Tag: grammar
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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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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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