabulary terms helps increase your fluency and mastery of English. So every single day, EnglishClass101 adds a new Word of the Day for you to learn and memorize during your commute.

3. Daily Dose Mini-Lessons
Have a short commute to work but still want to make progress towards learning and mastering English? Not a problem! Our Daily Dose Mini-Lessons are 1-minute or less and designed to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

4. All Content Available on a Convenient Mobile App
You don’t need a PC or tablet to learn English during your daily commute. At EnglishClass101, all of our lessons, tools, and resources are available 24/7 via our Mobile App. That means you can access all of our audio lessons and other tools during your commute to work or any time you have a few spare moments!

5. Audiobooks and Other Supplemental Resources
In addition to the world’s largest online collection of HD audio lessons, EnglishClass101 has also created several audiobooks to enhance your understanding and make it more convenient than ever to learn a language during your commute!

Conclusion

The average commute time of most Americans is over 300 hours each year and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn and master a new language. In fact, you can use the “dead time” during your daily commute to learn a new language and potentially boost your lifetime earnings by up to $70,000 or more! Whatever your motivation, EnglishClass101 has the tools and resources necessary to help you learn a new language each year during your commute to and from work. Act now and we’ll even provide you with a free audiobook to try out on your next commute!

What is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States? When is it celebrated, and why?

As one of the most important holidays in the United States, Martin Luther King Day (also called MLK Day) celebrates the birthday and life of Martin Luther King, Jr.—a slain civil rights leader and a strong voice in nonviolent social movements.

Find out more about this great U.S. historical figure and the holiday which seeks to commemorate him.

1. Why Should You Know About Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?

Learning about United States holidays is one of the first steps in understanding its culture and the history that made the country what it is. Each country has people and historical figures it celebrates, and the United States is no exception.

Why do we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?

Martin Luther King, Jr. is considered one of the most important historical figures in the United States, and for good reason. Not only did he dedicate his life to social reform in the country, but he did so in a peaceful and respectful manner, serving as an example of how a quiet voice can create a loud echo.

He fought to end discriminatory laws, especially against people of color; he gained followers, and ultimately served as one of the greatest voices in the civil rights movement against discrimination. In particular, he sought to provide African Americans with rights they hadn’t known before.

The United States truly wouldn’t be as free and open a land as it is today without this man, and so we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday each year.

2. What is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?

Martin Luther King Day is the celebration of this great figure’s birthday, as well as the commemoration of all he accomplished for the rights of colored people in the United States.

But is MLK Day a national holiday?

This is a federal holiday, meaning that most schools and places of business are closed. It’s a day to observe the sacrifices made and the example set forth by Martin Luther King, Jr.

3. When is MLK Day?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday of January as this is close to his January 15 birthday.

For your convenience, here’s a list of MLK Day’s date for the next ten years:

• 2019: January 21
• 2020: January 20
• 2021: January 18
• 2022: January 17
• 2023: January 16
• 2024: January 15
• 2025: January 20
• 2026: January 19
• 2027: January 18
• 2028: January 17

4. How is MLK Day Celebrated?

1- Is MLK Day a National Holiday?

While not a national holiday, MLK Day is observed in a variety of ways throughout the country, and its observation can vary from person to person.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which means that the majority of schools are closed as well as some places of business. However, some schools see this as an opportunity to better inform students about Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he stood for, and decide to remain open with classes centered on this topic.

2- Martin Luther King Day of Service

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed a document (the King Holiday and Service Act) which essentially asks United States citizens to use MLK Day as a day of charity and service.

In order to reflect the heart of service that King possessed, many people on this day choose to perform acts of service for others. This is often volunteer work, though it can take many forms.

One notable example of this is the Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service, where thousands are known to volunteer their time, energy, money, and goods for causes or charities they’re most passionate about.

3- Japan, Canada, Jerusalem, and The Netherlands

While Martin Luther King Junior day originated in the United States and is most widely celebrated here, there are a few other countries and cities which also choose to commemorate this day in some way.

• Hiroshima, Japan: This city celebrates MLK Day and seeks to point out similarities between its desire for peace and the life that King lived—what he stood for. The celebration is put on by its mayor, Tadatoshi Akiba.
• Toronto, Canada: In Toronto, Canada, this day is celebrated on a more personal level and businesses still remain open.
• Jerusalem: Jerusalem is a city which can relate to King and his ideals through the Bible; those who celebrate MLK Day in Jerusalem see a correlation between King’s assassination and the attempted murder of “the dreamer” Joseph in the Old Testament.
• Wassenaar, The Netherlands: The celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, is unique. Music is a large component of this day and the song “We Shall Overcome” is sung.

5. Must-Know Vocab for MLK Day

In order to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, here are some vocabulary words and phrases you should know:

• Martin Luther King, Jr.: The man behind the holiday.
• Activist: Someone who acts strongly for a particular cause.
• Freedom: Release from captivity; ability to live unhindered.
• Boycott: To completely stop using a certain product or buying from a certain company, usually because their beliefs or values differ greatly from one’s own.
• African American: Black citizens of the United States; peacefully Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for their rights.
• Human rights: The basic rights that it’s believed each person has, no matter who they are.
• Racial equality: People being treated equally, despite their race.
• Pastor: A church leader who usually gives sermons to the congregation and is in charge of various aspects of the church.
• Freedom Riders: People who rode on interstate buses in areas of the U.S. which were still segregated, as an act of opposition to these places’ failure to enforce non-segregation. They rode in groups of various races.
• Civil rights: Similar to human rights, though implementing a greater focus on ensuring that the government can’t take these rights away.
• I Have a Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech in 1963, called “I Have a Dream.” This is considered one of the most powerful speeches ever given; it focused on ending racism and allowing African Americans civil rights.
• The Sit-In Movement: Following in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s footsteps, many African American students used sit-ins as a nonviolent form of opposition and as a way of getting attention from the press. Essentially, they would go to a segregated location, ask for service, be denied, and refuse to leave after being denied.
• Racial segregation: Racial segregation involves people of different races being separated in daily life (e.g. in the United States, it used to be that white people rode on one part of the bus, and black people the other).
• Nonviolent resistance: Nonviolent resistance is a peaceful form of opposition, in which the opposing party or parties make a statement in a way that doesn’t harm anyone.
• Orator: An orator is a highly skilled public speaker, such as Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Nobel Peace Prize: The Nobel Peace Prize is a greatly commendable award given to someone who has established themself as a successful fighter for peace. King won this prize in 1964.
• The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom: This march took place in Washington, as a way of demanding more rights for African Americans; this is where King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.
• Letter from a Birmingham Jail: This letter, written by King, is essentially an argument for nonviolent resistance.
• Civil disobedience: Noncompliance with laws, such as taxes, in order to peacefully resist.
• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: A holiday to celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. each January.

To hear the pronunciation of each word, be sure to check out the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day vocab list on our website where you can listen to audio files with each word.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day really is one of the most quintessential holidays in the United States as it marks a significant time for African Americans—a time when their voice was finally able to be heard and change began to take place for the better.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is honored for good reason; his involvement in progressing the civil rights movements for African Americans and his peaceful guidance towards racial equality continue to unravel today as the United States seeks equality in more ways than ever before.

To learn even more about U.S. culture, be sure to visit us at EnglishClass101.com! You’ll find an array of helpful blog posts, cultural information, and vocabulary lists. Also be sure to check out our MyTeacher app for a one-on-one language-learning experience!

We hope this article was helpful for you, and wish you the best of luck on your English-learning journey!

Greeting another is one of the most important things we do in social interaction. Did you know that even cats and dogs greet? They touch their noses together, even with other animals!

Therefore, greeting someone in their own language is probably the best way to win immediate favor. Nearly every language has different ways to say hello, depending on what time of the day it is, what the situation is, and also who you address. Greetings can also differ according to dialect, such as American English vs British English, etc.

For the purpose of the article, we will focus on American greetings. We will only look at greetings when you meet someone, not at ways to say goodbye.

So, let’s look at some of the many ways to say hello in American English.

1. Formal Greetings

As the name suggests, formal greetings are used in more formal situations. This would be when you address someone you don’t know well, or who is senior to you in some way.

You would use this, for instance, when addressing your boss, or your elderly neighbour or a complete stranger who is older than you.

1- Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening

Other than these, there are not many formal or polite ways to say hello in English.

Literally, this greeting is a way to wish someone well. It is a short way of saying: “I wish you may have a good morning/afternoon/evening”.

How & When To Use It

• Say “Good morning” any time after sunrise.
• Use “Good afternoon” any time after 12pm.
• Use “Good evening” any time after sunset.

As mentioned, this is a polite way to greet someone who is senior to you in some way. It’s not an error to greet a friend like this though, so don’t worry if you do! Further, you may or may not wish to offer your hand for a handshake if you meet the person for the first time.

If you choose, you could follow this greeting with a phrase such as: “How are you?” This means you’re asking after the person’s wellbeing. It’s a short way of asking “How are you doing?”

You could also follow with: “How have you been?” This phrase means the same as “How are you?”, but you would use it only if you have met the person before. It is short for “How have you been since we last saw one another?”

Another phrase with which to follow this greeting, is “It’s nice to see you again”. This you also say only to someone you already know or have met before.

What are the formal ways of greeting in your language?

Informal greetings are much more abundant in English.

2. Informal Greetings

Informal greetings are usually OK for casual situations, and is used upon meeting or seeing someone.

1- Hello!

Hello is one of older greetings around, even though it wasn’t originally used as such. It’s said to come from the German word “Hoi”, which was a way to attract someone’s attention, or to express surprise. Such as in: “Hoi! Where are you going?” or “Hoi, what is this?!”

Hello was initially used in the same way, but over time, it turned into a way to greet someone. Previously, in western countries, it was polite for men to also lift their hats in greeting!

How & When To Use It

• It is suitable for use any time of the day.
• It’s certainly the most neutral and simplest way of greeting someone. It’s not completely unsuitable to use as a more formal greeting, such as when you address someone who is senior to you in some way.
• If you meet a person for the first time, ”Hello” is usually followed by a phrase such as: “It’s nice to meet you!”
• When you meet someone new, you can also offer your hand for a handshake.

2- Hi / Hey / Hi there!

This casual greeting is well known and popular around the world. You can use it in all informal situations, irrespective of who you address.

How & When To Use It

• This is a more casual way of saying hello, even when you meet new people. You can offer you hand for a handshake, if you choose.
• If you need a stranger’s attention, such as a shop assistant, you don’t need to shake hands with them. You can just say: “Hi there!”
• You can also say ”Hey!” when you run into a friend or someone you met before.
• “Hi there!” is particularly handy if you don’t know or cannot remember someone’s name!

3- Howdy!

Of all the different ways of saying hello, this one certainly brings up images of cowboys, belt buckles and the famous southern American drawl! It is said to have originated in Texas as an informal greeting. The word ”Howdy” is a contraction of the more formal greeting phrase: “How do you do?”, and is a way to ask after someone’s wellbeing. It has become so popular that a Texan university uses it as a slogan.

How & When To Use It

Its use is pretty similar to “Hi”, in the sense that normally no answer is expected.

When you meet someone for the first time, or bump into a friend somewhere, this is an acceptable form of greeting in any casual situation. You could also offer your hand for a handshake.

If you really want to do it the Texan way, greet a group of friends with “Howdy, y’all!” Howdy can be used any time of the day. However, use it mostly with peers or older people you have already met and are on friendly terms with.

4- Hey, what’s up?!

This greeting serves a double purpose. It’s a way of saying hello, and it’s also a way of asking about what might be happening.

According to StackExchange, “What’s up?” has old origins: “In a letter written in 1838, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell wrote I did not mention a word to Lucy but she must have guessed something was ‘up’“.

The phrase was made popular and probably widely known by the cartoon character, Bugs Bunny, with his signature phrase: “What’s up, Doc?” The contraction “Wassap?” is even more casual.

How & When To Use It

This phrase can be used any time of the day or night.

This way of saying hello is probably best used with people you know. That, or if you specifically want to know what’s going on with someone or something.

If you are friends with them, and your relationship is relaxed and casual, this is a suitable way to greet both young and old people.

5- Morning! / Evening!

This is the casual version of ”Good morning” and ”Good evening”.

How & When To Use It

As previously pointed out, these forms of greeting are dependent on the time of day. After sunrise, till around noon (12pm), you will greet someone with “Morning!”. From around 6pm, you will say “Evening!”

It is fairly safe to greet anyone this way, no matter of their age. You might not want to meet a dignitary or royalty like this, though.

6- Hey, long time no see!

This phrase is thought to have originated from pidgin English, and some consider it offensive and racist. However, it is widely used across the Americas today, and it literally means you haven’t seen someone for a long time.

It seemed to have appeared the first time in literature in W.F. Drannan’s book, Thirty-one Years on Plains, which was published in 1901: ‘When It we rode up to him he said: ‘Good mornin. Long time no see you’.The speaker is an American Indian. However, the phrase became popular only the last ten years or so.

How & When To Use It

When you haven’t seen a friend for a long time, this is an appropriate greeting.

It is perhaps more suitable to address your younger friends this way. That’s not to say that older people will necessarily be offended—if you know them well, and you have a more relaxed friendship, it should be fine!

7- Hi, how’s it going?

This greeting is an informal version of “How are you?” or “How have you been?” It’s also a different way of asking: “What’s up?”

How & When To Use It

Probably best used for your younger friends, or when you’re greeting a group of friends in a general sort of way. Often, when friends meet up, the ”Hi” falls away.

This is maybe not the best greeting if you really want to know what is going on in someone’s life. It’s simply an expression or a rhetorical question to which the speaker usually doesn’t expect any reply other than “Fine, thanks!”

8- Hey, how’s everything?

This greeting is a contraction of “How’s everything going?” It means the same as “How’s it going?” and is used in the same way.

Here, the ”Hey” also falls away when friends who know one another well meet!

9- Yo!

”Yo!” was first used in the 1400s as an exclamation of incitement or warning. Apparently it originated among sailors. In the 1950s in the U.S., it became popular as a way to say ‘Hi!”’, or to show surprise. Much later, in the African-American community, it changed into an exclamation, “following or punctuating an utterance for emphasis or as a general conversational filler”, according to StackExchange.

How & When To Use It

• This is a very informal greeting! Best use it only with your friends of the same age, and younger.
• An appropriate response is usually also a “Yo!”

3. Why Choose EnglishClass101 To Teach You The Best Ways To Say Hello?

Studying English through EnglishClass101 has many advantages!

We have many free resources to help you learn English easily! For instance, if you sign up now, you get access to:

1. New audio and video lessons every week.
2. A free online course with a lifetime access. The course includes free audio books and video lessons, plus vocabulary building tools.
3. eBooks with lessons you can listen to and read in more than 200 pages of transcript, grammar and sample sentences!
4. Podcasts on iTunes that will have you speaking after the very first lesson!
5. Lively online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!

What’s not to love?! Learn so much more than the ways to say hello in English!

Any international student who wished to attend an English-speaking institution probably knows just how important the TOEFL test can be for their acceptance. If you’re interested in taking this test in order to start or continue your studies outside of your own country, you should know that there are some things you will definitely need to do if you wish to pass the test.

Studying and preparing for this exam doesn’t have to be as difficult as you imagine it. There are quite a few tips and tricks you can follow in order to make your preparation a lot more fun and interesting. In order to help you succeed, here are some steps you should definitely follow in order to pass the test with ease.

1. Knowing the format of the TOEFL test

The very first thing you should do when preparing for your exam is to make sure that you start out with seeing how the format of the test is. This is the only way for you to have an essential idea of what you are preparing for. By knowing the format of the test you will be able to know what to expect and you will also be able to pick the best test format for you.

First and foremost you should know that no matter which format you chose, there is always the same amount of content included in the test. This content is divided into three parts and those are reading, listening and writing. You can find more specified information and examples about each part on the official TOEFL website.

There are currently two different formats of the TOEFL test which you can choose from. The first one is the Internet-based test and the second one is the Paper-delivered test. Here is some important information on both.

2. Internet-based test

The Internet based test or otherwise known as TOEFL iBT, consists of the following sections:

• Reading: 60-80 minutes for 36-56 questions
• Listening: 60-90 minutes for 34-51 questions
• Break: 10 minutes
• Speaking: 20 minutes for 6 tasks
• Writing: 50 minutes for 2 tasks

This format is a better choice for you if you feel more comfortable with taking your test on the internet. It will require a total of 4 ½ to complete and could possibly save you from having to go out of your way in order to complete your test. As James Daily, a linguist for FlashEssay has said, “As a recommendation, I suggest that students set their expectations early so they have a clear goal in mind and pick the best type of test for their abilities”.

3. Paper-delivered test

The paper-delivered testing method is pretty new and has only started running since October 2017. This version of the test is more aligned to the iBT test and it came to completely replace the paper-based test which was used until this format came along. This format includes the following sections:

• Reading: 60 minutes for 42 multiple-choice questions
• Listening: approximately 60 minutes for 34 multiple-choice questions
• Writing: 50 minutes for 2 constructed-response questions

While the other format is online, this one is administered in a paper format. The problem is that you will have to find a test center near you in order to take the test during particular dates and that can be tough because not all test centers are always open for every test date. This test formal has a total duration of 20 hours 50 minutes.

4. Practicing your writing skills

After figuring out the format you wish to choose, you will need to start learning a few things about each section of the test in order to start preparing for them properly. While you can find plenty of practice tests which will include examples and keys for the reading, listening and even the speaking part, you will probably have a hard time with practicing when it comes to the writing part.

If you’re not someone who writes on the regular, you might find that you have some trouble with generating ideas on various subjects and expressing your thoughts easily. If you aren’t certain whether your writing is free of mistakes, you can always use the help of online forums such as the Word Reference “English Only” one, and even the very helpful EnglishLearning subreddit.

The good thing about online communities like these is that there will always be native speakers who will be able to help you out. On top of that, on platforms such as GetGoodGrade, you can even find professional linguists who you can ask for advice, as well as help on correcting your grammar and spelling issues. You can always make simple mistakes in a foreign language and a native speaker will truly help you spot them and get a better understanding of how to fix them.

On the other hand, if you feel a little awkward about asking for advice from strangers online, you can always try fixing your grammar mistakes by yourself. Probably the best tool for this job is Grammar, which not only offers a free online grammar checker but it can also help you practice the language more through various eBooks, tutorials and vocabulary games which are offered for free on this platform.

Improving your grammar isn’t the only thing that is important when it comes to acing your TOEFL exam. There are also some great, tools such as ProWritingAid, which can help you not only improve your grammar and spelling mistakes but also teach you new ways to express yourself in English and write in a way which will truly help you show that you know the language well.

5. Know what score you are aiming for

Last but not least, depending on which university you are aiming for, you should know how low the minimum score they accept is. This score should be your goal for this test which you should reach no matter what. On top of that though, you should keep in mind that the higher your grade is, the better it will be perceived by your preferred institution. As Amanda Sparks, professional editor for EssaySupply has advised, “It’s a good idea to get in touch with your future university and ask them for the minimal passing score they accept for the exam so you know how to gauge your expectations”.

On top of this, you should also make sure that your goal score is achievable and realistic. While it’s not bad to shot for the starts, you will need to make sure that you will be able to actually achieve your goal as otherwise you might end up disappointed and without any will to try harder.

6. Good preparation is the key to success

Once you have understood how the different formats work and which sections are included in each one of the two, you will be able to start actually practicing and preparing for your upcoming test. The TOEFL test is very important to the beginning or the continuation of your studies and you should make sure that you give it your all in order to get accepted to the institution of your choice.

As long as you have a clear goal in mind regarding your preferred score and you study consistently, you will have nothing to worry about. As Jessica Fender, content creator for OnlineWritersRating has said, “Its good practice to start preparing for your exam, even before you apply for it; that way you will only have to fill in the blanks once you’re clear on your goal”. Use this advice to your advantage and you will be able to get the result you are hoping for.

It’s a double benefit – get to entertain yourself and train your ear to the English language! From the previous century, here are some of the greatest US movies ever made. Working through this American movie list will keep you busy for hours and hours, polishing and integrating the English you learn at EnglishClass101! Here are some tips to improve your pronunciation while watching movies in English.

1. Why Watch English Movies to Improve Your English?
2. American Movies for Your Entertainment and Learning
3. Why Enroll with EnglishClass101.com?

1. Why Watch English Movies to Improve Your English?

We advise that you watch English movies while learning English, as they provide great tools for mastering the language. These include:

Learn to Speak the Way Natives Do. Watching movies and listening to radio shows will help train your ear to accents, pronunciation, and expressions native to the language.
Movies Give Cultural Insight. You’re very likely to pick up a lot about the culture associated with a language in movies—a good idea if you plan to travel or work in another country. You can also learn a lot about the history of a culture this way.
Gives You Something to Talk About. Movies provide great topics for conversation. And imagine how impressed your English friends will be when they learn that you watch their movies!
Watching Movies is Entertaining. Films provide a great break from books and formal learning, which makes the process more enjoyable. Also, we learn more easily when we enjoy the process!
Watch The Actors’ Mouths as They Speak. Another definite plus is that you get to watch the faces and mouths of native speakers as they talk. This could give you an idea of how to pronounce certain words and sentences, as well as the context for some idioms and slang.

What are your favorite movies in your language?

2. American Movies for Your Entertainment and Learning

Find these American movies online for streaming, or rent or buy a copy. We also picked out the most famous quotes from these movies to share with you—see if you can spot them while watching!

Without further ado, here are some of the best American movies to watch while learning the language!

1. Citizen Kane

The famous US movie Citizen Kane was an American drama released in 1941. The movie starts with the death scene of Charles Foster Kane, an extremely wealthy media mogul. In his last moments, Kane is heard mysteriously whispering only one word: “Rosebud”.

Kane’s death is national news, and sets off an epic tale of a man’s rising from rags to riches, through the abuse of power and, of course, love. In the end, the mystery of Rosebud is solved, but you should watch this evergreen classic to learn Kane’s secret yourself. The most famous quote from the film is obviously Kane’s deathbed utterance, but another unforgettable one is directed at Mr Bernstein, a bespectacled Jew who loves Kane unconditionally. Kane says: “You know, Mr. Bernstein, if I hadn’t been very rich, I might have been a really great man.”

2. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

The Eighties brought an unforgettable US movie blockbuster, this time in the science fiction genre. Heartwarming E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was directed by Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg, regales with the story of a cross-specie friendship between a wrinkled, knee-high alien and Elliot, a lonely 10-year-old boy. Elliot rescues E.T from a government search party, but soon E.T falls ill because Earth is not his home.

All ends well, though, with E.T. saying just before he leaves for his home planet while tapping on Elliot’s chest with a glowing forefinger: “I’ll be right here.”

3. Gone with the Wind

Gone with the Wind is a 1939 US movie that depicts the southern US state of Georgia during the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. It was adopted from Pulitzer-winner Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name.

The movie’s storyline gives us some insight into how the southern aristocracy viewed the Civil War and the ensuing political Reconstruction. Its storyline centers on Scarlett O’Hara and her struggles to find true love while maintaining her way of life and her beloved plantation. It is also the tale of true love lost, with its most famous quote coming from the lips of Rhett, the betrayed lover. Scarlett asks Rhett what she will do without him, and where she will go when he leaves, to which Rhett famously replies, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

4. Jaws

Another Spielberg success, super-scary Jaws topped nearly every US movie list in 1975, and was based on a novel by Peter Benchley. It tells the riveting story of an enormous killer shark with a taste for human blood, and, of course, the human hunt to kill it. The shark becomes a truly menacing entity in the film, appearing to target those who hunt it, and also eliciting one of cinema’s greatest understatements ever. Sheriff Brody, after ogling the monster for the first time, tells fellow shark-hunter Quint with wide eyes: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”. If you like scary, this is one of the top US movies to watch in the thriller genre.

5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

In 1937, Walt Disney animated the famous fairy tale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, for which he received an honorary Oscar. The story itself needs no introduction, as most Westerners probably know it from childhood. One of its most famous quotes comes from the lips of Grumpy, the surly, pessimistic dwarf, as he grumbles about Snow White joining the Seven Dwarf family: “Pretty soon she’ll be tying your beards up in pink ribbons and spraying you down with that stuff called, uh, perfoom”.

6. Star Wars (A New Hope)

Star Wars (A New Hope) is one of six films released in the 1977 Star Wars saga, brainchild of screenwriter and director George Lucas. This US movie is part of a series that still proves of the most enduring hits of all time in the sci-fi genre. Basically, the film tells the tale of rebel freedom fighters in a civil war against the repressive Galactic Empire, and it even succeeded to land its own commemoration day – Star Wars Day. The date was derived from the movie’s most famous quote: “May the Force be with you”. These words were soon reworked to the mildly funny pun “May the Fourth be with you”.

7. The Godfather

The Godfather was an epic 1972 story about the rise of a mafia crime family, the Corleones, and specifically about the rise of Michael Corleone, who takes over from his aging father, Don Vito Corleone. It’s brutal, bloody and was a fantastic box office hit that led to another two Godfather movies. This one is replete with quotable quotes, but a lesser known, excellent quote came from the character Calo, who said: “In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns”. True, that.

8. The Sound of Music

Few people don’t know The Sound of Music, and its wonderful score. This American musical film was released in 1965, and tells the story of the Von Trapp family and, Maria, beautiful singer-nun-turned-nanny. The Von Trapps are a family of seven children, and a sad, austere father who is a Captain in the army against Hitler’s forces. He’d lost his wife and the mother of his children too soon.

Obviously, Maria excels not only in her duties as a loving caretaker of the children, but also succeeds to win Captain von Trapp’s heart. Another evergreen, this US movie continues to regale all generations with its gentle love story and engaging tunes. One of the memorable quotes were uttered by Captain Von Trapp, addressing Maria: “You brought music back into the house. I had forgotten”.

9. The Wizard of Oz

Another film that still enchants children and adults alike hails from 1939. Who doesn’t know The Wizard of Oz, with its adventurous tale of tornadoes and witches and lions and scarecrows, and, of course, a Kansas farm girl called Dorothy. Dorothy lands by chance in an enchanted land on an adventure that both scares and challenges her, and teaches her, above all, that there’s no place like home.

The movie is filled with homegrown truths and quant sayings to quote at most any occasion. A lesser known one comes from the Cowardly Lion, who says: “What makes a King out of a slave? Courage!”

10. Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur (or Benhur) is a 1959 epic film directed by William Wyler, the third film version of writer Lew Wallace’s 1880 fictional novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The story is about a Jewish prince who is battling the Roman empire in the time of Christ. The film went on to win a record of eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture – a feat equaled only by Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

One of the wiser quotes from the film comes from Messala, who tells his friend Ben-Hur: “It’s an insane world, but in it there’s one sanity, the loyalty of old friends”.

11. Casablanca

US movie Casablanca was made in 1942 and directed by Michael Curtiz. It’s a classic World War II movie with a story that centers on the life of a cynical nightclub owner, Rick Blaine, in the city of Casablanca in Morocco. The film relates the difficult, self-sacrificing choices Blaine must make for love when he has to choose between his love for an old flame, Ilsa, and helping her and her husband escape the Nazis and certain death.

Probably the most famous quote from this US movie was a quintessentially American toast, originating from an 1884 novel written by an anonymous author. In Casablanca, Blaine uses it when he toasts Ilsa with: “Here’s looking at you, kid”.

12. Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is an award-winning 1994 American comedy-drama film based on a novel of the same name by Winston Groom. Anyone who doesn’t know Forrest Gump’s famous saying: “My momma always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get’”, has probably been living on a different planet all this time.

The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, and Gary Sinise. The story centres around Forrest Gump, a simple man from Alabama, and his journey through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing firsthand historic events of the late 20th century.

13. The Matrix

Ah, The Matrix, a US movie that managed to gain a cult following, and inspired many copycats with its novel special effects. This 1999 film from the science fiction action genre, firmly placed actors Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne in the international Hollywood stars firmament. The Matrix shows a future with an alternate reality controlled by machines, and attempts by humans to escape into actual reality. The film was the basis for a series of Matrix movies, video games, and other paraphernalia

Zen-like soundbites abound, like this one from the deep-voiced Morpheus talking to Neo, the main character: “…you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot taste or see or touch. A prison for your mind.”

14. Rebel Without a Cause

Rebel Without a Cause was directed by Nicholas Ray in 1955, and tells the story of a rebellious teenager played by James Dean, who comes to a town, meets a girl, disobeys his parents, and defies the local high school bullies. It was an attempt to portray the moral decay of American youth, critique parental style, and exploit the differences between generations.

The main star, James Dean, died tragically in a car accident a month before the movie premiered. Prophetically, his troubled teenage character Jim Stark says about his situation with his parents: “I don’t know what to do anymore. Except maybe die”.

15. Singin’ in the Rain

The famous 1952 musical comedy movie Singing in the Rain, starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. The film depicted the early Hollywood movie business with its transition from silent movies to “talkies.” Says Cosmo Brown in a bleak comment about “talkies”: “Talking pictures, that means I’m out of a job. At last I can start suffering and write that symphony”.

Gene Kelly’s rendition of the song, “Singing in the Rain”, is still considered one of the best dance scenes in movie history.

16. The Shawshank Redemption

The inspiring and emotionally moving American drama, The Shawshank Redemption, was released in 1994 and is based on a Stephen King novella called “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.” The US blockbuster stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as inmates at the fictional Shawshank State Prison in Maine, United States, and follows the story of mostly Robbins’ character, Andy Dufresne, who was imprisoned for a murder he didn’t commit.

Andy overcomes many obstacles in prison, famously deciding that: “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying”. The type of move you’d want to watch more than once.

17. Psycho

Psycho is a yet another Alfred Hitchcock thriller, this time starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. The film, which was released in 1960, follows a female motel guest and the motel manager who turns out to be a deeply disturbed killer. The movie’s shower scene is one of Hitchcock’s most famous scenes.

Norman bates, the infamous killer, chillingly says: “We all go a little mad sometimes”. Watch what is considered to be one of Hitchcock’s best films to see just how mad Bates got.

18. Good Will Hunting

Another heartwarmer hailing from the nineties is this drama with its star-studded cast. It’s the charming story of a mathematical genius who works as a janitor, and who starts seeing a therapist as part of serving a sentence.

A memorable quote comes from the character called Professor Gerald Lambeau, played by the great late Robin Williams:

“Most days I wish I’d never met you ’cause then I could sleep at night. I didn’t have to walk around with the knowledge that there was someone like you out there. I didn’t have to watch you throw it all away.”

19. A Star is Born

Looking at English movies from 2018, this year’s firm favorite is singer Lady Gaga’s venture into cinema. This romantic comedy is the fourth remake of a classic with the same name. It was first screened in 1937, and the original is now in the public domain.

This movie deals with the life of a successful but alcoholic country singer whose demons are catching up with him. Then he meets a cute bartender with an impressive voice, and decides to help her launch her career. Of course, everything changes for him.

This quote comes from the main character, Jackson Maine:

“Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die.”

20. Halloween

If scary is how you like your movies, this one’s to die for…as the masked monster Michael Myers hopefully will too, in this eleventh installment of the Halloween franchise. This Halloween is a direct sequel of the 1978 slasher of the same name.

The story centers on Laurie Strode, who escaped Michael Myers’ murder spree forty years earlier, and her rendezvous with the killer. The quote we chose is spoken by her:

“I’ve been preparing for this for a long time.”

21. Bohemian Rhapsody

Biographical Bohemian Rhapsody is named after one of the great hits by the band Queen. This musical tells the story of the band from the vantage point of its lead singer, Farrokh Bulsara, a.k.a Freddie Mercury.

Impressively portrayed by Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek, the film follows Freddie and Queen’s rise to stardom, ‘til the singer’s untimely death in 1991. A must-see for musical- and Queen-lovers, and a worthy watch for everyone else. You can watch the trailer to get a better feel for the movie.

Bohemian Rhapsody was shot in both the U.S.A. and in England, so watch out for the British accents.

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We hope that you found a couple of movies to suit your interest on our USA movies list. Memorizing the quotes and watching these entertaining English movies a few times will help you immensely in getting used to the spoken language. However, while this is a great tool, it won’t sharpen your technical and grammatical skills.

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Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!

Table of Contents

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
2. English Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
4. How Can EnglishClass101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in English – Testing New Technology

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day

Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in English? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million English words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:

1. joke
2. sneaky
3. funny
4. lie
5. deceptive
6. surprise
7. prankster
8. play a joke
9. prank
10. humor
11. fool
12. April 1st

2. English Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day

Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in English to prank your favorite English speaking friend or colleague!

1. All classes for today got canceled.
2. I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
3. Someone has just hit your car.
4. I’m getting married.
5. You won a free ticket.
6. I saw your car being towed.
7. They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
8. A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
9. A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
10. Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
11. Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
12. I learned English in 1 month.

Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.

3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody

Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in English, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.

Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.

1- Infestation

This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.

2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?

Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.

3- Something Weird in the Restroom

At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.

Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.

Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!

4- Call Me Funny

Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.

5- Minty Cookies

This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.

6- Wild Shopping

At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.

7- The Oldest Trick in the Book

Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!

8- Sneeze On Me

Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.

9- Word Play Repairs

Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.

10- Scary Face

Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.

11- Wake Up To Madness

Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.

12- Computer Prank

This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).

Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.

13- Monster Under the Cup

This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.

14- Prank Door

Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.

4. How Can EnglishClass101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?

If you happen to visit English speaking countries like English speaking country, or if you work for any English speaking company, knowing the above English prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core English words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.

Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in English – bone up your English language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, EnglishClass101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.

Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in English below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at EnglishClass101.

5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in English – testing new technology

Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.

• Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
• To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.

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