Accept, except, access, excess, etc.

This is a common speaking mistake.  When English words have a double c (cc), we sometimes pronounce the first c as hard, like a K, and the second c soft, like an S.  For example: “Accept” is pronounced AKSEPT, not ASSEPT. “Access” is pronounced AKSESS, not ASSESS.  That’s a different word with a different meaning, […]

“Squish” the middle vowel in some 3-syllable words

Take a look at these 3-syllable words: Business Chocolate Corporate If we read them as if English was a syllabic language, like Japanese for example, then we would read/pronounce them “bus-i-ness”, “choc-o-late” and “cor-por-ate”, right? But that is not the way we say it, at least here in North America. The way the word is […]

Do You Have “A News” or “Some News”?

I hear this mistake all the time, so I thought I should put it down here. In English we say “news” not “a news”. It is uncountable. Eg. Vanesa:  “I have some (good/bad/strange) news to tell you/share with you/for you!” Rob:  “Really?  What’s the (good/bad/strange) news?” Vanesa:  “I’m pregnant!!!” Rob:  (Faints…) So please do not […]

English Acronyms and Short Forms for the Office

Here are a few acronyms that you most likely will come across as you work in a professional setting, like an office.  These will come in handy (be useful) as you read and write office memos, emails, texts and letters. Re:  This means “Regarding”, as in “regarding (or in regards to) your question/memo/email etc.” Appt:  […]

Textbooks are the Beginning, Not the End

I love books. I enjoy flipping through the pages and seeing if the style of the book matches my learning style. In that way I will know if I will read it and understand it, or if I will be bored and waste my time and money. I have taught ESL (English as a Second […]

Idioms from Snow

Well it is the season for this topic, at least here in Canada and the northern U.S. (I have modified these from http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/snow) To be (as) pure as the driven snow: Pure and chaste (Often used ironically.) E.g. Jill: Sue must have gone to bed with every man in town. Jane: And I always thought […]

ESL Resources? Please go here

Hello, As a Communication Coach I work with many different people from many different walks of life, and I have the pleasure here in Toronto of coaching hard-working immigrants who struggle with ESL (English as a Second Language) and English fluency. I just want to remind any of you out there that I have two […]

FYI – In Japan

Do you know this shorthand? FYI? It means “For Your Information.” It’s a great way to save time and space in text mail and email. We even can use it in actual speech! E.g. “John, I’ll see you at 6pm for dinner, and FYI, it’s your turn to pick up the tab!”  (Pay the bill). […]

A Sandwich Needs Bread Too!

I am surprised by the number of emails I get where a new contact i.e. a stranger is emailing me for the first time and they just send me a one-liner, with no polite introduction or sign-off. For example: Hi, I need to improve my English – what should I do? Or Hello, How can […]

Further to your request…

“Further to your request, I have attached my resume.” “Further to your request, I am faxing you the contract immediately.” “Further to your request, I am happy to join you for lunch.” Which sentence does not fit in? If you said the last one, you are correct. This is a great expression to use, but […]