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Since and For: What’s the Difference?

2023-01-31T16:21:47+01:00

Something I notice Germans do a lot is mix up the proper use of since and for in English. Understandably so, because the usage of seit and für in German is almost the complete opposite as in English! Since and for are both used to describe things that started in the past, but there's a small difference between them. Take these two sentences, for example. I've been working for Bespeaking since 2016. I've been working for Bespeaking for two years. Can you tell the difference in meaning between the two? It's very subtle so don't worry if it's not clear- [...]

Since and For: What’s the Difference?2023-01-31T16:21:47+01:00

Infinitive Verbs in English: When and how to use them

2023-01-31T16:18:11+01:00

What do the sentences, "I need to go shopping," "You need to prepare for the test tomorrow," "He was glad to come home after a long day," and "The child will not eat his vegetables," all have in common? If you said they all use infinitive verbs, then you are correct! If not, don't worry. This blog is all about infinitive verbs and when to use them in English. What are infinitive verbs? First off, let's start by explaining what exactly an infinitive verb is. To put it quite simply, an infinitive verb is the base form of the verb. It's [...]

Infinitive Verbs in English: When and how to use them2023-01-31T16:18:11+01:00

Then and Than: Which is which?

2023-01-31T16:15:51+01:00

English is a great language, if you want to be confused! (We joke!) So many words are so similar, which can make it particularly difficult for non-native (and sometimes even native) speakers to learn. Take then and than, for instance. Then and than are two of the most commonly confused English words- even for native speakers!! I see this all the time, even in published articles from reliable (trustworthy, safe, generally correct) sources online. These two words can be confusing because they're only one letter apart (only one letter is different in them), and autocorrect won't pick up on them [...]

Then and Than: Which is which?2023-01-31T16:15:51+01:00

Collective Nouns in English- Singular or Plural?

2023-01-31T16:11:10+01:00

One thing I notice quite frequently, at least with my German-speaking friends and students, is how they use collective nouns when they're speaking English. Some things are only talked about in the plural, though they may look like they are singular. Check out our Easy English blog for some collective noun idioms. Collective nouns can be difficult for native speakers and English learners alike, so we thought we would turn our focus in this direction this week. For more information about collective nouns, as well as some examples, read on. What is a collective noun? As mentioned briefly (quickly) above, a collective noun is a noun that may be spelled like a [...]

Collective Nouns in English- Singular or Plural?2023-01-31T16:11:10+01:00

Present Perfect vs Past Simple Tense

2023-01-31T16:05:20+01:00

It's been a while since we've given you a grammar lesson on the Bespeaking blog (click here for Present vs Present Continuous) so we figured that there's no time like the present! Or, the present perfect vs past simple, you could say…now that’s punny! Two tenses that can be easily confused by people learning English are: present perfect tense vs past simple tense. You may think they mean the same thing, but the meanings are really different. Here's a good look at the differences between these two tenses, when you should use them, and an exercise to help you practice! Here we go! Here is [...]

Present Perfect vs Past Simple Tense2023-01-31T16:05:20+01:00

Negative Prefixes -make a noun, verb, adverb, & adjective negative – Easy English Blog

2023-01-31T15:59:37+01:00

We all know English can be tough. That's why we write the Easy English blog! If you need to learn English online, this is the perfect place for you. This week, we're looking at negative prefixes in English. A prefix is a few letters at the beginning of a word. It can change the meaning of the word. Negative prefixes make the meaning of the word negative or have the contrary meaning. Here are some tips to make words negative in English: Negative prefixes Here are all the negative prefixes in English: a-, dis-, il-, im-, in-, ir-, non-, un-. Each of these prefixes goes together with certain (special, individual) words. [...]

Negative Prefixes -make a noun, verb, adverb, & adjective negative – Easy English Blog2023-01-31T15:59:37+01:00

Also, Too, and Either – Easy English Blog

2023-01-31T15:39:39+01:00

Learning the smaller points of English can be tricky (hard)- especially when it comes to words like also, too, and either. These three words may seem to say the same thing, but they're all a little different. Here you can find some explanations (definitions, reasons), as well as some practice sentences for you to try on your own (by yourself)! Also, Too, and Either- a summary Negative idea + agree = either Positive idea + agree (end of sentence)= too Positive idea + agree (middle of sentence) = also Either Either is used in negative sentences, and adds an agreeing [...]

Also, Too, and Either – Easy English Blog2023-01-31T15:39:39+01:00

Modal Verbs – Shall/Should, May/Might, Need/Must/Have to

2023-01-31T15:34:06+01:00

If you couldn't get enough of our blog on English modal verbs last week, here's another one for you! Modal verbs are a necessary and important point of any language, so we thought that it would be a point worth (good use of time, important to) focusing on. Below you can find further modal verbs, such as shall, should, ought to, must, have to, need to, will, and would. If you're learning English, chances are that you'll use these verbs quite frequently. They usually work a little differently than normal verbs, so they're worth noting! You can find our first [...]

Modal Verbs – Shall/Should, May/Might, Need/Must/Have to2023-01-31T15:34:06+01:00

English Modal Verbs – Can/Could (To be Able to) & May/Might

2023-01-31T15:32:49+01:00

English modal verbs can be one of the more difficult aspects of learning a language because they're not normal verbs, and every language uses modal verbs slightly differently- sometimes. Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary (or helping) verb that are used to talk about ability, possibility, permission, and obligation. This week we will introduce can/could/(be able to) and may/might. Next week we will talk about shall/should, will/would, and must/have to/need to. If you want to practice your English modal verbs, look no further than the following explanations! You may find you are able to improve quite quickly. Can, Could, Be [...]

English Modal Verbs – Can/Could (To be Able to) & May/Might2023-01-31T15:32:49+01:00

Do in English- Easy English Blog

2023-01-31T15:30:55+01:00

Many of my students have asked about the word do in English- not the verb “to do,” but the auxiliary word do. As a non-native speaker, this tiny word can be confusing because (almost) no other language has do like English does. When do you use do in English? How should you use do in English? Bespeaking is here to answer your questions with this month's Easy English blog about when to use do in English. There are very clear ways to use this word, so read on for more information! Or check out this article from the Economist for something a little more challenging: Ask Johnson: What’s the “do” [...]

Do in English- Easy English Blog2023-01-31T15:30:55+01:00

Words of Possibility – Possibility Synonyms

2023-01-31T15:27:21+01:00

Do you meet your friends when you have the opportunity (chanc3)? Or did you run into someone by chance (without planning)? There are so many words and phrases in English that have to do with chances and opportunities that we figured we would single out a few (identify, discuss a few individually) words of possibility this week. If you want to expand your vocabulary with words of possibility, then read on! Opportunity According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of opportunity is: a favorable juncture of circumstances; a good chance for advancement or progress. A phrase you may hear often in English is "if [...]

Words of Possibility – Possibility Synonyms2023-01-31T15:27:21+01:00

Conditionals in English

2023-01-31T15:24:50+01:00

Would you have become a great pianist if you had only practiced? (Conditional Type 3) Will you go to the store if you have time tonight? (Type 1) Do you cry if you get hurt? (Type 0) Would you buy a house if you had more money? (Type 2) If you have ever said an "if" sentence, you've used conditionals in English! (Type 1) A conditional clause is a sentence that describes something that happens (Type 0), will happen (Type 1), maybe would happen (Type 2) or maybe would have happened (Type 3) if certain terms (conditionals, limitations) had been met. [...]

Conditionals in English2023-01-31T15:24:50+01:00
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