Tag: advanced-english
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35 Rules for Prepositions
Prepositions are the “connectors” of the English language, showing the relationship between nouns, pronouns, and other words in a sentence. Below is a comprehensive guide to 35 specific rules for using common prepositions, followed by speaking questions to put them into practice. 35 Specific Rules for Common Prepositions Prepositions of Time Prepositions of Place &…
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The Short I Sound: Software Developer Conversation
This is a quick look into a sync between two developers, Jill and Bill, as they try to fix a glitch in their system. Notice how many words feature that crisp, short “i” sound. The Morning Sync Jill: “Hi Bill. Did you finish the script for the billing link?” Bill: “I did, but there’s a…
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Relaxed U Sound: Software Developer Conversation
Great referral discount: in February only, refer a friend and get two extra classes for both you and your friend. The first step is for your friend to schedule a consultation. Schedule by tomorrow to get this! Keep your jaw loose and open and think about a low sound as you practice the Relaxed U…
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American A Sounds: Cross-Team Practice Conversation
Super referral discount: in February only, refer a friend and get two extra classes for both you and your friend. The first step is for your friend to schedule a consultation. If your friend schedules in February, even if the consultation is in March, you can get the discount. This conversation captures the classic “creative…
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American O Sounds: Casual Practice Conversation
Here’s a fun conversation for practicing intonation and O sounds. The Caffeine & Code Overflow Alex: Yo, did you see the latte art at that new spot around the corner? The barista pulled a Rosetta that looked more symmetrical than my last pull request. Jordan: Honestly, I’m jealous. I tried doing a heart at home…
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Intonation Practice 8: O Sounds
Here’s a fun practice conversation for IT professionals with the Short O sound. Remember, the sound is not short, but the spelling usually is! Project Sync: The “Hot Plot” Logic Block Participants: * Don: Project Lead Don: All right, let’s stop and plot the next block. The stock ticker logic is off. It’s not dropping…
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Intonation Practice 7: TH Sounds Casual
Super discount: Refer a friend and get 4 free classes, two for you and two for your friend. Just ask your friend to schedule a consultation and mention your name! Practice intonation and TH sounds with this casual conversation about parenting young kids. The words in bold have a vibrating TH sound. Kids, Kids, Kids!…
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Intonation Practice 6: R Sound Casual
Practice intonation and the English R sound with this casual conversation between developers and designers. The After Work Plan Liwei: Hey, I was thinking we should finally take a break from the codebase tonight and grab some food. Alex: That sounds like a solid plan because I am definitely hitting a wall with these API…
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Intonation Practice 5: R Sounds
Practice intonation and the English R sound with this conversation between developers and designers. The “Refresh” Huddle Scene: A brightly lit breakroom with exposed brick. A group is gathered around a circular table, nursing large coffees. Russ (Lead Developer): “Alright, let’s review the requirements for the registration router. We’re seeing some random errors when users…
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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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