Category: Uncategorized
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Using Two Verbs
Precision in language is a lot like precision in code—swap a semicolon for a comma, and things break. In English, choosing between a gerund (the -ing form) and an infinitive (the to + verb form) changes the logic of your sentence. Here is a targeted drill designed for IT professionals to master these structures in a technical context. 1. The Logic: Gerund vs.…
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Avoid Malfunctioning: How to Use Gerunds
In advanced English, certain verbs are followed by a second verb in the -ing form (the gerund). In a technical context, this often describes workflows, troubleshooting, or ongoing project management. Below is a professional development drill designed to sharpen your use of these structures. Part 1: High-Frequency Verb Patterns In IT, we frequently use verbs…
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Intonation Practice 4: T Sounds Casual
Practice intonation and American T sound changes with this casual conversation about hiking and snowboarding. The Mountain Trip Plan Hunter: Hey Katie! Are you ready for the winter trip? I was looking at the mountain forecast, and it looks like there’s plenty of fresh powder coming in. Katie: I’m so excited. I just bought a…
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Intonation Practice: T Sounds
Practice intonation and American T sound changes with this casual conversation between IT Professionals. Get more English Practice here. Coffee Break at the Data Center Alex: Hey Sarah, got a second? I was just trying to scrutinize the latest latency logs. Our internet gateway is hitting a major bottleneck, and I can’t quite identify if…
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Business Vocabulary for Speaking 10
Check out these great business verbs and see how they fit in the cross-team scenario below. Get more English practice here. Word Pronunciation 1. accelerate ak-SE-ler-ate 2. acquire u-KWIRE 3. advocate AD-vo-kate 4. broaden BRA-den (a in father) 5. compile kum-PILE 6. conceive kun-SEEV 7. consolidate kun-SO-li-date 8. delegate DE-le-gate 9. diversify die-VER-si-fy 10. expedite…
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Business Casual: Idioms 7
Here’s a cross-team conversation using popular idioms. Review it to understand the meanings of idioms, and then answer questions with them. Get more English practice here. The Project “Phoenix” Post-Mortem Setting: A glass-walled meeting room at 9:00 AM. Everyone looks exhausted but relieved. Sarah (Manager): Morning, team. Before we dive into the next sprint, I…
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Business Casual: Idioms 6
Here’s an interview for a senior software developer position using idioms. Review it to understand the meanings of idioms, and then answer questions with them. Get more English practice here. The Interview: Senior Software Developer Candidate Interviewer: “Thanks for coming in bright and early this morning! I know the commute can be a bit of…
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Business Vocabulary for Speaking 9
Check out this conversation between a tech lead and a software developer using new vocabulary words. Word Pronunciation 1. underestimate un-der-ES-ti-mate 2. aggravating A-gru-va-ding 3. acquire u-KWIRE 4. assimilate u-SiM-i-late 5. contradictory con-tru-DiK-tor-ee 6. requisite RE-kwi-zit 7. vague VĀG 8. caliber CA-li-ber 9. forfeit FOR-fit 10. precarious pre-CĀR-ee-us 11. sporadic spor-A-dik 12. candid CAN-did 13.…
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Business Casual: Idioms 5
Here’s a casual coffee break chat. Review it to understand the meanings of idioms, and then answer questions with them. ☕️ Coffee Break Chat: Dev Team Participants: Liam (Senior Dev) and Maya (Junior Dev) Liam: Hey Maya, how was your weekend? You look a little quiet. Maya: Hey Liam. It was okay. Honestly, I’m feeling…
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Business Vocabulary for Speaking 8
Review the word list to see which words you know and actively utilize and which you do not. Then use the conversation below to improve your intonation and examine appropriate usage of these words. Word Pronunciation 1. analogous u-NA-lu-gus 2. proportion pru-PŌR-shun 3. intrusive in-TROO-siv 4. formidable FORM-i-du-bul 5. negligible NEG-li-ju-bul 6. discerning di-SERN-ing 7.…
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